Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular S

House BillNo.__ 607 _

Introduced by Representative ANTONINO B. ROMAN III

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The COVID-19 pandemic unequivocally exposed the extent of the digital divide
within the Philippine educational system, highlighting the urgent need to enhance the
technological competencies of educators across public schools and alternative learning
systems. As global education shifts increasingly toward digital, hybrid, leamner-
centered, and project-based pedagogical frameworks, it is incumbent upon the State to
equip Filipino teachers with essential digital tools, structured training, and institutional
support to meet contemporary educational standards.

While existing government programs under the Department of Education
(DepEd) such as the DepEd Commons and Learning Management System (LMS)
provide foundational digital platforms, the professional development offered to
educators in digital pedagogy remains fragmented and inconsistent. Additionally, there
is limited integration of essential elements like data privacy, accessibility for persons
with disabilities (PWDs), gender-responsiveness, and structured monitoring
mechanisms to measure effectiveness and impact.

This measure addresses these critical gaps by institutionalizing a nationwide
training and certification program in technology-enhanced and project-based learning.
The legislation explicitly mandates compliance with existing laws on data privacy
(Republic Act No. 10173) and accessibility for persons with disabilities (Republic Act
No. 7277). Italso integrates gender-responsive and youth-sensitive components aligned
with Republic Act No. 9710 (Magna Carta of Women) and Republic Act No. 8044
(Youth in Nation-Building Act)

Furthermore, the bill ensures clear accountability and transparency through
structured monitoring, evaluation, and periodic reporting mechanisms. Thus, it
complements existing government programs, enhances capacity-building efforts, and
affirms the State's commitment to fostering digitally competent, innovative, inclusive,
and globally competitive Filipino educators prepared to shape the future of education
in the Philippines.


Immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought.

anrfhcon woman 11


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRE: ITATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 607

Introduced by Representative ANTONINO B. ROMAN III

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A NATIONWIDE TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
PROGRAM ON TECHNOLOGY-ENHANCED AND PROJECT-BASED
LEARNING FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS.
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Digital Teaching Excellence
Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
promote excellence in digital teaching, ensure equitable access to digital professional
development, integrate project-based leaning into the national education system,
uphold data privacy standards, ensure inclusivity, and encourage transparency and
accountability in educational programs.

SECTION 3. National I Teaching Program. -- There is hereby established a
nationwide modular training and certification program on technology-enhanced and
project-based learning (PBL) specifically for public school teachers, Altemative
Learning System (ALS) facilitators, and educators in similar government-funded basic
education programs. Participation shall be voluntary but incentivized, offered through
digital platforms and/or in-person training centers, and conducted in accordance with
inclusive and accessible standards.

SECTION 4. Certification Levels. -- The program shall consist of three certification
levels: (a) Basic Digital Teaching Competency, (b) Intermediate Instructional Design
and EdTech Integration, and (c) Advanced Project-Based and Personalized Learning.



SECTION 5. Implementing Agencies. -- The Department of Education (DepEd), in
coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
(TESDA), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT),
and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), shall implement the program. The
PRC shall accredit the certification for Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
units.

SECTION 6. Curriculum and Delivery. - The curriculum shall be modular, scalable,
gender-responsive, youth-sensitive, and compliant with accessibility standards under
Republic Act No. 7277 ("Magna Carta for Disabled Persons"). Modules shall be
delivered through DepEd Commons, TESDA Online Program, and other approved
digital platforms. Content may include: digital engagement tools, virtual assessment
methods, project-based learning frameworks, Al-enhanced instruction, and digital
ethics.

SECTION 7. Data Privacy Compliance. — Alll activities, training sessions, and
digital platforms under this Act shall strictly comply with Republic Act No. 10173
("Data Privacy Act of 2012") to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of
personal and professional data of all participating educators.

SECTION 8. Incentives. -- Certified educators shall be eligible for CPD units,
advanced teaching assignments, priority consideration in leadership roles, scholarship
programs, and other professional advancement opportunities.

SECTION 9. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting. -- The DepEd, in coordination
with TESDA, DICT, and PRC, shall establish a transparent monitoring, evaluation, and
reporting system to periodically assess and publicly report on the program’s
effectiveness, implementation reach, inclusivity, and impact. Annual reports shall be
submitted to Congress.

SECTION 10. Appropriations. -- The amount necessary to implement this Act shall
be charged to the current appropriations of the concerned agencies. Thereafter, such
sums as may be necessary shall be included in the General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 11. Implementing Rules and Regulations. -- Within ninety (90) days from
the effectivity of this Act, the DepFd, in coordination with TESDA, DICT, and PRC,
shall issue the implementing rules and regulations.

SECTION 12. Separability Clause. -- If any provision of this Act is declared invalid
or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 13. Repealing Clause. -- All laws, executive orders, rules, and regulations
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SECTION 14. Effectivity. -- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,