Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

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House BILt.No, 1659

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE CHEENO MIGUEL D. ALMARIO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In the recent report of the Dangerous Drug Board (DDB), it showed that there are
currently eighty-two (82) Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers (DATRCs)
operating in the country. The data showed that there is an increase of forty-three (43%)
of admission compared to the previous years.' This means that more and more people
are seeking active help to break the deadly cycle of drug addiction.

In order to encourage more drug dependents to seek professional help, this bill
aims to provide them with a means of livelihood once they are completely rehabilitated.
Earning a decent income from a job which will give them a sense of dignity is an important
step towards the right direction. It is the hope of the author of this bill that by giving them
an opportunity to earn a steady income, they will be future partners of nation building.
This will also break the stigma attached to them and give them a second chance at a
righteous life.

Hence, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

CHEENO ). ALMARIO
Re tive
2 District, Davao Oriental

https://ddb gov.ph/202:


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
TWENTIETH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No._1639

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE CHEENO MIGUEL D. ALMARIO

AN ACT
MANDATING THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY TO DESIGN AND IMPLEMENT TECHNICAL-VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
AND TRAINING AND LIVELIHOOD PROGRAMS SPECIFICALLY FOR REHABILITATED
DRUG DEPENDENTS AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA),
in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), shall
institutionalize the provision of technical-vocational education and training (TVET) and
livelihood programs designed specifically for rehabilitated drug dependents. The TVET
and livelihood programs shall focus on competitive and employable skills that can be
acquired and developed by rehabilitated drug dependents to further enhance their ability
to find gainful employment and entrepreneurial livelihood opportunities.

The DOLE shall provide incentives to companies which shall employ rehabilitated
drug dependents who have undergone the TVET and livelihood programs mandated
under this Act.

SEC. 2. The Director General of TESDA shall immediately include in the Authority's
programs the implementation of this Act, the funding of which shall be included in the
annual General Appropriations Act.


SEC. 3. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the TESDA shall, in
coordination with the DOLE, formulate the rules and regulations for the effective
implementation of this Act.

SEC. 4. All laws, presidential decrees or issuances, executive orders, letters of
instructions, rules or regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby

repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 5. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,