Republic of the Ikilippines
House of Representatives
Quezon Gy, Meteo Manila
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

6043

House Bill No.

INTRODUCED BY
REP. ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
INCORPORATING THE VALUE OF RESPONSIBLE, FAIR USAGE
AND ENJOYMENT OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN CURRICULA
NATIONWIDE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In the advent of Information and Communications Technology,
the fast-paced improvement of mobile devices, and the public
accessibility of Wi-Fi and mobile data, Filipinos can easily access the
internet and social media platforms. Given its apparent accessibility,
majority of the total population of the Filipinos are internet users and
have an active presence on social media, particularly Facebook.

‘The use of the internet can be beneficial to the development by
the youth. It gave them the freedom to browse the world wide web for
much needed information and knowledge. However, there have been
instances where children have encountered exploitative strangers who
prey on them. Others experience bullying through demeaning words or
comments, or posting of one’s private photos.

Under Section 17, Article II of the 1987 Constitution, the State
shall address these concerns as it is mandated to prioritize, among
others, education, science and technology to foster patriotism and
nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human
liberation and development. Section 13 of the same Article recognizes
the vital role of the youth in nation-building wherein the State shall
promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and
social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and
nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic
affairs.


This bill thus seeks to educate our children on how to effectively
and safely use social media in communications and dissemination of
information. It aims to help pupils and students utilize social media in
public discourse and opinion for a more participative democracy.
Moreover, this will help develop discernment and critical thinking in the
responsible use of present and future technologies.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is
earnestly sought.


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon Cify, Motes Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 6049

INTRODUCED BY
REP. ALFRED VARGAS

AN ACT
INCORPORATING THE VALUE OF RESPONSIBLE, FAIR USAGE
AND ENJOYMENT OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN CURRICULA
NATIONWIDE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the
Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION I. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Social Media
Awareness in Curricula Nationwide Act".

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy - The State has constitutionally
declared policies to serve and protect the people, to give priority to
education to foster patriotism and nationalism and to recognize the
vital role of communication and information in nation building.
Towards this end, it is the objective of this Act to adapt with the
mercurial rise of the influence and prevalence of use of Social Media by
inculcating onto the youth and for students the virtues of discernment
and critical thinking in their unavoidable daily immersion in social
media.

SECTION 3. Inclusion of Social Media in the Curricula for Primary
and Secondary Education. - Social Media Awareness shall be part
of the curriculum for both primary and secondary education, in public
and private schools, with the following objectives:
a. To inculcate how various types of Social Media aid in the effective
and efficient dissemination of information;
b. To inculcate how Social Media helps in shaping public discourse
and opinion;


c. To inculcate how Social Media helps in fostering a more
participative democracy;

d. To inculcate the importance of upholding truth and the veracity
of facts, figures and events in Social Media;

e. To inculcate responsible and fair use of Social Media; and

f. To inculcate the virtues of discernment and critical-thinking in
the use and/or enjoyment of Social Media.

The Department of Education (DepEd), in consultation with
the Department of Information and Communications Technology
(DICT), shall immediately formulate the necessary steps and measures
to achieve the objectives of this Section.

SECTION 4. Social Media Awareness as part of the National
Service Training Program (NSTP). - Social Media Awareness be made
part of the National Service Training Program (NSTP), particularly in the
service components pertaining to the Literacy Training Service and the
Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS).

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical
Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), in consultation
with the DICT, shall immediately formulate the necessary steps and
measures to achieve the objectives or this Section.

SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DepEd
shall, in consultation with CHED, TESDA, and DICT, promulgate the
necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of the
provisions of this Act: Provided, That the failure of the concerned
agencies to promulgate the said rules and regulations shall not prevent
the implementation of this Act upon its effectivity.

SECTION 6. Separability Clause. — If any section or provision of this
Act shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or

provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 7. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
its publication in two (2) newspapers of national circulation.

Approyed,