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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No.1 798

Introduced by Hon. Janic

eV. Degamo

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Third District of Negros Oriental is home to thousands of skilled yet
unemployed or underemployed individuals, especially in rural and upland barangays.
While the demand for welders, butchers, mechanics, bakers, farmers, and IT service
providers continues to grow both locally and abroad, many residents lack access to
affordable and certified training.

This bill seeks to establish community-based training centers offering free
TESDA-accredited skills programs across the district. These centers will not only
uplift individuals and families but also support the local economy by improving the
quality and quantity of the labor force. By providing free certification and job
assistance, the measure ensures that the people of the Third District have a fair shot at
employment, self-sufficiency, and dignity.

‘Approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

JAN{CE V. DEGAM
Representatiy District of Negros Oriental


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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

o. 1758

House Bill

Introduced by Hon. JANICE V. DEGAMO

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING COMMUNITY-BASED SKILLS AND TRADES TRAINING
CENTERS IN THE THIRD DISTRICT OF NEGROS ORIENTAL,
PROVIDING FREE TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING
PROGRAMS, 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 the "Negros Skills and
Trades Training Act."

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the State
to promote inclusive and sustainable employment by equipping its citizens with the
technical and vocational skills needed in the modern labor market. The State shall
prioritize access to free, localized training programs in underserved and rural
communities.

Section 3. Creation of Community-Based Skills and Trades Training
Centers. There shall be established at least one (1) Community-Based Skills and
Trades Training Center in each of the following localities in the Third District of
Negros Oriental:

(a) Bayawan City;
(b) Bacong;
(c) Siaton.

Each Community-Based Skills and Trades Training Center shall serve as a
TESDA-accredited facility that offers free technical and vocational courses aligned
with local industry demands and overseas job markets.

Section 4. Training Programs Offered. The Community-Based Skills and

Trades Training Center shall offer, but not be limited to, the following priority
programs:


(a) Agricultural machinery operation and repair;
(b) Industrial welding and pipe fitting;

(c) Information and communication technology;
(d) Automotive servicing;

(e) Baking and pastry making;

(f) Slaughtering operations.

Section 5. Training Benefits and Support. All enrolled trainees shall receive
the following:

(a) Free tuition, tools, and materials;

(b) Daily transportation or meal allowance, subject to the availability of funds;

(c) TESDA National Certification (NC I or NC II) upon passing assessment;

(d) Job placement assistance.

Section 6. Implementation and Coordination. The Technical Education and

Skills Development Authority (TESDA), in coordination with the Department of
Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and
local government units (LGUs), shall implement the provisions of this Act. The

Provincial Government of Negros Oriental and partner NGOs may also assist in the
operation, outreach, and sustainability of the training centers.

Section 7. Appropriations. The amount of One Hundred and Fifty Mi
Pesos (P150,000,000.00) is hereby appropriated for the initial implementation of this
Act, to be sourced from the current budget of TESDA, or from other available sources,
as determined by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). Thereafter, the
annual operation and maintenance costs of the training centers shall be included in the
General Appropriations Act (GAA) under the TESDA budget.

Section 8. Monitoring and Reporting. TESDA shall submit an annual report
to the House of Representatives through the Committee on Higher and Technical
Education on the performance of the Community-Based Skills and Trade Training
Centers, including enrollment data, certification results, job placements, and
community impact.

Section 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within ninety (90) days
from the effectivity of this Act, TESDA shall promulgate the necessary rules and
regulations to effectively implement the provisions of this Act.

Section 10. Separability Clause. if any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the remainder of this Act shall not be affected thereby.


Section 11. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations
or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or
modified accordingly.

Section 12, 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,