Republic of the Philippines *
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE!
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

MOUSE BILL NOTS24

Introduced by REP. EMILIO BERNARDINO L. YULO.

EXPLANATORY NOTE,

This bill seeks to provide access to accommodation for deserving students enrolled in
State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) through the establishment of dormitories on or near

campus.

The majority of colleges and universities in the nation are situated in dense cities or
metropolitan areas. The concentration of higher education institutions in these places contributes
to the demand for student accommodation. Students who live in close proximity to the institution
use public transportation to endure heavy traffic every day to come to class. Depending on their
financial situation, however, students traveling from distant provinces rent apartments, boarding
houses, dormitories, or bed spaces. Privately owned accommodations usually have deregulated

facilities, which disadvantages students.

With the gradual shift to face-to-face classes in the higher education units, it is crucial for
the state to create and ensure an environment conducive to learning. There is an imperative need
to provide students with decent and affordable accommodations while studying at tertiary

institutions.

Thus, this measure will ensure that adequate and comfortable dormitories are provided
for qualified students. In addition, it will meet the set of norms and standards for the efficient

implementation of this Act.


In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

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REP. EMILIO|BERNARDINO L. YULO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

*OUst BILLNO.1524

Introduced by REP. EMILIO BERNARDINO L. YULO

AN ACT PROVIDING FREE DORMITORIES FOR STUDENTS IN STATE
UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES (SUCS), AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREOF

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

SECTION L. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “Free Dormitory Act”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. It shall be the policy of the State to 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. The State shall establish and
maintain a system of education that caters to the needs of the people and society.

SEC. 3. Coverage. This Act covers Filipino students enrolled in duly recognized
State Universities and Colleges in the country pursuing any degree at the time or after the
passage of this Act, subject to the qualifications provided herein.

SEC. 4. Qualifications. The student must be enrolled in any recognized State
University or College in the country and must have an official residence or address at

least twenty-five (25) kilometers away from the school.

The State University or College shall determine those students who belong to
low-income families for dormitory rentals in the course of their studies in the college or
university. They shall provide rules as it may deem necessary for the effective
implementation of this Act.

SEC. 5. Establishment. The State Universities and Colleges, in close
coordination with the Local Government Unit concerned, shall identify an idle land


within or outside the school premises for the establishment of dormitories.

SEC. 6. Administration, All recognized State Universities and Colleges shall
establish at least (1) dormitory building with a total housing capacity of a minimum of
150 students. The school shall supplement the necessary technical and administrative
aspects of the establishment.

The State Universities and Colleges shall also establish and maintain a system

which should have, at the minimum, the following services:

Beddings;
Comfort Rooms;

Cabinets/Lockers;

Electricity and Water Supply;

Basic First-Aid Medicine and Equipment; and

aE OO WP

Wireless high-speed internet access

SEC. 8. Appropriations. The amount necessary for the implementation of the
provisions of this Act shall be included in the regular appropriations of the Department of
Education.

SEC. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The DepEd shall, within thirty
(30) days from the effectivity of this Act, issue the necessary rules and regulations for its
effective implementation,

SEC. 10. Separability Clause. In the event that any provision of this Act is
declared unconstitutional, the validity of the other provisions shall not be affected by
such declaration,

SEC. 11. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations, or
portions thereof, inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 12. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its

publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation or the Official Gazette.

Approved,