QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 7925)
RA No. 11394 is titled the “Mandatory Provision of Neutral Desks in Educational Institutions Act.”
The State recognizes the vital role of the youth and declares policy to promote and protect their well-being (physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social) and to promote equal development of students, including left-handed students.
To address the needs of left-handed students by requiring appropriate armchairs/desks that suit both right-handed and left-handed learners.
All educational institutions, both public and private, that use armchairs in the classroom.
No. It applies to educational institutions that make use of armchairs in the classroom.
A table or armchair suitable for both right-handed and left-handed students.
Neutral desks equivalent to ten percent (10%) of the student population within one (1) year from the effectivity of the Act.
Henceforth, the institutions are mandated to provide neutral desks to all students.
The Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
RA 11394 does not detail the penalties itself; it authorizes the implementing agencies to formulate rules and regulations including administrative penalties for noncompliance.
Fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation.
No. The Act requires institutions to provide 10% neutral desks within one (1) year from effectivity; thereafter, they must provide neutral desks to all students.
It is tied to the student population count—neutral desks equivalent to 10% of the student population must be provided within one (1) year from the Act’s effectivity.
Yes. The law expressly covers both public and private educational institutions.
It reflects a policy of equal development and protection of students’ well-being, including those who are left-handed.
Because the law specifically mandates neutral desks for situations where armchairs (and related classroom furniture) are used; institutions without such armchair-based furniture may not fall within the scope of the furniture mandate as written.