Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Sd are sertemer 212s
NINETEENTH CONGRESS S. TIME ___2:34 pm *
Second Regular Session Ke Bai

HOUSE BILL No.9281 Wo iInvek

Introduced by Representatives EDWIN L. GARDIOLA, ROMEO S. MOMO,
and ANTHONY ROLANDO T. GOLEZ, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Construction workers are the backbone of our nation's development, playing an
indispensable role in shaping the infrastructure that defines our daily lives. The quality of the
structures they build directly influences the quality of life experienced by our fellow citizens
who rely on these essential facilities. Thus, it is paramount that our construction workers
possess the skills and training necessary to craft top-tier roads and buildings that drive our
nation's progress.

‘The importance of robust and well-maintained roads cannot be overstated, as they are
catalysts for economic growth within our communities. These thoroughfares not only meet our
immediate transportation needs but also serve as gateways to productivity, enabling individuals
to contribute effectively to society. Furthermore, investing in resilient infrastructure not only
preserves our heritage, culture, and traditions but ensures that future generations will continue
to cherish these vital aspects of our identity.

In our pursuit of sustainable development, we must prioritize investing in the skills of
the Filipino people, especially those aspiring to join the construction industry. We must aim to
cultivate a globally competitive construction workforce capable of delivering world-class
infrastructure for the benefit of future generations.

‘The term ‘construction worker’ encompasses individuals who play a pivotal role in
erecting infrastructure, commercial establishments, and private residences. Itis now imperative
that we establish dedicated learning centers committed to delivering top-notch training for
aspiring members of the construction workforce.

This bill introduces the establishment of specialized construction training centers in
each region, commencing with a pilot center in Lipa, Batangas. These centers will be operated
by private partners under the vigilant supervision of the Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority (TESDA). Their primary focus will be providing TESDA-accredited
training in construction and related fields, equipping aspiring workers with the necessary skills
for the industry. Our ultimate goal is to elevate the skills of the Philippine construction

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workforce, thereby contributing significantly to our nation’s infrastructure development and
modernization. By involving private partners, along with TESDA oversight, we ensure the
quality and relevance of these training programs.

AS itis our moral duty to ensure that opportunities like these are accessible to all. This
bill emphasizes the priority inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and solo parents as
beneficiaries of scholarships and tuition assistance programs. Recognizing the unique
challenges faced by these individuals, the Academy will collaborate with relevant government
agencies and organizations to identify, enroll, and support eligible PWDs and solo parents in
their pursuit of education and skills development.

The ultimate goal of this legislation is to elevate the skills of the Philippine construction
workforce, making a substantial contribution to our nation's infrastructure development and
modemization.

In view of the foregoing reasons, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

‘ac

OMEDS HOMO

OLA.

CWS Party-list PSuFigao Del Sur

TING URS,
HON. ANTHONY ROLANDO T. GOLEZ, JR.

Representative
‘MALASAKIT@BAYANIHAN Party-List

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No.9281

Tatroduced by Representatives EDWIN L. GARDIOLA, ROMEO S. MOMO,
and ANTHONY ROLANDO T. GOLEZ, JR.

AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE CONSTRUCTION WORKERS
ACADEMY, A SPECIALIZED TRAINING CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION AND
RELATED COURSES UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE TECHNICAL
EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (TESDA) IN EVERY
REGION IN THE PHILIPPINES, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This act shall be known as the "Philippine Construction
Workers Academy Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared a State Policy to sustainably
develop a reservoir of skilled workers and craftsmen, professionals, managers, and high-level
technical manpower in the construction and human settlements sectors, encouraging pertinent
appropriate technology and regulating its transfer for the national benefit.

SEC. 3. Establishment of Construction Workers Academy in Every Region of the
Philippines. — Specialized construction training centers shall be established in every Region
of the Philippines to provide quality training and education to individuals aspiring to join the
construction workforce. These training centers shall specialize in construction and related
fields, with the pilot center being established in the City of Lipa, Province of Batangas, to be
known as the "Philippine Construction Workers Academy,” hereinafter referred to as the
‘Academy.

SEC. 4, Management and Supervision. - (a) Each specialized construction training
center shall be operated by a private partner selected through a competitive bidding process
nd shall operate under the supervision and accreditation of the Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority (TESDA). (b) The private partner shall be responsible for the day-to-
day operations of the center, including curriculum development, training delivery, and student
assessment. TESDA shall ensure the quality and relevance of the training programs offered.

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SEC. 5. General Mandate. ~ The Academy shall provide technical-vocational
education and training programs on construction and related fields to individuals, equipping
them with the relevant and necessary skills to be globally competitive.

