TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and 
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr. 
House Bill No.  _____ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill was approved by the House of Representatives during the 19th Congress. 
In today’s times, almost every Filipino has a cellphone or smartphone and most of the youth 
are very capable of accessing information online. Research is done online and not very one 
goes to a library anymore. This is why we have to ensure that we provide our students the 
opportunity to be able to access textbooks and other educational materials online. 
Digitizing textbooks and establishing the Philippine Online Library creates more opportunities 
because students are able to enhance their learning experience, especially while in provinces, 
municipalities, and barangays that are so remote that constructing and maintaining quality 
library buildings in schools are impractical.  
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly requested 
RUFUS B. RODRIGUEZ 
 
  MAXIMO B. RODRIGUEZ, JR. 
July 3, 2025
1:25 pm
1242


TWENTIETH CONGRESS   
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session  
 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and 
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr. 
House Bill No.  _____ 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THE FUTURE IN TECHNOLOGY AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
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 “Public Schools of the Future in 
Technology (PSOFT) Act”. 
ARTICLE I 
POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – Cognizant of the necessity of adopting innovative 
technologies to attain development in more positive and transformative ways, the State shall: 
(a) Uphold the constitutional mandate to accord the highest priority to quality education by
providing appropriate mechanisms and resources to ensure the enjoyment of quality
education and services by all Filipino students, regardless of social and economic status;
(b) Harness technological innovations, approaches, and instruments in the teaching and learning
processes that would enhance the performance of students and teachers;
(c) Provide all learners with the opportunity to enhance individual capabilities and knowledge
through information and communications technology (ICT);
(d) Create a system that shall promote and regulate the use of digital technology in public
education;
(e) Enhance the learning experience of students by providing them access to digitized
copies of necessary reference materials and digital and online content through the use of
ICT and other related technologies for the advancement of education in the country;
(f) Provide an accessible complementary mode of learning to allow students to
continue their education during national health emergencies;
(g) Encourage the wider participation of private groups, local government units (LGUs), and
community-based organizations in content generation and the utilization of the broader
spheres of science and technology; and
(h) Promote public and private partnership in improving access to quality education and
lifelong learning.
SEC. 3. Objectives. – This Act shall pursue the following objectives: 
(a) Establish an Interagency Taskforce to craft and implement the road map for the
PSOFT;
(b) Institutionalize a program for the integration of digital technology and innovation in
public basic education through the PSOFT Road Map;
(c) Identify key components of the PSOFT Road Map; and
(d) Provide a public-private partnership (PPP) mechanism to facilitate the attainment of
the objectives of the PSOFT Road Map.
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ARTICLE II 
DEFINITION OF TERMS 
 
SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act: 
(a) Fourth I n d u s t r i a l  R e v o lu t i o n  –  r e f e r s  to  t h e  o n g o i n g  automation of 
traditional manufacturing and industrial practices using modern smart technology by 
integrating advances in large-scale machine-to-machine communication, artificial  intelligence, 
genetic engineering, the Internet of Things, and other technologies for increased 
automation, improved communication and self-monitoring, and production of smart 
machines that can analyze and diagnose issues without the need for human intervention; 
(b) High Touch, High Tech Framework – refers to a policy framework supported by the 
United Nations Education Commission that espouses the need for educators to find a 
balance between the more modern electronically-delivered and digitally-supported 
method of teaching and the traditional face-to-face mode, the latter being teaching 
methods that are founded on a teacher’s capability to identify, develop, and improve an 
individual student’s academic weakness; 
(c) Internet safety policy – refers to an age-appropriate, research-based policy that regulates 
the safe, ethical, and responsible use of the Internet in public education, promotes an 
informed and critical understanding of the Internet, and the education of children and 
communities about how to prevent or respond to problems or dangers related to the 
Internet and new media; and 
(d) New media – refers to emerging digital, computerized, or network information and 
communication technologies that often have interactive capacities, which includes e-mail, 
instant messaging, text messaging, web sites, blogs, interactive gaming, social media, 
cellphones, and mobile devices. 
 
