Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
19TH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ___ 
Introduced by Representative Michael L. Romero  
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
It is imperative that the State shall 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. 
Article XIV, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution highlights the government's 
duty to ensure a complete and suitable education system that meets the needs 
of the people in an ever-changing environment. It also calls for support for 
students through scholarships and other aid, especially for those from 
underprivileged backgrounds.  
Furthermore, it promotes alternative learning approaches, including informal 
and community-based programs. 
This House Bill seeks to encourage active participation of various concerned 
sectors, particularly private enterprises, being direct participants in and 
immediate beneficiaries of a trained and skilled work force, in providing technical 
education and skills development opportunities. 
Thus the creation of the Department of Technical Education Skills 
Development (DTESD) is long overdue.  
Thus, the early passage of this bill is earnestly requested.  
June 13, 2024
12:22 pm
10529


MICHAEL L. ROMERO Ph.D. 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
19TH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ___ 
Introduced by Representative Michael L. Romero 
AN ACT 
CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF TECHNICAL 
EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT (DTESD), TO 
STREAMLINE GOVERNANCE, ENHANCE 
COORDINATION, ENSURE THE CONTINUITY AND 
EFFECTIVENESS OF PROGRAMS AT DEVELOPING A 
SKILLED AND GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE WORKFORCE, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representative of the Philippines 
in congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. 
 SHORT TITLE. — This Act shall be known as the 
Department of Technical Education and Skills Development (DTESD) 
Act of 2024 " 
SECTION 2. 
DECLARATION OF POLICY – it is hereby 
a declared the policy of the state to: 
10529


i. Promote and strengthen the quality of technical education and 
skills 
development 
programs 
to 
attain 
international 
competitiveness.  
ii. Focus technical education and skills development on meeting 
the changing demands for quality middle-level manpower;  
iii. Encourage critical and creative thinking by disseminating the 
scientific and technical knowledge base of middle-level 
manpower development programs;  
iv. Recognize and encourage the complementary roles of public 
and private institutions in technical education and skills 
development and training systems; and  
v. Instill desirable values through the development of moral          
character with emphasis on work ethic, self-discipline, 
self-reliance and nationalism.  
The state shall provide relevant, accessible, high quality and efficient 
technical education and skills development in support of the development 
of high-quality Filipino manpower responsive to and in accordance with 
Philippine development goals and priorities. 
The state shall encourage active participation of various concerned 
sectors, public as well as private technical-vocational institutions (TVIs) being 
direct participants in and immediate beneficiaries of a technically educated and 
trained workforce, in providing technical education services and training 
opportunities. 
SECTION 3. 
Creation of the Department of Technical 
Education and Skills Development. — There is hereby created a 
Department of Technical Education and Skills Development (DTESD), 
which shall be the primary policy formulation, planning, coordinating, 
implementing, regulating and administrative entity of the government for 
technical education and skills development (TESD) agenda. 


SECTION 4. 
 
MANDATE - The Department shall 
exercise the following: 
a) Formulate a national technical education and skills 
development program, plans, policies, strategies to promote 
scientific and technical knowledge base of manpower 
development programs, in coordination and in consultation 
with national and local stakeholders, local government units 
(LGUs), and other government agencies; 
b) To ensure permanence and continuity of technical education 
and skills development program at par with international 
standards to attain global competitiveness; 
c) To recommend to the executive and legislative branches, 
priorities and grants on technical education and skills 
development and research; 
d) Assess, review, harmonize and coordinate all TESD policies 
and 
programs 
to 
ensure 
overall 
consistency 
and 
implementation of the national policies; 
e) Organize and constitute various standing committees, 
subsidiary groups, or technical working groups for efficient 
integration, coordination and monitoring of TESD programs 
at the national, regional, and local levels; 
f) Enter into, make, execute, perform and carry-out domestic 
and foreign contracts subject to existing laws, rules and 
regulations; 
g) Restructure 
the 
entire 
sub-sector 
consisting 
of 
all 
institutions and programs involved in the promotion and 
development of middle-level manpower through upgrading, 
merger and/or phase-out following a user-led strategy; 
h) Approve training standards and assessment packages as 
established and conducted by private industries; 
i) To instill necessary values through the development of 
ethical character with emphasis on work ethics, self-
discipline, self-reliance and nationalism; 
j) To 
support 
the 
implementation 
of 
the 
Philippine 
Qualifications Framework or the PQF Act (Republic Act No. 
10968), the ladderized Education Act (Republic Act No. 
10647) and the Dual Training System Act (Republic Act No. 
7686); and other laws, decrees and orders on education; 


