a REPRESS
YX

O
Co y
Republic of the Philippines [3 RECEIVED 2
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES = oaTe 26 AUG 2025
Quezon City, Metro Manila * TIME 5: 7
eae
‘Twentieth Congress ¢

First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 4045

Introduced by Representative RAYMOND ADRIAN SALCEDA

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A TESDA TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT CENTER IN
BARANGAY PANTAO, MUNICIPALITY OF LIBON, PROVINCE OF ALBAY, AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Municipality of Libon, Albay, hosts Pantao Port, a major maritime gateway in the
Bicol Region. With its ongoing development and its designation as the anchor site of the
proposed Bicol Economic Zone, Pantao is envisioned to become a logistics and agro-industrial
hub serving not only Albay but the wider Luzon-Visayas trade corridor.

To maximize the potential of this port and ecozone, there is a pressing need to train and
certify a workforce with specialized technical-vocational skills. These include port operations,
industrial processing, renewable energy systems servicing, and agro-industrial value-adding
trades. At present, access to TESDA-accredited facilities in western Albay remains limited,
leaving local residents without sufficient opportunities to prepare for employment in these

industries.

This bill therefore establishes a TESDA Training and Assessment Center in Barangay
Pantao, Libon, to be constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
and operated by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The
Center will directly serve the manpower requirements of Pantao Port, the proposed ecozone,
and related industries, ensuring that local communities can take full advantage of the economic

opportunities generated by these projects.



The Local Government Unit of Libon may provide counterpart support if available,
reinforcing the partnership between national and local governments in building a modem and

industry-relevant workforce.

By legislating this measure, the State affirms its commitment to inclusive growth,
industrial development, and employment generation in Albay and the Bicol Region.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

RAYMONI SALCEDA


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

‘Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. 4045

Introduced by Representative RAYMOND ADRIAN SALCEDA

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A TESDA TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT CENTER IN
BARANGAY PANTAO, MUNICIPALITY OF LIBON, PROVINCE OF ALBAY, ANI
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Establishment of a TESDA Training and Assessment Center. There is
hereby established a TESDA Training and Assessment Center in Barangay Pantao,
Municipality of Libon, Province of Albay, to be constructed by the Department of Public
Works and Highways (DPWH) and operated by the Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority (TESDA).

SEC. 2. Program Specialization. The TESDA Training and Assessment Center in
Barangay Pantao shall prioritize training programs responsive to the manpower requirements
oft

(a) the Pantao Port and its operations, including stevedoring, container handling,
refrigeration, warehousing, and logistics management;

(b) the proposed Pantao Agro-Industrial Economic Zone, with emphasis on agro-
processing, light manufacturing, and industrial trades;

(c) renewable energy projects in the westemn corridor of Albay; and

(4) other industries identified by TESDA in coordination with local and regional
stakeholders.

SEC. 3. Counterpart Support. The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Libon may
provide counterpart support, if funds are available, which may include land, site preparation,
utilities, or personnel augmentation.


SEC. 4. Appropriations. The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this
Act shall be charged against the funds of the Department of Public Works and Highways for
the construction of the facility. Thereafter, the operational requirements, including personnel,
equipment, and maintenance, shall be included in the annual budget of the Technical Education
and Skills Development Authority under the General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within ninety (90) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the DPWH and TESDA, in consultation with the concerned LGU, shall
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 6. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or
invalid, the remaining provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 7. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,