MANILA – The House of Representatives approved two significant education bills on Tuesday’s third and final reading, aiming to enhance pathways for students and expand assistance to private education institutions.
During the plenary session, a total of 200 lawmakers voted in favor of House Bill (HB) 11213, which proposes two education pathways for basic education students upon completing junior high school.
Only three lawmakers voted against the measure, while no one abstained.
The proposed legislation seeks to provide students with a choice between the University Preparatory Program under the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Technical-Vocational Program overseen by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Under the University Preparatory Pathway, the DepEd shall be mandated to develop and implement a comprehensive curriculum for Grades 11 and 12 that prepares students for admission to colleges and universities.
For the Technical-Vocational Education Pathway, TESDA, along with industry experts and practitioners, shall develop and offer a variety of technical-vocational programs based on an industry-driven and industry-approved curriculum that is designed to equip students with practical skills and competencies that are at par with industry standards.
Students who completed the technical-vocational pathway may pursue higher education through a ladderized education program, provided they pass the Philippine Educational Placement Test or an equivalent assessment conducted by DepEd for Grades 11 and 12.
The bill also requires DepEd to conduct regular competency evaluations, including the Early Language, Literacy, and Numeracy Assessment and the National Achievement Tests, to aid students and their parents make informed educational and career decisions.
Private Basic Education Voucher Program
The chamber also approved on third reading HB 11214 with 202 affirmative votes, zero negative votes, and three abstentions.
The bill seeks to expand the Private Basic Education Voucher Program coverage to include kindergarten, elementary, junior, and senior high school learners.
The proposal would empower students and their parents to choose their preferred schools from a registry of recognized private institutions, subject to slot availability.
It also introduces additional forms of government assistance for private schools and teachers participating in the program.
Among the support mechanisms include a teachers’ salary subsidy fund and in-service training funds to improve teaching quality.
Additionally, the bill proposes the establishment of the Bureau of Private Education under DepEd to oversee the administration and regulation of private basic education institutions, including government assistance programs. (PNA)
