CHAPTER

THE RIGHTS AND

PRIVILEGES OF
TEACHERS IN THE
PHILIPPINES
"To deny people their human rights is to deny their very humanity."
— Nelson Mandela
Learning Outcome
• Discuss the rights and privileges of teachers in the Philippines
INTRODUCTION
After having learned the demands that learners, parents, school officials, the academic community,
the larger community, and the state put on teachers, let us discuss their rights and privileges.

ABSTRACTION: Let’s Add to What You Know

Filipino teachers ought to be aware and knowledgeable of these well-deserved benefits.
There is no other Constitution in the history of the country that has given importance to teachers
more than the 1987 Phil. Constitution.
The 1987 Philippine Constitution states: ... The state shall enhance the right of teachers to
professional advancement (paragraph 4,). It shall “assign the highest budgetary priority to education to
“ensure that teaching will attract and retain its rightful share of the best available talents through adequate
remuneration and other means of job satisfaction and fulfillment.”
Commonwealth Act 578 amended the Revised Penal Code to include teachers, professors, and
persons charged with the supervision of public or duly recognized private schools, colleges, and
universities, within the term “persons in authority.”
RA 4670, otherwise known as The Magna Carta for Public School Teachers, details the rights,
privileges and benefits of teachers such as: 1) consent for transfer; 2) safeguards in disciplinary procedure;
3) no discrimination; 4) married couples to be employed in the same locality; 5) academic freedom; 6) not
more than 6 hours of actual classroom teaching; 7) additional compensation for activities outside normal
duties; 8) salaries comparable to other occupations to insure teachers a reasonable standard of life for
themselves and their families; 9) salaries appropriated by local governments not to be less than those paid
to teachers of the national government; 10) cost of living allowance; 11) special hardship allowances; 12)
medical examination free of charge once a year during the teacher’s professional life; 13) prohibition of
unauthorized deduction from teachers’ salaries; 14) study leave; 15) indefinite leave; 16) salary increase
upon retirement and 17) freedom to establish or join organization of their choice.
These show that the welfare of professional teachers has been given much attention. After all, there
is no truth to what is often said about teachers “overworked and underpaid.”

SUMMARY
The welfare of teachers has been given much attention in the past years. The Philippine Constitution
guarantees that the State shall “enhance the right of teachers to professional advancement;” “assign the
highest budgetary priority to education;” and “ensure that teaching will attract and retain its rightful share
of the best available talents through adequate remuneration and other means of job satisfaction and
fulfillment.”
Other laws, especially RA 4670, the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers, give in detail
teachers’ rights, privileges and benefits.
APPLICATION: Let’s Apply What You Learned
Pretend that you belong to a team that campaigns for Senior High School graduates to enroll in
teacher education. Prepare a PowerPoint presentation and deliver the same before the class whom you
consider to be Grade 12 students graduating at the end of the year. Your PP should be very convincing
because you give a highly favorable picture of the teaching profession as learned in this lesson. Cite all
teachers’ privileges and benefits.

Other support materials available

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 4670

The Magna Carta for Public School Teachers
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
Assembled:

I. DECLARATION OF POLICY – COVERAGE

Section 1. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared to be the policy of this Act to

promote and improve the social and economic status of public school teachers, their living and
working conditions, their employment and career prospects in order that they may compare
favorably with existing opportunities in other walks of life, attract and retain in the teaching
profession more people with the proper qualification, it being recognized that advance in
education depends on the qualification and ability of the teaching staff and that education is an
essential factor in the economic growth of the nation as a productive investment of vital
importance.
Section 2. Title – Definition. – This Act shall be known as the "Magna Carta for
Public School Teachers" and shall apply to all public-school teachers except those in the
professorial staff of state colleges and universities.
As used in this Act, the term “teacher” shall mean all persons engaged in classroom
teaching, in any level of instruction, on full-time basis, including guidance counsellors, school
librarians, industrial arts or vocational instructors, and all other persons performing
supervisory and/or administrative functions in all schools, colleges and universities operated
by the Government or its political subdivisions; but shall not include school nurses, school
physicians, school dentists, and other school employees.

