Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11394)
The short title of Republic Act No. 11394 is the "Mandatory Provision of Neutral Desks in Educational Institutions Act."
The main purpose of Republic Act No. 11394 is to mandate public and private educational institutions to provide neutral desks to students, ensuring that both right-handed and left-handed students are accommodated equally.
Under Republic Act No. 11394, neutral desks refer to tables or armchairs that are suitable for both right-handed and left-handed students.
All educational institutions in the Philippines, both public and private, that use armchairs in classrooms are covered by Republic Act No. 11394.
Educational institutions are required to provide neutral desks equivalent to ten percent (10%) of their student population within one year from the effectivity of Republic Act No. 11394.
The State declares its policy to promote the equal development of students, including left-handed students, by ensuring their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being.
The Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority are tasked with formulating the rules and regulations including administrative penalties for noncompliance.
The rules and regulations must be formulated within ninety (90) days from the approval of the Act.
The Act took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
Yes, administrative penalties for noncompliance will be included in the rules and regulations formulated by the implementing agencies, although specific penalties are not detailed in the text of the Act itself.