Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City

Eighteenth Congress
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 7890

Introduced by Hon. Deogracias Victor ‘DV’ B. Savellano

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Constitution declares that, “The State shall give priority to education, science and
technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social
progress and promote total human liberation and development” (Article II, Section 17). In
another provision of the fundamental law of the land, it is further expounded that, “The State
shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take
appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.” (Article XIV, Section 1).

The new millennium’s rapid advance in technology and crises such as the Global COVIDI9
Pandemic have now put Distance Education in the forefront of an evolving form of basic
education to the populace. Distance Education is defined as the practice of using correspondence;
the utilization of mass media such as broadcast networks and radios; and the use of the internet.
Distance Education helps students access school instruction who are geographically far away,
reduces traffic congestion in urban settings and with the recent quarantines, serves as an alternate
form of school instruction.

The COVD19 Pandemic resulted in the closure of the vast majority of schools and has pushed
society to consider distance learning via several platforms not only during this pandemic but
even after this health emergency has been abated. Distance Education is not just an emergency
alternative anymore in providing cducation at the primary and secondary levels but will become
a major component by the mid-century as technology will improve at an unprecedented pace.

Face to face teaching or traditional classroom style and remote learning using technology can
both be used for basic education, which is termed “ hybrid “ or “blending”, all under the rubric of
“distance learning.” A shortage of classrooms and distant schools from homes aggravated by
heavy traffic can be alleviated with Distance Education. It would have been the next logical
development for our basic education but the health crisis has fast tracked Distance Education’s
eventuality.

Distance Education is a more cost-effective form of learning and can save students a significant
amount of money as opposed to traditional education. Although this touted method of education


translates into increased freedom for both students and teachers, it also requires higher degrees of
discipline and planning to successfully complete the courses. Remote education is not a magic
bullet and there will always be a place for in-class learning. Student recitations, monitoring of
students’ progress in their lessons and examinations will still have to be conducted in the
traditional classroom manner which is face to face with the teacher.

In view of the foregoing mandates, there is a need to reform our basic education methods with
distance Education particularly at the primary and secondary level to adapt not only to the needs
of the times but to the requirements of the future.”

Thus, the passage of this bill is eamestly sought.

HON. DEOGRACIASWICTOR ‘DV’ B. SAVELLANO
Ist Legislatiyé District, Hocos Sur


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Eighteenth Congress
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._7890

Introduced by Honorable Deogracias Victor ‘DV’ B. Savellano

AN ACT

INSTITUTIONALIZING DISTANCE EDUCATION AS A MAJOR COMPONENT IN,
THE BASIC EDUCATION PROCESS AND APROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR.

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 “ Distance Education Act.”

SECTION 2.Declaration of Policy- It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote
quality education at all levels to meet the needs of the times by promoting Distance Education as
a major component in the education process.

SECTION 3. Distance Education Defined- As used in this Act the term “Distance Education “
is defined as the practice of using correspondence; the utilization of mass media such as
broadcast networks and radios; the use of the internet; and other platforms that provide remote
learning from the source of instruction.

SECTION 4.Distance Education Programs — The Department of Education (DepEd), the
Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Government Media Centers such as People’s
Television 4 or PTV4, the Department of Technology and Industry and other agencies,
institutions or organizations with a deep interest in the promotion and development of our basic
education processes shall come up with a strategic plan and study on how to integrate
prominently Distance Education with mainstream education.

The DepEd and the CHED shall devise modules for these Distance Education Programs and shall
implement pilot programs in selected schools, particularly state schools such as the laboratory
University of the Philippines Integrated School for an agreed period and after the end of such
period submit a report to Congress on its findings.


SECTION 5.Separability Clause. — If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Act shall
be deemed unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions hereof shall not be
affected and shall remain in force and effect.

SECTION 6.Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders, decrees, instructions, rules and
regulations contrary to or inconsistent with any provision of this Act are hereby repealed or
amended accordingly.

SECTION 7. Effectivity. -This Act shall become effective fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,