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Republic of the Philippines

House of Representatives
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS,

First Regular Session

4572

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative Jose Enrique S. Garcia Ill

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The reliance on modern technology and the software that operates
them is growing across every industry and field of commerce, From health
care to finance, entertainment to research, the use of computers has become
an integral part of development. As the world is evolving into a data driven
society, more and more computer programmers are needed. These are the
men and women who make ideas a reality by producing the technology and
the programs necessary to implement it. Facile knowledge of computers is no
longer enough, a deep understanding of technology that allows innovation
and creation has now become a must. Unfortunately, we have failed to equip
our students for such demands.

Our current schoo! curriculum neglects to offer our students the needed
training to learn about computer science and programming, Under the current
K-12 syllabus, there are minimal standards and programs offered regarding
computing and programming, Information and computer technology (ICT) is
offered as part of the livelihood - vocational track, but the program is
insufficient for the global needs. It is high time to revise the subject offerings
and offer ICT as a fifth academic track that will prepare students for college
education in the said field. Let us give our students the chance to learn, as.
early as possible, about algorithms, binary codes, Intemet transmission
methods, looping and other computer science fundamentals — effectively
preparing them for global competitiveness.

Basic HTML design, programing and the like are all part of a computer
science course, but beyond simple computer literacy, the core of computer
science is developing in students logic and problem solving skills to CREATE
technology, More than knowing how to utilize a computer program or make an
application, itis teaching students how to build technology.

Computer science teaches a student how to create software that will
translate an idea into reality, but more than that, writing a computer program
is about using logic to creatively solve a problem, Computer science is
foundational in that it introduces children to a thinking process that utilizes


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logic, problem solving, and creativity, Students are taught how to be inventors
=not just consumers- of technology,

Computer science is also foundational. It introduces students to
computational thinking skills, which embody a more lasting way to think about
problems — a solving process that can be applied to any field of study and to
any problem. In the same manner that we teach algebra and calculus to our
students to develop their logic and problem solving skills, it is equally
important that students understand what a “for loop” is and how it is used, and
how to design algorithms to solve problems

Early exposure to basic computer literacy is necessary because the
logic behind computers can only be leamed through lifelong training
Computer logic is not something that can be taught and mastered in a few
college semesters, but rather, it is acquired only through constant repetition
from early in life. If we fail to equip the students with the necessary logic and
skills needed for higher-level computer education, then they become stagnant
in the ever-changing world of computers and modem technology. If students
leam computer concepts too late, they become limited to learning how to use
the computers, but never fully grasp the logic behind them — eventually
reducing their capacities as soon as the technology changes

The future in computers and modem technology is limitless. Multi-
media applications, graphic design, computer programing and other computer
sciences are just the beginning. Let us equip our youth with the proper tools
needed to make them useful and capable citizens.

Support for this bill is thereby earnestly requested from my colleagues.

REP. JOSE ENRIQUE S. GARCIA III
d District, Bataan


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Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

House Bill No. 4572

Introduced by Representative Jose Enrique S. Garcia Ili

AN ACT PRESCRIBING COMPUTER SCIENCE AS PART OF THE K-12
PROGRAM, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND OTHER
PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the
Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Computer
Science Act of 2016.”

SECTION 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 modem 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.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms — For purposes of this Act, the
following terms shall be defined as follows:

a. “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 of 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;

b. “Computer’ shall mean an electronic device that accepts digitalized
data for the purpose of storing and processing information. It shall
include all the hardware or physical parts attached to the computer

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system, and the software used therewith;

¢. “Foundational Computer Programming Skills” shall include, but not
be limited to computational thinking, algorithms, looping,
conditionals, variables, functions, abstractions, binary coding,
sequences, debugging, intemet safety, and the like;

d, "DepEd" shall mean the Department of Education;

e. ‘DICT’ shall mean the Department of Information and
Communications Technology;

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 Curriculum’ shall mean the enhanced basic education
program as defined in R.A. 10533, otherwise known as the
“Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013."

SECTION 4. Mandatory Computer Science Education - The design
and details of the K-12 program shall be re-formulated to include computer
science, computer literacy, and information and communication technology as
part of the basic subjects offered to students at all levels beginning kinder.
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 curriculum 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, The
ICT strand currently under the Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE)
and Technical — Vocational — Livelihood (TVL) Tracks shall be repositioned
and moved to the Academic Track

SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations/ Role of DepEd and
DICT - 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 modem technology skills, shall be

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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

SECTION 6. Appropriation - An initial amount of One Billion Pesos
(PhP 1,000,000,000.00) is hereby appropriated and shall be made available
from the funds of the DepEd and the DICT not otherwise appropriated for the
immediate implementation of this Act. Thereafter, such sums as may be
necessary for the continued enactment of this Act shall be provided in the
yearly General Appropriation Act of the national government.

SECTION 7. Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy. ~ Nothing
in this Act shall be construed as encroaching on the academic freedom of
educational institutions. The academic freedom and institutional autonomy,
pursuant to Paragraph 2 Section § of Article XIV of the Constitution of the
Republic of the Philippines shall be guaranteed.

SECTION 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.

SECTION 9. Repealing Clause — All laws, presidential decrees,
executive orders, rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 10. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
upon the approval and publication thereof.

Approved.