Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. 996 _

Introduced by Representative Roman T. Romulo

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to create and establish the National Academy for Technical and Vocational
Skills System.

It is said that the main duty of the State is to promote and establish a socio-political and
economic system that shall ensure the independence and sustainability of the nation by securing
for the people the benefits of full employment, a high standard of living, equality in economic
opportunities, security in old age, and other basic human rights. Hence, the State must protect
and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels that is accessible to all. It
shall further promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and improved quality of life for
all.

‘One of the objectives of the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, more popularly known
as the K-12 Law, is to broaden the goals of high school education. It shall no longer focus solely
on college preparation, but provide vocational and technical career opportunities, as well as
creative arts, sports, and entrepreneurial employment. Therefore, the additional 2 years in
secondary education promised the graduates employment upon completion of high school.

However, in the National SHS Tracer Study conducted by the Bureau of Curriculum
Development, among all the graduates of Senior High School in the school year 2017-2018, only
10.22% sought employment while 82.67% pursued higher education. Graduates from the
technical-vocational-livelihood (TVL) track recorded the highest who were employed at 9.7%.

It is important to note that in the PIDS Discussion Paper Series No. 2018-49 entitled Senior
High School and the Labor Market: Perspectives of Grade 12 Students and Human Resource
Officers, there was a recommendation to separate the TVL track from the others. While the other
tracks prepare their students for college education, the TVL track must focus on training its
students for employment. Nevertheless, this does not mean that graduates from this track shall



be limited to completing high school. Should they decide to go to college, they can do so later
while under employment. The priority, however, is to immediately join the workforce upon
completion of the Senior High School under the TVL Track.

Through this bill, a National Academy for Technical and Vocational Skills (NATVS) System
shall be established. The President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a
representative of the Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines shall be members of the Board
of Trustees of NATVS System. As such, they can ensure that the curriculum shall be aligned and
responsive to the needs of the employers and the industries. Further, the curriculum shall focus
on building and developing the skills of students in preparation for employment. This shall build
their confidence not only in applying for work but in facing different challenges once they join
the workforce as well.

|n view of the foregoing, the approval of the proposed measure is ea: restly requested.

ROMAN T. ROMULO
Lone District, Pasig City



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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. 996 _

Introduced by Representative Roman T. Romulo

AN ACT
CREATING AND ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL ACADEMY FOR TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL
SKILLS SYSTEM, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “The National Academy for
Technical and Vocational Skills System Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall protect and promote the right of al citizens
to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education
accessible to all. The right to education shall be promoted with the end goal of producing
Graduates who are prepared to become civically-active, economically productive members of
society.

The State shall also ensure that education aligns with the goals of national development
and industrialization. To this end, the State shall ensure access to affordable and competitive
industrial schools for the training of highly technically-skilled graduates who are able to meet the
country’s need for higher-order industrial skills, and who are able to find decent employment in
high-value industries even without a college degree.

SEC. 3. Creation and Establishment of the National Academy for Technical and
Vocational Skills System. - There shall be established in every region and in every highly
urbanized city at least one specialized high school to be known as the National Academy for
Technical and Vocational Skills (NATVS), which shall be funded in the manner of a national high
school. The NATVS System shall implement an enhanced high school education Program,
integrated with a special curriculum on technical-vocational courses with the end view of


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Providing technical and vocational quality education to students to immediately fill in the need
of the industries on highly-technical, highly-skilled functions.

The establishment of a NATVS shall be based on the following conditions: (a) growth
Potential; (b) consistent high enrollment and inventory data; (c) no other Public schools offer any
Particular specializations in that area; (d) adequate “State of the Art” facilities that will cater to
specific specialization needs of learners; and (e) strong partnership and linkage with companies
and other employers within the region or highly urbanized city.

The NATVS shall be attached to the Department of Education (DepEd), in close
coordination with the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA).

SEC. 4. Objective. - The NATVS System shall offer courses for highly-specialized, higher-
order industrial and technical skills, with the objective of Producing graduates who meet the
demands and can find employment in highly-technical, high-skill functions in the manufacturing
sector and other high-value industries such as energy, machinery, mechatronics,
telecommunications, and indigenous local industries.

SEC. 5. Autonomy of NATVS System over Curriculum. — The NATVS shall exercise
autonomy over the development of the school curriculum, school facilities, and industry linkages.

SEC. 6. The Board of Trustees. ~ The NATVS System shall be governed by a Board of
Trustees, hereinafter referred to as the “Board”, which shall be composed of the DepEd Secretary
as the Chairperson, TESDA Director-General as the Vice-Chairperson, and the following as
members: (a) Department of Trade and Industry Secretary, (b) Department of Science and
Technology Secretary, (c) Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, (d) NATVS.
Executive Director, and (e) a representative from Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines.