II. RECRUITMENT AND CAREER

Section 3. Recruitment and Qualification. – Recruitment policy with respect to the

selection and appointment of teachers shall be clearly defined by the Department of
Education: Provided, however, that effective upon the approval of this Act, the following
shall constitute the minimum educational qualifications for teacher-applicants:
(a) For teachers in the kindergarten and elementary grades, Bachelor’s degree in
Elementary Education (B.S.E.ED.)
 (b) For teachers of the secondary schools, Bachelor’s degree in Education or its
equivalent with a major and a minor; or a Bachelor’s degree in Arts or Science with
at least eighteen professional units in Education.
(c) For teachers of secondary vocational and two years technical courses, Bachelor’s
degree in the field of specialization with at least eighteen professional units in
education.
(d) For teachers of courses on the collegiate level, other than vocational, master’s
degree with a specific area of specialization.
Provided, further: That in the absence of applicants who possess the minimum educational
qualifications as herein above provided, the school superintendent may appoint, under a temporary
status, applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications: Provided, further, That should
teacher-applicants, whether they possess the minimum educational qualifications or not, be
required to take competitive examinations: And provided, finally, That the results of the
examinations shall be made public and every applicant shall be furnished with his score and rank
in said examinations.
Section 4. Probationary Period. – When recruitment takes place after adequate training
and professional preparation in any school recognized by the Government, no probationary period
preceding regular appointment shall be imposed if the teacher possesses the appropriate civil
service eligibility. Provided, however, that where, due to the exigencies of the service, it is
necessary to employ as teacher a person who possesses the minimum educational qualifications
herein above set forth but lacks the appropriate civil service eligibility, such person shall be
appointed on a provisional status and shall undergo a period of probation for not less than one year
from and after the date of his provisional appointment.
Section 5. Tenure of Office. – Stability of employment and security of tenure shall be
assured the teachers as provided under existing laws.
Subject to the provisions of Section three hereof, teachers appointed on a provisional status
for lack of necessary civil service eligibility shall be extended permanent appointment for the
position he is holding after having rendered at least ten years of continuous, efficient and faithful
service in such position.
Section 6. Consent for Transfer – Transportation Expenses. – Except for cause and as
herein otherwise provided, no teacher shall be transferred without his consent from one station to
another.
Where the exigencies of the service require the transfer of a teacher from one station to
another, such transfer may be effected by the school superintendent who shall previously notify
the teacher concerned of the transfer and the reason or reasons therefor. If the teacher believes
there is no justification for the transfer he may appeal his case to the Director of Public Schools or
the Director of Vocational Education, as the case may be. Pending his appeal and the decision
thereon, his transfer shall be held in abeyance: Provided, however, That no transfer whatever shall
be made three months before any local or national election.
Necessary transfer expenses of the teacher and his family shall be paid for by the
Government if his transfer is finally approved.
Section 7. Code of Professional Conduct for Teachers. – Within six months from the
approval of this Act, the secretary of Education shall formulate and prepare a code of Professional
Conduct for Public School Teachers. A copy of the Code shall be furnished each teacher. Provided,
however, That where this is not possible by reason of inadequate fiscal resources of the Department
of Education, at least three copies of the same Code shall be deposited with the office of the school
principal or head teacher where they may be accessible for use by the teachers.
Section 8. Safeguards in Disciplinary Procedure. – Every teacher shall enjoy equitable
safeguards at each stage of any disciplinary procedure and shall have: a) The right to be informed,
in writing of the charges; b) The right to full access to the evidence in the case; c) The right to
defend himself and to be defended by a representative of his choice and/or by his organization,
adequate time being given to the teacher for the preparation of his defense; and d) The right to
appeal to clearly designated authorities. No publicity shall be given to any disciplinary action being
taken against a teacher during the pendency of his case.
Section 9. Administrative Charges. – Administrative charges against a teacher shall be
heard initially by a committee composed of the corresponding School Superintendent of the
division or a duly authorized representative who should at least have the rank of a division
supervisor, where the teacher belongs, as chairman, a representative of the local or, in its absence,
any existing provincial or national teachers' organization and supervisor of the Division, the last
two to be designated by the Director of Public Schools. The committee shall submit its findings
and recommendations to the Director of Public Schools within thirty (30) days from the
termination of the hearings: Provided, however, That where the school superintendent is the
complainant or an interested party, all the members of the committee shall be appointed by the
Secretary of Education.
Section 10. No Discrimination. – There shall be no discrimination whatsoever in entrance
to the teaching profession, or during its exercise, or in the termination of services, based on any
ground other than professional consideration.
Section 11. Married Teachers. – Whenever possible, the proper authorities shall take all
steps to enable married couples, both of whom are public school teachers, to be employed in the
same locality.
Section 12. Academic Freedom. – Teachers shall enjoy academic freedom in the
discharge of their professional duties, particularly with regard to teaching and classroom methods.

