EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE Di

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.B.No.__3433_

Introduced by Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto
6th District of Batangas

AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE UTILIZATION OF INFORMATION AND
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) IN ALL PUBLIC ELEMENTARY
SCHOOLS AND HIGH SCHOOLS PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The advent of the internet can be likened to the invention of Guttenberg’s printing
press. Similar to how the printing press ushered in the human race from the Dark Ages to the
New Age, the internet is ushering humankind into a world unhampered by borders. Modern
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) such as Wi-Fi, mobile phones,
computers, and laptops allow easier and faster access to timely information which is
necessary in a rapidly globalizing and competitive world.

“(ICTs) greatly facilitate the acquisition and absorption of knowledge,
offering developing countries unprecedented opportunities 10 enhance
educational systems, improve policy formulation and execution, and widen the
range of opportunities for business and the poor. One of the greatest
hardships endured by the poor, and by many others who live in the poorest
countries is their sense of isolation. The new communication technologies
promise to reduce that sense of isolation, and to open access to knowledge in
ways unimaginable not long ago.”


= World Bank (1998), The World Development
Report quoted in Blurton, C, New
Directions of ICT - Use in Education

In line with the goals set forth in the country’s K to 12 Program, particularly for the
secondary level, the utilization of modem technology would better equip students with
faculties necessary in preparation for tertiary education and for the increasingly competitive
labor market.

‘As of School Year 2016-2017, the number of students enrolled in the country’s
38,803 elementary public schools was at 12.9 million, while students enrolled in the 11,680
elementary private schools was at 1.2M!. Meanwhile, enrollment in the country’s 8,282
secondary public schools was at 6.2 million, and for the 5,935 secondary private schools it
was at 1.3 million’, Many of the private schools in the country have long since supplemented
classroom learning with ICT such as the use of computers and multimedia projectors for a
more effective and efficient learning experience. They have also incorporated computer and
internet education in their curricula while public schools have to wrestle with dated
‘computers that are not even commensurate to the number of students enrolled in public

schools.

Computer and internet literacy is hard currency in most industries and in today’s labor
market. Students who do not have access to computers and to the internet could potentially
have slim chances of securing a job as opposed to students in most private schools who have
had experience with ICT and training in search, retrieval and processing of information

sourced from the internet.

The internet and computer use are part and parcel of globalization where the youth is
undoubtedly at the forefront. The burgeoning youth population of the country grapple with
the ever increasing qualifications of landing a job and limiting them from fully harnessing the

capabilities that ICT offers will surely leave them lagging behind in personal growth and in
the labor market.

Basic Education Fact Sheet



With a rapidly digitizing world, it is imperative that traditional learning methods be
supplemented with ICT to allow more efficient learning in classrooms. Equipping public
schools with computers and intemet is a challenge that does not just mean being at par with
counterparts in private schools—but it is about giving students in public secondary schools
equal opportunity to make use of ICT, which is an absolute need in today’s society. Providing
public schools with ICT is not the sole solution to problems of unemployment, but it is a
definite step to ensuring that the Filipino youth is competitive in the rapidly changing world
characterized by the introduction of new technologies that lead to a “knowledge-based
economy” where education drives growth, increases productivity, and creates jobs.

In light of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earn



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EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

HB. 3433

Introduced by Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto
6th District of Batangas

AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE UTILIZATION OF INFORMATION AND
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) IN ALL PUBLIC ELEMENTARY
SCHOOLS AND HIGH SCHOOLS PROVIDING 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 “ICT in Education Act of
2019”.

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy and Objectives. ~ It shall be the policy of the State to
provide quality education that is accessible to all citizens. Furthermore, the State shall also
establish and maintain an education system that is relevant to the needs of society.
This Act shall attain the following objectives:
a. Provide public schools with up-to-date computer facilities including a stable
wireless network and equipment necessary for easier access to information;
b. Train educators to supplement traditional classroom learning with Information and
Communication Technology (ICT);
Cc. Replace out-dated textbooks with up-to-date electronic books; and
d. Have an online shared curriculum among public schools to ensure that students
even in rural areas will be given the same quality of education,
Sec. 3. ICT in Public Elementary Schools and High Schools. ~ The Department of
Education (DepEd) shall use appropriate and effective ICT in public schools to broaden
access to basic education, improve the quality of learning, enhance the quality of teaching,

and improve educational planning and management.


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Sec. 4. Physical and Technological Infrastructure. ~ Within a period of six (6) years,
all public schools shall establish at least one (1) Computer Center with a stable internet
connection that will provide and ensure the access of students to the internet. The schools
shall avail of the services of existing commercial internet providers and shall establish and
maintain a computer facility system which should have, at the minimum, the following
equipment:

A. Desktop Personal Computer (PC);

Wireless Broadband Router;
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS);
‘Computer Printer; and

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Multimedia Projector.

‘The number of computer units for the Computer Center of each public school will be
based on the standards provided for by the DepEd in consultation with the Department of
Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and with each respective public
school.

Sec. 5. Training for Educators and Maintenance of ICT. - The Regional Offices of
the DepEd and the DICT shall carry out training for educators in public schools to integrate
ICT in classroom learning, to instill in educators the professional and educational benefits of
investment in ICT, and to allow educators to have mastery of sourcing out appropriate
resources for education,

‘The aforementioned agencies shall monitor the use and upkeep of the ICT introduced
in public schools.

Sec. 6. Utilization of ICT in Classroom Learning and in Computer Centers. ~
Educators in public schools shall make full use of ICT as presentation tools to complement
traditional teaching methods. Presentation tools may include, but shall not be limited to,
multimedia projectors, television and guided internet surfing where the educator and the
students will be able to view internet sites simultaneously.

‘Computer Centers in public schools should be made available to students for training
on computer and internet use, and for research purposes.

Sec. 7. Computerization of Administrative Systems. ~ The DepEd with the technical
assistance of the DICT shall develop an ICT-based administrative system that will enhance
organizational communication; facilitate gathering, analysis, dissemination, and maintenance

of educational statistics; and streamline office procedures.


Sec. 8. Appropriations. ~ The amount necessary for the immediate implementation of
sof this Act is hereby authorized to be appropriated out of any funds in the

the provi
National Treasury not otherwise appropriated. Thereafter, funds for its implementation shall
be included in the regular appropriations of the Department of Education.

Sec. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations ~ The DepEd and the DICT shall, within

thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this Act, issue the necessary rules and regulations for
its effective implementation.
Sec. 10. Separability Clause. — In the event that any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the validity of the other provisions shall not be affected by such declaration.
Sec. 11. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations, or
portions thereof, inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
Sec. 12. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation or in the Official Gazette.
Approved,