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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
23 JJL 17 P2'-40
SENATE
S. No. 2813
RtCElVtDBV
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE EBOOKS FOR THE BARANGAY PROGRAM, PROVIDING 
FUNDS THEREOF
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In this digital age, access to information and knowledge has become crucial to 
the success of any individual, community, and nation. The ability to acquire and utilize 
information empowers citizens to become informed decision-makers, responsible 
contributors to their communities, and effective leaders in the global economy.
The Philippines, with its over 100 million people and more than 42,000 
barangays, faces significant challenges in terms of providing equitable access to 
educational resources, especially in rural and marginalized communities. Limited 
physical library infrastructures, inadequate reading materials, and a lack of access to 
up-to-date digital learning tools exacerbate the situation.
In response to these challenges, this measure aims to establish and launch a 
progressive initiative designed to bridge the digital divide, promote digital literacy, and 
improve access to quality educational resources for all Filipinos.
The Ebooks for the Barangay Program represents a transformative step in 
democratizing access to educational resources, fostering digital literacy, and 
empowering Filipinos across the archipelago.
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
MARK A. VILLAR


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
S. No.
SENATE
2313
23 
PrA0
receweobv.^^—
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE EBOOKS FOR THE BARANGAY PROGRAM, PROVIDING
FUNDS THEREOF
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title - This act shall be known as the "Ebooks for the Barangay
2 
Program Act of 2023".
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared policy of the State to ensure
4 
that quality educational materials are accessible to all, respecting the right of all citizens
5 
to education and to promote lifelong learning.
6 
Sec. 3. Establishment of the Ebooks for the Barangay Program. - There is hereby
7 
established a nationwide program to be known as the "Ebooks for the Barangay Program"
8 
under the Department of Education (DepEd). This program aims to provide each
9 
barangay with access to free and curated digital learning resources that support the
10 
academic needs of its residents.
11 
Sec. 4. Program Components. - The Ebooks for the Barangay Program shall include
12 
the following components:
13 
a) Digital library platform - This shall provide a secure and organized database of
14 
digital learning resources, including e-books, video lectures, simulations, and other


1 
relevant materials, in various fields of study and in languages suitable for the local
2 
community.
3 
b) Devices distribution - The program shall facilitate the provision of electronic
4 
devices, such as tablets or e-readers, to ensure access to digital library resources
5 
for all barangays, particularly in areas with limited internet access.
6 
c) Capacity building - DepEd shall coordinate workshops and training programs to
7 
enhance digital literacy among barangay residents and develop skills in using e-
8 
resources.
9 
d) Monitoring and evaluation - Periodic assessment and data collection shall be
10 
carried out to measure the program's success and inform its continuous
11 
improvement.
12 
Sec. 5. Funding. - The necessary funding for the implementation of this Act shall
13 
be sourced from the DepEd's share in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).
14 
Sec. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DepEd, in coordination with
15 
pertinent government instrumentalities, shall develop the implementing rules and
16 
regulations, within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act.
17 
Sec. 7. Separability Clause. - Any portion or provisions of this Act that may be
18 
declared unconstitutional or invalid and shall not have the effect of nullifying other
19 
portions or provisions hereof as long as such remaining portions or provisions can still
20 
subsist and be given effect in their entirety.
21 
Sec. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, 
executive orders,
22 
memoranda, circulars, and other issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with
23 
the Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
24 
Sec. 9. Effectivity Clause. -This Act shall be take effect fifteen (15) days after its
25 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,