NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
gieuatc
of lljc lip-S'a--? to 17?
72 AUG -3 A11 30
SENATE
S. B. No. 1009
Ri;cEiv;Dri;
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A COMPREHENSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE 
MODERNIZATION, CONNECTIVITY AND INNOVATION PROGRAM FOR 
PUBLIC ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS PROVIDING FUNDS 
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The era of globalization and fast-paced digitalization has placed extreme 
pressure on the State to empower our people to become highly specialized and tech- 
sawy in a relatively short period of time. Given the rapid changes and developments 
in the field of Information Technology and emergence of the demands of a 
knowledge-based society, the Philippines has to reorient the thrusts of its 
educational system to meet the growing needs and demands of a highly competitive 
world market—not to mention the demands of the so-called post-COVID-19 
pandemic "new normal."
At present, the students in public schools have been left behind by their 
counterparts in the private schools. Many are still waiting to have their own 
computer laboratories, while those who do often have equipment that are in dire 
need of repair and upgrading as these are not always properly maintained after they 
have been delivered. There are likewise similar gaps in terms of affordable access 
to fast and reliable Internet connectivity.


To achieve the arduous task of filling these resource gaps, there is a need to 
formulate a viable, comprehensive, and sustainable long-term modernization plan for 
schools primarily at the elementary and secondary levels. Such need was only 
underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic, where the adoption of blended learning 
exacerbated the inequities, especially in terms of access to Internet connectivity, 
that were already present throughout our educational system.
Hence, this foregoing School Modernization, Connectivity and Innovation bill 
aims to:
a. 
Provide a broad framework for the institutionalization of a comprehensive and 
sustainable modernization program for the public schools;
b. 
Encourage the schools to become more innovative and resourceful in 
developing and implementing programs geared towards modernization, 
expansion of connectivity, and innovation;
c. 
Develop mechanisms that will define the roles and responsibilities of the
officials from the regional, division down to the school levels 
in the
implementation of school modernization programs;
d. 
Provide mechanism on how the private sector can participate in the program;
e. 
Define regional and school modernization plans that are responsive to the
needs of the students in the area.
Given the scarce resources of the national government, there is a need to be 
more cost-effective and innovative in the approach to finance school modernization 
programs. Therefore, the measure encourages that active partnerships are fostered 
between local government units and private sector such as foundations, private 
corporations and business groups.
The bill also seeks to establish the School Modernization, Connectivity, and 
Innovation Trust Fund which will augment the regular appropriations that will be 
provided under the annual General Appropriations Act to finance the priority 
programs for school modernization and improvement of public elementary and 
secondary schools.


This is the opportune time for the government to seriously consider ways of 
increasing the share of budget devoted to computerization of schools, upgrading of 
libraries and science laboratories—especially when steps are already being taken for 
a return to face-to-face learning. Moreover, the application of information 
technology in classroom Instruction would increase efficiency in teaching and 
learning process and enhance competencies of students.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly
sought.
SONNY ANGARA


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENA 
S. B. No. I6o9
Senate
of tl)c ;^ccrctarp
72 AUG -3 All :30
Rl:ar«i--BY.
Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A COMPREHENSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE 
MODERNIZATION, CONNECTIVITY AND INNOVATION PROGRAM FOR 
PUBLIC ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS PROVIDING FUNDS 
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the 'School Modernization,
2 
Connectivity and Innovation Act of2022."
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
4 
promote a comprehensive and sustainable modernization program for all public
5 
elementary, junior high, and senior high schools aimed at improving the
6 
effectiveness, efficiency, and resilience of the delivery of basic education, especially
7 
during disruptions such as pandemics and other health emergencies. The State shall
8 
likewise take into account the regional and sectoral needs and conditions in
9 
developing a viable long-term school modernization, connectivity, and innovation
10 
plan. The State shall also encourage the participation of the private sector and local
11 
government units in strengthening programs which provide relevant and adequate
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skills training and equipment for public school children necessary for them to be
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globally competitive.
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Sec. 3. Statement of Purpose. - This Act seeks to attain the following
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objectives:


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a) To provide a broad framework for the institutionalization of a comprehensive,
2 
and sustainable modernization, connectivity and innovation program for public
3 
elementary and secondary schools;
4 
b) To encourage the schools to become more innovative and resourceful in
5 
developing and implementing programs geared towards modernization;
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c) To develop mechanisms which will define the roles and responsibilities of the
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officials from the regional, division down to the school levels In the
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implementation of the school modernization programs;
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- d) To provide mechanisms on how the private sector can participate in the
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program; and
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e) To define a regional, division and school modernization, connectivity, and
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innovation plan responsive to the needs of the students and teachers in the
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area.
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Sec. 4. Implementing Agency. - The Department of Education, hereinafter
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referred to as the "Department", shall be the main implementing agency of the
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School Modernization and Innovation Act. The Secretary of Education shall be
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responsible for ensuring the smooth implementation of the modernization plan for
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schools.
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Sec. 5. Components. 
- The School Modernization, Connectivity, and
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Innovation Program shall consist of the following:
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a) 
Con.puterization of public elementary and high schools. The DepEd, In
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coordination with other appropriate government agencies, shall determine the
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appropriate number of information technology (IT) equipment to be housed
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within school premises depending on the number of student enrollment. The
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Science high schools in every region nationwide shall be given priority in the
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allocation of funds for the computerization.
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b) 
Ensuring digital connectivity between students and teachers. All public
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elementary, junior high, and senior high schools shall endeavor to provide
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gadgets such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops, as well as mobile internet
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hotspots and other related apparatuses, to every student and teacher without
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access to such equipment, whenever face-to-face instruction is prohibited and
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blended learning modalities are being implemented. The schools shall be


