TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 1209
Senate
of ll)f i'-
25 AUG 19 A9 41
RtCElVtD BV;
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE EBOOKS FOR THE BARANGAY PROGRAM AND
PROVIDING FUNDS THEREOF
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Constitution guarantees all citizens the right to quality education at every 
level and mandates the implementation of appropriate measures to ensure that this 
education is accessible to all individuals.
In this digital age, access to information and knowledge is vital for the success 
of individuals, communities, and nations. The ability to acquire and utilize information 
empowers citizens to make informed decisions, contribute responsibly to their 
communities, and become effective leaders in the global economy.
The Philippines, home to over 100 million people and more than 42,000 
barangays, faces significant challenges in providing equitable access to educational 
resources, particularly in rural and marginalized communities. The situation is further 
compounded by limited physical library infrastructures, inadequate reading materials, 
and insufficient access to current digital learning tools.
In response to these challenges, this measure aims to establish and implement 
a progressive program intended to bridge the digital divide, enhance digital literacy, 
and improve access to quality educational resources for all Filipinos.
The E-books for the Barangay Program represent a transformative step in 
democratizing access to educational resources, fostering digital literacy, and 
empowering Filipinos across the archipelago.


In view of the foregoing, approvai of this bill is earnestly sought.
MARK A. VILLAR


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 1209
..j, f;l Senate
of Ihf ^.'crri.irp
25 AUG 19 A9 41
RECEIVED BV:
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE E-BOOKS FOR THE BARANGAY PROGRAM AND
PROVIDING FUNDS THEREOF
Be enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short T/'f/e- This Act shall be known as the "E-Books for the Barangay
2 
Program Act".
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared policy of the State to ensure
4 
that quality educational materials are accessible to all, respecting the right of all
5 
citizens to education and to promote lifelong learning.
6 
Sec. 3. Establishment of the E-Books for the Barangay Program. - There is
7 
hereby established a nationwide program to be known as the "E-Books for the
8 
Barangay Program" under the Department of Education (DepEd). This program aims
9 
to provide each barangay with access to free and curated digital learning resources
10 
that support the academic needs of its residents.
11 
Sec. 4. Program Components. - The E-books for the Barangay Program shall
12 
include the following components:
13 
a) Digital library platform - This shall provide a secure and organized database
14 
of digital learning resources, including e-books, video lectures, simulations, and
15 
other relevant materials, in various fields of study and in languages suitable for
16 
the local community.
17 
b) Devices distribution - The program shall facilitate the provision of electronic
18 
devices, such as tablets or e-readers, to ensure access to digital library
19 
resources for all barangays, particularly in areas with limited internet access.
1


1 
c) Capacity building - DepEd shall coordinate workshops and training programs
2 
to enhance digital literacy among barangay residents and develop skills in using
3 
e-resources.
4 
d) Monitoring and evaluation - Periodic assessment and data collection shall be
5 
carried out to measure the program's success and inform its continuous
6 
improvement.
7 
Sec. 5. Funding. - The necessary funding for the implementation of this Act
8 
shall be sourced from the DepEd's share in the annual General Appropriations Act
9 
(GAA).
10 
Sec. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DepEd, in coordination with
11 
pertinent government instrumentalities, shall develop the implementing rules and
12 
regulations, within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act.
13 
Sec. 7. Separability Clause. - Any portion or provisions of this Act that may be
14 
declared unconstitutional or invalid and shall not have the effect of nullifying other
15 
portions or provisions hereof as long as such remaining portions or provisions can still
16 
subsist and be given effect in their entirety.
17 
Sec. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,
18 
memoranda, circulars, and other issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent
19 
with the Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
20 
Sec. 9. Effectivity Clause. -This Act shall be taken effect fifteen (15) days after
21 
its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,