House Deputy Speaker and Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar is pushing for the passage of a measure that would provide free access to digital learning resources to all barangays in a bid to support the academic needs of their residents.
The implementation of the proposed E-books for the Barangay Program Act (House Bill 9581) will be spearheaded by the Department of Education (DepEd), Villar said.
“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,” Villar said.
Villar’s proposed e-books barangay program includes 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.
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 added.
The DepEd is also mandated to coordinate workshops and training programs in the barangay level to enhance digital literacy among residents and to develop their skills in using electronic resources.
