Digital Skills and Technology Education Act

Senate Office of the ormetary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session JAN 27 P2:03 SENATE RECEIVED BY: 1705 S. No. _ Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR AN ACT MANDATING THE INCLUSION OF DIGITAL SKILLS AND RELEVANT TECHNOLOGY COURSES IN THE EDUCATIONAL CURRICULUM, AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE The 21st century has been marked by unprecedented advancements in technology, leading to the rise of the digital age. As people around the world embrace digital technologies in various aspects of their lives, the need for developing digital skills becomes increasingly vital. In the age of rapid technological advancements, it is crucial for the Philippines to adapt and evolve to remain competitive globally. A strong foundation in digital skills serves as the backbone of the current job market and economy, both locally and internationally. Addressing the urgency of digital skills and relevant technology courses is vital for securing a prosperous future for the Philippines. This proposed measure intends to ensure an inclusive digital education, and demonstrates our commitment to investing in human capital to foster a technologically-savvy society. In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is sought. MARK A. VILLAR КОС

Senate I Offire of the Sarcretarp TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session ) JAN 27 P2:03 SENATE 1705 S. No. - Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR AN ACT MANDATING THE INCLUSION OF DIGITAL SKILLS AND RELEVANT TECHNOLOGY COURSES IN THE EDUCATIONAL CURRICULUM, AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR 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 "Digital Skills and

2 Technology Education Act."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to provide a dynamic,

responsive, and innovation-driven modern educational system that develops a globally recognized workforce capable of meeting the demands of the digital age. The State shall enhance and adapt the educational curriculum to incorporate digital skills and 7 relevant technology courses that will ensure the competitiveness and proficiency of 8 Filipino students.

Sec. 3. Inclusion of Digital Skills and Relevant Technology Courses. - The

Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) shall revise the existing educational curricula in basic, tertiary, and technical-vocational education and training (TVET) by incorporating appropriate technology courses, including but not limited to: a. Coding and programming b. Digital marketing

c. Data analytics d. Web and mobile app development e. Artificial intelligence and robotics f. Cybersecurity g. Digital multimedia and design h. Entrepreneurship in the digital age These courses should be suitable for each educational level and provide adequate depth and expertise in relevant digital skills.

Sec. 4. Learning Facilities, Teacher Training, and Assessment. - The DepEd,

10 CHED, and TESDA shall ensure appropriate learning facilities, equipment, and materials are made available to support the implementation of these courses. They shall also develop and provide continuous training and/or capacity-building programs 13 for teachers, instructors, and trainers to be adequately prepared for teaching the curriculum. An assessment system shall be established to measure the effectiveness 15 and impact of integrating digital skills and relevant technology in the curricula.

Sec. 5. Collaboration with the ICT Industry. - To ensure the relevance of the

17 courses and to promote job placement, the educational institutions shall collaborate 18 with representatives from the information and communications technology (ICT) 19 industry. This collaboration may include consultations, partnerships, internships, and 20 apprenticeship programs designed to expose students to real-world applications of their skills.

Sec. 6. Funding. - The amount necessary for the effective implementation of

this Act shall be sourced from the current fiscal year's appropriation of DepEd, CHED, and TESDA under the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Sec. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DepEd, CHED, and TESDA

shall, within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, promulgate the necessary implementing rules and regulations.

Sec. 8. 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. 9. 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. 10. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall be take effect fifteen (15) days after

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