Republic Act No.

9418

RA9418

1. Highlights of the 1st National Forum on Volunteerism as a Strategy for Development

2. Volunteer Act of 2007

Highlights of the 1st National Forum on Volunteerism

as a Strategy for Development
Conference Rooms 14 & 15, Mitra Building
House of Representatives
27 January 2010

Introduction

The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) in cooperation with the Committee on Rural
Development of the House of Representatives, Congress of the Philippines conducted the 1st National Forum on
Volunteerism as a Strategy for Rural Development on January 27, 2010, as part of the implementation of the Republic
Act No. 9418 or the Volunteer Act of 2007- “An Act Institutionalizing a Strategy for Rural Development, Strengthening
Volunteerism and for Other Purposes”.

The National Forum is intended to provide the appropriate venue for volunteer stakeholders to come together, discuss
and build alliances toward a common goal for the voluntary sector through volunteerism as a development strategy and
linking this strategy with other national development strategies.

In preparation for the Forum, a series of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) participated by different sectors was
conducted last year. The FGDs captured issues and recommendations of the voluntary sector and stakeholders by way
of plans, programs and project activities and presented in the form of a roadmap or strategic action plan for the voluntary
sector during the National Forum. (Please see Annex A for the Sectoral FGD results).

Highlights of the National Forum

The Forum formally started with the invocation and the singing of the national anthem led by the House of
Representatives Choir.

In the introduction of speakers by Committee Secretary Dianne Manaligod, she also thanked the participants who have
attended the Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and shared her enthusiasm with all the participants who took time to
participate in the crafting of the Roadmap.

Honorable Pryde Henry A. Teves, Congressman of the 3rd District of Negros Oriental and Vice Chairman of the
Committee on Rural Development gave the welcome remarks to the one hundred sixteen (116) participants, from
various sectors. He acknowledged the support and participation of the various sector to the National Forum on
Volunteerism which the HCRD strived to achieve. The forum is a clear manifestation of the relevance of volunteerism
particularly in the works of the Committee which is geared on legislation with the goal of developing our rural community.

Congressman Manuel S. Agyao, Representative of Kalinga Province and Vice Chairman of the Committee delivered
the message (Please see Annex B.) in behalf of Committee Chairman Congressman Arrel R. Olaño. His message
outlined the spirit, the soul and the purpose of the Volunteer Act of 2007. He expressed confidence that the challenge
of adopting volunteerism as viable development option can transform the House of Representatives into a more
dynamic, proactive, volunteer sensitive legislative body given the support and cooperation and with solid belief of all
partners and stakeholders behind its collective development agenda.

Overview of Forum Mechanics

Dr. Virgilio Salentes presented the Forum mechanics which includes the process in the formulation of the Voluntary
Sector Roadmap; presentation of the Roadmap/Strategic Action Plan, and securing stakeholder affirmation and support
to the Roadmap. The Forum will be capped by the ceremonial declaration of commitment wherein participants will sign
in the covenant on the Roadmap or Strategic Action Plan for the voluntary sector in the Philippines. The final step is
the identification of steps for advancing the Roadmap. (Please see Annex C for the Forum Mechanics presentation).

Proposed Roadmap

Ms. Cora Macaraig of PNVSCA made a presentation on the proposed roadmap. The presentation highlighted a brief
introduction on the Republic Act 9418 and the purpose of the roadmap which was formulated through the conduct of
Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with various sectors namely the academe, corporate, not-for-profit, foreign volunteer
organizations, government agencies and local government units and volunteer sectors. The Roadmap consists of
critical and doable programs and projects on volunteerism to be undertaken in the next six years. The roadmap shall
link volunteerism as a development strategy with other national development strategies and can be the voluntary
sector’s inputs which may be proposed to be included in the successor Medium Term Philippine Development Plan
(MTPDP). (Please see Annex D for the full presentation).

Open Forum

Following the roadmap presentation was an open forum. Points raised are as follows:

 Are there criteria or guidelines on how to choose best volunteers?

