Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
 REQUIRING THE TEACHING OF DIGITAL LITERACY AS A PART OF THE 
CURRICULUM OF GRADE SCHOOLS AND HIGH SCHOOLS, AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The world has long transitioned to a highly digital time, to the point where 
technological dependency is deeply integrated into the daily lives of people, such 
as in communication, entertainment, mobility, and business transactions. As a 
result of the growing demand for technological advancement, the digital 
landscape has become highly globalized, hyperconnected, and an exceedingly 
competitive environment. As advancement continues, however, so do the growing 
threats and insecurity to both cyber and personal space of the consumers of the 
digital market. 
To equip the Filipino people especially, the youth, with appropriate skills 
and knowledge about the proper usage and etiquette of different ICT tools and 
services, the Department of Education (DepEd) promoted the integration of 
digital literacy in Philippine education through the country’s implementation of 
the K-12 curriculum in the academic year 2013-2014. Furthermore, Globe 
Telecommunications company’s Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) was later 
adopted by DepEd to bolster the curriculum’s existing modules on digital 
literacy. The said program is divided into four integral parts: (a) digital insight; 
(b) digital impact; (c) digital ambition; and (d) digital discernment.
August 10, 2023
1:46 pm
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The proposed “Digital Literacy in Schools Act” seeks to put emphasis on the 
importance of digital literacy as it becomes increasingly necessary and 
fundamental for individuals to make informed decisions, analyze appropriate 
and credible resources available, and harness adaptability to technological 
advancements to be able to thrive within this present society. Thus, the proposed 
aims to establish the foundation of the curriculum on digital literacy and its 
existing working mechanism by allocating sufficient funds and resources, 
developing efficient frameworks, and garnering enough support. 
 
 
In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REP. PM VARGAS 
Fifth District, Quezon City 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
 REQUIRING THE TEACHING OF DIGITAL LITERACY AS A PART OF THE 
CURRICULUM OF GRADE SCHOOLS AND HIGH SCHOOLS, AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
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 “Digital Literacy in 
Schools Act.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared the policy of the State 
to ensure the general well-being of the public in both online and offline 
environments. To this end, the State shall add a subject on digital literacy into 
the curriculum of all grade schools and high schools in order to ensure students 
are digitally responsible and increase online safety. 
SECTION 3. Digital Literacy. – For the purpose of this Act, digital literacy is 
the ability to use technology to find information, evaluate sources, create 
content, and communicate with others effectively. Digital Literacy may include 
the ability to use computers and mobile devices including the apps and tools 
therein, access accurate and reliable information online, and effectively 
communicate online through social media. Furthermore, digital literacy can also 
help in understanding the rights, responsibilities, and ethical considerations 
related to using digital technologies, including issues such as online privacy, 
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cyberbullying, digital footprint, copyright, and digital security, and adhering to 
appropriate codes of conduct and legal requirements. 
 
SECTION 4. Digital Literacy Education in Schools. – The Department of 
Education (DepEd) shall develop a Digital Literacy Curriculum conductive to 
grade school and high school students which shall include, but not limited to, 
the following: 
1. Basic computer skills; 
2. Choosing and evaluating reliable sources or information online; 
3. Development of digital communications skills; 
4. Analyzing advertisements online; 
5. Analyzing the different digital communities; 
6. Understanding the importance of privacy and security online; 
7. Understanding social media and its pros and cons; 
8. Understanding the evaluating online searches; 
9. Navigation of mobile apps and tools; 
10. 
Cybersecurity and data privacy awareness;  
11. 
Producing digital content and information; and      
12. 
Cultivating proper ethics in social media  
 
SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The Department of 
Education (DepEd) shall promulgate the implementing rules and regulations 
(IRR) to implement the provisions of this Act. 
 
SECTION 6. Appropriations. – The funds needed for the implementation of this 
Act shall be sourced from the budget of the Department of Education (DepEd). 
 
SECTION 7. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is held invalid 
or unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the 
other provisions hereof. 
 
SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and 
regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
SECTION 9. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,