k) To maximize returns to the country's investment in technical 
education and skills development through an efficient 
graduates' employment facilitation program within the 
framework of the national employment service network 
system; and 
l) To support in the poverty alleviation efforts by providing the 
marginalized and vulnerable segments of the country's 
population access to income generating technical education 
and skills development opportunities. 
m) To promote and strengthen the quality of technical education 
and 
skills 
development 
programs 
to 
attain 
global 
competitiveness and inclusive growth; 
n) To focus technical education and skills development on 
meeting the changing demands for quality manpower 
particularly in support of the development thrust of the 
country; 
o) To encourage critical and creative thinking by disseminating 
the scientific and technical knowledge base of manpower 
development programs; 
p) To recognize and encourage the complementary roles of 
public 
and 
private 
institutions, 
enterprises, 
local 
government units (LGUs) and civil society organizations 
(CSOs) in technical education and skills development; 
q) Promulgate such rules and regulations and exercise such 
other powers and functions as may be necessary to carry out 
effectively the purpose and objectives of this Act; 
r) Perform such other functions as may be necessary for its 
effective operations and tor the continued enhancement, 
growth or development of higher education. 
SECTION 5. 
COMPOSITION. - The Department shall be 
composed of the Office of the Secretary, and the various bureaus, services 
and regional and provincial/district offices.  
The Office of the Secretary shall house the Office of the Department 
Secretary, the Offices of the Undersecretaries, the Offices of the Assistant 
Secretaries, and their immediate support staff. 
 


SECTION 6. 
QUALIFICATIONS AND APPOINTMENT. - No 
person shall be appointed Secretary, Undersecretary and Assistant 
Secretary of the Department unless he or she is a citizen and resident of 
the Philippines, of good moral character, of proven integrity, and with 
relevant competence and expertise. 
SECTION 7. 
BUREAUS, SERVICES, AND STAFFING. — The 
bureaus under the Office of the Secretary of DTESD shall be headed by an 
Executive Director to be appointed by the President upon the 
recommendation of the Secretary.  
The Executive Directors shall have the rank and emoluments of 
Director V. 
SECTION 8. 
TECHNICAL 
EDUCATION 
AND 
TRAINING 
CENTERS. - The DTESD shall absorb and enhance existing Technical 
Education and Training Centers and establish a network of national, 
regional and local technical education and skills development centers for 
the purpose of promoting technical education and skills development. This 
network shall include leading training technology centers, training centers 
in technical vocational schools, including TESDA- administered and 
supervised TVIs, including arts and trades schools/colleges and 
polytechnic institutes, and all other duly accredited public and private dual 
system educational institutions. 
SECTION 9. 
STRUCTURE AND STAFFING PATTERN. - Subject to 
the approval of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the 
Secretary shall determine the organizational structure and create new divisions 
or units as may be necessary, and appoint officers and employees of the 
Department and the Commission hereinafter created in accordance with the 
civil service laws, rules and regulations. The remuneration structure of the 
position in the staffing pattern shall strictly conform to Republic Act No. 6758, 


otherwise known as the Salary Standardization Law, as amended. SEC. 16. 
Formulation of a Comprehensive Development Plan for Middle Level Manpower.  
 The DTESD shall formulate a comprehensive development plan for 
middle manpower based on a national employment plan or policies for the 
optimum allocation, development and utilization of skilled workers for 
employment entrepreneurship and technology development for economic and 
social growth. This plan shall be updated periodically and submitted to the 
President for approval.  
Thereafter, it shall be the plan for the technical education, training, and 
certification for the entire country within the framework of the National 
Development Plan.  
The DTESD shall direct through its offices to call on public agencies, the 
private sector and academe to assist in this effort. The comprehensive plan 
shall provide for a reformed industry-based training program including 
apprenticeship, dual training system and other similar schemes intended to: 
SECTION 10. 
Technical Education and Skills Development 
Board. The DTESD shall establish Technical Education and Skills 
Development board at the regional and local levels to coordinate and 
monitor the delivery of all training activities by the public and private 
sectors, and recommend policy, program and project.  
This board shall likewise serve as the Technical Education and Skills 
Development Committees of the regional and local development councils. 
The composition of the Technical Education and Skills Development 
board shall be determined by the Secretary. 
SECTION 11. 
Enterprise-Based Training Program. - The 
DTESD shall promote Enterprise-Based Training as a major mode of 


training rather than an employment arrangement and shall see to it that 
it is not subject to abuse by unprincipled entities. 
SECTION 12. 
Establishment and Administration of National 
Training Standards Policies & Guidelines - There shall be a national training 
standard to be established by DTESD-accredited industry board. The DTESD 
shall develop and implement a certification and accreditation program in which 
private industry groups and trade associations are accredited to conduct 
approved assessment packages, and the local government units to promote 
such assessment in their respective areas in accordance with the guidelines set 
by the DTESD. 
SECTION 13. 
Administration of Training Programs. - The 
DTESD shall design and administer training programs and schemes that 
will develop the capabilities of public and private institutions to provide 
quality and cost-effective technical education and skills development and 
related opportunities.  
This 
training 
programs 
and 
schemes 
shall 
include 
teachers'/trainers' training in occupational trades and related fields of 
employment, and value development as an integral component of all 
technical education and training programs. 
SECTION 14. 
Assistance to Establishments - The DTESD shall 
assist any employer or organization engaged in technical education and 
training schemes design to attain its objectives under rules and 
regulations established by the DTESD. 
SECTION 15. 
Accreditation 
and 
Regulation 
of 
TESD 
Programs. - All TESD shall be duly accredited by the DTESD before it is 
offered to the public by any public, private entity or non- government 
organization. 


