Anytime Learning Access Act

Sendi one of the erda TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 26 APR 16 P3:08 First Regular Session SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 2050 Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR AN ACT ESTABLISHING TWENTY-FOUR (24)-HOUR PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN HIGHLY URBANIZED AND FIRST-CLASS COMPONENT CITIES, PROVIDING ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE PUBLIC STUDY SPACES, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE Access to safe, inclusive, and supportive learning spaces continues to be a major challenge in many densely populated urban areas in the Philippines. Many students struggle to find suitable environments for focused study at home, leading them to seek out places like cafés, fast food chains, or co-working spaces. Unfortunately, these options are not always affordable, appropriate, or available during late hours. Research clearly shows that learning experience improves significantly when students have access to well-functioning, publicly available libraries. While the positive effects are not instantaneous, numerous case studies from different countries demonstrate improvements in literacy, academic performance, and learning equity, especially when libraries are actively used and supported. Most public libraries in the Philippines typically only operate during standard daytime hours, which limits their accessibility for students and workers who need study spaces outside this period. In a world that increasingly values flexible learning schedules and digital access, there is a pressing need to expand the hours and capabilities of public libraries.

This proposed measure aims to establish and operate 24/7 public libraries in strategic urban centers, ensuring that everyone can access safe and well-equipped learning environments at any hour. These libraries will be designed to be socially inclusive, accessible for persons with disabilities, and stocked with up-to-date learning resources, reliable internet connections, and suitable study facilities. Furthermore, the bill underscores the vital roles of the private sector, the local government units and the national government in enhancing public library systems. This includes ongoing investment in infrastructure, modernizing facilities, acquiring learning materials and digital resources, and providing essential equipment. A key component of this effort is expanding human resources by hiring and retaining licensed librarians and support staff who are crucial for maintaining quality service and effective library operations. By offering accessible alternatives to commercial study spaces and fostering a culture of continuous learning, this bill seeks to empower students, promote lifelong education, and enhance academic success in urban communities. Given these points, we earnestly seek the swift passage of this bill. MARK A. VILLAR

= 5: Schak TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) First Regular Session 26 APR 16 P3:08 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 2050 Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR AN ACT ESTABLISHING TWENTY-FOUR (24)-HOUR PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN HIGHLY URBANIZED AND FIRST-CLASS COMPONENT CITIES, PROVIDING ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE PUBLIC STUDY SPACES, AND APPROPRIATING 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 "Anytime Learning Access

Act".

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

promote inclusive access to education and safe learning environments, particularly in highly urbanized and densely populated areas. Toward this end, the State shall 6 establish and maintain twenty-four (24)-hour public libraries that are accessible, well- 7 equipped, and responsive to the needs of students, workers, and lifelong learners.

Sec. 3. Mandatory Establishment of 24/7 Public Libraries. - All highly urbanized

9 cities (HUCs) and first-class component cities shall establish and operate at least one (1) public library that remains open and operational twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week. Existing public libraries in these cities shall be upgraded or designated to comply with this requirement.

Sec. 4. Minimum Standards and Facilities. - The 24/7 public libraries established

under this Act shall: a) Provide adequate seating capacity and study areas; b) Ensure reliable internet connectivity and access to digital resources; c) Maintain updated collections of books, references, and learning materials;

d) Be compliant with accessibility standards for persons with disabilities (PWDs); e) Have proper lighting, ventilation, sanitation, and security systems; and f) Include designated quiet zones and collaborative learning spaces.

Sec. 5. Inclusivity and Accessibility. - No person shall be denied access to the

5 24/7 public libraries on the basis of age, socioeconomic status, gender, disability, or 6 educational background.

Sec. 6. Safe Spaces and Anti-Harassment Protocols. - The 24/7 Public Libraries

shall implement safety measures in accordance with Republic Act No. 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act and its amendments. Library staff and security personnel shall undergo gender sensitivity and anti-sexual harassment training. Each facility shall post 11 clear safe space guidelines, and provide accessible mechanisms for reporting and addressing violations.

Sec. 7. Human Resources. - The local government units (LGUs) shall ensure the

hiring of sufficient and qualified personnel, including licensed librarians, administrative 15 staff, and security personnel, to support twenty-four (24)-hour operations.

Sec. 8. Community Participation and Feedback Mechanisms. - Covered LGUS

shall ensure meaningful community engagement in the planning and operation of the 24/7 Public Libraries. Youth groups, student organizations, women's and PWD organizations, and civil society shall be consulted. Each facility shall maintain an anonymous feedback system, both onsite and online, to continuously monitor safety, accessibility, and service delivery.

Sec. 9. Incentives for Private Sector Participation. - LGUs and concerned

agencies shall encourage the participation of the private sector in the implementation of this Act, which shall include, among others, private corporations, people's and non- government organizations, and such other groups or organizations, both foreign and local, that may want to partner in whole or in part with the maintenance and operation of 24/7 libraries. Any donation from the private sector to 24/7 libraries such as inventory 29 donations, staffing and administration complement, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, shall entitle the corporate and individual entities to existing benefits and fiscal incentives for donations to public institutions. Valuation of assistance other than money shall be based on the acquisition cost of the property,

1 taking into consideration its depreciated value in case said property has already been 2 used. The entitlement to such incentives shall be subject to the guidelines and 4 minimum standards to be formulated by the DILG and DepED.

Sec. 10. Role of the National Government. - The National Government, through

6 the National Library of the Philippines and other relevant agencies, shall: a) Provide technical assistance and policy guidance; b) Support the modernization and digitization of public library services; c) Develop standards for 24/7 library operations; and d) Facilitate capacity-building programs for library personnel.

Sec. 11. Implementation Plan and Reporting. - Within six (6) months from the

12 effectivity of this Act, covered LGUs shall submit to the DILG a library development 13 and operations plan that includes site identification, facility design, sustainability 14 components, budget allocation, and staffing arrangements for overnight operations. The DILG shall consolidate and submit an annual progress report to Congress on the status of implementation, challenges encountered, and best practices, for a period of five (5) years.

Sec. 12. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial implementation

of this Act shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the concerned LGUs. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation shall be included in the annual budgets of the concerned LGUs, to be augmented by a portion of the Special Education Fund of LGUs as provided for in Republic Act No. 7160 or the "Local Government Code of 1991," as amended.

Sec. 13. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within six (6) months from the

effectivity of this Act, the DILG, in coordination with DepED, DICT, and other concerned government agencies, and other stakeholders shall promulgate the 27 necessary implementing rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this 28 Act.

Sec. 14. Separability Clause, - If any provision of this Act is held invalid or

unconstitutional, the other provisions not so declared shall remain in force and effect.

Sec. 15. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, issuances, rules and

regulations, inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 16. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following

its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,