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responsible for establishing and implementing the system through which
2 
students and teachers may rent, lease, or purchase at subsidized rates the
3 
aforementioned equipment needed for digital connectivity.
4 
c) Upgrading of Libraries in public elementary and secondary schools. A well-
5 
equipped library shall be established in every public elementary and
6 
secondary high school. The library should be provided with at least five (5)
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computers, which have Internet access to assist the students in their research
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work.
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d) Promotion of an integrated distance-learning program. The distance learning
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- program aims to enable the students from local and foreign private schools to
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share their knowledge and expertise in the areas of Science and Technology,
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Mathematics, English and Communication to students in public schools
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through modern system of instructional and communication technology. It
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may adopt an interactive system of instruction through television, modern
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satellite communication or cable system, or the Internet, whichever is
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appropriate and feasible in the area. The students as well as teachers in
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public schools shall be provided with opportunities to avail of the latest trends
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and developments in the field of educational, science, technology and
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communication even from abroad through distance learning programs.
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e) Upgrading of Science Laboratories. Each public elementary and high school
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will be provided with well-equipped science laboratories with modern science
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equipment, which is essential in improving the competencies of the students
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in the area of science and technology.
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Sec. 6. Phased Implementation of the Program. - The Department shall
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implement the program in phases to ensure continuity and sustainability of the
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projects. The phases of implementation will be determined according to the priorities
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set by the Department as well as the absorptive capacity of the schools.
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Sec. 7. Financing of the Program. - The Department of Budget and
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Management shall allocate at least ten percent (10%) of the total appropriations of
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the annual budget of the Department for the financing of the School Modernization,
31 
Connectivity, and Innovation Program.


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Sec. 8. Formulation of School Modernization and Innovation Plan at School
2 
and Regional Level -
3 
a) National Modernization and Innovation Plan. The Secretary of Education, in
4 
consultation with Regional Directors and Schools Division Superintendents,
5 
shall develop a comprehensive and sustainable modernization and innovation
6 
plan for public elementary and secondary schools nationwide which wiil be
7 
implemented within a period of five (5) years. It shall take into account the
8 
rapid changes in the field of information technology, communication and
9 
instructional delivery in various part of the world. It shall also identify sources
10 
of funding both from local and international financial institutions as well as
11 
the role of private sector, local government units and other members of the
12 
civil society. It shall likewise define the national standards and framework,
13 
which will be adopted in developing the individual plans.
14 
b) Regional Modernization and Innovation Plan. The Regional Director, in
15 
coordination with the Schools Division Superintendents, shall formulate a
16 
modernization framework consistent with national standards which will serve
17 
as the basis for the plan taking into consideration the specific needs, and
18 
requirements of the region. The regional plan shall highlight the peculiarities
19 
and unique needs of the various schools within its jurisdiction.
20 
c) School Modernization and Innovation Plan. Each school shall formulate its
21 
own 5-year modernization plan which reflects the aspirations and goals of the
22 
school based on the regional plan of action. The plan shall consist of an
23 
assessment of the existing needs of the school as well as an inventory of
24 
existing educational facilities, priority programs for the allocation of funds,
25 
strategies to mobilize financial resources to augment regular budget and
26 
strategies to manage the use of personnel, physical and fiscal resources. The
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individual plans of the schools shall be submitted to the regionai offices for
28 
consolidation.
29 
Sec. 9. School Moaernization and Innovation Trust Fund. - A School
30 
Modernization and Innovation Fund, hereinafter referred to as the Fund, is hereby
31 
established, exclusively to augment the regular appropriations provided under


1 
Section 7 of this Act to finance the priority programs for school modernization and
2 
improvement of public elementary and secondary schools.
3 
a) The government's contribution to the Fund shall be the following:
4 
1. The amount of Fifteen Billion Pesos (P15,000,000,000.00) as seed
5 
capital;
6 
2. The equivalent of ten percent (10%) of the annual gross earnings of
7 
the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR);
8 
3. The equivalent of 10% annual share on the total gross collections of
9 
the travel tax;
10 
4. The equivalent of 10 %of any additional increase annually in the fees
11 
for vehicle registration;
12 
5. The equivalent of 2% of the additional increase annually in revenue
13 
collections;
14 
6. The equivalent of 10% of the sales of the lotto operations of the
15 
Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Offices (PCSO).
16 
The fund shall have a portion to be raised from private sector donations and
17 
gifts and other conveyances including materials, equipment, properties and services
18 
by gratuitous title.
19 
b) The fund shall be distinctseparate from the schools' regular allotment for
20 
maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE).
21 
c) The Department shall be authorized to use the annual interest income of the
22 
Trust Fund provided that the expenditures will be used directly for the
23 
implementation of the modernization programs and not on the regular
24 
programs of the Depai tment: Provided, that 50% of the entire annual income
25 
shall be retained in the Bureau of the Special Treasury.
26 
Sec. 10. Management and Administration of the Fund. - The Fund shall be
27 
administered by the Department of Education. For sound and judicious management
28 
of the Fund, the Department shall appoint a reputable government financial
29 
institution as portfolio manager of the Fund, subject to the following conditions:
30 
As administrator of the Fund, the Department shall prepare the necessary
31 
guidelines for its use, subject to the following conditions:


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a) 
No part of the seed capital of the Fund, including earnings thereof shall be 
used to underwrite overhead expenses of the administration;
b) 
Unless otherwise stipulated by the private donor, only earnings of private 
contributions shall be used for administrative expenses;
c) 
The Department shall appoint and organize a separate staff that will be 
independent administratively from the Department. It shall also enjoy fiscal 
autonomy from the Department.
Sec. 11. Assistance from Local Government Units. - Each local government 
unit (LGU) shall allocate at least 5% of their Special Education Fund to augment the 
appropriations for the financing of programs in line with the thrusts of the school 
modernization and innovation program.
Sec. 12. Uses of the Fund. - The School Modernization and Innovation Fund 
shall be used to finance the following:
a) 
Projects, which have been approved and certified as priority by the National 
Executive Committee and Regional Modernization Committees created under 
Section 13 based on the guidelines and criteria formulated by the 
Department;
b) 
In-service training of the teachers in the areas of computer literacy, 
instructional communication technology, and other topics relevant to online, 
blended, and multiple platform-based learning;
c) 
Procurement of equipment, including the maintenance thereof, for computer 
laboratories, audio visual and multimedia facilities;
d) 
Procurement of science equipment for science laboratories in schools; and,
e) 
Procurement of gadgets for digital connectivity and online learning, which 
includes but is not limited to smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Sec 13. Order of Priority in the Allocation of Funds. - In order for the school 
to be given priority in the allocation of funds from the School Modernization 
Innovation Trust Fund, the following criteria should be met: 
a) The programs, which will be funded, should be in line with the formulated 
regional and school modernization plans;


1 
b) The school should have mobilized additional 40% counterpart funding from
2 
the local government unit, private corporations, foundations, business groups
3 
or private individuals for every program which will be implemented.
4 
c) The programs have been approved by either the Regional Modernization
5 
Committee or the National Executive Committee, or both depending on the
6 
funding required.
7 
See. 14. Selection Process, - The individual schools nationwide are directed to
8 
develop project proposals in line with the modernization thrusts of their region and
9 
submit to their respective regional offices to determine its feasibility and contribution
10 
to the overall thrusts of school modernization in the country.
11 
A National Executive Modernization Committee shall be established. It shall be
12 
headed by the Secretary of the Department of Education, the Undersecretary for
13 
Programs and Directors of Elementary and Secondary Education and two
14 
representatives from the private sector. It shall be in-charge in evaluating projects
15 
with national application and coverage.
16 
A Regional Modernization Committee headed by the Regional Director and
17 
composed of three Division Superintendents and two Representatives from Parent
18 
Teachers Association in the region shall be established to evaluate all project
19 
proposals at the regional level. The Regional Modernization Committee shall have
20 
the authority to approve and recommend release of funding for projects with a
21 
funding requirement of up to One million pesos (P1,000,000.00).
22 
However, the approved project proposals with a funding requirement of more
23 
than One million pesos (P1,000,000.00) will be forwarded to the National Executive
24 
Modernization Committee chaired by the Secretary of Department of Education or
25 
his duly designated representative for final review and approval.
26 
The Department shall promulgate guidelines for the selection of the project
27 
proposals, which will be funded by the School Modernization and Innovation Fund.
28 
Sec. 15. Private Sector Participation. - The members of the private sector are
29 
hereby encouraged to provide technical and/or financial support to the schools as
30 
they pursue their modernization plans. The private corporations, foundations,
31 
business groups or individuals who shall provide support to modernization programs


1 
shall be allowed to deduct from their gross income 100% of the expenses directly
2 
used to finance the implementation of the program in the schools.
3 
The schools which would be able to seek at least 40% counterpart funding
4 
support from private corporations, foundations, business groups individuals as well
5 
as local government in their respective local communities shall be given the priority
6 
the provision of direct grants and funding from the School Improvement and
7 
Innovation Fund particularly in programs which are mentioned in Section 9.
8 
Sec. 16. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary of Education
9 
shall promulgate the implementing rules and regulations within (90) ninety days
10 
after the approval of this Act.
11 
Sec. 17. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is
12 
subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions hereof which are
13 
not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.
14 
Sec. 18. Repealing Clause. - All other laws, acts, presidential decrees,
15 
executive orders, presidential proclamations, issuances, rules and regulations, or
16 
parts thereof which are contrary to or inconsistent with any of the provisions of this
17 
Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
18 
Sec. 19. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
19 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,