III. HOURS OF WORK AND REMUNERATION

Section 13. Teaching Hours. – Any teacher engaged in actual classroom instruction shall
not be required to render more than six hours of actual classroom teaching a day, preparation and
correction of exercises and other work incidental to his normal teaching duties: Provided, however,
That where the exigencies of the service so require, any teacher may be required to render more
than six hours but not exceeding eight hours of actual classroom teaching a day upon payment of
additional compensation at the same rate as his regular remuneration plus at least twenty-five per
cent of his basic pay.
Section 14. Additional Compensation. – Notwithstanding any provision of existing law
to the contrary, co-curricular and out of school activities and any other activities outside of what
is defined as normal duties of any teacher shall be paid an additional compensation of at least
twenty-five per cent of his regular remuneration after the teacher has completed at least six hours
of actual classroom teaching a day.
In the case of other teachers or school officials not engaged in actual classroom instruction,
any work performed in excess of eight hours a day shall be paid an additional compensation of at
least twenty-five per cent of their regular remuneration.
The agencies utilizing the services of teachers shall pay the additional compensation
required under this section. Education authorities shall refuse to allow the rendition of services of
teachers for other government agencies without the assurance that the teachers shall be paid the
remuneration provided for under this section.
Section 15. Criteria for Salaries. – Teachers’ salaries shall correspond to the following
criteria: (a) They shall compare favorably with those paid in other occupations requiring equivalent
or similar qualifications, training and abilities; (b) They shall be such as to insure teachers a
reasonable standard of life for themselves and their families; and (c) They shall be properly graded
so as to recognize the fact that certain positions require higher qualifications and greater
responsibility than others. Provided, however, That the general salary scale shall be such that the
relation between the lowest and highest salaries paid in the profession will be of reasonable order.
Narrowing of the salary scale shall be achieved by raising the lower end of the salary scales relative
to the upper end.
Section 16. Salary Scale. – Salary scales of teachers shall provide for a gradual
progression from minimum to a maximum salary by means of regular increments, granted
automatically after three years: Provided, That the efficiency rating of the teacher concerned is at
least satisfactory. The progression from the minimum to the maximum of the salary scale shall not
extend over a period of ten years.
Section 17. Equality in Salary Scales. – The salary of teachers whose salaries are
appropriated by a city, municipal, municipal district, or provincial government, shall not be less
than those provided for teachers of the National Government.
Section 18. Cost of Living Allowance. – Teacher’s salaries shall, at the very least, keep
pace with the rise in the cost of living by payment of a cost-of-living index. The Secretary of
Education shall recommend to Congress, at least annually, the appropriation of the necessary funds
for the cost-of-living allowances of teachers employed by the National Government. The
determination of the cost-of-living allowances by the Secretary of Education shall, upon approval
of the President of the Philippines, be binding on the city, municipal or provincial government, for
the purposes of calculating the cost-of-living allowances of teachers under its employ.
Section 19. Special Hardship Allowances. – In areas in which teachers are exposed to
hardship such as difficulty in commuting to the place of work or other hazards peculiar to the place
of employment, as determined by the Secretary of Education, they shall be compensated by special
hardship allowances equivalent to at least twenty-five per cent of their monthly salary.
Section 20. Salaries to be Paid in Legal Tender. – Salaries of teachers shall be paid in
legal tender of the Philippines or its equivalent in checks or treasury warrants. Provided, however,
That such checks or treasury warrants shall be cashable in any national, provincial, city or
municipal treasurer's office or any banking institutions operating under the laws of the Republic
of the Philippines.
Section 21. Deductions Prohibited. – No person shall make any deduction whatsoever
from the salaries of teachers except under specific authority of law authorizing such deductions:
Provided, however, That upon written authority executed by the teacher concerned, (1) lawful dues
and fees owing to the Philippine Public School Teachers Association, and (2) premiums properly
due on insurance policies shall be considered deductible.

