NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
Ornate
23 JUM 20 P4:06
SENA
S.B. No.
RECEIVED W
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND 
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (TESDA) PROVINCIAL TRAINING AND 
ASSESSMENT CENTER TO BE LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF 
LABANGAN, PROVINCE OF ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR, AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The 1987 Philippine Constitution provides in Article XIV, Section 1 that "the 
State shall protect and promote the right of ail citizens to quality education at all levels, 
and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all." For this 
reason, it is the responsibility of the state to create, support, and maintain a 
comprehensive, appropriate, and integrated system of education that is in line with 
the needs of the populace and the society. People can transcend the boundaries of 
oppression and overcome generational poverty when they have access to high-quality 
education.
The municipality of Labangan, a coastal municipality situated in the province of 
Zamboanga del Sur, encompasses a total land area of 157.90 square kilometres 
constituting 3.52% of the province's total geographical area. Considering the recent 
data reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in 2020, the municipality of 
Labangan serves as a home to 44, 262 residents.1
The Zamboanga del Sur Schools Division is considered as the largest division in 
Region IX in terms of the number of elementary and secondary schools established in 
the region. The Division has 32 school districts where 17 of which are located in the 
1st Congressional District while 15 are in the 2nd Congressional District. It has 669 
public elementary schools, 127 public secondary schools, 6 integrated schools, 34 
private elementary schools, 44 private secondary schools, and 6 private Integrated 
schools duly recognized by the Department of Education (DepEd).2
PhilAtlas. Labangan - Province of Zamboanga del Sur. Accessed on 31 May 2023 from 
https://www.philatlas.com/mindanao/r09/zamboanga-del-sur/labangan.html
Official Website of the Department of Education - Zamboanga del Sur Division. Accessed on 31 May 2023 
from https://suresasur.net/?page_id=l 0


The Constitution also provides under Section 2 (5) of the same Article that "the 
State shall encourage non-formal, informal, and indigenous learning systems, as well 
as self-learning, independent, and out-of-school study programs particularly those that 
respond to community needs... and to provide adult citizens, the disabled, and out-of- 
school youth with training in civics, vocational efficiency, and other skills."
Republic Act No. 7796, otherwise known as the "Technical Education and Skills 
Development Act of 1994" or the "TESDA Act of 1994", declares that It is the policy of 
the State to provide relevant, accessible, high quality, and efficient technical education 
and skills development in support of the development of high quality Filipino middle- 
level manpower responsive to and in accordance with Philippine development goals 
and priorities. This Act is envisioned to promote and strengthen the quality of technical 
education and skills development programs to attain international competitiveness, 
focus technical education and skills development on meeting the changing demands, 
and recognize and encourage the complementary roles of learning institutions in 
technical education, skills development, and training systems In the modern society.
The province of Zamboanga del Sur is known primarily for its agri-fishery 
industry which explains the reason why majority of the employed residents belong to 
this industry. This prompted the provincial government to create employment and 
livelihood opportunities in the countryside and facilitate export employment. Among 
the occupational groups, agricultural fishery and forestry sectors posted the biggest 
group representing almost 50% of the total employed labor population. The slight 
reduction of these agricultural workers from 50.35% in 2004 to 49.58% In 2005 is 
attributed to the training offered by the Technical Education and Skills development 
Authority (TESDA) and other technical-vocational schools in order to produce 
competitive goods and services.
The purpose of this bill is to create a TESDA Training and Assessment Center 
in the municipality of Labangan, Province of Zamboanga del Sur to primarily cater to 
the needs of the constituents of the entire region in order for them to optimize their 
resources. The establishment of this Center was geared towards the provision of 
technical and vocational skills training and development programs to low-income 
families, out of school children and youth, persons with disabilities, and all other 
members of various sectors.
This bill seeks to give outpouring opportunities to Filipino people, starting with 
the residents of Labangan, a chance for a brighter future for themselves and their 
families, for this bill is targeted to transform, equip, and preparing them to be skilled, 
competent, and globally competitive. Through the creation of this center, students will 
have access to fresh, practical knowledge and technical skills that can lead to a 
subsistence, fostering independence and a thriving local and national economy.
In view of aforementioned considerations, the passage of this bill is earnestly
sought.
/tMEE R. MARCOS