ARTICLE III 
PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THE FUTURE IN TECHNOLOGY 
 
SEC. 5. Public Schools of the Future in Technology (PSOFT) Program. – There is hereby 
instituted a PSOFT Program in all public elementary and secondary schools. 
 
The PSOFT Program shall adopt the following principles upon administering basic 
education in the public school system: 
(a) Establish a system of upgrading and replacing outdated technology; 
(b) Broaden and maximize the use of ICT to aid learning; 
(c) Provide technical support to maintain ICT and other technology; 
(d) Train and support teachers and students on ICT and other technology; 
(e) Develop educators to use ICT effectively in the classroom; and 
(f) Ensure that the balance between modern and traditional methods of teaching are equally 
utilized to obtain optimum learning outcomes. 
 
SEC. 6. Creation of the PSOFT Inter-Agency Task Force (PSOFT-IATF). – There is hereby 
created the PSOFT-IATF. 
 
The PSOFT-IATF shall, in consultation with concerned non-government entities, 
including private companies, non-profit organizations, and private education institutions, 
develop the PSOFT Road Map, a consolidation of development plans, programs, and 
projects to be implemented by various departments and agencies of the national government 
for the purpose of advancing digital technology and innovation in public basic education. 
 
The PSOFT-IATF shall be composed of the Secretary of the Department of 
Education (DepEd) as Chairperson and the following as members: (1) Secretary of the 
Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT); (2) Secretary of the 
Department of Science and Technology (DOST); (3) Secretary of the National Economic 
and Development Authority (NEDA); (4) Secretary of the Department of Budget and 
Management (DBM); and (5) Director General of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA). 
 
The PSOFT-IATF shall finalize the PSOFT Road Map within twelve (12) months from 


 
the effectivity of this Act, in accordance with national development goals. The PSOFT Road 
Map shall be incorporated in the Philippine Development Plan. 
 
The Secretaries of the DepEd, DICT and the Director General of the PhilSA 
may recommend for the creation of positions as they deem necessary for the effective 
implementation of this Act, subject to the approval of the DBM, in accordance with civil service 
laws, rules and regulations. 
 
The Department of Social Welfare and Development shall formulate a program 
extending assistance to marginalized and disadvantaged students to ensure that they may 
fully participate in the PSOFT Road Map. 
 
SEC. 7. PSOFT Road Map. – The PSOFT Road Map shall serve as the basis for programs and 
projects aimed at improving the quality of education through the use of digital technology. 
 
The PSOFT Road Map shall be subject to review and amendment, if necessary, 
every three (3) years. 
 
SEC. 8. Components of the Roadmap. – The PSOFT Road Map shall include the following: 
 
(a) Physical and Technological Infrastructure 
 
(1) Universal Access to Internet for Public Schools 
 
(2) Annual Investment Program for ICT Devices, Tools, and Equipment 
 
(b) Enhanced Digital Education Program 
 
(1) National Human Resource Development 
 
(2) Training and Development of DepEd personnel 
 
(c) Digital Reforms in Public School Administration 
(1) Internet Safety Policy 
(2) Strengthening the Enhanced Basic Education Information System (EBEIS) 
(3) Digital Alternative Learning System (ALS) 
 
(d) Development of Online Learning Portals 
(1) DepEd E-Learning Resources 
(2) Public Online Library 
 
ARTICLE IV 
PHYSICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCTURE 
 
SEC. 9. Universal Access to the Internet in Public Schools. – All public basic education 
schools shall be provided access to the Internet for the purpose of reducing the disparity 
in computing and information technology knowledge among public school learners and raising 
the standards of Philippine education. 
 
In addition to traditional means of accessing the Internet, such as commercially 
available connections or existing land-based initiatives of government programs to expand 
access to the Internet, the PSOFT Road Map shall exhaust all options in ensuring internet 
connectivity for all public schools. 
 
