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

‘Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO._4534

Introduced by Representative RAYMOND ADRIAN SALCEDA

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL PROGRAM FOR OPEN UNIVERSITIES AND
CENTERS FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION BY STATE UNIVERSITIES AND
COLLEGES AND COMMUNITY COLLEGES, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The twenty-first century economy requires citizens to learn continuously throughout
their lives. Workers and professionals must adapt to new technologies, changing industries, and
emerging challenges. Yet, access to higher education in the Philippines remains limited by
traditional structures that cannot easily accommodate adult learners, working students, and out-
of-school youth.

This bill institutionalizes a National Program for Open Universities and Continuing
Education Centers under State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and community colleges.
Modeled after successful initiatives such as the University of the Philippines Open University,
the program democratizes higher learning through distance, online, and hybrid modalities,
flexible admission, recognition of prior learning, and modular certifications.

The establishment of Centers for Continuing Education (CCE) ensures that SUCs and
community colleges become hubs for reskilling, professional development, and community-
based training. These centers will deliver short courses, micro-credentials, and lifelong learning
opportunities in coordination with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), the
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Department of Labor
and Employment (DOLE), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTD.

The bill also mandates digital infrastructure support through the Department of
Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and provides tax incentives for industry
training partnerships.


By enacting this measure, Congress will ensure that Filipinos have access to lifelong
learning opportunities that enhance employability, productivity, and competitiveness, while
strengthening the role of SUCs and community colleges as drivers of inclusive development.

Immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

RAYMO} SALCEDA


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

‘Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 4534

Introduced by Representative RAYMOND ADRIAN SALCEDA

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL PROGRAM FOR OPEN UNIVERSITIES AND
CENTERS FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION BY STATE UNIVERSITIES AND
COLLEGES AND COMMUNITY COLLEGES, PROVIDING 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 the “Open Universities and
Continuing Education Development Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote
lifelong leaning, continuing professional development, and flexible access to higher
education. The State recognizes the role of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and
community colleges in democratizing access to quality education by adopting open, distance,
and blended learning systems responsive to the needs of workers, professionals, out-of-school
youth, and communities.

SEC. 3. Establishment of the Program. There is hereby established a National Program
for Open Universities and Continuing Education Centers to be implemented by SUCs and
community colleges under the supervision of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

SEC. 4. Open Universities.

(a) Each SUC may establish an Open University System, or designate existing colleges

as open university units, to deliver higher education through open, distance, online, or

hybrid modalities.

(b) Open Universities shall:

1. Provide flexible admission and recognition of prior learning;
2. Offer modular, micro-credential, and stackable degree programs;


3. Utilize digital learning platforms, massive open online courses (MOOCS), and
blended modalities; and

4, Align courses with national development priorities, including digital economy,
health, agriculture, climate resilience, and technical skills.

SEC. 5. Centers for Continuing Education.

(a) All SUCs and community colleges shall establish a Center for Continuing Education
(CCE) as an extension arm to deliver short-term courses, training, and certification
programs.

(6) CCEs shall provide programs in:

1. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for licensed professionals, in
coordination with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC);

2. Reskilling and upskilling for workers in partnership with the Technical
Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of
Labor and Employment (DOLE);

3. Entrepreneurial and business training in coordination with the Department of
Trade and Industry (DTI); and

4, Community-based skills programs for farmers, fisherfolk, cooperatives, and
informal workers.

SEC. 6. Role of Community Colleges. Community colleges shall serve as local hubs for
continuing education and lifelong learning, in partnership with Local Government Units
(LGUs) and local industries, ensuring responsiveness to labor market and community needs.

SEC. 7. Digital Infrastructure. The Department of Information and Communications
Technology (DICT), in coordination with CHED, shall provide digital infrastructure support
to SUCs and community colleges, including broadband expansion, learning management
systems, and digital leaning commons.

SEC. 8. Industry and Government Linkages.

(a) CHED, TESDA, DOLE, PRC, and DTI shall jointly develop curriculum standards,
accreditation mechanisms, and industry linkages.

(b) Private companies that send employees for training under this Act shall be entitled
to deduct training expenses from their gross income, in accordance with the National
Internal Revenue Code, as amended.

SEC. 9. Governance. CHED shall issue guidelines for the accreditation of open
universities and CCE programs. SUCs and community colleges shall be responsible for
program implementation and reporting to CHED.



SEC. 10. Funding. The amount necessary to implement this Act shall be included in
the annual General Appropriations Act. SUCs and community colleges may also source funds
from industry partnerships, donor institutions, and government grants.

SEC. 11. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within ninety (90) days from the
effectivity of this Act, CHED, in consultation with TESDA, PRC, DOLE, DTI, DICT, and
representatives of SUCs and community colleges, shall promulgate the necessary rules and
regulations for its effective implementation.

SEC. 12. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional,
the remaining provisions shall not be affected.

SEC. 13. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, orders, and issuances inconsistent with
this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 14. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,