Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A NO-HOMEWORK POLICY ON WEEKENDS FOR ALL 
ELEMENTARY AND JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS IN THE COUNTRY 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Effective homework produces measurable academic gains for learners in 
building proficiency, maintaining mastery, or both. Several studies have shown 
that among the positive effects of homework is the positive correlation with 
students’ achievement1 and reinforcement of classroom learning eventually 
leading to good study habits and life skills2. 
A study at Stanford, however, identified that too much time on homework 
can cause students in high-achieving communities to experience more stress, 
physical problems, a lack of balance, and even alienation from society. 3 
Additionally, 
the 
Organization 
for 
Economic 
Cooperation 
and 
Development’s Program for International Student Assessment (OECD PISA) 
found in 2009 that the additional time invested in homework has a negligible 
impact on students’ performance and rather contributes to the anxiety levels of 
students leading to low motivation in school.  
The same study supports that less homework allows more parent-child 
time for co-curricular activities resulting in a relaxed mind of the children, 
thereby increasing their ability to better grasp concepts.  
1 OECD 2016 “Does homework work?” 
2 Britannica.Org  2022 
3 Stanford News. March 10, 2014 
September 5, 2023
9:31 am
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Cognizant of the positive effects of lesser homework among young learners, 
the “No Homework on Weekends Act” aims to institutionalize the Memorandum 
Circular No. 392 of 2010 or the Department of Education’s main guideline on 
giving homework and assignments. The proposed measure also includes in the 
coverage junior high school learners in addition to pupils, initially covered by the 
MC. 
By allowing young learners more time for rest and recreation during 
weekends, the proposed bill hopes to harvest better academic gains and learning 
outcomes among Filipino students.  
In view of the foregoing immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
REP. PM VARGAS 
Fifth District, Quezon City 


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING A NO-HOMEWORK POLICY ON WEEKENDS FOR ALL 
ELEMENTARY AND JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS IN THE COUNTRY 
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 “No Homework on 
Weekends Act”. 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared the policy of the State 
to safeguard the welfare of learners, protect their right to a balanced life, and 
uphold equality among learners from different socio-economic backgrounds. 
SECTION 3. Coverage. – This Act shall apply to all elementary and junior high 
schools in the country. 
SECTION 4. No Mandatory Homework or Assignments on Weekends. – All 
elementary and junior high schools in the country shall be prohibited from 
requiring any homework or assignments to students from Kinder to Grade 12 on 
weekends. Assigning mandatory homework to students will only be allowed on 
weekdays: Provided, That such homework shall be minimal and will not require 
more than two (2) hours to be completed: Provided, further, That assigning 
homework on weekends shall be on a voluntary basis. 
SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). – Within one 
hundred twenty (120) days from the date of effectivity of this Act, the Department 
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of Education (DepEd) shall formulate the IRR to effectively implement the 
provisions of this Act. 
SECTION 6. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared 
invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions hereof which are not affected 
thereby shall remain in full force and effect. 
SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. – All laws, orders, decrees, rules and 
regulations, and other parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act 
are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly. 
SECTION 8. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication either in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation in the Philippines. 
Approved,