In order to provide the remote areas with digital connectivity, the PSOFT Road Map 
shall provide cost-effective options for establishing a telecommunication satellite or installing 
fiber optic technology infrastructure as part of the National Government Program under the 
DICT, DOST, and PhilSA. 
   
The necessary funding for the conduct of studies to determine the feasibility 
of implementing a Telecommunication Satellite Program, through building, purchasing, or 
leasing of a satellite, shall be appropriated in accordance with the PSOFT Road Map. 
 
SEC. 10. ICT Devices, Tools, and Equipment. – The DepEd shall provide the following 
equipment and services in all public elementary and secondary schools: personal computers 
(PCs), laptops, tablets, learning devices, digital classroom equipment, and internet and 
hybrid intranet connectivity. 
 
The PSOFT Road Map shall include a plan for the procurement of PCs, laptops or 
tablets for the educational needs of all elementary and secondary public schools. All learners 


 
shall be provided with the necessary learning devices as stipulated in the PSOFT Road 
Map. Should budgetary constraints prevent the attainment of such target, the national 
government shall endeavor to meet a ratio of one (1) device for every two (2) learners from 
Grades 4-6 to ensure that learners can make use of productivity tools in the conduct of 
regular classes. The national government shall also maintain one (1) device for every fifteen 
(15) learners from Grades 7-12 to ensure that learners can avail of weekly classes on ICT 
topics that require higher computing power. 
 
The PSOFT Road Map shall provide for the establishment of functional digital 
classrooms in all public schools. Digital classrooms shall be equipped with digital boards, 
computers, wireless router, multimedia projector, printer, and other necessary tools and 
devices. 
 
The PSOFT Road Map shall likewise provide for stable and reliable internet and hybrid 
intranet connectivity. Educators in public schools shall make use of ICT and hybrid intranet 
connectivity as presentation tools to complement traditional teaching methods. The DepEd 
shall, with the technical assistance of DICT, develop an administrative system in all public 
schools utilizing hybrid intranet connectivity in order to enhance organizational 
management and administration, and streamline front office procedures. 
 
SEC. 11. PSOFT Pilot Schools. – The national government shall establish PSOFT pilot 
schools in the academic year following the effectivity of this Act. The pilot schools shall be 
located in Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao and shall fully comply with the 
requirements of Article IV in this Act, as follows: 
(a) The pilot school shall have full, unrestricted access to the internet and for this 
purpose shall be equipped with wireless technology or such other modes of 
connectivity that may be developed: Provided, That school administrators shall closely 
supervise the access of learners to content in order to protect them from 
inappropriate, violent, or immoral material; 
(b) Teachers shall be adequately trained in all technologies that the pilot schools shall 
adopt for the use of learners; 
(c) All pilot schools shall employ trained information technology specialists to assist faculty 
and learners; and 
(d) All pilot schools shall provide each teacher and learner with the appropriate ICT 
devices, tools, and equipment to ensure optimum satisfaction in both the teaching 
and learning experiences. 
 
The DepEd shall, in coordination with NEDA, conduct an impact study of the pilot 
schools to determine its potential in improving the quality of education. Additional pilot schools 
may be established in the following years, subject to the availability of funds and through 
cooperative arrangements with LGUs and the public sector. 
 
ARTICLE V 
ENHANCED DIGITAL EDUCATION 
 
SEC. 12. National Human Resource Development. – Students in public elementary and 
secondary schools must be prepared for the disruptive technologies that come with the 
Fourth Industrial Revolution and have a significant impact on skills requirements and on 
creating a range of opportunities for them in the future. 
 
To better equip students to overcome the challenges enabled by ever-
increasing technological change and to improve student engagement and achievement, 
they shall be provided with introductory courses on foundational technology that will 
enhance their future competencies. The DepEd shall determine the content and mode of 
delivery of such foundational technology courses and shall introduce them in the curriculum 
in the school year following the effectivity of this Act. 
 
