Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO.O302

Introduced by CONGRESSMAN ALFRED VARGAS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

UNESCO defines “technical vocational education” as the education or training process
which combines general education with the study of technologies and related sciences and the
acquisition of practical skills. Tech-voc prepares students for employment and also provides
specific skills training for those who are already in the labor market and in need to upgrade
new competencies to enhance their chances for employment and improve their productivity.

Since its creation, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
has been successful in harnessing tech-voc in developing human resources, creating jobs,
reducing poverty, and facilitating inclusive growth and sustainable development. First, TESDA
scholars have recorded an employment rate of 70%. Furthermore, 86.1% of employers have
expressed satisfaction with the performance of tech-voc graduates. Lastly, with over 1.6 million
enrollees every year, TESDA meticulously breaks the “second rate status” stigma attached to
tech-voe.

‘Tech-voc plays a vital role in realizing the right to education and the right to work. It is
also important in bridging the gap between the skills set of the Filipino workforce and the jobs
available in the country. Thus, it is imperative for the State to recognize the contributions of
tech-voc in the national development.

This bill seeks to declare August 25 of every year as the National Tech-Voc Day.
Through this initiative, not only are we promoting tech-voc and its limitless benefits but we are
also boosting the morale of blue-collar workers as we celebrate their immense contribution to
the country.

In line of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is sought.

ALFRED VARGAS,

* Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. TVET Information. [online] Available at:
http://www tesda.zov.ph/About/TESDA/28 [Accessed 20 March 2017],


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 5352

Introduced by CONGRESSMAN ALFRED VARGAS

\N ACT
DECLARING THE TWENTY-FIFTH DAY OF AUGUST OF EVERY YEAR AS THE NATIONAL
TECH-VOC DAY

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

SECTION 1, National Tech-Voc Day. - The twenty-fifth day of August of every year is
hereby declared as the “National Tech-Voc Day.”

To ensure a meaningful observance of this special working holiday as herein
declared, all heads of government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-
owned and controlled corporations, local government units, public and private schools at
the basic, technical-vocational, and tertiary education institutions, employers in the private
sector, industry associations, shall encourage and afford sufficient time and opportunities
for their employees to engage and participate in any activity conducted within the premises
of their offices or establishments in celebration of the “National Tech-Voc Day.”

Sec. 2. Lead Agency. Pursuant to the observance of the "National Tech-Voc Day,” the
annual program of activities and advocacy campaign shall be prepared and implemented
with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the
Department of Education (DepEd) as the lead agencies.

Sec. 3. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation,
whichever comes earlier.

Approved,