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
23 M 20 P 4 *07
S.B. No.
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND 
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (TESDA) PROVINCIAL TRAINING 
AND ASSESSMENT CENTER TO BE LOCATED IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF 
LABANGAN, PROVINCE OF ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR, AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
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Section 1. Short Tide. - This Act shall be known as the ''Zamboanga del 
Sur TESDA Provincial Training and Assessment Center Act".
Sec. 2. Establishment - There is hereby established Zamboanga del Sur 
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Provincial Training 
and Assessment Center to be located in the Municipality of Labangan, Province of 
Zamboanga del Sur.
Sec. 3. General Mandate. - The Zamboanga del Sur TESDA Provincial 
Training and Assessment Center, hereinafter referred to as the Center, shall 
primarily provide relevant and quality technical-vocational education and training 
(TVET), including practical short-term specialty courses and one (1) year to three 
(3)-year TESDA-registered technical-vocational skills program and certificate 
courses, to out-of-school youths, high school students and graduates, unemployed 
and underemployed adults, other workers, other workers in the informal sector and 
residents from low-income families, as well as persons with disabilities in the 
Province of Zamboanga del Sur, to help them become self-reliant and globally 
competitive labor assets. The Center shall also aim to meet the maximum 
competency requirement under Level V of the Philippine Qualifications Framework 
(PQF), as institutionalized by Republic Act No. 10968 (PQF Act), which is the 
Diploma Level in technical-vocational education.
The Center shall help train local residents of the Province of Zamboanga del 
Sur within the operational radius of the center to be developed into a globally 
competitive middle to high-level skilled labor force to meet the manpower


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placement demands of both local and international labor markets, as well as hasten 
the social and economic development of the Province of Zamboanga del Sur. The 
Center shall consider in the design of relevant technical-vocational training 
programs to be offered therein. The preferred skills categories according to 
identified development targets, thereby propelling the area in becoming a skilled 
human resource and economic productivity hub.
The Center shall also serve as TESDA-Accredited Assessment Center for 
acquired competencies in technical-vocational skills in the entire Province of 
Zamboanga del Sur.
As deemed necessary and practicable, in coordination with the Department 
of Education (DepEd) and TESDA, the Center shall render relevant teachers' 
trainings assistance and curriculum design to the secondary schools offering 
Technical-Vocational Livelihood (TVL) track under the K to 12 program of the DepEd 
in the communities and areas in the Province of Zamboanga del Sur.
Sec. 4. Curriculum Offerings/Training Programs. - The Center, in 
consultation with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the 
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Agriculture (DA), and 
the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the National 
Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), business industry partners, and such 
other relevant agencies, both local and international, shall offer diverse short-term 
certificate courses and modular trainings in relevant technical-vocational skills and 
trade specialization to comply with the employment standards in preferred and 
emerging market-driver labor opportunities, but shall likewise give premium 
requirements towards training a robust inclusive economy in the host area and the 
adjacent localities and communities within the operational radius of the Center.
The Center may establish research and technological hubs, mobile training 
programs, and satellite or extension training centers in priority areas throughout 
the province of Zamboanga del Sur not only to serve the manpower needs of these 
areas, but also to strengthen the linkages among industry, the academe, and the 
Center.
The Center shall, as far as necessary and practicable, offer the following 
TESDA-registered technical-vocational training programs with the competency's 
assessment leading to at least National Certification Levels I - III, as applicable, to 
increase the livelihood assets and competitive productivity in the entire Province of 
Zamboanga del Sur in the following:
(a) Skills training in industry technology and hard trades such as metal 
and steel works, machine fabrication and operation, heavy 
equipment operation, automotive mechanic, refrigeration and air 
conditioning, electronics, and operation of power tools and 
equipment for both medium skills grade and industrial purposes;