To allow students to acquire the appropriate aptitudes and competencies on these 
courses, the PSOFT Road Map shall provide for the establishment of innovation hubs in every 


 
school to enable students to hone their skills and techniques using a wide variety of physical 
and digital tools and equipment. The innovation hubs shall allow teachers and learners 
to carry out technology-based projects that address local problems in the community. 
 
In addition to the standard ICT curriculum taught for basic education in the public 
schools, the DepEd shall endeavor to include the following subject matters in its curriculum: 
(a) Respect for and protection of personal information on the Internet; 
(b) Understanding computer security systems; 
(c) Online gender sensitivity; 
(d) Proper use of social media and social networking; 
(e) Responsible and ethical use of the Internet, photographic equipment, smart phones, 
and other equipment of similar nature; 
(f) Insights of Republic Act No. 10175, or the “Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012” and 
other related legislation; and 
(g) Respect for intellectual property rights. 
 
The DepEd shall, in coordination with the DICT, enjoin the use of the latter’s ICT Literacy 
Competency and Development Bureau and its relevant specialized ICT subjects to be utilized 
as elective courses in Grades 11-12. 
 
SEC. 13. Training and Development of DepEd Personnel. – The PSOFT Road Map shall 
determine the training and development needs of school administrators, teachers, and 
personnel with respect to ICT. 
 
To ensure that teachers are technologically knowledgeable and well-equipped with 
the right aptitudes and competencies, the DepEd shall establish an Education Technology 
Division that shall implement teaching programs and utilize technology-based instruction 
aids for the effective and efficient performance of teachers under the PSOFT Road Map. 
The DICT shall extend its support in the implementation of training for teachers on ICT, through 
its ICT Literacy Competency and Development Bureau. 
 
The National Educators Academy of the Philippines shall carry out training programs 
for educators in public schools and integrate ICT in classroom learning and instruction to 
highlight the professional and educational benefits that may be derived from personally 
investing in ICT. 
 
ARTICLE VI 
DEVELOPMENT OF ONLINE LEARNING PORTALS 
 
SEC. 14. DepEd E-Learning Resources. – The DepEd shall develop an online portal that 
provides access or links to Internet learning resources. The online portal shall include 
the following: e-books and videos, learning materials and teachers guides, materials for senior 
high school subjects ranging from math, disaster readiness, and science, materials on 
science, agriculture, creative industries, livelihood and information technology, interactive 
exercises on math, science, history, and economics. 
 
The DepEd shall develop its own library to ensure the quality and safety of knowledge 
and information made available to learners. 
 
SEC. 15. Public Online Library. – The PSOFT Road Map shall include the establishment of the 
Public Online Library. 
 
The DepEd, DICT, DOST, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and 
the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) shall, in partnership with 
the National Library of the Philippines (NLP), the National Book Development Board (NBDB), 
and other concerned government agencies, develop and maintain the Public Online 
Library, a repository of educational materials and digitized copies of books and publications 
suitable for Filipino students and researchers that shall enrich the learning experience by 
complementing the textbooks and reference materials prescribed for the elementary and 
secondary levels. The Public Online Library shall be directly connected to the website of the 


 
Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The DepEd and the NLP shall have joint custody over 
the digitized copies of textbooks and references in the Public Online Library which shall be 
jointly managed by the DepEd and the DICT. In this regard, the DICT shall ensure the 
security of the online repository system to guarantee its integrity. 
 
The DepEd may solicit additional reference materials and publications from the NLP, 
other agencies of the government, and the private sector to augment its resources. 
 
The authors of the digitized books and publications shall be covered by the protection 
provided for in R.A. No. 8293, as amended, otherwise known as the “Intellectual Property Code 
of the Philippines.” The DepEd and all concerned agencies shall ensure that the authors of 
the digitized books and publications shall be properly remunerated in accordance with law. 
 
