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

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

House Bill No, 4198

Introduced by Representative Victor A. Yap

EXPLANATORY NOTE

With the growth of digital age, information and communications technology (ICT) is considered
a valuable tool that can lead to economic development of any country. Evidently, as a third world
Country, the Philippines is lagging behind other countries when it comes to taking advantage of
IcT.

The creation of the Department of Information and Communications Technology(DICT) in our
country committed to provide every Filipino access to vital ICT infrastructure and services and
ensure sustainable growth of Philippine ICT-enabled industries to pave the wayto more
jobs However, not enough is being given to our youth as regards strengthening the utilization of
ICT in primary and secondary school. :

In line with the policy of the State to provide all citizen with accessible quality education and
maintain an education system that is relevant to the needs of society, this billseeks to attain the
following objectives:
|. Provide public schools with up-to-date computer facilities including a stable wireless
network and equipment necessary for easier access to information:
2. Train educators to supplement traditional classroom learning. with Information and
Communication Technology (ICT), A
3. Replace outdated textbooks with up-to-date electronic books; and
4. Have an online shared curriculum among public schools to ensure that students even in
rural areas will be given the same quality of education

Moreover, under this proposed legislation, the Department of Education is directed to use
appropriate and effective ICT in public schools to broaden access to basic education, improve the
quality of learning and enhance the quality of teaching. Most importantly, to provide and ensure
the access of students to the internet, this measure mandates all public schools to establish at
least one Computer Center with a stable internet connection,

In light of pushing for the country’s development and transition towards a world-class digital
economy, and to recognize the vital role of ICT in nation-building, the passage of this bill is
earnestly requested.

VjCror a.
Representative, 2™ District of Tarlac


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

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

House Bill No. 4196

Introduced by Representative Victor A. Yap

AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE UTILIZATION OF INFORMATION AND
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) IN ALL PUBLIC ELEMENTARY
SCHOOLS AND HIGH SCHOOLS PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

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 "ICT in Education Act of 2019".

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy and Objectives. - It shall be the policy of the State to
provide quality education that is accessible to all citizens. Furthermore, the State shall also
establish and maintain an education system that is relevant to the needs of society

This Act shall attain the following objectives

a, Provide public schools with up-to-date computer facilities including a stable wireless

network and equipment necessary for easier access to information;

b. Train educators to supplement traditional classroom learning with Information and

Communication Technology (ICT);
c. Replace out-dated textbooks with up-to-date electronic books; and
d, Have an online shared curriculum among public schools to ensure that students even in

rural areas will be given the same quality of education.

Sec. 3. I

in Public Elementary Schools and High Schools. ~ The Department of
Education (DepEd) shall use appropriate and effective ICT in public schools to broaden access to
basic education, improve the quality of learning, enhance the quality of teaching, and improve
educational planning and management

Sec. 4. Physical and Technological Infrastructure. - Within a period of six (6) years, all
public schools shall establish at least one (1) Computer Center with a stable internet connection
that will provide and ensure the access of students to the internet. The schools shall avail of the

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services of existing commercial internet providers and shall establish and maintain a computer
facility system which should have, at the minimum, the following equipment

A. Desktop Personal Computer (PC);

B, Wireless Broadband Router,

C. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS);

D. Computer Printer; and

E. Multimedia Projector.

The number of computer units for the Computer Center of each public school will be
based on the standards provided for by the DepEd in consultation with the Department of
Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and with each respective public school

See. $. Training for Educators and Maintenance of ICT. - The Regional Offices of the
DepEd and the DICT shall carry out training for educators in public schools to integrate ICT in
classroom learning, to instill in educators the professional and educational benefits of investment
in ICT, and to allow educators to have mastery of sourcing out appropriate resources for
education

‘The aforementioned agencies shall monitor the use and upkeep of the ICT introduced in
public schools

Sec. 6. Utilization of ICT in Classroom Learning and in Computer Cemers. ~ Educators
in public schools shall make full use of ICT as presentation tools to complement traditional
teaching methods. Presentation tools may include, but shall not be limited to, multimedia
Projectors, television and guided internet surfing where the educator and the students will be able
to view internet sites simultaneously. Computer Centers in public schools should be made

available to students for training on computer and internet use, and for research purposes

Sec. 7. Computerization of Administrative Systems. - The DepEd with the technical
assistance of the DICT shall develop an ICT-based administrative system that will enhance
organizational communication; facilitate gathering, analysis, dissemination, and maintenance of

educational statistics; and streamline office procedures

Sec. 8. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the immediate implementation of the
provisions of this Act is hereby authorized to be appropriated out of any funds in the National
Treasury not otherwise appropriated. Thereafter, funds for its implementation shall be included
in the regular appropriations of the Department of Education.


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Sec. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations - The DepEd and the DICT shall, within
thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this Act, issue the necessary rules and regulations for its

effective implementation

Sec. 10. Separability Clause. - In the event that any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the validity of the other provisions shall not be affected by 20 such declaration.

Sec. 11. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations, or portions
thereof, inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 12. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication

in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation or in the Official Gazette

Approved,