E-texbook Para Sa Lahat Act

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) First Regular Session JUL - 3 76:05 SENATE S. No. 122 Introduced by Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam " A. Aquino IV AN ACT REQUIRING THE FREE DIGITAL PROVISION OF TEXTBOOKS USED IN BASIC EDUCATION, ENCOURAGING OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Access to quality education is a constitutional right and a cornerstone of national development. Yet, for millions of Filipino learners, access to textbooks remains constrained by cost, availability, and outdated materials. In an age where digital connectivity and technology play a growing role in education, we must act decisively to ensure that all learners, regardless of income or location, can access essential learning This bill requires that all textbooks approved for use in basic education by the Department of Education (DepEd) be made available by their authors or publishers in digital format, free of charge. These digital copies shall be submitted to DepEd and made accessible to learners and teachers through official platforms or other authorized channels. This measure affirms the State's commitment to equity, inclusivity, and innovation in education. The proposed measure also encourages the development and use of Open Educational Resources (OER). These are teaching, learning, and research materials in any medium that reside in the public domain or have been released under an open license that permits no-cost access, use, adaptation, and redistribution. By mandating free digital versions of textbooks and supporting the growth of OER, this proposed measure: • Reduces the financial burden on students and families; • Enhances access to up-to-date learning materials; • Encourages innovation and collaboration in education;

• Supports alternative and flexible learning modes, especially in times of disruption; and • Aligns textbook policies with 21st-century digital learning realities. This measure is a step toward a more accessible, resilient, and learner-centered education system, where access to learning is not hindered by the cost or scarcity of books, and where technology serves to bridge, rather than widen, educational gaps. In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. Bam Aquin

TWENTTETH CONGRESS OF THE ) First Regular SessiPLINES First Regular Session JUL - 3 P6:06 SENATE S. No. 122 Introduced by Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" A. Aquino IV AN ACT REQUIRING THE FREE DIGITAL PROVISION OF TEXTBOOKS USED IN BASIC EDUCATION, ENCOURAGING OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES, 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 "E-Texbook Para Sa Lahat Act."

2 Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote accessible, 3 inclusive, and equitable education for all. Recognizing the transformative potential of 4 digital learning tools, the State shall ensure that essential educational resources, including textbooks, are accessible in both print and digital formats at no cost to learners. The State shall also encourage the creation, adaptation, and use of open educational resources (OER) to foster collaboration, innovation, and equity in 8 education. 9 Sec. 3. Coverage. - This Act shall apply to all textbooks and instructional materials used in basic education, whether for public or private schools, and approved or recognized by the Department of Education (DepEd) pursuant to existing laws, policies, and regulations.

Sec. 4. Mandatory Free Digital Format and Condition for DepEd Approval. - All authors,

publishers, or copyright holders of textbooks and instructional materials intended for use in basic education and submitted for DepEd approval or procurement shall:

a) Provide an electronic or digital version of the material in a format accessible on standard digital devices (PDF or EPUB); b) Make such digital versions available to the DepEd free of charge; and C) Authorize the DepEd to distribute or make accessible such digital copies, at no cost, to learners, teachers, and schools via DepEd-authorized platforms. 6 Provided, That compliance with the foregoing shall be a prerequisite for the approval, 7 endorsement, procurement, or inclusion of such materials in the official list of textbooks and learning resources of the DepEd. 9 Sec. 5. Promotion of Open Educational Resources. - To further enhance access to 10 quality education, the Deped shall encourage the development, use, and adaptation of Open Educational Resources (OER), freely accessible, openly licensed educational 12 materials that can be used, shared, adapted, and redistributed. 13 DepEd shall include in its policies incentives and support mechanisms for schools, 14 educators, and authors that develop OER for use in the K to 12 curriculum.

Sec. 6. Non-Compliance. - Failure to comply with the requirements under this Act shall

disqualify the textbook or learning material from consideration for DepEd approval, endorsement, or procurement. Additional sanctions may be imposed in accordance with the implementing rules and regulations. 19 Sec. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DepEd shall issue the necessary rules and regulations within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act. Such regulations shall include, but not be limited to: a) Technical standards for digital formats; b) Guidelines for access and distribution; c) Provisions to ensure the digital version is identical in content to the approved print version; d) Measures to ensure accessibility for learners with disabilities; e) Data privacy and copyright safeguards.

Sec. 8. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act is declared

unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall 3 continue to be in full force and effect. 4 Sec. 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive and administrative orders, rules, and 5 regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 6 Sec. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 7 the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,