 PNVSCA explained that there are two major categories in the Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV). One
is the National Outstanding Volunteer Award (NOVA) given to individuals (youth and adult category) and to
organizations under not-for-profit and corporate category. The other one is the special award called the
Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award (VLAA) also for individuals and organizations with lifetime
volunteering. Commitment, Performance and Sustainability of volunteer work are the main criteria in the
selection.
 Will the importance of monitoring of the working hours of the volunteers be included under the Research,
Monitoring and Evaluation?
 On the study and impact of volunteering, PNVSCA believes that the variable on the number of volunteering
hours is one of the concrete measures on how to value the amount or volume of volunteering.
 On the formation of a consortium, has there been any initiative taken up as to what form and shape will it be?
  The concept on how to operationalize the consortium has not been yet formulated, but it will be formed by the
different sectors as provided for in the RA and that the consortium will address specific programs and
projects that may be undertaken.
 The representative from Lopez Group Foundation, Mr. Dario Pagcaliwagan commented that in drawing a
roadmap, there should be an objective which results into a long term goal. He also suggested to characterize
the menu that are being reviewed, and define the role of government, private sector, academe because they
have their own expertise.
 Director Salentes responded that the long term and short term objectives have not been defined as of now
because it would be linked in the new directions of the incoming administration. These will be included in
the successor plan of the next administration, and the policies to cascade also to the sector.
 Adora Rodriguez of PIA suggested to prioritize first the things that can be done while waiting for the next
administration and to disseminate immediately RA 9418 so that we can be able to take the 1st step towards
the ladder of our achievements.

Director Salentes said that for purposes of leveraging resources, is there from among the 19 activities that
PIA can commit in terms of assistance?

Ms. Rodriguez responded that they can help a lot, and details can be discussed in future post forum
activities.

 Congressman Oca Francisco observed that the law and the IRR do not mention about the role of community-
based organizations. He suggested to also look into the IRR and include them as part of the not-for-profit
sector.
 PNVSCA responded that on the matter of community-based organizations, the current working definition for
the not-for-profit sector, includes the community-based organizations. It was not explicitly identified in the
IRR but in the FGD discussion, it is included in the big sector of NGO.
 Sis. Ma. Josefina Carrasco of VIDES Philippines suggested that there is a need to align the programs and the
PPAs in the proposed roadmap with the MDGs.
 PNVSCA replied that the alignment of PPAs with the MDGs have to be treated in two different ways, one is to
look at very specific programs that each NGO or a particular organization is implementing (if working with
street children, it is consistent with MDGs). The other would be on the nature of providing an enabling
environment, and what would be the environment by which a particular non-government organization could
fit.
 Mr. Gapas of Mag-uugmad Foundation, inquired if the MSAB will be capable to help the volunteers and
organizations actually working in the field on the matter of conflict of policy at the national level. For example,
under the IPAS law, only tenured migrant should be allowed to remain in the protected areas. But, in 2007,
the DENR issued a Department Order allowing non-tenured migrants to have access in these protected
areas and make special development which is a clear violation, bypassing the original IPAS law.
 Congressman Teves said that the Department Order works in a specific area, he also worked with the
protected area in his own district, the Apo Island. He acknowledged that Mr. Gapas is right, the SAPA should
be specific only for places where tourism and marine or nature conservation can coexist with each other.

(Please see Annex E for the Open Forum discussion.)

Reactions / Affirmation:

Reactions to the proposed roadmap by representatives of each sector:

Foreign Volunteer Organization

Mr. Jonas Tetangco, In-country Manager of Australian Youth Ambassador for Development/ Volunteering International
for Development from Australia (AYAD/VIDA) Program presented four (4) insights. There are:

1. Recognition, Rewards and Incentives - Volunteerism must be a selfless act that individuals or groups must be
willing to take without the benefit of rewards or incentives;
2. Volunteer Processes - Volunteerism must not be bureaucratic, it must remain spontaneous and must
encourage people through ease of engagement;
3. Partnership Building - Establishing public-private sector partnership in volunteerism can be an effective
approach and the environment for such partnerships to develop and flourish must be created and facilitated
to ensure that such engagements happen and become successful. Local partnerships and volunteer
programs must be encouraged and supported, however this does not necessarily mean that Government
(PNVSCA) is on top of it all. PNVSCA’s role should continue to be a coordinator and facilitator of
volunteerism and not in implementation. As such, he cautioned against having PNVSCA actively involved in
volunteer program implementation, including the PNVSCA-LGU-SUC partnership. PNVSCA should
continue to be a regulatory and oversight agency; and
4. Volunteering for Development - Local volunteer initiatives must be based on local needs and circumstances,
and volunteer programs must conform to these needs. We must encourage the development of provincial
or municipal/city volunteer strategies and these must be aligned with the local development agenda.

