LAS Piñas Rep. Camille Villar is pushing for the establishment of a nationwide program that would provide barangays all over the country with free access to digital learning resources to support the academic needs of its residents.
Under House Bill No. 9581, or the proposed “E-books for the Barangay Program Act of 2023,” Villar wants the Department of Education (DepEd) to spearhead the undertaking.
“The Philippine archipelago poses significant challenges in terms of providing equitable access to educational resources, especially in rural and marginalized communities. The limited physical library infrastructures, inadequate reading materials, and a lack of access to up-to-date digital learning tools exacerbate the situation,” she said.
She said her proposed legislation seeks to “establish and launch a progressive initiative designed to bridge the digital divide, promote digital literacy, and improve access to quality educational resources for all Filipinos.”
Villar’s proposed e-books barangay program include a digital library platform that will 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.
It shall likewise initiate the distribution of electronic devices such as tablets or e-readers, particularly in areas with limited internet access.
The DepEd is also mandated to coordinate workshops and training programs in the barangay level to enhance the digital literacy among residents and to develop their skills in using electronic resources.
A periodic assessment and data collection shall likewise be carried out to measure the program’s success and the possible introduction of measures to improve the system.
“We need to guarantee equal access to education and learning materials to everyone, especially those who live in far-flung areas. This proposal seeks to make this possible,” Villar said.