The Academy shall work towards strengthening technical-vocational education with
the goal of developing a world-class Filipino construction workforce. It shall offer practical
TESDA-registered technical and vocational skills training programs, certificate courses
specializing in construction and related fields, and serve as a TESDA-accredited Assessment
Center for acquired competencies in technical-vocational skills specific to construction and
related fields. The Academy shall also endeavor to collaborate and create partnerships with
other local and international institutions to improve and upgrade its curriculum, aiming to be a
‘center for excellence in training construction workers.

SEC. 6. Curricular Offering/Training Programs. ~ The specialized construction
training centers shall offer TESDA-accredited training programs for construction and related
courses, covering a wide range of construction-related skills, including but not limited to
carpentry, masonry, plumbing, electrical work, and safety protocols.

The Academy shall offer TESDA-registered certificate programs, technical-vocational
courses, including short-term courses and modular trainings in construction and related fields.
‘These shall encompass various disciplines such as masonry, plumbing, construction pai
electrical installation and maintenance, air-conditioning and refrigeration installation,
servicing, and maintenance, sewerage and sanitation, home and building electronic systems
installation, servicing, maintenance, and more. The Academy shall, where necessary and
practicable, offer TESDA-registered technical-vocational courses for competency assessment
and skills certification, leading to National Certification (NC) levels I to V. Moreover, courses
completed at the Academy shall qualify for academic recognition under the Ladderized
Interface system for tertiary education if compliant with the program's requirements. The
‘Academy may also establish research and technology hubs, mobile training programs, satelite
or extension training centers, and promote mobile training programs to strengthen linkages
among industry partners.

SEC. 7. Compliance with TESDA Requirements. — The Academy shall become
operationally effective only upon the final determination and declaration by TESDA, through
the issuance of a formal recommendation and certificate of compliance, that the Academy has
satisfactorily complied with the minimum requirements and quality standards prescribed by
TESDA.

SEC. 8. Appropriations. — A total of Three Hundred Million Pesos (Php
300,000,000.00) is hereby appropriated for the establishment of the pilot Academy in Lipa,
Batangas, situated within Region IV-A.

In addition to the budget allocation specified above, supplementary funding may be
secured through collaborative efforts with public-private partnerships, receipt of donations,
acquisition of grants, and from other relevant sources, as deemed suitable.

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The initial funding allocation is designated to cover essential civil construction projects
for infrastructure development and classroom facilites. Furthermore, it will facilitate the
acquisition of land, major heavy equipment, machinery, and necessary materials, ensuring the
successful launch and functioning of the Academy.

For the subsequent establishment of Construction Workers Academies in different
regions, itis anticipated that supplementary legislation shall be pursued to allocate the requisite
‘budgetary resources, in accordance with the principles and objectives laid out in this provision.

SEC. 9, Student Quota and Funding Allocation -To ensure the sustainable operation
of the Academy and the provision of tuition assistance through scholarships to students, an
‘annual student quota shall be established. The specific student quota for each academic year
shall be determined in the Academy's Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

This quota shall be revisited every three (3) years, or as necessary, 0 assess the
changing educational landscape and to make adjustments ensuring that adequate funding is
allocated to cover the tuition and related educational expenses of students. The ultimate goal is
to maintain an equitable and accessible education system, affording educational opportunities
to all qualified individuals.

Eighty to One Hundred Percent (80 - 100%) ofthe student tuition shall be sourced from
‘TESDA's annual funding. The Director General of TESDA shall bear the responsibility for
incorporating this provision into the Authority's budget in the Annual General Appropriation
‘Act. This financial allocation reaffirms the commitment to making quality education affordable
and accessible to a diverse student population, in line with the Academy's mission and
objectives.

SEC. 10, Priority for Solo Parents, Children of Solo Parents, and Persons with
Disabilities (PWDs) - In recognition of the unique challenges faced by solo parents and
persons with disabilities (PWDs), the Academy shall prioritize the inclusion of these deserving
individuals as beneficiaries of scholarships and tuition assistance programs. The Academy shall
collaborate with relevant government agencies and organizations to identify, enroll, and
support eligible solo parents, children of solo parents, and PWDs in their pursuit of education
and skills development.

The Academy shal take affirmative action to ensure that opportunities for education
and training are made accessible to solo parents, children of solo parents, and PWDs,
recognizing the importance of their active participation in the workforce and society asa whole.
This commitment aligns with the principles of inclusivity and social justice, aiming to empower
these individuals to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the nation's
development.

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‘The specific guidelines and procedures for implementing this priority provision shall
be established in the Academy's Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), in consultation
with relevant stakeholders and advocacy groups, to ensure a fair and equitable selection process
for scholarships and educational support.

SEC. 11. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within ninety (90) days from the
approval of this Act, TESDA, in coordination with other relevant agencies, shall create its
implementing rules and regulations.

SEC. 12. Separability. — If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid and subsisting.

SEC. 13. Repeal.— All issuances, orders, rules, and regulations or parts thereof that are
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 14, Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days immediately
following its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

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