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(b) Agriculture and aquaculture-related trainings and skills development 
in such areas, but not limited to, farming-fishing operations 
technology, backyard farming and home-based aquaculture and 
propagation innovations, mechanized farm and fishing tools and 
equipment operations, agribusiness, agri-aqua trade technology and 
innovations, and relevant farmers and fisherfolks continuing training 
for increased productivity and entrepreneurship;
(c) Social communication skills development, language proficiency 
courses in English and other languages for business process 
outsourcing (call center) employment and overseas job placement;
(d) Livelihood skills development courses for preferred skills 
employment and small-scale entrepreneurship, including practical 
skills education in arts and crafts, workmanship and design (fabric, 
wood works, jewellery, and metal works), horticulture, livestock 
raising and breeding, food processing technology, home technology, 
culinary arts and commercial cooking, including baking, beauty 
culture (includes cosmetology, hair and nail styling), health and 
wellness trainings;
(e) Basic business literacy training in financial management and 
marketing, practical accountancy, bookkeeping in office procedures, 
business processes and application procedures including 
registration, licensing, documentation, business patent and 
intellectual property regulation, business financing and investment 
opportunities sourcing, import-export accreditation, including online 
home-based business operation and use of social media business 
marketing;
(f) Technical-vocational occupation and trades skills such as carpentry, 
masonry, plumbing, practical electricity and installation, automotive 
technician and servicing, electronics technician and servicing, 
welding technician and personal computer (PC) servicing, and such 
other relevant practical skills courses;
(g) Computer literacy and information technology (IT)-related skills, 
digital technology, web design, animation, photoshop/online 
photography, computer design, and advertising;
(h) Seminars on personality development, career counselling and job 
placement, work ethic and values; and


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(i) Other preferred priority skills and trades training that may be utilized 
and needed by the people of Zamboanga del Sur to enhance their 
capacities for practical livelihood purposes, gainful employment, and 
entrepreneurial activities.
Sec. 5. Compliance with TESDA Requirements. - The provisions of this Act 
notwithstanding, the Center established herein shall become operationally effective 
only upon the determination and declaration of the TESDA, through the issuance 
of a formal recommendation and certificate of compliance, that the Center has 
satisfactorily complied with the minimum requirements for quality standards 
prescribed by TESDA governing the following competency assessment:
(a) standard procedures and guidelines (SPGs) for the establishment and 
operation of a TESDA-accredited training center;
(b) operational sustainability of the Center established herein, such as 
licensed faculty-trainers and personnel, equipment, training and 
laboratory facilities, its structural materials, and other standard 
requirement as TESDA-accredited training center;
(c) sustainable funding source and allocation of the budgetary 
requirement of the Center hereto established;
(d) assurance that the training programs offered are fully aligned with 
the minimum standards of competency-based quality technical- 
vocational skills technology and the needs of the host area and 
adjacent communities within the service area of the Center;
(e) program alignment and benchmarking in the context of the ASEAN 
framework and the PQF for TVET; and
(f) compliance with such other TESDA conditionalities and standards, as 
may be necessary and applicable in establishing a TESDA-accredited 
training center.
Sec. 6. Administration. - The Center shall be headed by a Technical- 
Vocational Administrator, who shall be appointed by the TESDA Director-General In 
accordance with civil service rules and regulations and the qualification 
requirements for such office.
The Technical-Vocational Administrator shall render full-time services and 
shall be responsible for the administration and operation of the Center. As far as 
necessary and practicable, and subject to existing procedures and the approval of


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the TESDA Director General, the Technical Vocational Administrator shall enter into 
mutual agreement with local-based counterpart agencies, or instrumentalities and 
persons, both private and government, for such assistance as may be necessary to 
effectively implement this Act.
Sec. 7. Appropriations. - The Secretary General of TESDA shall include in 
the authority's program implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be 
included In the Annual General Appropriations Act. The LGUs concerned, in 
consultation with TESDA, shall likewise set aside from any available local revenue 
an amount deemed appropriate as annual counterpart fund to support the 
operation of the Center established herein.
Sec. 8. Impiementing Ruies andReguiations. - Within ninety (90) days after 
the approval of this Act, the TESDA shall, in coordination with the DOLE, the DTI, 
the DA, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the DILG, the NEDA, 
the concerned LGUs, and such other relevant agencies and industry-business 
partners of the host locality, prepare and issue the necessary rules and regulations 
for the effectivity of the implementation of this Act.
Sec. 9. Separabiiity Cause. - If, for any reason, any section or provision of 
this Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, other sections or provisions which are 
not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.
Sec. 10. Repeaiing Cause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, proclamation, charter, 
rule or regulation and/or parts thereof contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions 
of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.
Sec. 11. Effectivity Cause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
following its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation.
Approved,