IV. HEALTH MEASURES AND INJURY BENEFITS

Section 22. Medical Examination and Treatment. – Compulsory medical examination
shall be provided free of charge for all teachers before they take up teaching, and shall be repeated
not less than once a year during the teacher’s professional life. Where medical examination shows
that medical treatment and/or hospitalization is necessary, same shall be provided free by the
government entity paying the salary of the teachers.
In regions where there is scarcity of medical facilities, teachers may obtain elsewhere the
necessary medical care with the right to be reimbursed for their traveling expenses by the
government entity concerned in the first paragraph of this Section.
Section 23. Compensation For Injuries. – Teachers shall be protected against the
consequences of employment injuries in accordance with existing laws. The effects of the physical
and nervous strain on the teacher’s health shall be recognized as a compensable occupational
disease in accordance with existing laws.

V. LEAVE AND RETIREMENT BENEFITS

Section 24. Study Leave. – In addition to the leave privileges now enjoyed by teachers in
the public schools, they shall be entitled to study leave not exceeding one school year after seven
years of service. Such leave shall be granted in accordance with a schedule set by the Department
of Education. During the period of such leave the teachers shall be entitled to at least sixty percent
of their monthly salary: Provided, however, That no teacher shall be allowed to accumulate more
than one year study leave, unless he needs an additional semester to finish his thesis for a graduate
study in education or allied courses: Provided, further, That no compensation shall be due the
teacher after the first year of such leave. In all cases, the study leave period shall be counted for
seniority and pension purposes.
The compensation allowed for one year study leave as herein provided shall be subject to
the condition that the teacher takes the regular study load and passes at least seventy-five percent
of his courses. Study leave of more than one year may be permitted by the Secretary of Education
but without compensation.
Section 25. Indefinite Leave. – An indefinite sick leave of absence shall be granted to
teachers when the nature of the illness demands a long treatment that will exceed one year at the
least.
Section 26. Salary Increase upon Retirement. – Public school teachers having fulfilled
the age and service requirements of the applicable retirement laws shall be given one range salary
raise upon retirement, which shall be the basis of the computation of the lump sum of the retirement
pay and the monthly benefits thereafter.

VI. TEACHERS ORGANIZATION

Section 27. Freedom to Organize. – Public School teachers shall have the right to freely
and without previous authorization both to establish and to join organizations of their choosing,
whether local or national to further and defend their interests.
Section 28. Discrimination Against Teachers Prohibited. – The rights established in the
immediately preceding Section shall be exercised without any interference or coercion. It shall be
unlawful for any person to commit any acts of discrimination against teachers which are calculated
to (a) make the employment of a teacher subject to the condition that he shall not join an
organization, or shall relinquish membership in an organization, (b) cause the dismissal of, or
otherwise prejudice a teacher by reason of his membership in an organization or because of
participation in organization activities outside school hours or with the consent of the proper school
authorities, within school hours, and (c) prevent him from carrying out the duties laid upon him
by his position in the organization, or to penalize him for an action undertaken in that capacity.
 Section 29. National Teacher’s Organizations. – National teachers’ organizations shall
be consulted in the formulation of national educational policies and professional standards, and in
the formulation of national policies governing the social security of the teachers.
VII. ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
Section 30. Rules and Regulations. – The Secretary of Education shall formulate and
prepare the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act. Rules and
regulations issued pursuant to this Section shall take effect thirty days after publication in a
newspaper of general circulation and by such other means as the Secretary of Education deems
reasonably sufficient to give interested parties general notice of such issuance.
Section 31. Budgetary Estimates. – The Secretary of Education shall submit to Congress
annually the necessary budgetary estimates to implement the provisions of the Act concerning the
benefits herein granted to public school teachers under the employ of the National Government.
Section 32. Penal Provisions. – Any person who shall willfully interfere with, restrain or
coerce any teacher in the exercise of his rights guaranteed by his Act or who shall in any manner
commit any act to defeat any of the provisions of this Act, shall upon conviction, be punished by
a fine of not less than one hundred pesos nor more than one thousand pesos, or by imprisonment,
in the discretion of the court.
If the offender is a public official, the court shall order his dismissal from the Government
service.
Section 33. Repealing Clause. – All Acts or parts of Acts, executive orders and their
implementing rules inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or
modified accordingly.
Section 34. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared invalid, the
remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.
Section 35. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved:
(Sgd.) ARTURO M. TOLENTINO
President
This Act, which originated in the Senate, was finally passed by the same on May 19, 1966.