National Government Agencies (NGAs)

Director Cleofe S. Pastrana of the NEDA Social Development Staff said that concerted efforts from the voluntary sector
would help the country in pushing forward the attainment of the MDG targets, particularly for those areas with low
probabilities of achievement namely the education and maternal mortality targets. She suggested to put forward the
following recommendations to improve the draft Roadmap:

1. A program that would create a pool of volunteers that could be tapped specifically in times of crisis. This
program could be the roadmaps contribution to the country’s disaster preparedness and responsiveness
program by giving the proper training for identified volunteers as well as nurturing them.
2. Innovative schemes for partnership building and networking as well as mainstreaming volunteerism in various
local/sectoral development plans.
3. On advocacy and information, a thorough mapping of the needs of all sectors for volunteers may have to be
prepared and provided to match the supply of the interested volunteers.
4. Incentives for volunteers may be augmented if needed, but these have to be reconciled with the real meaning
of volunteerism.
5. On partnership building and networking, PNVSCA can tap school organizations who are often involved in
different social undertakings. The creation of a volunteer office in every school is a good move.
6. For successful implementation of the Roadmap, PNVSCA may need to identify sectors which need the help
of the volunteers; mechanisms that would be put in place to monitor implementation; and detailed timeframe
of action plan supported by measurable indicators as basis for measuring success.
7. Include more strategic activities for resource mobilization, hence, this roadmap could be complemented by an
investment program in the future.
 8. Include the operational framework showing how all these PPAs could contribute to the outcomes, goals and
objectives.
9. Consider the efforts measuring/accounting for the contribution of volunteerism in our national/local
development efforts.

Academe

Dr. Federico Cruz, Director of Ugnayang Pahinungod, UP Manila, suggested strengthening the kinks in the existing
version of the roadmap, as it is now presented, and perhaps organizing the roadmap so it will respond to the needs of
the sector. The following points were raised:

1. The needs with regard to information dissemination will vary between schools with volunteer or without
volunteer organization.
2. The fastest way to build the capability to implement volunteer activities in the academe is to institutionalize
volunteerism by the organization of a volunteer office.
3. A need for developing a course curriculum on volunteerism locally. Each academic unit must make volunteer
programs part of their regular budget. Sharing of resources must be encouraged, particularly human
resources of the different schools.
4. The NSTP can be used to introduce students to volunteerism. A mandatory reporting system must be in place
to see how the academic institution is complying with RA 9418.
5. A system of recognition of best volunteer practices, greatest contribution to community development or nation–
building, most active school organization in volunteerism, etc. may be organized by the school to promote
volunteerism.

Corporate

Mr. Maximilian Ventura, Executive Director of Philam Foundation, said that from the perspective of the corporate
volunteer organization, the roadmap should have a mechanism for tapping corporate sector expertise because the
private sector has a very well working corporate social responsibility (CSR) program. He also suggested defining the
points of convergence among corporate volunteer organizations and highlighting the role of corporate volunteer
organizations in information, education, awareness raising intervention and also enhancing the consultative process of
the PNVSCA MSAB.

Not-for Profit

Mr. Timothy Gabuna, President of VOICE Network, believes that RA 9418 provides an opportunity for stronger sectoral
collaboration which can be the seed for a consortium that can provide for a wider engagement of stakeholders. He cited
the need for prioritizing capability building and training particularly on the strengthening of volunteering in local
government units down to the barangay level where the action really is. Each volunteer organization or service program
has its own mandate and specialty contributory to local or national development. Each travels in different roads, yet,
these volunteer groups must merge from time to time to effectively and strategically achieve this goal. (Please see
Annex F for the Reaction Papers).

Response from PNVSCA:

In response to the reactions and affirmations, Executive Director de Vera of PNVSCA took note of the following items
that the Agency will look into:

 To streamline some of the agency’s operational procedures.

