RECEIVED

paret_) JUL 2075
TIME

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
FIRST REGULAR SESSION

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HOUSE BILL NO. 725

Introduced by Representative
ZIAUR-RAHMAN “ZIA” ALONTO ADIONG

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Libraries have always played a vital role in the development of our nation. As
repositories of data collected over time, they provide learners and researchers with
access to the necessary information required to generate ideas, acquire skills, and
drive our nation toward progress and development.

With the advent of new technology, there is an increasing shift toward a more digital
age where information can be accessed easily with just a few clicks. This shift creates
a globally competitive environment where computer literacy and information and
communications technology are not just luxuries, but necessities. Moreover, the
outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 accelerated the digitalization process
and highlighted the urgent need for society to adapt to innovation and technology.

In alignment with the 1987 Philippine Constitution's provision on social justice, the
State's policy to ensure equal access to opportunities, and the provisions of Republic
Act No. 7743 promoting the moral and intellectual well-being of Filipinos through the
establishment of libraries, there is a compelling need for the Government to update
the facilities of our public libraries and ensure their successful integration into the
digital age.

Therefore, this proposed measure seeks to establish e-libraries in every
congressional, city, and municipal public library, as well as barangay reading centers,
under the supervision of the National Library of the Philippines (NLP). These e-
libraries will provide the public, especially students, with the tools to conduct research
and access the latest learning miaterials, information, and data.

REP.ZIAURYRAHMAN ALONTO ADIONG
1st District, Lanao del Sur

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
FIRST REGULAR SESSION

HOUSE BILL NO. 729

Introduced by Representative
ZIAUR-RAHMAN “ZIA” ALONTO ADIONG

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PHILIPPINE E-LIBRARIES
FACILITIES IN EVERY CONGRESSIONAL, CITY AND MUNICIPAL
PUBLIC LIBRARIES, AND BARANGAY READING CENTERS,
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 "Philippine E-Library Act of
2022".

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy The State shall provide for an enabling environment
that will enhance the literacy of its citizens and facilitate their adaptation to a rapidly
evolving digital age. For this purpose, the State shall ensure that every citizen shall
have access to learning facilities offering the latest information, technological
innovations, and electronic learning materials.

Sec. 3. Establishment of Philippine E-Libraries The National Library of the
Philippines, in coordination with relevant government agencies, including the
Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Department of
Science and Technology, the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher
Education, and the Technical Skills Development Authority, shall provide for the
establishment of Philippine E-Library facilities in every congressional, city, and
municipal library, and barangay reading centers in the country. The Philippine E-
Libraries shall provide for the information needs of all sectors of society in a
convenient, affordable, and efficient way of delivery.

Sec. 4. The Role of the National Library of the Philippines The National Library
of the Philippines shall provide the standard set of references, including e-books,
access to online research resources, online academic journals, databases, and
periodicals. It shall also oversee the digitalization of reference materials; provided
that in the digitalization of learning materials necessary for public education, the
National Library of the Philippines shall work in close coordination with the


Department of Education, The National Library of the Philippines, the Department of
Education, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Technical Skills
Development Authority shall have joint custody over the digitized copy of reference
materials necessary for public education.

Sec. 5. The Role of the Department of Information and Communications
Technology The Department of Information and Communications Technology shall
provide the digital infrastructure necessary for the implementation of this Act. For
this purpose, it shall provide the most recent computers, gadgets, and electronic
library technology, which includes an updated electronic library system for storing,
cataloging, and filing data and materials, as well as efficient and reliable access to
the internet.

Sec. 7. Appropriations The initial amount of One Billion Pesos (P1,000,000,000.00)
shall be appropriated for the immediate implementation of this Act and shall jointly
be managed by the National Library and the Department of Information and
Communications Technology. The maintenance and operating expenses necessary
for the continuity of this Act shall be included in the succeeding annual budget of the
National Library of the Philippines.

Sec. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations Within ninety (90) days from the
approval of this Act, the National Library, the Department of Information and
Communications Technology, the Department of Science and Technology, the
Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Technical
Skills Development Authority shall have the primary responsibility over the
formulation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations necessary for the effective
execution and enforcement of this Act. They shall do so in close coordination with
other relevant stakeholders.

Sec. 9. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. If any of the provisions of this Act is held
unconstitutional, provisions not affected shall remain valid and binding.

Sec. 10. REPEALING CLAUSE. All |aws, decrees, and all other issuances or parts
thereof, which are inconsistent with this Act, are hereby repealed, amended, or
modified accordingly.

Sec. 11. EFFECTIVITY.
This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in the Official
Gazette or in at least one (1) newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,