(Sgd.) CORNELIO T. VILLAREAL

Speaker of the House of Representatives

Finally passed by the House of Representatives on May 19, 1966

(Sgd.) REGINO S. EUSTAQUIO

Secretary of the Senate

(Sgd.) INOCENCIO S. PAREJA

Secretary of the House of Representatives

Approved:
(Sgd.) FERDINAND E. MARCOS
President of the Philippines
June 18, 1966

Commonwealth Act No. 578

 AN ACT TO AMEND ARTICLE ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-TWO OF THE REVISED
PENAL CODE, SO AS TO INCLUDE TEACHERS, PROFESSORS, AND PERSONS
CHARGED WITH THE SUPERVISION OF PUBLIC OR DULY RECOGNIZED PRIVATE
SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, AND UNIVERSITIES, WITHIN THE TERM "PERSONS IN
AUTHORITY"
chan robles virtual law library.

COMMONWEALTH ACT NO. 578

AN ACT TO AMEND ARTICLE ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-TWO OF THE REVISED

PENAL CODE, SO AS TO INCLUDE TEACHERS, PROFESSORS, AND PERSONS
CHARGED WITH THE SUPERVISION OF PUBLIC OR DULY RECOGNIZED PRIVATE
SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, AND UNIVERSITIES, WITHIN THE TERM "PERSONS IN
AUTHORITY"

Section 1. Article one hundred fifty-two of Act Numbered Three thousand eight hundred and
fifteen, known as the Revised Penal Code, is amended to read as follows:
"Article 152. Persons in authority. — Who shall be deemed as such. — In applying the
provisions of the preceding and other articles of this Code, any person directly vested with
jurisdiction, whether as an individual or as a member of some court or governmental corporation,
board or commission, shall be deemed a person in authority.
"In applying the provisions of articles one hundred forty-eight and one hundred fifty-one
of this Code, teachers, professors, and persons charged with the supervision of public or duly
recognized private schools, colleges, and universities, shall be deemed persons in authority."

Sec. 2. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

THE 1987 CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE
PHILIPPINES – ARTICLE XIV
ARTICLE XIV EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, ARTS, CULTURE AND SPORTS

EDUCATION
Section 1. The State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education
at all levels, and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.
Section 2. The State shall:
(1) Establish, maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of
education relevant to the needs of the people and society;
(2) Establish and maintain a system of free public education in the elementary and high
school levels. Without limiting the natural right of parents to rear their children,
elementary education is compulsory for all children of school age;
(3) Establish and maintain a system of scholarship grants, student loan programs,
subsidies, and other incentives which shall be available to deserving students in both
public and private schools, especially to the underprivileged;
(4) Encourage non-formal, informal, and indigenous learning systems, as well as self-
learning, independent, and out-of-school study programs particularly those that
respond to community needs; and
(5) Provide adult citizens, the disabled, and out-of-school youth with training in civics,
vocational efficiency, and other skills.
Section 3. (1) All educational institutions shall include the study of the Constitution as part
of the curricula.
(2) They shall inculcate patriotism and nationalism, foster love of humanity, respect for
human rights, appreciation of the role of national heroes in the historical development of the
country, teach the rights and duties of citizenship, strengthen ethical and spiritual values, develop
moral character and personal discipline, encourage critical and creative thinking, broaden scientific
and technological knowledge, and promote vocational efficiency.
(3) At the option expressed in writing by the parents or guardians, religion shall be allowed
to be taught to their children or wards in public elementary and high schools within the regular
class hours by instructors designated or approved by the religious authorities of the religion to
which the children or wards belong, without additional cost to the Government.
Section 4. (1) The State recognizes the complementary roles of public and private
institutions in the educational system and shall exercise reasonable supervision and regulation of
all educational institutions.
(2) Educational institutions, other than those established by religious groups and mission
boards, shall be owned solely by citizens of the Philippines or corporations or associations at least
sixty per centum of the capital of which is owned by such citizens. The Congress may, however,
require increased Filipino equity participation in all educational institutions.
The control and administration of educational institutions shall be vested in citizens of the
Philippines.
No educational institution shall be established exclusively for aliens and no group of aliens
shall comprise more than one-third of the enrollment in any school. The provisions of this
subsection shall not apply to schools established for foreign diplomatic personnel and their
dependents and, unless otherwise provided by law, for other foreign temporary residents.
 (3) All revenues and assets of non-stock, non-profit educational institutions used actually,
directly, and exclusively for educational purposes shall be exempt from taxes and duties. Upon
the dissolution or cessation of the corporate existence of such institutions, their assets shall be
disposed of in the manner provided by law.
Proprietary educational institutions, including those cooperatively owned, may likewise
be entitled to such exemptions, subject to the limitations provided by law, including restrictions
on dividends and provisions for reinvestment.
(4) Subject to conditions prescribed by law, all grants, endowments, donations, or
contributions used actually, directly, and exclusively for educational purposes shall be exempt
from tax.
Section 5. (1) the State shall take into account regional and sectoral needs and conditions
and shall encourage local planning in the development of educational policies and programs.
(2) Academic freedom shall be enjoyed in all institutions of higher learning.
(3) Every citizen has a right to select a profession or course of study, subject to fair,
reasonable, and equitable admission and academic requirements.
(4) The State shall enhance the right of teachers to professional advancement. Non-
teaching academic and non-academic personnel shall enjoy the protection of the State.
(5) The State shall assign the highest budgetary priority to education and ensure that
teaching will attract and retain its rightful share of the best available talents through adequate
remuneration and other means of job satisfaction and fulfillment.

