Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2
House Bill No. 362

INTRODUCED BY HON. MARCELINO “MARCY” R. TEODORO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Changing times call for an innovative step. With the transformation of our
society from a simple to a highly complicated and technological one through the
use of computers and other hi-tech gadgets, it is just proper to equip oneself with
the necessary arm to succeed.

And it is best to start young. Whereas before, intelligence and emotional
quotient (IQ and EQ) would be sufficient for the holistic development of a child,
we could no longer limit ourselves to these factors considering the times. In
addition, what children need to develop is a high TQ or technological quotient.
This, according to an expert, means that children should not only be taught how
to operate the computer but more importantly, learn how to use technology
purposely.

While computer technology may have its setbacks, when utilized correctly
and purposefully, said technology can be an effective tool in enhancing the
students’ learning with the end view of having better educated and globally
competitive labor force.

Hence, the inclusion of computer education as a separate subject at the
grade school and high school level in all public and private educational
institutions nationwide is no longer considered an option but rather a necessity
long been deferred.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

Juke Ta hemo

MARCELINO R. TEODORO
Representative, 1* District
City of Marikina


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

Houge Bill No._ 362

INTRODUCED BY HON. MARCELINO “MARCY” R. TEODORO

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING COMPULSORY COMPUTER EDUCATION IN ELEMENTARY
AND HIGHSCHOOL LEVELS THROUGH THE INCLUSION OF APPROPRIATE
COMPUTER SUBJECTS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION’S
ELEMENTARY AND HIGHSCHOOL CURRICULUM AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives in Congress
assembled:

Section 1. Short Title - This Act shall be known as the “Computer
Education Act of 2007.”

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy — It is a declared policy of the State to
establish, maintain and support a complete, adequate and integrated system of
education relevant to the needs of the people and society. For these reasons, it
is hereby declared as State policy to include basic and advance computer
subjects as part of the curriculum for elementary and secondary education,
respectively.

Sec. 3. Compulsory Computer Education in the Elementary and High
School Level. - There shall be a separate subject on basic computer for grade
school pupils, and advance computer for high school students to be included in
the curriculum of both public and private schools nationwide.

Sec. 4. Determination and Development of Subject Content — Prior to
the formal implementation of this Act on the academic year immediately after its
approval, the Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary shall appoint a Head
Subject Specialist who shall be the lead person in coordinating all activities
necessary for the determination, development and implementation of the subject
in the primary and secondary level. The Head Subject Specialist must be a
recognized expert in the field of computer education and information technology
and a distinguished educator as well.

The Head Subject Specialist shall conduct a multi-sectoral consultation
with the stakeholders from public and private high schools, concerned
government agencies, and the public at large for the purpose of determining the
appropriate content and scope of the computer subject to be included in the
curriculum.

Provided, that such subject shall be attuned to the current national policy
on computer literacy, information technology and global competitiveness.

Sec. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary of the
Department of Education shall formulate the necessary rules and regulations for
the immediate and proper implementation of this Act.


Sec. 6. Computer Allocation — Required computers for release shall be
proportionally distributed per legislative district based on their share of student
enrolment relative to the total population.

Sec. 7. Funding - The amount necessary for the implementation of this
Act is hereby authorized to be appropriated out of the funds in the National
Treasury not otherwise appropriated. Thereafter, funds for its operations shall be
included in the regular appropriations of the Department of Education.

Sec. 8. Repealing Clause — All laws, decrees, executive orders or parts
thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended
or modified accordingly.

Sec. 9. Separability Clause — If any provision of this Act is held invalid or
unconstitutional, other provisions not affected shall continue to be in full force
and effect.

Sec. 10. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect 15 days after its complete
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,