Senator Mark Villar filed Senate Bill No. 1705, or the Digital Skills and Technology Education Act, seeking to integrate digital skills training into the national education curriculum.

Villar's bill aims to strengthen digital proficiency from an early age to help Filipinos become even more competitive in the global economy.

It aligns with state policy to establish an innovation-driven education system that develops a globally competitive workforce.

Under the measure, both basic and advanced digital skills training will be mandatory for basic education, higher education, and technical-vocational programs.

These skills include coding, data analytics, cybersecurity, and web and mobile application development.

The proposal also mandates comprehensive and continuous training programs for educators.

This is to ensure that teachers are equipped to teach digital skills and integrate technology into classroom instruction.

DIGITAL DIVIDE

According to Villar, the rapid advancement of technology continues to reshape economies and societies worldwide.

Citing the World Bank’s Digital Progress and Trends Report 2025, Villar said that fewer than 21% of people in lower-middle-income countries possess basic digital skills.

In contrast, the figures on possession of basic digital skills is 38% in upper-middle-income countries and 66% in high-income nations.

In Southeast Asia, digital literacy levels remain uneven, with an average of 47% of respondents considered highly competent across key dimensions in selected ASEAN countries. 

Many Filipinos, particularly in underserved areas, continue to have limited digital access and skills, deepening the country’s digital divide.

COLLABORATION

Villar's bill promotes collaboration among educational institutions, government agencies, and the private sector, particularly the information and communications technology (ICT) industry.

This will help provide real-world exposure, internships, updated curriculum inputs, and hands-on learning opportunities.

Meanwhile, Villar proposes funding to be allocated from the national budget to support infrastructure development, teacher training, program implementation, and long-term maintenance.

The Department of Education, in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and other relevant agencies, will formulate the implementing rules and regulations if the bill is enacted.

“In today’s digital world, proficiency in technology is no longer optional, it is essential for personal empowerment, economic participation, and national progress. By embedding digital skills in our educational system, we are investing in our children’s future, bridging critical gaps compared to our regional neighbors, and positioning the Philippines as a leader in the global digital economy,” Villar said.

The bill is currently pending before the Senate Committee on Education and other relevant committees for further deliberation.

-Paraluman News