LANGUAGE
Section 6. The national language of the Philippines is Filipino. As it evolves, it shall be
further developed and enriched on the basis of existing Philippine and other languages.
Subject to provisions of law and as the Congress may deem appropriate, the Government
shall take steps to initiate and sustain the use of Filipino as a medium of official communication
and as language of instruction in the educational system.
Section 7. For purposes of communication and instruction, the official languages of the
Philippines are Filipino and, until otherwise provided by law, English.
The regional languages are the auxiliary official languages in the regions and shall serve
as auxiliary media of instruction therein.
Spanish and Arabic shall be promoted on a voluntary and optional basis.
Section 8. This Constitution shall be promulgated in Filipino and English and shall be
translated into major regional languages, Arabic, and Spanish.
Section 9. The Congress shall establish a national language commission composed of
representatives of various regions and disciplines which shall undertake, coordinate, and promote
researches for the development, propagation, and preservation of Filipino and other languages.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Section 10. Science and technology are essential for national development and progress.
The State shall give priority to research and development, invention, innovation, and their
utilization; and to science and technology education, training, and services. It shall support
indigenous, appropriate, and self-reliant scientific and technological capabilities, and their
application to the country’s productive systems and national life.
Section 11. The Congress may provide for incentives, including tax deductions, to
encourage private participation in programs of basic and applied scientific research. Scholarships,
grants-in-aid, or other forms of incentives shall be provided to deserving science students,
researchers, scientists, inventors, technologists, and specially gifted citizens.
Section 12. The State shall regulate the transfer and promote the adaptation of technology
from all sources for the national benefit. It shall encourage the widest participation of private
groups, local governments, and community-based organizations in the generation and utilization
of science and technology.
Section 13. The State shall protect and secure the exclusive rights of scientists, inventors,
artists, and other gifted citizens to their intellectual property and creations, particularly when
beneficial to the people, for such period as may be provided by law.

ARTS AND CULTURE

Section 14. The State shall foster the preservation, enrichment, and dynamic evolution of
a Filipino national culture based on the principle of unity in diversity in a climate of free artistic
and intellectual expression.
Section 15. Arts and letters shall enjoy the patronage of the State. The State shall conserve,
promote, and popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as
artistic creations.
Section 16. All the country’s artistic and historic wealth constitutes the cultural treasure of
the nation and shall be under the protection of the State which may regulate its disposition.
Section 17. The State shall recognize, respect, and protect the rights of indigenous cultural
communities to preserve and develop their cultures, traditions, and institutions. It shall consider
these rights in the formulation of national plans and policies.
Section 18. (1) The State shall ensure equal access to cultural opportunities through the
educational system, public or private cultural entities, scholarships, grants and other incentives,
and community cultural centers, and other public venues.
(2) The State shall encourage and support researches and studies on the arts and culture.

SPORTS
Section 19. (1) The State shall promote physical education and encourage sports programs,
league competitions, and amateur sports, including training for international competitions, to foster
self-discipline, teamwork, and excellence for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry.
(2) All educational institutions shall undertake regular sports activities throughout the
country in cooperation with athletic clubs and other sectors.

Reference/s:
Official Gazette. (n.d.). The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines – Article XIV. Retrieved October 28,
2024, from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/constitutions/the-1987-constitution-of-the-republic-of-
the-philippines/the-1987-constitution-of-the-republic-of-the-philippines-article-xiv/