Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. AND 
HON. BRIAN RAYMUND S. YAMSUAN 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to institutionalize this practice by mandating the establishment of a skills 
training program for inmates in all correctional facilities in the Philippines. The 
implementation of the Program shall be spearheaded by the Technical Education and 
Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Education (DepEd), Department 
of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Department of Justice (DOJ). In addition, skills 
advancement or training inside prison will be matched with job search assistance to help 
ex-inmates find work once outside of prison. 
Around 70,000 inmates in 989 jails nationwide are 18 to 39 years old. The skills they are 
able to acquire through skills and training programs can equip them to find work after 
their release. Equipping them with skills give them a better chance at functioning as 
normal citizens and abstaining from criminal activity. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. 
BRIAN RAYMUND S. YAMSUAN 
May 9, 2023
8:00 am
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. AND 
HON. BRIAN RAYMUND S. YAMSUAN 
AN ACT 
AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM AND PROVIDING 
JOB OPPORTUNITIES TO INMATES IN DETENTION FACILITIES, APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
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 “Kabuhayan for Offenders through 
Skills Advancement (KOSA) Act.” 
SEC. 2. Establishment of Skills Training Program for Inmates. – The Technical 
Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Education (DepEd), 
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Department of Justice (DOJ) shall 
establish skills training program for all inmates in the Philippines. 
In addition, a Job Search and Livelihood Assistance Desk shall be established inside 
prisons to help ex-offenders create sustainable employment once they are released from 
prison. 
SEC. 3. Appropriations. – The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act 
shall be sourced from the current budgets of TESDA, DepEd, DOLE and DOJ. Thereafter, 
the funds necessary for the continuous implementation of this Act shall be included in the 
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annual General Appropriations Act. 
 
Sec. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within sixty (60) days after the 
effectivity of this Act, the TESDA, DepEd, DOLE and DOJ, in consultation with relevant 
stakeholders, shall issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective 
implementation of this Act. 
 
Sec. 5. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
 
Approved,