‘SEC. 7. Functions of the Board. — The Board shall have the following specific powers and
duties in addition to its general powers of administration and the exercise of all the powers
Granted to the board of directors of a corporation under Section 35 of Republic Act No. 11232,
otherwise known as the Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines:

a. To formulate policies, guidelines and criteria in order to rationalize the establishment,
administration and operation of the technical-vocational high schools under the
NATVS System, and provide for general rules and regulations not contrary to law as
‘may be necessary to achieve the purpose under this law;

b. To identify the satellite branches and regional campuses of the NATVS System.

¢. To approve the curricula, course of study, and rules of discipline drawn up by the
Executive Council as hereinafter provided;


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d. To ensure that the Programs to be offered by the NATVS shall be in accordance with
the qualification levels in terms of the three (3) Philippine Qualifications Framework
domains: knowledge skills and values, application, and degree of independence

& To provide and approve fellowships and trainings for faculty members and staff, and
approve the grant of scholarships, stipends and such other allowances to deserving
students based on the guidelines and implementing rules;

f. To receive and appropriate to the ends specified by law such sums as may be provided
by law for the support of the NATVs;

8. To approve appointments made and contracts entered into by the Director in
connection with the employment of teachers, instructors, lecturers, and other
employees of the school, to fix their compensation and other conditions of
employment, and to remove them for reasonable cause after an investigation and
hearing shall have done;

h. To establish the criteria for the selection and admission of students;

i, To approve the issuance of certificates or diplomas to successful candidates for
graduation;

i. To receive, in trust, legacies, gifts, and donations of real and personal property of all
kinds and to administer the same in accordance with the direction and instruction of
the donor and, in default thereof, in such manner as the Board may, in its discretion,
determine for the benefit of the NATVS or for aid to any of its students;

k. To call on the industrial and manufacturing sectors and establish partnership to
ensure the employability of the NATVS graduates; and

|. To perform other acts incident to or required by virtue of its creation,

SEC. 8. Board Meetings. ~ The Board shall regularly convene at least once every quarter
of the NATVs System’s school calendar: Provided, That upon the effectivity ofthis Act, the Board
shall immediately convene and conduct monthly meetings for purposes of choosing and
appointing the Director, faculty members, and administrative staff, and an organization plan for
the NATVS System.

The Chairperson of the Board may call a special meeting whenever necessa ry: Provided,
That members are notified in writing at least three (3) calendar days before said meeting.

A majority of all members holding office in person or virtually shall constitute a quorum
for Board meetings: Provided, That the Chairperson or the Vice-Chairperson of the Board are


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among those present in the meeting. All processes against the Board shall be served to the
Secretary of the Board.

SEC. 9. The Executive Director. — The NATVS System shall be headed by an Executive
Director who shall be appointed by the Chairperson of the Board, subject to the approval of the
members of the Board based on the 8uidelines and qualifications set forth in the implementing
rules and regulations.

The Board shall also fix the compensation of the Executive Director subject to existing
Compensation and Position Classification System.

The functions of the Executive Director shall be responsible for the administration and
operation of the NATVS System, in addition to those specifically provided for in this Act. The
Executive Director shall also coordinate the implementation of Policies and guidelines set by the
Board.

SEC. 10. The Executive Council. — There shall be created an Executive Council consisting
Of the Executive Director, the Campus Directors, heads of departments, and such other ranking
faculty members or officials of the NATVS, as may be determined by the Board. The Council shen
have the following specific powers and functions:

a. To screen and select the students to be admitted to the NATVS;

b. To select students who shall be recipients of scholarships, stipends, and other
allowances;

¢. To develop the curricula, course of study, and rules of discipline, subject to the
approval of the Board;

4d. To coordinate with TESDA for the implementation of quality assurance mechanisms
in connection with the conduct of National Certification Examinations to the students
of NATVS;

&- To recommend for approval of the Board students eligible for graduation;

f. To perform disciplinary function over the students;

8. To implement and execute policies laid down by the Board; and

h. To exercise such other functions as the Board may prescribe.

SEC. 11. Campus Director. — Each NATVS shall be headed by a Campus Director who shall
be appointed by the Board, upon recommendation of the Executive Director on the basis of a


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search process. The Campus Director shall have a fixed term of six (6) years and shall not be
removed from office except for cause.

The Campus Director shall be the administrative and academic head of the assigned
campus and will be responsible for its effective and efficient operations, The Campus Director
may constitute a management committee that may act as a consultative body for the educational
needs, the standard of living on campus, and other related services for the students, faculty, and
staff of the campus.

SEC. 12. The Faculty Members and Administrative Staff. - The Campus Director shall,
upon approval of the Board, employ professional a
and vast experience in technical-vocational admi
Proper operation and maintenance of the NATVS. The faculty members and administrative staff
shall be selected in accordance with such criteria as may be established by the Board which shall
include, if necessary and practicable, screening and competitive examinations,

Sec. 13. Civil Service Coverage. — The personnel of the NATVS shall be classified into:

(2) Career service personnel, namely, those of the finance, administrative, and personnel
staff and the general education faculty, who shall be covered by civil service examinations and
regulations; and

(b) Non-career service personnel, consisting of the members of the faculty ‘specializing in
the various technical and vocational industry, who shall be exempt from civil service
examinations and regulations.

