Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. _ 3986

Introduced by REP. FAUSTINO ‘INNO’ A. DY V

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill proposes the mandatory inclusion of a Life Skills Course in both high school
and tertiary education to help Filipino students in their transition to adulthood. The objective
of this measure is to equip the Filipino youth with the requisite knowledge and skills needed
to take on new responsibilities as adults.

The course shall include, among others, topics on taxation, personal finance, social
media literacy, personal information security and career planning. It shall also include topics
which will help the Filipino students better understand the Philippine government, its
structure and programs.

Under the bill, a Course Development Committee composed of different stakeholders
shall develop the course content and materials. A post-adoption review is also mandated to
assess the impact of the course for future improvement.

For the aforementioned reasons, the undersigned submits this bill for the
consideration of this august body.

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL

3986

Introduced by REP. FAUSTINO ‘INNO’ A. DY V

AN ACT TO INCLUDE IN THE CURRICULA OF ALL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE
HIGH SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES A COURSE ON NECESSARY LIFE SKILLS

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

Section 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Life Skills Acts of 2019”.

Section 2. Life Skills defined. — For the purposes of this Act, “life skills” refers to abilities
and knowledge which are essential for modem everyday living and are not necessarily
required in a particular profession but are required in general of working-force adults.

Section 3. Course on Life Skills. — A course on life skills shall be included in the curricula of
all high schools, colleges, and universities, both public and private.

The course shall instruct the youth on necessary life skills and prepare them for integration
with adult society. Among others, the following topics shall be discussed:

1) Drivers and Pedestrian Education

2) Overview of Taxation — computing income tax and other tax liabilities

3) Government 101 — essential government services, acquisition of essential government
documents, and basic civic responsibilities

4) Basic Personal Finance — reading financial statements, basic investing, insurance, and
balancing your budget

5) Social Media Literacy and Personal Information Security

6) Career 101— basic resume drafting and interview skills

For the course on life skills included in the high school curriculum, an introduction to the
various collegiate fields and professions may be included.

The course shall be a necessary requirement for graduation. However, current high school
and college students upon the effectivity of this Act are exempt from this requirement.

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Section 4. Course Development Committee. Within ninety (60) days from the effectivity of
this Act, a Committee for the development of course content and materials shall be formed.
The Committee shall be composed of the following:

1) Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as Chairperson;

2) Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) or his designated representative;

3) Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
(TESDA) or his designated representative;

4) One youth representative, to be selected by the National Youth Commission.

The Committee shall submit to the Office of the President the completed course description,
suggested content, and recommended course hours within one (1) year from the effectivity of
this Act. The Committee shall also prepare a timeline for adoption of the Life Skills Course
by all high schools and universities, which shall be included in their report to the President.

Section 5. Subsequent review. — After five (5) years from the adoption of the Life Skills
Course, the CHED, TESDA, and DEPED shall jointly conduct an evaluation of the
implementation and effectivity of the Life Skills Course. The aforementioned institutions
shall submit their report to the Office of the President.

Section 6. Appropriation. ~ The total amount of five million pesos (PHP 5,000,000.00) shall
be appropriated for the development of course materials. Any additional expenses shall be
included in the appropriations of the Commission on Higher Education, the Department of
Education, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

Section 7. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, ordinances, rules or regulations or parts
thereof inconsistent or in conflict with the provisions of this Act are hereby expressly
repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

Section 8. Separability Clause. — If for any reason any section or provision of this Act is
declared to be unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions hereof which are
not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

Section 9. Effectivity. — Act shall become effective fifteen (15) days after its publication
in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.

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