Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. __________ 
Introduced by HONORABLE RAMON JOLO B. REVILLA III, 
HONORABLE LANI MERCADO-REVILLA, and HONORABLE BRYAN B. REVILLA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Education is the bedrock of a modern and thriving society. It empowers poor and 
marginalized communities to have better opportunities and enable them to contribute to 
economic and social progression. While traditional education metrics such as literacy and 
numeracy are vital, learners must also thrive in the rapid technological world. 
Technology has become an indispensable tool of learning in today’s schools. It allows 
students with easy-to-access information, accelerated learning, and helps them to stay 
motivated and excited about their studies. Regrettably, many educations systems around the 
world, including the Philippines, remain outdated. 
Article II, Section 17 of the 1987 Constitution affirms that the State shall give priority 
to education, science and technology, arts, culture, and sports to foster patriotism and 
nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development. 
There is an urgent need to adopt a new public education system that is suitable in preparing 
our students in this new dynamic world of technology. 
This bill seeks to establish the Public Schools of the Future in Technology (PSOFT) to 
adopt innovative technologies in our public education system to attain progressive 
development in more transformative ways for the Filipino youth to contribute to nation-
building. It shall institutionalize, broaden, and maximize the use of Information an 
September 6, 2022
4:12 pm
4491




Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. __________ 
Introduced by HONORABLE RAMON JOLO B. REVILLA III, 
HONORABLE LANI MERCADO-REVILLA, and HONORABLE BRYAN B. REVILLA 
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 Act”. 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby the policy of the State to adopt 
innovative technologies to attain development in more positive and transformative ways. It 
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;
4491


(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 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. 
 
SECTION 3. Objectives. – This Act shall pursue the following objectives: 
 
(a) 
Establish an Interagency Taskforce to craft and implement the Road Map for 
the Philippine Schools of the Future in Technology (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. 


 
SECTION 4. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act: 
 
(a) 
Fourth Industrial Revolution refers to the ongoing 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, websites, blogs, interactive 
gaming, social media, cellphones, and mobile devices. 
 
SECTION 5. Institutionalization of Public Schools of the Future in Technology. – 
There is hereby instituted a Philippine Schools of the Future in Technology (PSOFT) in all 
public elementary and secondary schools. The PSOFT shall adopt the following principles 
upon administering basic education in the public school system: 


 
 
(a) 
Broaden and maximize the use of ICT to aid learning; 
 
(b) 
Establish a system of upgrading and replacing outdated technology; 
 
(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. 
 
SECTION 6. Creation of the Public Schools of the Future in Technology Inter-
Agency Task Force (PSOFT-IATF). – There is hereby created the Philippine Schools of the 
Future in Technology Inter-Agency Task Force. The PSOFT-IATF shall, in consultation with 
concerned non-government entities, including private companies, non-profit organizations, 
and private educational 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 members:  
 
(1) 
Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) as Chairperson; 
(2) 
Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology 
(DICT) as Member; 
(3) 
Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as Member; 
(4) 
Secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) as 
Member; 
(5) 
Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) as Member; 
and 
(6) 
Director General of the Philippine Space Agency. 
 
 
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. 


 
 
Subject to the approval of the DBM, the DepEd, DICT, and PhilSA may create 
positions as they deem necessary for the effective implementation of this Act, 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. 
 
SECTION 7. PSOFT Road Map. – The PSOFT Road Map shall serve as the basis 
for programs and projects aimed at improving the quality of education using digital 
technology. The PSOFT Road Map shall be subject to review and amendment, if necessary, 
every three (3) years. 
 
SECTION 8. Components of the Road Map. – 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 
 
SECTION 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 of 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, purchase, or lease of 
a satellite, shall be appropriated in accordance with the PSOFT Road Map. 
 
SECTION 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 and intranet connectivity. 
 
 
The PSOFT Road Map shall include a plan for the procurement of PCs, laptops or 
tablets for the education needs of all elementary and secondary public schools. All learners 
will be provided with the necessarily 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 Grade 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, with the technical assistance of DICT, shall 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. 
 
SECTION 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 Department of Education 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. 
 
SECTION 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 requirement 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) 
Respecting and protecting 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; and 
(f) 
Insights of Republic Act No. 10175, otherwise known as the “Cybercrime 
Prevention Act” and other related legislations. 
 
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. 
 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
 
SECTION 14. DepEd E-Learning Resources. – The DepEd shall develop an online 
portal that provide 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, 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. 
 
 
SECTION 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 strictly covered by the 
protection provided for in Republic Act 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. 
 
 
SECTION 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 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 intervention of learners and children; 
(c) 
Training and support to stakeholders on peer-driven Internet safety education 
initiatives; 
(d) 
Undertaking of researchers 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; and 
(f) 
Education of parents to augment school initiatives on safe Internet use. 
 
 
SECTION 17. Strengthening the Enhanced Basic Education Information System. 
– The EBEIS shall be the central school database of the DepEd which 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 Republic Act No. 10173, 
otherwise known as the “Data Privacy Act of 2012”. 
 
 
SECTION 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. 


 
 
SECTION 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 on 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 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, DILG, NLP, NBDB, PSA, the LGUs, and other 
concerned government agencies mentioned in this Act shall provide support 
and assistance for the attainment of the purpose of the PSOFT. 
 
  
SECTION 20. Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for PSOFT. – The Department of 
Education may pursue PPPs from any of the modalities under Republic Act No. 6957, as 
amended by Republic Act No. 7718, entitled “An Act Authorizing the Financing, 
Construction, and Operation and Maintenance of Infrastructure Projects by the Private Sector, 
and for Other Purposes.” 
 


 
The Department of Education, in consultation with the PPP Center of the Philippines 
shall create under Executive Order No. 8, Series of 2010, entitled as “Reorganizing and 
Renaming the Build-Operate and Transfer Center to the Public-Private Partnership 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. 
 
 
SECTION 21. Authority to Receive Donations. – The DepEd is hereby authorized to 
accept grants, contributions, donations, endowments, or bequests in cash or 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. 
 
 
SECTION 22. Joint Congressional Oversight. – Upon the effectivity of this Act, a 
Joint Congressional Oversight Committee is hereby constituted. The Oversight Committee 
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. 


 
 
SECTION 23. Annual Report. – The DepEd shall submit to both House of Congress, 
or upon the request by the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee, a report giving a 
detailed account of the status of the implementation of this Act. 
 
 
SECTION 24. Appropriations. – The Secretary of the Department of Education and 
the Secretary of the Department of 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 appropriations of the DepEd. 
 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION 26. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared invalid, 
the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall remain in force and 
effect. 
SECTION 27. Repealing Clause. - All laws and issuances and their implementing 
rules, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified 
accordingly. 
SECTION 28. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,