ARTICLE VII 
DIGITAL REFORM IN PUBLIC SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION 
 
SEC. 16. Internet Safety Policy. – To advance the objective of providing a safe and secured 
education program under the PSOFT Road Map, the DepEd shall, within six (6) months after 
the effectivity of this Act, formulate and enforce an internet safety policy in order to 
regulate students’ access to content especially against visual depictions that are obscene, 
pornographic, and harmful to minors. In this regard, the internet safety policy shall be 
implemented to accomplish the following objectives: 
(a) Development and implementation of Internet safety education, including safe access 
to educational technology, multimedia and interactive applications, and online 
resources; 
(b) Development of online risk interventions for learners and children; 
(c) Training and support to stakeholders on peer-driven Internet safety education 
initiatives; 
(d) Undertaking of researches on online risks to form the bases for Internet safety 
education syllabi and instructional material development; 
(e) Development and implementation of a public education campaign to promote 
awareness of online risks to learners and children; 
(f) Education of parents to augment school initiatives on safe Internet use; and 
(g) Protection against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children pursuant to 
Republic Act No. 11930 or the “Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children 
Act”. 
SEC. 17. Strengthening the Enhanced Basic Education Information System (EBEIS). – The 
EBEIS shall be the central school database of the DepEd and it shall contain pertinent 
personal data and school records of students.  It shall be continually improved to ensure 
the efficient management of school records. 
 
School administrators and personnel shall be trained on the operation and access of 
the EBEIS and be given access to student records and other related data in the EBEIS 
such as a student’s school attendance record, records pertaining to the character of a 
student, the level of the student’s digital  literacy  and  proficiency, grade level,  
examination  scores,  school performance, immunization and health records, among others, 
for purposes of recording student biographical data, handling admissions and discharges, and 
transferring to other schools. 
 
Any person who is caught illegally altering, falsifying, or misusing student information 
in the EBEIS shall be sanctioned in accordance with R.A. No. 10173, otherwise known as 
the “Data Privacy Act of 2012.” 
 
SEC. 18. Digital Alternative Learning System. – The DepEd shall institute a digital format of the 
ALS in the PSOFT Road Map. To attain this objective, the DepEd shall provide 
professional training to teachers and non-teaching personnel involved in this program 
and formulate the necessary guidelines for its implementation. 
 


 
ARTICLE VIII 
PARTNERSHIP MECHANISM AND ROLES OF PARTNERS 
 
SEC. 19. Partnership Mechanism and Roles of Partners. – In the furtherance of the PSOFT Road 
Map, the DepEd may coordinate and enter into an agreement or contract with other 
government agencies, LGUs, private and non-profit agencies, institutions or organizations 
duly accredited or recognized by the government, civil society, business and industrial 
sector, and other concerned sectors. 
 
The PSOFT Road Map shall define and delineate the areas of responsibility of 
government agencies in conformity with their respective charters and mandates. For 
purposes of this Act, these agencies shall have the following roles: 
(a) The DepEd shall be the lead government agency responsible for the proper and effective 
implementation of the various provisions of this Act and ensure coordination and 
collaboration among agencies of the government. 
(b) The DICT shall provide advice on matters relating to ICT and closely coordinate and 
collaborate in the implementation of this Act. It shall undertake the installation, 
maintenance, and operation of hybrid intranet connectivity in all public basic education 
schools, provide an efficient and reliable broadband connection, assist in the implementation 
of training and development for teachers concerning ICT and ICT-assisted instructions, 
and coordinate and collaborate in the provision of digital connectivity in public schools. 
(c) The PhilSA shall advise and collaborate with the DepEd on matters concerning the use of 
space technology and relevant space-enabled services to implement the provisions of this Act. 
(d) The DOST, CHED, TESDA, Department of the Interior and Local Government, NLP, 
NBDB, PSA, Philippine Creative Industries Development Council, the LGUs, and other 
concerned government agencies mentioned in this Act shall provide support and 
assistance for the attainment of the purposes of the PSOFT. 
 
