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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. _ 463

Introduced by Representative Crispin Diego “Ping” D. Remulla

AN ACT
MANDATING THE PROVISION OF FREE ON-SITE LIVING QUARTERS FOR,
PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Many public school teachers are assigned to far-flung areas, often far from their
families and homes. Some are forced to live in poor conditions or spend hours commuting
every day just to reach their schools. This not only affects their well-being but also hinders
their ability to perform their jobs effectively. This measure aims to change that by providing
free and decent living quarters near the schools where these teachers serve.

With proper housing, teachers can focus more on teaching and less on the daily
struggles of getting to work or finding a safe place to stay. This is especially important for
remote communities where the presence of committed and supported teachers can make all the
difference. The measure also supports programs like the government's Last Mile Schools
initiative, which works to improve education in hard-to-reach areas.

The Department of Education will lead the implementation of this program, working

closely with other agencies and local government units to bring it to fruition. By investi

our teachers’ well-being, we also invest in the future of our students, ensuring that every child,
regardless of their community's remoteness, has access to dedicated and empowered educators.


In view of the foregoing, the approval of this measure is eamestly sought.

CRISPIN DIEGO “PING” D. REMULLA


CMY HAH ewWKN He

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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 463

Introduced by Representative Crispin Diego “Ping” D. Remulla

AN ACT
MANDATING THE PROVISION OF FREE ON-SITE LIVING QUARTERS FOR
PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Short Title, — This Act shall be known as the “Free On-Site Living
Quarters for Public School Teachers Act”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. —It is hereby the declared policy of the State to ensure
the accessibility and affordability of quality education to all Filipinos.

The State duly recognizes the distinct situation of public school teachers who are
teaching away from their homes and their families.

It is the objective of the State to ensure the availability of competent and dedicated
public school teachers in the remotest areas in the country, with the least burden and hardship
on the part of said public school teachers.

SEC. 3. Coverage. - This Act shall apply to the public school teachers who are teaching
in public schools far away from their respective homes and families and are forced, or have
opted, to live in said areas where the schools they teach at are located.

There shall be no distinction between the aforementioned public school teachers who
are new hires and those who are transferees.

SEC. 4. Provision of Free On-Site Living Quarters. ~ The Department of Education
(DepEd) shall, free of charge, provide livable and humane living quarters at the nearest possible


location to the public schools where the covered public school teachers in Section 3 of this Act
are teaching.

Existing benefits and allowances already granted by law, rules, regulations, and
issuances to the covered public school teachers in this Act shall not be diminished, withdrawn,
or removed.

SEC. 5. Standards for Living Quarters. — The living quarters provided under this Act
shall meet the minimum standards for safety, habitability, and privacy. Each unit shall include,
but not be limited to, the following:

(a) Proper ventilation and lighting;

(b) Access to clean water and sanitation facilities;

(c) Access to electricity and internet connection;

(d) Furnishings such as beds, tables, and basic appliances; and

(c) Protection against hazards and compliance with national building codes and health

regulations,

SEC. 6. Maintenance. — The DepEd, in coordination with LGUs and school heads,

shall be responsible for the regular maintenance and upkeep of the living quarters.

SEC. 7. Funding. ~ The funding necessary for the successful implementation of this
‘Act shall be sourced from the existing funds of the DepEd and shall later on be specifically
allocated in the annual budget of the DepEd. In addition, reasonable and sufficient additional
funding shall be sourced from the Special Education Fund (SEF) ari
tax collected by concerned Local Government Units (LGUs) where the living quarters shall be
constructed and/or located.

from the real property

SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. ~ The DepEd, in consultation with the
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of the Interior and Local
Government (DILG) and the Department of Budget Management (DBM), shall formulate and
promulgate the necessary implementing rules and regulations for the successful
implementation of this Act not later than ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act.

SEC. 9. Separability Clause. — If for any reason any section or provision of this Act is
declared to be unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections and provisions thereof which are
not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, orders, rules or regulations or parts
thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified
accordingly.


1 SEC. 11. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days upon publication in
2 anewspaper of general circulation.

Approved,