Uth CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
FIRST REGULAR SESSION 
) 
s. -1L 
NO. 
18 
INTRODUCED BY HONORABLE RALPH G. RECTO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
In line with the policy of the State to 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, this bill seeks to establish 
the Books for the Barrios Program to promote and encourage accessibility of education to 
the countryside. 
The lack of textbooks and inaccessibility of formal training institutions contribute 
largely to the weak educational system prevalent in the countryside. Young minds in the 
barrios are not only confronted with miniscule resources but also with the danger of a 
diminishing quality of education. 
We must give recognition to the fact that the majority of the Filipino population 
belongs to the youth sector. At a time when the country needs new leaders to steer the 
country out of its economic slump, giving primary attention to the youth sector is 
definitely necessary. 
In view of the foregoing, 
of this measure is earnestly 
recommended. 
1 


13TH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
*04 JUL -6 
411 3 2  
/ 
S E N A T E  
S. BILLNO. 
13 
Introduced by SENATOR RALPH G. RECTO 
AN ACT 
ESTABLISHING THE BOOKS FOR THE BARRIOS PROGRAM, AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Conness assembled 
1 
SECTION 1. Title. - 
This Act shall be known as the Books For the 
2 
Barrios Act of 2004. 
3 
SEC. 2. 
Declaration ofPoZicy. - 
It is hereby declared the policy of the 
4 
State to give the Filipino youth, particularly in remote areas, the chance for upward 
5 
mobility through education not only by listening but also by reading. Towards this end, 
6 
all public schools and libraries in remote barangays shall be provided with books undeI 
7 
the Books for the Barrios Program. 
8 
SEC. 3. 
Books for the Barrios’Pr0gram.- 
There shall be established, 
9 
under the Department of Education, (Dep Ed.), the Books for the Barrios Program, 
10 
hereinafter referred to as the Program. 
11 
For this purpose, the Dep Ed is hereby authorized to create an office that will take charge 
12 
of the Program, which shall have the following functions: 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
under the Program; 
a,) 
Prepare a list of all public schools and libraries throughout the 
country and regularly update the same; 
Formulate guideline and standards for availment of the benefits 
b.) 
2 


1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
25 
26 
27 
28 
29 
Accept and issue receipts for donations of books, magazines and 
other educational materials for distribution to qualified schools and 
libraries; 
Designate non-government organizations which may solicit book 
donations, or distribute books and other educational materials 
under its supervision; 
Make an inventory every three (3) months of all the books and 
other edupational materials; 
Make an inventory every three (3) months of all the books and 
other educational materials under its supervision; and 
Perform such other functions as may be necessary for the effective 
implementation of the Program. 
Scope and Coverage of the Program. - 
All elementary and 
secondary public schools, and public libraries in remote barangays throughout the 
country shall be entitled to the benefits offered by the Program : Provided, That public 
schools shall be required to establish their own libraries: Provided, further, That private 
schools and libraries in remote barangays may avail of the benefits under the Program 
subject to the guidelines and standards as maybe prescribed by the Department of 
Education. 
SEC. 5. Mechanics of the Program. - 
a.) 
The Dep Ed shall introduce the Program through the different 
government offices, agencies and institutions, the state colleges 
and universities, non-government organizations and private 
establishments which shall solicit from their officials, employees 
and members donation of used books, magazines and other 
educational materials; 
1 


1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
25 
26 
27 
b.) 
c.) 
The Dep Ed may also solicit books from foreign sources; 
At the end of every school year, all graduates from all levels shall 
be encouraged to donate their books and other educational 
materials to the Program; 
Non-government organizations as may be designated by the Dep 
Ed shall be authorized to solicit and distribute book donations in 
accordance with the guidelines as may be formulated by the Dep 
Ed: Provided, That reports shall be submitted to the Department of 
Education as to the manner and number of books received and 
distributed; 
The books and educational materials received shall be inventoried 
and distributed to qualified schools and libraries as may be 
determined by the Dep Ed in accordance with the guidelines as 
may be formulated for the Program. 
d.) 
e.) 
SEC. 6. 
Annual Report. - 
The Dep Ed shall submit an annual report to 
the President of the Philippines and the Congress on the implementation of the Program 
which shall include the number of books and other educational materials solicited and 
distributed and the beneficiaries thereof. 
SEC. 7. Appropriations. - 
The Secretary of the Dep Ed shall immediately 
include in its program and issue such rules and regulations to implement the provisions of 
this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations 
Act. 
SEC. 8 Repealing Clause - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or 
parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly. 
SEC. 9. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect upon its approval. 
Approved, 
2