EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. B. No. 1633
DA TIE 
TJME
NDfeX
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A COMPREHENSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE 
MODERNIZATION, CONNECTIVITY AND INNOVATION PROGRAM FOR 
PUBLIC ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS PROVIDING FUNDS 
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This measure is an amended version of SBN 959, or the School Modernization 
and Innovation Act, which was filed on August 27, 2019. Also, it is meant to 
complement the implementation of RA 10929, which establishes the Free Internet 
Access in Public Places Program and mandates the Department of Information and 
Communication Technology (DICT) to set up free WiFi hotspots in all public 
education institutions.
Like SBN 959, this version still mandates the Department of Education 
(DepEd) to establish and implement a viable, comprehensive and sustainable long­
term modernization plan for public elementary, junior high and senior high schools. 
The main change is that such plan should now include steps through which all 
schools provide gadgets such as smartphones, tablet, or laptops, as well as mobile 
internet hotspots, to teachers and students without access to such equipment 
whenever face-to-face instruction is prohibited and blending learning modalities are 
being implemented. This version was filed in response to the ongoing COVID-19 
pandemic, where many schools are migrating to online means of teaching.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly
sought.
NY ANGARA


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S. B. No. 1633
DA TIE
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A COMPREHENSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE 
MODERNIZATION, CONNECTIVITY AND INNOVATION PROGRAM FOR 
PUBLIC ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS PROVIDING FUNDS 
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "School Modernization,
2 
Connectivity and Innovation Act of2020."
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
4 
promote a comprehensive and sustainable modernization program for all public
5 
elementary, junior high, and senior high schools aimed at improving the
6 
effectiveness, efficiency, and resilience of the delivery of basic education, especially
7 
during disruptions such as pandemics and other health emergencies. The State shall
8 
likewise take into account the regional and sectoral needs and conditions in
9 
developing a viable long-term school modernization, connectivity, and innovation
10 
plan. The State shall also encourage the participation of the private sector and local
11 
government units in strengthening programs which provide relevant and adequate
12 
skills training and equipment for public school children necessary for them to be
13 
globally competitive.
14 
Sec. 3. Statement of Purpose. - This Act seeks to attain the following
15 
objectives:


1 
a) To provide a broad framework for the institutionalization of a comprehensive,
2 
and sustainable modernization, connectivity and Innovation program for public
3 
elementary and secondary schools;
4 
b) To encourage the schools to become more innovative and resourceful in
5 
developing and implementing programs geared towards modernization;
6 
c) To develop mechanisms which will define the roles and responsibilities of the
7 
officials from the regional, division down to the school levels in the
8 
implementation of the school modernization programs;
9 
d) To provide mechanisms on how the private sector can participate in the
10 
program; and
11 
e) To define a regional, division and school modernization, connectivity, and
12 
innovation plan responsive to the needs of the students and teachers in the
13 
area.
14 
Sec. 4. Implementing Agency. - The Department of Education, hereinafter
15 
referred to as the "Department", shall be the main implementing agency of the
16 
School Modernization and Innovation Act. The Secretary of Education shall be
17 
responsible for ensuring the smooth implementation of the modernization plan for
18 
schools.
19 
Sec. 5. Components. - The School Modernization, Connectivity, and
20 
Innovation Program shall consist of the following:
21 
a) 
Computerization of public elementary and high schools. The DepEd, in
22 
coordination with other appropriate government agencies, shall determine the
23 
appropriate number of information technology (IT) equipment to be housed
24 
within school premises depending on the number of student enrollment. The
25 
Science high schools in every region nationwide shall be given priority in the
26 
allocation of funds for the computerization.
27 
b) 
Ensuring digital connectivity between students and teachers. All public
28 
elementary, junior high, and senior high schools shall endeavor to provide
29 
gadgets such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops, as well as mobile internet
30 
hotspots and other related apparatuses, to every student and teacher without
31 
access to such equipment, whenever face-to-face instruction is prohibited and
32 
blended learning modalities are being implemented. The schools shall be