 To encourage the foreign volunteer organizations to help in the advocacy work.
 To closely look at how certain volunteer initiatives can be mainstreamed within the local volunteering effort.
 To work closely with NEDA so that some of the policy statements can be included in the next MTPDP.
 To look at some best practices in the academe so that PNVSCA can use and share these with other
universities and colleges, especially in line with the policies contained in the law - at the basic education and
at the tertiary level.
 To enable the schools and universities, beyond their extension programs to adopt volunteerism as a vehicle
by which any academic institution can share its skills and offer service learning opportunities to its
constituents.
 To work on the refinement of the roadmap so that not only ownership is promoted among stakeholders but
the sheperding and stewarding of this particular effort can be better undertaken in a more effective and
efficient way.
 To advocate that the corporate sector be not only a provider of funds but also to share their skills based on
the core competencies to some communities that might be needing their assistance.
 To welcome the corporate sector in terms of doing advocacy work because the Agency knows that they have
the skills and even the resources to manage advocacy program.
 To enable the MSAB to become an effective mechanism for getting opinions, even negative comments, so
that we may turn this into positive suggestions.
 To work out with some of the volunteer networks associations so that PNVSCA move forward in a more
concerted effort and cohesive manner, in terms of trying to target even the barangays.
 To continuously consult with different stakeholders either on an individual or on an organizational basis so
that the objectives of the proposed roadmap are shared and attained.

Signing of the Covenant

Director Salentes presented the draft covenant to the participants which acknowledges the role of the voluntary sector
and stakeholders in the achievement of the goals of RA 9418 and particularly in the formulation and implementation of
the Roadmap in the next three to six years; and the commitment to support the initiatives in volunteerism for
development through the inclusion of the sector roadmap in the successor MTPDP 2010 and beyond.

He explained that the purpose of the covenant would capture in essence the agreements to the roadmap, of course
there many issues that need to be firmed up and improved, but hoping that the direction of the roadmap would be a
worthwhile solicitation of agreement or subscription in principle from the participants. The organizer of the forum, would
be very happy to have your support. It is a voluntary support that is being requested and a manifestation of that support
and a commitment can be captured in the covenant. (Please see Annex G).
Recognition of Outstanding Volunteers

The second part of the Forum is the Special Congressional Recognition to the 2009 Search for Outstanding Volunteer
awardees. The awards were presented by Congressman Teves assisted by PNVSCA Executive Director Joselito C.
de Vera. The awardees were:

 Marita G. Bumatay
 Col. Celestino F. Desamito
 Mag-uugmad Foundation, Inc.
 Tuklas-Katutubo
 Philex Mining Corporation
 Voluntary Service Overseas Philippines
 Dr. Ledevina V. Cariño (Posthumous)

Closing

Executive Director de Vera of PNVSCA gave the closing remarks. He underscored the relevance of the theme of the
National Forum “Working together towards a stronger voluntary sector” as the formulation of the proposed Roadmap
or Strategic Action Plan was a result of a strong process of collaboration between and among stakeholders in the
voluntary sector.

He added that listening to the reactions and comments served to intensify PNVSCA’s resolve to coordinate the pursuit
of the critical activities identified in the roadmap to enable the voluntary sector to contribute its modest share in national
development.

He acknowledged the support of House of Representatives, specifically the Committee on Rural Development for
hosting the National Forum and the conduct of the preparatory focus group discussions and expressed hope that the
Committee will continue to support PNVSCA’s efforts in implementing the Roadmap. He likewise thanked the reactors
and participants for sharing their time, knowledge, experiences and valuable insights.

Republic Act 9418 is also known as the volunteer act 2007.It is institutionalizes a strategy for
rural development and helps strengthen the sense of volunteerism. ... As a student Republic
act9418 is a law that helps in the development of a sense of volunteerism.

8491. AN ACT PRESCRIBING THE CODE OF THE NATIONAL FLAG, ANTHEM, MOTTO,
COAT-OF-ARMS AND OTHER HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES OF THE PHILIPPINES. Be
it enacted by the Senate and Home of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled: SECTION 1.

[ REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9003 ] AN ACT PROVIDING FOR AN ECOLOGICAL SOLID WASTE
MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, CREATING THE NECESSARY INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS
AND INCENTIVES, DECLARING CERTAIN ACTS PROHIBITED AND PROVIDING
PENALTIES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Republic Act 9163 is an act establishing the National Service Training Program. (NSTP) for
tertiary level students. Its short title is "National Service Training. Program (NSTP) Act of
2001."It was passed by the House of Representatives and. the Senate of theRepublic of the
Philippines on December 19, 2001.

Congress of the Philippines

Twelfth Congress

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9163 January 23, 2002

AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM (NSTP) FOR

TERTIARY LEVEL STUDENTS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7077
AND PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1706, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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 "National Service Training Program (NSTP)
Act of 2001".

Section 2. Declaration of Policy - It is hereby affirmed the prime duty of the government to serve and
protect its citizens. In turn, it shall be the responsibility of all citizens to defend the security of the
State and in fulfillment thereof, the government may require each citizen to render personal, military
or civil service.

Recognizing the youth's vital role in nation-building, the State shall promote civic consciousness
among the youth and shall develop their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being.
It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism, nationalism, and advance their involvement in public and
civic affairs.

In pursuit of these goals, the youth, the most valuable resource of the nation, shall be motivated,
trained, organized and mobilized in military training, literacy, civic welfare and other similar
endeavors in the service of the nation.

Section 3. Definition of Terms - For purposes of this Act, the following are hereby defined as follows:

(a) "National Service Training Program (NSTP)" is a program aimed at enhancing civic
consciousness and defense preparedness in the youth by developing the ethics of service
and patriotism while undergoing training in any of its three (3) program components. Its
various components are specially designed to enhance the youth's active contribution to the
general welfare.

(b) "Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)" is a program institutionalized under Sections
38 and 39 of Republic Act No. 7077 designed to provide military training to tertiary level
students in order to motivate, train, organize and mobilize them for national defense
preparedness.
 (c) "Literacy Training Service" is a program designed to train students to become teachers of
literacy and numeracy skills to school children, out of school youth, and other segments of
society in need of their service.

(d) "Civic Welfare Training Service" refers to programs or activities contributory to the
general welfare and the betterment of life for the members of the community or the
enhancement of its facilities, especially those devoted to improving health, education,
environment, entrepreneurship, safety, recreation and morals of the citizenry.

(e) "Program component" shall refer to the service components of the NSTP as enumerated
in Section 4 of this Act.

Section 4. Establishment of the National Service Training Program. - There is hereby established a
National Service Training Program, which shall form part of the curricula of all baccalaureate degree
courses and of at least two (2)-year technical vocational courses and is a requisite for graduation,
consisting of the following service components:

(1) The Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), which is hereby made option and
voluntary upon the effectivity of this Act;

(2) The Literacy Training Service; and

(3) The Civic Welfare Training Service

The ROTC under the NSTP shall instill patriotism, moral virtues, respect for rights of
civilians, and adherence to the Constitution, among others. Citizenship training shall be given
emphasis in all three (3) program components.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority (TESDA), in consultation with the Department of National Defense
(DND), Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), Coordinating
Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines (COCOPEA) and other
concerned government agencies, may design and implement such other program
components as may be necessary in consonance with the provisions of this Act.

Section 5. Coverage - Students, male and female, of any baccalaureate degree course or at least
two (2)-year technical vocational courses in public and private educational institutions shall be
required to complete one (1) of the NSTP components as requisite for graduation.

Section 6. Duration and Equivalent Course Unit - Each of the aforementioned NSTP program
components shall be undertaken for an academic period of two (2) semesters.

In lieu of the two (2) semester program for any of the components of the NSTP, a one (1)-summer
program may be designed, formulated and adopted by the DND, CHED, and TESDA.

Section 7. NSTP Offering in Higher and Technical-Vocational Educational Institutions - All higher
and technical-vocational institutions, public and private, must offer at least one of the program
components; Provided, that State universities and colleges shall offer the ROTC component and at
least one other component as provided herein; Provided, further, that private higher and technical-
vocational education institutions may also offer the ROTC if they have at least three hundred and
fifty (350) cadet students.
In offering the NSTP whether during the semestral or summer periods, clustering of affected
students from different educational institutions may be done, taking into account logistics, branch of
service and geographical considerations. Schools that do not meet the required number of students
to maintain the optional ROTC and any of the NSTP components shall allow their students to cross-
enroll to other schools irrespective of whether or not the NSTP components in said schools are
being administered by the same or another branch of service in the Armed Forces of the Philippines
(AFP), CHED and TESDA to which schools are identified.

