NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez 
House Bill No.  9734 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
It cannot be denied that we are now in a digital era where almost everything can be 
done thru computers online. As such, it is very important that our citizens are equip to face 
the challenges that this brings. 
This is why computer science plays a big role and why it should be taught as early as 
possible. Teaching computer science will give kids thinking skills that will help them become 
proactive learners and citizens. Also, by introducing computer science fundamentals to our 
students, we are effectively equipping them with the proper tools needed to make them 
capable digital age citizens and, at the same time, preparing them for global 
competitiveness. 
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly requested. 
RUFUS B. RODRIGUEZ 
December 12, 2023
2:37 pm


NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez 
House Bill No.  9734 
AN ACT 
INTEGRATING COMPUTER SCIENCE IN THE CURRICULUM OF THE ENHANCED 
BASIC EDUCATION (K-12) PROGRAM, APPROPRIATING 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 “Computer Science in Schools 
Act.” 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Principles. – It is the policy of the State to provide an integrated 
system of education that is complete, adequate, and relevant to the needs of the people and 
society.  
Likewise, it is hereby declared the policy of the State to develop a method of 
education that keeps up-to-date with modern technology, effectively equipping its graduates 
with the necessary skills for the changing times. 
Towards this end, the state shall constantly renew and review the existing curricula to 
ensure the inclusion, learning and utilization of modern technologies, computers, and other 
similar devices. 
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. – For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall be mean: 
a. 
“Computer” shall mean an electronic device that accepts digitized data for the 
purpose of storing and processing information. It shall include all the hardware or physical 
parts attached  to the  computer system, and  the software used therewith; 
b. 
“Computer Science” shall mean the study of the theory behind the 
applications, structure, and design of a computational system, and the specialization in the 
theory or computation. It shall include, but not be limited to computational complexity 
theory, computer graphics, programming language theory, basic HTML design, and other 
similar computer programming subjects; 
c.
“DepEd” shall mean the Department of Education;
d.
“DICT” shall mean the Department of Information and Communications
Technology; 
e.
“Foundational Computer Programming Skills” shall include, but not be limited
to 
computational 
thinking, 
algorithms, 
looping, 
conditionals, 
variables, 
functions, 
abstractions, binary coding, sequences, debugging, internet safety, and the like; 
f.
“Information and Communication Technology (ICT)” shall mean the totality of
electronic means to access, create, collect, store, process, receive, transmit, present and 


disseminate information, as defined in R.A. 10844,  otherwise  known   as  “The  Department    
of Information and Communications Technology Act of 2015; 
 
g. 
“K-12 Program” shall mean the enhanced basic education program as defined 
in R.A. 10533, otherwise known as the “Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013.” 
 
SEC.  4. Mandatory Computer Science Education. – Computer Science Education is hereby 
integrated into the curriculum of the K-12 Program to include computer science,   computer 
literacy, and information and communication technology as part of the basic subjects offered 
to students at all levels beginning Kindergarten. The revision must ensure that foundational 
computer programming skills needed for higher level education are developed in children as 
soon as practicable. 
The K-12 Program shall be further revised to create a Computer Science and 
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) strand under the Academic Track 
offered to Senior High School Students. Provided, that the ITC strand currently under the 
Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) and Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) 
Tracks shall be repositioned and moved to the Academic  Track. 
 
SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The DepEd shall, within ninety (90) days 
from the approval of this Act, formulate the design and details of computer science subjects 
and track, and issue the implementing rules and regulations necessary for the   enforcement 
of this Act. It shall work in consultation with the necessary government   agencies and other 
stakeholders including but not limited to, private and public school associations, national 
student organizations, national teacher organizations, parent-teacher associations and other 
members of relevant private sectors. 
The DepEd shall ensure that the use of computers, or the introduction of the 
necessary computer and modern technology skills, shall be incorporated in the instruction of 
all subjects at all levels. The appropriate skills to be developed per grade level must be 
clearly defined and unified with the curriculum offered under the K-12 Program. 
The DepEd shall provide the necessary training for teachers and school 
administrators for the proper enforcement of this Act. It shall, likewise, provide the schools 
with the equipment as may be required.  
The DepEd shall work with the DICT to ensure the computerization of all 
government-run schools offering the K-12 Program. 
The DICT shall be given five (5) years to provide all the schools nationwide with the 
necessary computer hardware and software, and to actualize the provisions of this Act. 
 
SEC. 6. Appropriations. – The sums as may be necessary for the effective implementation of 
this Act shall be provided in the annual General Appropriations Act.  
 
SEC. 7.  Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy. – Nothing in this Act shall be 
construed as encroaching upon the academic freedom and institutional autonomy or 
educational institutions, as provided under the Constitution. 
 
SEC. 8. 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. 
 
SEC.  9. Repealing Clause. – all laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, and rules and 
regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or 
modified accordingly.  
 
SEC. 10. Effectivity.  – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in two newspapers of general circulation.  
 
Approved,