1 
responsible for establishing and implementing the system through which
2 
students and teachers may rent, lease, or purchase at subsidized rates the
3 
aforementioned equipment needed for digital connectivity.
4 
c) Upgrading of Libraries in public elementary and secondary schools. A well-
5 
equipped library shall be established in every public elementary and
6 
secondary high school. The library should be provided with at least five (5)
7 
computers, which have Internet access to assist the students in their research
8 
work.
9 
d) Promotion of an integrated distance-learning program. The distance learning
10 
program aims to enable the students from local and foreign private schools to
11 
share their knowledge and expertise in the areas of Science and Technology,
12 
Mathematics, English and Communication to students in public schools
13 
through modern system of instructional and communication technology. It
14 
may adopt an interactive system of instruction through television, modern
15 
-satellite communication or cable system, or the Internet, whichever is
16 
appropriate and feasible in the area. The students as well as teachers in
17 
public schools shall be provided with opportunities to avail of the latest trends
18 
and developments in the field of educational, science, technology 
and
19 
communication even from abroad through distance learning programs.
20 
e) Upgrading of Science Laboratories. Each public elementary and high school
21 
will be provided with well-equipped science laboratories with modern science
22 
equipment, which is essential in improving the competencies of the students
23 
in the area of science and technology.
24 
Sec. 6. Phased Implementation of the Program. - The Department shall
25 
implement the program in phases to ensure continuity and sustainability of the
26 
projects. The phases of implementation will be determined according to the priorities
27 
set by the Department as well as the absorptive capacity of the schools.
28 
Sec. 7. Financing of the Program. - The Department of Budget and
29 
Management shall allocate at least ten percent (10%) of the total appropriations of
30 
the annual budget of the Department for the financing of the School Modernization
31 
and Innovation Program.


1 
Sec. 8. Formulation of School Modernization and Innovation Plan at School
2 
and Regional Level. -
3 
a) National Modernization and Innovation Plan. The Secretary of Education, in
4 
consultation with Regional Directors and Schools Division Superintendents,
5 
shall develop a comprehensive and sustainable modernization and innovation
6 
plan for public elementary and secondary schools nationwide which will be
7 
implemented within a period of five (5) years. It shall take into account the
8 
rapid changes in the field of information technology, communication and
9 
instructional delivery in various part of the world. It shall also Identify sources
10 
of funding both from local and international financial institutions as well as
11 
the role of private sector, local government units and other members of the
12 
civil society. It shall likewise define the national standards and framework,
13 
which will be adopted in developing the individual plans.
14 
b) Regional Modernization and Innovation Plan. The Regional Director, in
15 
coordination with the Schools Division Superintendents, shall formulate a
16 
modernization framework consistent with national standards which will serve
17 
as the basis for the plan taking into consideration the specific needs, and
18 
requirements of the region. The regional plan shall highlight the peculiarities
19 
. and unique needs of the various schools within its jurisdiction.
20 
c) School Modernization and Innovation Plan. Each school shall formulate its
21 
own 5-year modernization plan which reflects the aspirations and goals of the
22 
school based on the regional plan of action. The plan shall consist of an
23 
assessment of the existing needs of the school as well as an Inventory of
24 
existing educational facilities, priority programs for the allocation of funds,
25 
strategies to mobilize financial resources to augment regular budget and
26 
strategies to manage the use of personnel, physical and fiscal resources. The
27 
individual plans of the schools shall be submitted to the regional offices for
28 
consolidation.
29 
Sec. 9. School Modernization and Innovation Trust Fund. - A School
30 
Modernization and Innovation Fund, hereinafter referred to as the Fund, is hereby
31 
established, exclusively to augment the regular appropriations provided under


1 
Section 7 of this Act to finance the priority programs for schooi modernization and
2 
improvement of pubiic eiementary and secondary schoois.
3 
a) The government's contribution to the Fund shaii be the foiiowing:
4 
1. The amount of Fifteen Biiiion Pesos (P15,000/000/000.00) as seed
5 
capitai;
6 
2. The equivaient of ten percent (10%) of the annuai gross earnings of
7 
the Phiiippine Amusement Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR);
8 
3. The equivaient of 10% annuai share on the totai gross coliections of
9 
the travei tax;
10 
4. The equivaient of 10 %of any additionai increase annuaiiy in the fees
11 
for vehicie registration;
12 
5. The equivaient of 2% of the additionai increase annuaiiy in revenue
13 
coiiections;
14 
6. The equivaient of 10% of the saies of the lotto operations of the
15 
Phiiippine Charity Sweepstakes Offices (PCSO).
16 
The fund shaii have a private portion to be raised from donations and gifts
17 
and other conveyances inciuding materiais, equipment, properties and services by
18 
gratuitous titie.
19 
b) The fund shaii be distinct dind separate from the schools' regular allotment for
20 
maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE).
21 
c) The Department shall be authorized to use the annual Interest income of the
22 
Trust Fund provided that the expenditures will be used directly for the
23 
implementation of the modernization programs and not on the regular
24 
programs of the Department: Provided, that 50% of the entire annual income
25 
shall be retained in the Bureau of the Special Treasury.
26 
Sec. 10. Management and Administration of the Fund. - The Fund shall be
27 
administered by the Department of Education. For sound and judicious management
28 
of the Fund, the Department shall appoint a reputable government financial
29 
institution as portfolio manager of the Fund, subject to the following conditions:
30 
As administrator of the Fund, the Department shall prepare the necessary
31 
guidelines for its use, subject to the following conditions:


1 
a) No part of the seed capital of the Fund, including earnings thereof shall be
2 
used to underwrite overhead expenses of the administration;
3 
b) Unless otherwise stipulated by the private donor, only earnings of private
4 
contributions shall be used for administrative expenses;
5 
c) The Department shall appoint and organize a separate staff that will be
6 
independent administratively from the Department. It shall also enjoy fiscal
7 
autonomy from the Department.
8 
Sec. 11. Assistance from Local Government Units. - Each local government
9 
unit (LGU) shall allocate at least 5% of their Special Education Fund to augment the
10 
appropriations for the financing of programs in line with the thrusts of the school
11 
modernization and innovation program.
12 
Sec. 12. Uses of the Fund. - The School Modernization and Innovation Fund
13 
shall be used to finance the following:
14 
a) Projects, which have been approved and certified as priority by the National
15 
Executive Committee and Regional Modernization Committees created under
16 
Section 13 based on the guidelines and criteria formulated by the
17 
Department;
18 
b) In-service training of the teachers in the areas of computer literacy,
19 
instructional communication technology, and other topics relevant to online,
20 
blended, and multiple platform-based learning;
21 
c) Procurement of equipment, including the maintenance thereof, for computer
22 
laboratories, audio visual and multimedia facilities;
23 
d) 
Procurement of science equipment for science laboratories In schools; and,
24 
e) 
Procurement of gadgets for digital connectivity and online learning, which
25 
includes but Is not limited to smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
26 
Sec. 13. Order of Priority in the Allocation of Funds. - In order for the school
T7 to be given priority in the allocation of funds from the School Modernization
28 
Innovation Trust Fund, the following criteria should be met:
29 
a) The programs, which will be funded, should be in line with the formulated
30 
regional and school modernization plans;


1 
b) The school should have mobilized additional 40% counterpart funding from
2 
the local government unit, private corporations, foundations, business groups
3 
or private individuals for every program which will be implemented.
4 
c) The programs have been approved by either the Regional Modernization
\
5 
Committee or the National Executive Committee, or both depending on the
6 
funding required.
7 
Sec. 14. Selection Process. - The individual schools nationwide are directed to
8 
develop project proposals In line with the modernization thrusts of their region and
9 
submit to their respective regional offices to determine its feasibility and contribution
10 
to the overall thrusts of school modernization in the country.
11 
A National Executive Modernization Committee shall be established. It shall be
12 
headed by the Secretary of the Department of Education, the Undersecretary for
13 
Programs and Directors of Elementary and Secondary Education and two
14 
representatives from the private sector. It shall be In-charge in evaluating projects
15 
with national application and coverage.
16 
A Regional Modernization Committee headed by the Regional Director and
17 
composed of three Division Superintendents and two Representatives from Parent
18 
Teachers Association in the region shall be established to evaluate all project
19 
proposals at the regional level. The Regional Modernization Committee shall have
20 
the authority to approve and recommend release of funding for projects with a
21 
funding requirement of up to One million pesos (P1,000,000.00).
22 
However, the approved project proposals with a funding requirement of more
23 
than One million pesos (P1,000,000.00) will be forwarded to the National Executive
24 
Modernization Committee chaired by the Secretary of Department of Education or
25 
his duly designated representative for final review and approval.
26 
The Department shall promulgate guidelines for the selection of the project
27 
proposals, which will be funded by the School Modernization and Innovation Fund.
28 
Sec. 15. Private Sector Participation. - The members of the private sector are
29 
hereby encouraged to provide technical and/or financial support to the schools as
30 
they pursue their modernization plans. The private corporations, foundations,
31 
business groups or individuals who shall provide support to modernization programs


1 
shall be allowed to deduct from their gross Income 100% of the expenses directly
2 
used to finance the implementation of the program in the schools.
3 
The schools which would be able to seek at least 40% counterpart funding
4 
support from private corporations, foundations, business groups individuals as well
5 
as local government in their respective local communities shall be given the priority
6 
the provision of direct grants and funding from the School Improvement and
7 
Innovation Fund particularly in programs which are mentioned In Section 9.
8 
Sec. 16. Implementing Rules and ReguldC\OT\s. - The Secretary of Education
9 
shall promulgate the Implementing rules and regulations within (90) ninety days
10 
after the approval of this Act.
11 
Sec. 17. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is
12 
subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions hereof which are
13 
not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.
14 
Sec. 18. Repealing Clause. - All other laws, acts, presidential decrees,
15 
executive orders, presidential proclamations, issuances, rules and regulations, or
16 
parts thereof which are contrary to or Inconsistent with any of the provisions of this
17 
Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
18 
Sec. 19. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after Its
19 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,