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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE 
S. No. alls
23 MAY -3 All 42
RLCEIV
Introduced by Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" T. Go
AN ACT
MANDATING THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT 
AUTHORITY TO INSTITUTIONALIZE A TECHNICAL-VOCATIONAL EDUCATION 
AND TRAINING AND LIVELIHOOD PROGRAM DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR 
REHABILITATED DRUG DEPENDENTS AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002 declares 
it a policy of the State to "provide effective mechanisms or measures to reintegrate into 
society individuals who have fallen victims to drug abuse or dangerous drug 
dependence through sustainable programs of treatment and rehabilitation." Pursuant to 
this policy, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has 
implemented "aftercare and follow-up programs" aimed at providing skills training and 
ensuring the long-term recovery of drug dependents.
As per consolidated reports from TESDA's regional offices, in 2017, 13,258 drug 
dependents benefitted from TESDA's Technical-Vocational Education and Training 
(TVET) and livelihood program.1 According to TESDA, in 2021, 8,730 former drug 
dependents were awarded scholarships, with 8,257 of them successfully completing 
various courses initiated by the program. The success of TESDA's TVET and livelihood
https://www.tesda.gov.ph/Media/NewsDetail/17686


program underscores the significance of providing opportunities and support for 
individuals to rebuild their lives after struggling with drug addiction.
This bill aims to institutionalize the program to ensure that this life-changing 
program can be sustainably implemented and effectively reach and support its target 
beneficiaries. This proposed measure also seeks to integrate other agencies like the 
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to help achieve the goal of providing a 
more sustainable rehabilitation and reformation in our criminal justice system.
Institutionalizing the provision of TVET and livelihood programs designed for 
rehabilitated drug dependents can be a valuable component of their recovery journey, 
enabling them to rebuild their lives, remain engaged in the community, and find 
meaningful employment. Additionally, it can help promote a more inclusive and 
compassionate society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and thrive. Such 
initiatives are essential for promoting social and economic development, reducing 
recidivism, and addressing the root causes of drug addiction in the country.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this measure is earnestly sought
SENATOR CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE "BONG" T. GO


0k Senate
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
s. No. 2115
23 MAY -3 fill ■•42
RliCEIVFOBV:
Introduced by Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" T. Go
AN ACT
MANDATING THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT 
AUTHORITY TO INSTITUTIONALIZE A TECHNICAL-VOCATIONAL EDUCATION 
AND TRAINING AND LIVELIHOOD PROGRAM DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR 
REHABILITATED DRUG DEPENDENTS AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
SECTION 1. TVET and Livelihood Program. - The Technical Education and Skills
2 
Development Authority (TESDA), in coordination with the Department of Labor and
3 
Employment (DOLE), shall develop technical-vocational education and training (TVET)
4 
and livelihood programs designed specifically for rehabilitated drug dependents. The
5 
TVET and livelihood programs shall focus on competitive and employable skills that can
6 
be acquired and developed by rehabilitated drug dependents to further enhance their
7 
ability to find gainful employment and entrepreneurial livelihood opportunities.
8 
The DOLE shall provide incentives to companies which shall employ rehabilitated
9 
drug dependents who have undergone the TVET and livelihood programs mandated 
10 under this Act.


1 
SEC. 2. Appropriations. - The Director General of TESDA shall immediately
2 
include in the Authority's programs the implementation of this Act, the funding of which
3 
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
4 
SEC 3. Separability Clause. - Any portion or provision of this Act that is declared
5 
unconstitutional shall not have the effect of nullifying other portions or provisions
6 
hereof as long as such remaining portions can still subsist and be given effect in their
7 
entirety.
8 
SEC 4. Repealing Clause. - All laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, other
9 
issuances or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Act, are hereby repealed or 
10 modified accordingly.
11
SEC 5. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
12 publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,