Career and non-career service personnel shall be subject to Compensation and Position
Classification System. They shall be entitled to retirement benefits enjoyed by all government
Personnel, in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations. Provisions for retirement shall
be included in the annual budget of the NATVS.

SEC. 14. Assistance from National Government Agencies. ~ Heads of bureaus or offices
of the National Government are hereby authorized to loan or transfer, upon the request of the
Campus Director of the NATVS, such apparatus, supplies, and other properties as may be needed
by the NATVS, and to detail employees for duty therein, when in the judgment of the head of the
bureau or office, they can be spared without serious detriment to the public service, Employees
so detailed shall perform such duties as required under such detail, and the time employed shall
be counted as part of their regular official hours, all laws, rules and regulations limiting the detail
of government employees notwithstanding.

SEC. 15. Role of the Industry. - Local chambers of commerce, manufacturing companies,
economic zones and locators, and other private sector stakeholders in business and industry shall


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Provide equipment, facilities, scholarships, mentoring, training, and jobs for graduates and
students of NATVS.

SEC. 16. Linkages with LGUs. - The NATVS shall coordinate and collaborate with LGU
where it is located for the Planning and implementation of their respective programs and
Projects. This is vital to help facilitate alignment, synchronicity, and complementarity of plans,
resources and efforts of the schools and of the LGUs, Particularly its Local School Board, Public
Employment Service Office, Technology and Livelihood Development Center, and the Local
Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office. This includes the maintenance and
updating of the skills registry and manpower mapping in the barangays.

SEC. 17, Linkages with TESDA. - The NATVS System shall coordinate closely with TESDA
for technical assistance, development of the school curriculum, and evaluation for learners’
national certificates.

Under the NATVS System Programs, content and performance standards shall be aligned
to the competency-based curriculum of TESDA, practical classes shall be provided by the schools
and hands-on experiences acquired at Partner industries, and the learning environment shall
support opportunities for holistic growth and skills development of learners.

The programs to be offered by NATVS System shall be in accordance with the qualification
levels in terms of the three (3) Philippine Qualifications Framework domains, namely: (a)
knowledge skills and values; (b) application; and (c) degree of independence. Such quality
assurance mechanisms shall be determined and evaluated by TESDA.

SEC. 18. Free Tuition. — As with national high schools, the NATVS shall adopt and enforce
a policy on free tuition and other school fees for students. Violators of this policy shall be meted
with appropriate disciplinary action and penalty,

SEC. 19. Annual Report. - The Board shall submit to the Office of the President of the
Philippines and Congress a detailed report on the Progress, condition, and needs of the NATVS
System containing, among others, the financial statements, statement of assets and liabilities,
other revenue sources and program for expenditures, physical and financial accountability
Feports, and other similar reportorial requirements on or before the fifteenth (15") day of June
of each year.

SEC. 20. NATVS System Fund. ~ All incomes and donations to the NATVS shall constitute
@ special fund to be known as the NATVS System Fund. The Fund shall be expended by the Board
exclusively for the purpose of this Act.

SEC. 21. Tax Exemption on Donations. - All grants, bequest, endowments, donations and
contributions made to the NATVS and used actually, directly and exclusively by the NATVS, shall
be exempt from donor's tax and the same shall be considered as allowable deduction from the


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&ross income in the computation of the income tax of the donor in accordance with the provisions
of the National internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended,

SEC. 22. Appropriations. —To carry out the purpose of this Act, including the operation of
the NATVS System, the acquisition, improvement, and conditioning of the land on which the
NATVS shall be located, the construction, maintenance, and repair of buildings and
improvements, and the acquisition of furniture, fixtures, and equipment, there shall be
Sppropriated at least One hundred million pesos (P100,000,000.00) for each NATVS. The
Department of Budget and Management shall make the necessary adjustments to account for
the differences in costs specific to the standard of living in each region,

Thereafter, the expenses of the NATVS, for the purposes above-described, shall be
Provided in the annual General Appropriations Act: Provided, That any unexpended balance from
its annual budget shall also form part of the aforementioned NATVS ‘System Fund,

SEC. 23. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within ninety (90) days from the
approval of this Act, the Secretary of Education shall, in consultation with the Director General
Of TESDA, Secretary of Trade and Industry, Secretary of Science and Technology, President of
Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, and the President of PCCI, formulate the rules and
regulations implementing the provisions of this Act, Said agencies shall, within the same period,
determine the region and location of the very first NATVS. The members of the Board of the first
NATVS, as may be determined, shall immediately convene and exercise its Powers and functions,

SEC. 24. Separability Clause. ~ If any provision of this Act is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the other provisions not so declared shall remain in force and effect,

SEC. 25. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, decrees, orders and rules and regulations contrary
to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SEC. 26. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,