Tech-driven public schools, anyone?

Returning Marikina City 1st district Rep. Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro has filed a measure to institutionalize tech-enabled public schools to ensure that every Filipino student, regardless of location or income, can thrive in the digital age.

Teodoro, who previously served as Marikina City mayor, recently filed House Bill (HB) No. 1255 for the establishment of Public Schools of the Future in Technology or PSOFT.

The measure aims to close the digital divide by giving public school students access to laptops, Internet, and smart classrooms that are still out of reach for many children across the country.

“Digital Technology has become an indispensable tool in almost all facets of human activity. The reach of technology has become pervasive, with computers and other devices of digital technology becoming ubiquitous,” Teodoro said in the bill’s explanatory note.

The lawmaker warned that if the country fails to act now, Filipino students risk falling behind not because they lack intelligence or drive, but simply because they lack access to tools that are already standard elsewhere.

“Access to digital technology and the skills to leverage it will increasingly influence our children’s future ability to earn a living,” he added.

Teodoro say that PSOFT is not just about modernizing schools but making sure every Filipino child has a fair shot at success in the future.

Under HB No.1255, students in PSOFT schools would receive their own laptops, attend digitally equipped classes, and learn using interactive boards, online platforms, and other modern tools.

Teodoro said the goal is to put every Filipino learner on equal footing with students from more developed education systems.

“To realize all these, we will need the PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF THE FUTURE IN TECHNOLOGY (PSOFT) where a student can finish his/her studies with the use of school-based digital facilities,” he stated.

“Each student will be provided with a laptop, have access to the Internet, and receive instruction in a digital classroom complete with a digital board and such other digital tools and devices which will allow them to be at par with their peers in other parts of the world,” he noted.

Teodoro also pointed out that the proposal could benefit children in conflict zones, isolated areas, and those with physical limitations who face difficulty attending school in person.

“Trainings on digital technology will bring equal opportunities for children in remote areas, conflict areas and even those who have disability to be present physically in the traditional schools,” he said.

“Digital technology can also increase motivation for learning by making it more fun and by providing children with access to high quality educational content, including textbooks and video materials,” he further said.