House panel OKs bill to integrate IT in public schools

MANILA, Philippines — The House committee on basic education has approved a bill that will help modernize the country’s public school system and pave the way for the integration of information and communications (ICT) technology infrastructure in the education sector.

“My doctrine for education reform is simple: I want to build a country of skills, not just a country of diplomas. The ultimate goal is to liberate the country from the tyranny of a college degree requirement,” Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said.

Salceda authored House Bill 311 (An Act Establishing the Public Schools of The Future in Technology), through which the committee headed by Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo would help prepare the public school system for a digital economy.

“Chairman Romulo and the committee have been very receptive to our ideas for reforming the basic education system. That’s why I anticipate that ultimately, the whole of the Comprehensive Education Reform Agenda will be enacted,” he said.

In his July 27 State of the Nation Address, President Duterte requested for more ICT in public schools and the establishment of a Public Education Network.

“The DepEd (Department of Education) and the DICT (Department of Information and Communcations Technology) are building up the Public Education Network (PEN) that will connect all public schools and DepEd offices nationwide. By 2022, before I step down, the PEN shall be realized. I’m referring to the program. I will – I will do it,” Duterte said.

The bill mandates government agencies, through an inter-agency task force, to prepare the country’s public schools’ curriculum, physical and digital infrastructure, and administration for teaching skills useful for a more digital economy.

HB 311 meets Duterte’s call by mandating internet access for public schools.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones said yesterday that the DepEd would not stop private schools that have already opened classes ahead of the rescheduled opening in public schools to Oct. 5.

“Hindi naman natin yan mapipigil,” Briones said in a virtual press conference yesterday, adding as long as health guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases and of Department of Health are followed, as well as the curriculum of the Department of Education.

She noted that there was no danger in the opening of classes of private schools that are also resorting to distance learning in consideration of the still raging COVID-19 pandemic.

In the case of public schools, Briones said that they will make the most of the extended time for preparations for the opening of classes with the delayed opening of classes from the original schedule of Aug. 24, to Oct. 5.