Section 8. Fees and Incentives - Higher and technical vocational institutions shall not collect any fee
for any of the NSTP components except basic tuition fees, which shall not be more than fifty percent
(50%) of what is currently charged by schools per unit.

In the case of ROTC, the DND shall formulate and adopt a program of assistance and/or incentive to
those students who will take the said component.

The school authorities concerned, CHED and TESDA shall ensure that group insurance for health
and accident shall be provided for students enrolled in any of the NSTP components.

Section 9. Scholarships - There is hereby created a Special Scholarship Program for qualified
students taking the NSTP which shall be administered by the CHED and TESDA. Funds for this
purpose shall be included in the annual regular appropriations of the CHED and TESDA.

Section 10. Management of the NSTP Components - The school authorities shall exercise
academic and administrative supervision over the design, forumulation, adoption and
implementation of the different NSTP components in their respective schools; Provided, That in case
a CHED- or TESDA-accredited non government organization (NGO) has been contracted to
formulate and administer a training module for any of the NSTP components, such academic and
administrative supervision shall be exercised jointly with that accredited NGO; Provided, further,
That such training module shall be accredited by the CHED and TESDA.

The CHED and TESDA regional offices shall oversee and monitor the implementation of the NSTP
under their jurisdiction to determine if the trainings are being conducted in consonance with the
objectives of this Act. Periodic reports shall be submitted to the CHED, TESDA and DND in this
regard.

Section 11. Creation of the National Service Reserve Corps - There is hereby created a National
Service Reserve Corps, to be composed of the graduates of the non-ROTC components. Members
of this Corps may be tapped by the State for literacy and civic welfare activities through the joint
effort of the DND, CHED and TESDA.

Graduates of the ROTC shall form part of the Citizens' Armed Force, pursuant to Republic Act No.
7077.

Section 12. Implementing Rules. - The DND, CHED and TESDA shall have the joint responsibility
for the adoption of the implementing rules of this Act within sixty (60) days from the approval of this
Act.

These three (3) agencies shall consult with other concerned government agencies, the PASUC and
COCOPEA, NGOs and recognized student organizations in drafting the implementing rules.
The implementing rules shall include the guideline for the adoption of the appropriate curriculum for
each of the NSTP components as well as for the accreditation of the same.

Section 13. Transitory Provisions - Students who have yet to complete the Basic ROTC, except
those falling under Section 14 of this Act, may either continue in the program component they are
currently enrolled or shift to any of the other program components of their choice; Provided, That in
case he shifts to another program component, the Basic ROTC course he has completed shall be
counted for the purpose of completing the NSTP requirement; Provided, further, That once he has
shifted to another program component, he shall complete the NSTP in component.

Section 14. Suspension of ROTC Requirement - The completion of ROTC training as a requisite for
graduation is hereby set aside for those students who despite completing all their academic units as
of the effectivity of this Act have not been allowed to graduate.

Section 15. Separability Clause - If any section or provision of this Act shall be declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full
force and effect.

Section 16. Amendatory Clause - Section 35 of Commonwealth Act No. 1, Executive Order No.207
of 1939, Sections 2 and 3 of Presidential Decree No. 1706, and Sections 38 and 39 or Republic Act
No. 7077, as well as all laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations and other issuances
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed amended and modified accordingly.

Section 17. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in two (2)
newspapers of national circulation, but the implementation of this Act shall commence in the school
year of 2002-2003.

Approved,

(Sgd)

FRANKLIN M. DRILON
President of the Senate

(Sgd)

JOSE DE VENECIA, JR.

Speaker of the House of Representatives

This Act which is a consolidation of H.B. No. 3593 and S.B. No. 1824 was finally passed by the
House of Representatives and the Senate on December 19, 2001.
(Sgd)

OSCAR G. YABES
Secretary of the Senate

(Sgd)

ROBERTO P. NAZARENO
Secretary General
House of Representatives

Approved: January 23, 2002

(Sgd)

GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO
President of the Philippines