EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

z Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez
House Bill No. 7100

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 leamers 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.



EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B, Rodriguez _

7200

House Bill No.

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

¢. "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;

9 “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 (80) 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,