Oy nee
fe” RECEIVED

‘SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS gyre. MAY 0
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) be
Second Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

House Bill No. 762 5

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Section 1 of Article 14 of the Constitution provides that, “The State shall protect and
promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate
steps to make such education accessible to all.”

It is often said that education starts at home and the best teachers are our parents.
This mantra highlights the two relevant aspects in the lives of each Filipino: (1) the
importance of education not only in the individual development of the person but also in the
development of our nation; and (2) the vital role of the family, especially the parents, in
molding the minds of our youth.

A key aspect of fundamental education is reading and earty training in reading greatly
helps a child in his school activities. For those who are not fortunate to reach or finish a
level or degree in school, basic reading skills will definitely help them keep up with the
demands of work or any endeavor they intend to pursue.

This bill intends to establish mechanisms for parent-child reading activities and
provide assistance to parents who devote time and effort to teach their children to read. The
government, through the Department of Education, is mandated to award at least two (2)
grants to non-profit organizations that have programs or activities that assist parents who
help their children become successful readers.

Immediate approval of this bill is eamestly sought.

Li

MAXIMO B. RODRIGUEZ, JR.


SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

House Bill No. 762 5
AN ACT

SUPPORTING EFFECTIVE PROGRAMS THAT PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO PARENTS
WHO WANT TO HELP THEIR CHILDREN BECOME SUCCESSFUL READERS

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Parents as First
Teachers Grant Act’.

SEC 2. Purpose. - The purpose of this Act is to support effective and proven efforts
that provide assistance to parents who want to help their children become successful
readers by the end of the third grade.

‘SEC 3. Definition. — As used in this Act -

1. Eligible Child — means an individual eligible to attend pre-school, kindergarten or
1%, 2", or 3° grade.

2. Secretary — means the Secretary of Education

SEC 4. Grants for national or regional networks. - The Secretary is authorized to
award at least two (2) grants to non-profit community groups or organizations or consortia
thereof per region, to enable such groups, organizations or consortia to create successful
programs or activities that help a parent:

(1) be a good teacher to the eligible child;

(2) assists the eligible child in attaining reading skills.

SEC 5. Criteria for Grants for National or Regional Networks. ~ In order to receive a
grant under Section 4, a group, organization, or consortium shall establish a training institute
and comprehensive counseling program, where such group, organization or consortium will
work with parents to improve their eligible children’s reading skills.

SEC 6. Applications. —

(a) In General — Each entity desiring a grant under this Act shall submit an application to
the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as
the Secretary may require.

(b) Applications for Grants for National or Regional Networks - Each application
submitted for a grant under Section 4 shall:


(1) demonstrate the likelihood that the proposed program or activity will have a
substantial regional or national impact;

(2) demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of the proposed program or activity; and,

(8) describe how the proposed program or activity will be coordinated with private
sector programs and activities, and goverment programs and activities that
provide support for parent of eligible children.

(©) Applications for Grants for Successful Programs or Activities - Each application
‘submitted under Subsection (a) for a grant under Section 4 (2) shall:

(1) describe a program or activity that is capable of successful expansion or
replication;

(2) contain evidence of community support for the proposed program or activity
from the private sector, a school, and another entity;

(3) contain information demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of the proposed
program or activity; and,

(4) provide an assurance that the applicant will coordinate the proposed program
or activity with government programs and activities that provide support for
parents of eligible children.

SEC 7. Authorization of Appropriations.

(@) Appropriations — To effectively carry out the purpose of this Act, the amount of
Twenty Five Million Pesos (P25,000,000.00) for each fiscal year is hereby
authorized to be included in the General Appropriations Act.

(b) Entitlement — Subject to subsection (a), each entity receiving a grant under this
Act for a fiscal year shall be entitled to payments for such year under the grant.

SEC 8. Separability Clause. — if any provision or part hereof, is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall
remain valid and subsisting.

SEC 9. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent
with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly

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

Approved,