EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

_ Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez
House Bill No. 4861
EXPLANATORY NOTE

The 1987 Constitution provides that the State shall give priority to arts and culture.

Despite this, it seems that there has been little attention given to arts and culture by
‘our government. Arts and culture is the heart of our country and we get our identity as a

nation from it.

This bill seeks to ensure the preservation of the Filipino heritage and identity through
arts and culture education. Education that we have to spread all over the country.

In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is eamestly requested


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EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

__Introduced by Representative Rufu

House Bill No. 4861

AN ACT
MANDATING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AT LEAST ONE (1) HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE
ARTS IN EVERY REGION NATIONWIDE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Principles — 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

The State shall establish, maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and
integrated system of education relevant to the needs of the people and society, taking into
consideration the different capabilities of each student.

The State shall foster the preservation, enrichment and dynamic evolution of the
Filipino culture in a climate of free artistic and intellectual expression, and shall encourage
such discourse and leaming in an educational setting.

SECTION 2. Creation of High School for the Arts in All Regions — The Department of
Education (DepEd) is hereby mandated to establish at least one (1) High School for the Arts
in every region nationwide.

SECTION 3. Compliance — The Department of Education (DepEd) shall, in coordination with
the local government units concemed, take into consideration the school capacity, faculty
readiness, location, and local student demand in identifying and assigning the appropriate
areas where a High School for the Arts shall be established in accordance with this Act

The DepEd shall develop the necessary criteria that each region High School for the
Arts must comply with to ensure the effective implementation of this Act.

SECTION 4. Appropriation — During the initial year of the implementation of this Act, the
requisite funding shall be sourced from the available funds of the DepEd. Every year
thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued operation and maintenance of
all High School for the Arts shall be provided in the yearly General Appropriations Act of the
national goverment,

The LGUs concemed shall likewise provide assistance to the corresponding High
‘School for the Arts

SECTION 5. Suppletory Application — The relevant provisions of Republic Acts 9155 and
10533, otherwise known as the “Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001" and
“Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013" respectively, shall have suppletory application for
purposes of this Act.

SECTION 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations — Within one hundred twenty (120) days
from the effectivity of this Act, The Department of Education, in coordination with the
National Commission for Culture and Arts and the Cultural Center of The Philippines shall
issue such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.


SECTION 7. Separability Clause — If, for any reason, any part or provision of this Act is
declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall
remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 8. Repealing Clause — All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or
modified accordingly,

SECTION 9. Effectivity — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days upon the approval and
publication thereof,

Approved,