Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City

Fifteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 3555

Introduced by Hon. Thelma Z. Almario

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘This bill seeks to institutionalize the Preschool Education into the
public Basic Education School System and to make Preschool Education
free, mandatory and compulsory for all children as a prior requirement to
enrolling in Grade 1.

Section 1, Article XIV of the 1987 Constitution provides 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.”

Along the Millennium Development Goals, the Philippine Education
for all (BFA) 2015 defines the achievement of four (4) components to
quality basic education.

a. universal coverage of out-of-school youth and adults in the

provision of learning needs;

b. universal school participation and total elimination of drop-out and
repetition in Grades | to 3 — achievement of this outcome requires
the quality assured program for pre-school and early childhood
care development and should reach all children 3 to 5 years old;

c. universal completion of full cycle of basic education schooling
with satisfactory achievement levels by all at every grade or year;

d. commitment by all Philippine communities to the attainment of
basic education competencies for all — Education for All.


Research studies have shown that Preschool Education provides early
stimulation and meaningful experiences that develop a child in all aspects to
better prepare for the life situations and demands of formal schooling. It
makes learning interesting, makes children actively participative in school
activities, children are less tardy and commit less absences and are likely to
complete the entire cycle of basic education.

Investing in Preschool Education is no doubt a strategic move to arrest
high drop-out rate in early grades and improve quality education as well.
The proposed bill combines the guidelines and implementation of Preschool
Education under E.O. 685 of January 10, 2008 and DepOrder No. 70, 2009

which have become the references in institutionalizing Preschool Education
under this Act.

bill aims to institutionalize Preschool Education to provide equal
opportunities for children prior to entering Grade 1 to have access to free,
mandatory and compulsory quality Preschool Education that effectively
promotes ph’ |, social, intellectual, emotional and skills stimulation and
values formation. It also intends to upgrade the quality of Preschool
Education in the country in order that children will be better prepared to
adjust and cope with the demands of formal education and to maximize the
children’s potential by using a curriculum which is consistent with the
universally accepted norms and standards, including values formation and
by providing them with a variety of carefully selected and meaningful
experiences considering their interests and capabilities.

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

Taituas {. dtemand

THELMA 4 ALMARIO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

Fifteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 3555

Introduced by Hon. Thelma Z. Almario

AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE PRESCHOOL EDUCATION INTO
THE PUBLIC BASIC EDUCATION SYSTEM = AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION |. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Public
Preschool Education Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of
the State to provide equal opportunities for all children to avail of free,
mandatory and compulsory Preschool Education that effectively promotes
physical, social, intellectual, emotional and skills stimulation and values
formation to sufficiently prepare them for formal elementary schooling. This
policy shall apply to the public elementary school system, being the first

stage of compulsory formal education.


Preschool Education is vital to the development of the Filipino child
for it is the period when the absorptive capacity of children for learning is at
its sharpest. Preschool Education shall be a requirement for entrants to
Grade I upon the effectivity of this Act.

SEC. 3, Definition of Terms. — As sed in this Act:

(a) DepEd refers to the Department of Education;

(b) Preschool Education means one (1) year of schooling before
Grade 1;

(c) Preschool children mean children enrolled in preschool education
aged five year and above;

SEC. 4. Institutionalization of Preschool Education, ~ Preschool
Education is hereby institutionalized as part of public basic education system
and shall be free, mandatory and compulsory.

SEC. 5. Bureau of Elementary Education. — The Department of
Education (DepEd) through the Bureau of Elementary Education shall
exercise the following powers and functions pertinent to public Preschool
Education:

(a) Oversee the organization, operation and implementation of the
Preschool Education program

(b) Develop and periodically review for upgrading the curriculum for
Preschool Education consistent with values formation and the universally

accepted norms and standards;


(c) Conceive, develop and extend a regular training program to
Preschool Education teachers to ensure constant updating of their knowledge
in modern trends, methodologies and concepts on early childhood education

and;

(d) Prescribe the necessary qualifications for the hiring and

accreditation of teachers who will handle the Preschool Education program

SEC. 6. Appropriations. — The Secretary of Education shall
immediately include in the program of the DepEd the operationalization of
the free, mandatory and compulsory Preschool Education, the initial funding
of which shall be charged against the current appropriations for Preschool
Education. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued
implementation of the preschool program shall be included in the annual

General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within ninety (90)

days after the effecti

ity of this Act the Secretary of Education shall, in
consultation with the Secretary of Social Welfare and Development, the
Secretary of Budget and Management, and the Secretary of the Interior and
Local Government, promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to

implement this Act.


SEC.8. Repealing Clause. ~ Pertinent provisions of Republic Act No.
8980 and all other laws, decrees, executive orders and rules and regulations
contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 9. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (1s)
days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national
newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,