E-books for the Barangay Program Act

Senate Office of the Bendary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 AUG 19 A9:41 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 1209 Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE EBOOKS FOR THE BARANGAY PROGRAM AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREOF EXPLANATORY NOTE The Constitution guarantees all citizens the right to quality education at every level and mandates the implementation of appropriate measures to ensure that this education is accessible to all individuals. In this digital age, access to information and knowledge is vital for the success of individuals, communities, and nations. The ability to acquire and utilize information empowers citizens to make informed decisions, contribute responsibly to their communities, and become effective leaders in the global economy. The Philippines, home to over 100 million people and more than 42,000 barangays, faces significant challenges in providing equitable access to educational resources, particularly in rural and marginalized communities. The situation is further compounded by limited physical library infrastructures, inadequate reading materials, and insufficient access to current digital learning tools. In response to these challenges, this measure aims to establish and implement a progressive program intended to bridge the digital divide, enhance digital literacy, and improve access to quality educational resources for all Filipinos. The E-books for the Barangay Program represent a transformative step in democratizing access to educational resources, fostering digital literacy, and empowering Filipinos across the archipelago.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought. MARK A. VILLAR

Sellate Bifice of the Scorciary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 AUG 19 A9:41 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 1209 Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE E-BOOKS FOR THE BARANGAY PROGRAM AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREOF Be 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 "E-Books for the Barangay

2 Program Act.

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared policy of the State to ensure

4 that quality educational materials are accessible to all, respecting the right of all 5 citizens to education and to promote lifelong learning.

Sec. 3. Establishment of the E-Books for the Barangay Program. - There is

7 hereby established a nationwide program to be known as the "E-Books for the Barangay Program" under the Department of Education (DepEd). This program aims 9 to provide each barangay with access to free and curated digital learning resources 10 that support the academic needs of its residents.

Sec. 4. Program Components. - The E-books for the Barangay Program shall

include the following components: a) Digital library platform - This shall provide a secure and organized database of digital learning resources, including e-books, video lectures, simulations, and other relevant materials, in various fields of study and in languages suitable for the local community. b) Devices distribution - The program shall facilitate the provision of electronic devices, such as tablets or e-readers, to ensure access to digital library resources for all barangays, particularly in areas with limited internet access.

c) Capacity building - DepEd shall coordinate workshops and training programs to enhance digital literacy among barangay residents and develop skills in using e-resources. d) Monitoring and evaluation - Periodic assessment and data collection shall be carried out to measure the program's success and inform its continuous improvement.

Sec. 5. Funding. - The necessary funding for the implementation of this Act

shall be sourced from the DepEd's share in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Sec. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DepEd, in coordination with

pertinent government instrumentalities, shall develop the implementing rules and regulations, within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act.

Sec. 7. Separability Clause. - Any portion or provisions of this Act that may be

declared unconstitutional or invalid and shall not have the effect of nullifying other portions or provisions hereof as long as such remaining portions or provisions can still subsist and be given effect in their entirety.

Sec. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,

memoranda, circulars, and other issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 9. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall be taken effect fifteen (15) days after

its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,