Non-compliance with the accreditation requirements of the DTESD 
shall form part of the bases for the possible suspension or cancellation of 
the entities' license to operate issued by competent authorities. 
SECTION 
16. 
 
Enterprise-Based 
Connections. 
- 
The 
DTESD shall establish effective and efficient institutional arrangements 
with industry bodies and such other organizations or associations to 
ensure direct participation of employers and workers in the design and 
implementation of technical education and skills development schemes, 
competency standardization and certification; and such other functions in 
the fulfillment of the DTESD's objectives. 
 
 
SECTION 17. 
DTESD DEVELOPMENT FUND - A DTESDA 
Development Fund is hereby established, to be managed/administered by 
the Secretary, the income from which shall be utilized exclusively in 
awarding of grants and providing assistance to training institutions, 
industries, local government units for upgrading their capabilities and to 
develop and implement training and training-related activities.  
The contribution to the fund shall be the following:  
 
a. one-time lump sum appropriation from the National 
Government;  
b. annual contribution from the Overseas Workers Welfare 
Administration Fund, the amount of which should be part of 
the study on financing in conjunction with letter (D) of Section 
34 of RA7796;  
c. donations, grants, endowments, and other bequests or 
gifts, and  
d. any other income generated by the Agency. 
The Secretary shall be the administrator of the fund, and as such, 
shall 
formulate 
the 
necessary 
implementing 
guidelines 
for 
the 
management of the fund. 


 
 
SECTION 18. 
DTESD BUDGET - The amount necessary to 
finance the initial implementation of this Act shall be charged against the 
existing appropriations of the National Manpower and Youth Council 
(NMYC) and the Bureau of Technical and Vocational Education (BTVE).  
SECTION 19. 
TRANSITORY 
PROVISION. 
— 
The 
DTESD 
Secretariat created under Sections IO- 15 of R.A. 7796 shall comprise the 
initial manpower complement of the DTESD, Provided, that, no employee 
shall be terminated by virtue of this transfer. 
The laws and rules on government reorganization as provided under 
Republic Act No. 6656, otherwise known as the Reorganization Law, shall 
govern the transfer and reorganization process of the DTESD. 
The Personnel of the DTESD shall, in a holdover capacity, 
continue to perform their respective duties and responsibilities and 
receive their corresponding salaries and benefits until such time 
when the organizational structure pattern of the DTESD shall have 
been approved.  
Provided, That the preparation and approval of the said new 
organizational structure and staffing pattern shall, as far as practicable, 
respect and ensure the security of tenure and seniority rights of affected 
government employees. Those personnel whose positions are not included 
in the new staffing pattern or who are not reappointed or who choose to be 
separated as a result of the reorganization shall be paid their separation 
or retirement benefits under existing laws. 
SECTION 20. 
APPROPRIATIONS. - The amount needed for the 
initial implementation of this Act shall be taken from the current fiscal 


year's appropriation of TESDA. Thereafter, the amount needed for the 
operation and maintenance of the DTESD shall be included in the General 
Appropriations Act. (GAA). 
The amount of two billion pesos (₱2,000,000,000.00), or so much 
thereof as may be necessary, is there hereby appropriated as funding, out 
of any funds in the National Treasury not otherwise appropriated, to carry 
into effect the provisions of this Act.  
The State shall hereby provide a separate authorize operational and 
organizational funding of five hundred million pesos (₱500,000,000.00) 
to implement and to maintain the continuity of its mandate.  
The amount necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act shall be 
included in the annual budget of implementing agencies in the General 
Appropriations Act (GAA) of the year following its enactment into law and 
every year thereafter. 
The state shall hereby authorize the Department of Technical 
Education and Skills Development to re-align its appropriations, in the 
current year of the date of the effectivity of this Act to conform with its 
mandate and requirements. 
 
SECTION 21. 
PERIODIC REPORTS - The TESDA shall submit 
periodic reports on its findings and make recommendations on actions to 
be taken by Congress and Senate and the appropriate department, and in 
order to carry out the objectives and mandates of this Act. 
SECTION 22. 
AUTOMATIC REVIEW - Every three (3) years 
after the effectivity of this Act, an independent review panel composed of 
experts to be appointed by the President shall review the policies and 


programs in the DTESD and shall make recommendations, based on its 
findings, to the President and to both Houses of Congress. 
SECTION 23. 
REPEALING CLAUSE - All laws, executive orders, 
issuances, rules and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby 
amended, repealed or modified accordingly. 
SECTION 24. 
SEPARABILITY CLAUSE - If, for any reason or 
reasons, any portion or provision of this Act shall be held unconstitutional 
or invalid, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall continue to 
be in full force and effect. 
SECTION 25. 
EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE - This Act shall take 
effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in any newspaper of general 
circulation. 
  
Approved,