SEC. 20. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) for PSOFT Program. – The DepEd may pursue 
PPPs from any of the modalities under R.A. No. 6957, as amended by R.A. No. 7718, 
entitled, “An Act Authorizing the Financing, Construction, Operation and Maintenance of 
Infrastructure Projects by the Private Sector, and For the Other Purposes.” 
 
To this end, the DepEd shall, in consultation with the PPP Center of the Philippines 
created under Executive Order No. 8, series of 2010, entitled, “Reorganizing and Renaming 
the Build-Operate and Transfer (BOT) Center to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of 
the Philippines and Transferring its Attachment from the Department of Trade and Industry 
to the National Economic and Development Authority and For Other Purposes,” establish a 
PPP Unit to coordinate all matters relating to PPP, in accordance with the PSOFT Road 
Map. It shall likewise coordinate with the Project Development and Monitoring Facility of the 
PPP Center in the conduct of feasibility studies and the preparation of tender documents for 
the PPP projects of the DepEd. 
 
ARTICLE IX 
AUTHORITY TO RECEIVE DONATIONS 
 
SEC. 21. Authority to Receive Donations. – The DepEd is authorized to accept grants, 
contributions, donations, endowments, or bequests in cash or in kind from local and foreign 
sources in support of the development and implementation of this Act, subject to the regular 
auditing guidelines and procedures: Provided, That in case of donations from foreign 
sources, acceptance thereof shall be subject to existing government rules and regulations. The 
proceeds of such grants, contributions, donations, endowments, or bequests shall be used 
to finance the following: 
(a) Establishment of pilot schools as provided in Section 11 of this Act; 
(b) Research, development, and utilization of emerging digital technologies; 
(c) Provisions of computer laptop units and improvement of ICT infrastructure, including 
hardware and Internet connectivity; 


 
(d) Training and capacity building; and 
(e) Conduct of other activities necessary to carry out the objectives of this Act. 
ARTICLE X 
THE JOINT CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE AND 
REPORTORIAL RESPONSIBILITIES 
 
SEC. 22. Joint Congressional Oversight. – Upon the effectivity of this Act, a joint 
congressional oversight committee to be known as the Joint Oversight Committee on the 
PSOFT Program or JOC-PSOFT, is hereby constituted. The JOC-PSOFT shall be composed 
of ten (10) members with the chairpersons of the Committee on Basic Education, Arts and 
Culture and the Committee on Finance of the Senate, and the Committee on Basic Education 
and Culture and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives as 
members and three (3) additional members from each House to be designated by the 
Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, respectively. The 
members of the Committee from each House shall have at least one (1) member from the 
minority party or coalition. 
 
SEC. 23. Annual Report. – The DepEd shall submit a report to both Houses of Congress, or 
upon the request by the JOC-PSOFT, providing a detailed account of the status of the 
implementation of this Act. 
 
ARTICLE XI 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
 
SEC. 24. Appropriations. – The Secretaries of Education and Information and 
Communications Technology and the Director General of PHilSA shall immediately include 
in their respective programs the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be 
included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
 
The funding for the implementation of PSOFT Pilot Schools under Section 11 hereof 
shall be charged against the current year’s appropriation of the DepEd. 
 
SEC. 25. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within one hundred-twenty (120) days from 
the effectivity of this Act, the DepEd and DICT shall, in coordination with other concerned 
agencies of the government and the private stakeholders, promulgate the necessary rules 
and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act. 
 
SEC. 26. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the 
remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall remain in full force and 
effect. 
 
SEC. 27. Repealing Clause. – All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees, 
proclamations, rules, regulations, issuances and enactments or parts thereof inconsistent with 
this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
SEC. 28. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
 
Approved,