Republic of the Philippines &  DATE:MAR 01 20m

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, * arc w
Quezon City ey Heng Gicoam &
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EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS Ser By
Second Regular Session INDEXES

House Bit No, 8822

Introduced by HON. JOY MYRA S. TAMBUNTING

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Lifelong learning refers to the process of gaining knowledge and learning new skills throughout
life for either personal or professional reasons. UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL)
argues that lifelong learning is key to addressing the multiple challenges faced by humanity. It
fosters people's capacity to deal with change and build the future they want. It also improves
employability and entrepreneurship through skills development and creativity, enhances public
health and well-being, and builds more cohesive and resilient communities*,

Recognizing the contributions of lifelong learning in achieving a highly-developed citizenry, this
measure seeks to introduce lifelong education in the country through the creation of a master
plan for the establishment of Learning Cities and the promotion of lifelong learning.

On behalf of the people of Parafiaque City’s Second District, and for the common good of the
Filipino people, the approval of the said measure is earnestly sought.

RA S. TAMBUNTIN'
istrict, Parafiaque City

* UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning. (2020). Embracing a culture of lifelong learning —Contribution to the
Futures of Education initiative. Retrieved from https:/uil.unesco.org/lfelong-learning/new-vision-lifelong-
learning-and-world-worth-living


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS.
Second Regular Session

House BILL No, 8822

Introduced by HON. JOY MYRA S, TAMBUNTING

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF LEARNING CITIES, MANDATING
‘COMPLIANCE WITH THE KEY FEATURES THEREOF AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR

Be it 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 "Lifelong Learning Act”.

SECTION 2, Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the State to create an
environment free of poverty, hunger, violence and war; and to ensure equity, inclusion, and a
healthy environment for everyone. Towards this end, the State shall promote lifelong learning as
a tool for a more sustainable and secure nation by prescribing basic standards concerning the
duties of the State and local government units for the promotion of lifelong education.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. - The following terms used in this Act are hereby defined as
follows:

a) Learning City - a city which effectively mobilizes its resources to a) promote inclusive
learning from basic to higher education; b) revitalize learning in families and communities;
©) facilitate learning for and in the workplace; d) extend the use of modern learning
technologies; e) enhance quality and excellence in learning; and f) foster a culture of
learning throughout life;

Lifelong Education - all types of systematic educational activities other than regular school
curriculum, including supplementary education, basic literacy education for adults, ability
enhancement education, culture and art education, and citizen's participation education;
Lifelong Educational Institutions - shall mean any establishment, corporation,
organization, or private teaching institutes established mainly for lifelong education or
providing lifelong vocational training other than those offering supplementary education
for school curriculums.

Literacy Education - shall mean a systematic educational program designed to teach adults
who are unable to and read and write or lack the necessary skills needed for basic literacy.

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SECTION 4. Lifelong Education and Learning Cities Master Plan. — The Department of
Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Technical Education and skills
Development Authority are hereby mandated to jointly create a master plan for the establishment
of Learning Cities and promotion of lifelong education.
The master plan shall be for a period of five years each and shall include the following:

a) Medium and long-term policy objectives and basic direction for lifelong education

promotion and the establishment of learning cities;

b) Implementation of lifelong education activities and guidelines for the founding of lifelong
educational institutions;
Investment plans and budgetary requirements for the promotion and expansion of lifelong
educational institutions and learning cities;
Guidelines for the evaluation of lifelong education programs and learning cities.

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The DepEd, CHED, and TESDA, in coordination with the Department of Interior and Local
Government (DILG) and various Local Government Units (LGUs) in the mandatory implementation
and execution of the master plan.

SECTION 5. Learning Cities, - The DepEd, CHED, and TESDA, in coordination with the DILG,
may designate a locality as a Learning City pursuant to the criteria to be prescribed in the
implementing rules and regulations. A designated Learning City shall enjoy additional support and
funding for the following:

a) Establishment and operation of lifelong educational institutions;

b) Cultivation and posting of certified lifelong education teachers;

©) Development of lifelong education programs; and

d) Other projects to be conducted for the promotion of citizens’ participation in lifelong

education.

SECTION 6. Functions of Learning Cities. — Heads of LGUs designated as Learning Cities, in
coordination with DepEd, CHED and TESDA, shall be required to guide and support activities for
the promotion of lifelong education whether initiated by the LGU or private lifelong educational
institutions. If requested by such institutions, the LGU in coordination with DepEd, CHED and
TESDA and shall conduct trainings necessary to upgrade the capabilities of persons and
institutions engaged in lifelong education activities.

The LGUs designated as Learning Cities are likewise mandated to comply with the following:
a) Provide opportunities, counseling and information on lifelong education;
b) Support the operation of lifelong educational programs;
©) Establish and operate a lifelong study shall to operate lifelong educational programs; and;
d) Provide lifelong educational opportunities for residents within its jurisdiction.

SECTION 7. Lifelong Educational Institutions. — Lifelong Educational Institutional may be
attached to existing elementary, middle school, senior high school, college, university or technical
vocational institutions,

The heads of the schools or institutions may develop and adopt their own curriculum and methods
of teaching based on the specific needs of each community and prevalent regional culture. The


curriculum shall be designed and offered to all residents within its community regardless of age,
‘sex, marital status, religion, political beliefs or educational attainment.

The classrooms, libraries, gymnasiums and other facilities of the various schools and institutions
shall be made available for sue in the promotion and conduct of lifelong education activities. other
public facilities may also be used free of charge for lifelong education activities.

SECTION 8. Support and Subsidy for Lifelong Educational Institutions. - The head of
the institutions offering Lifelong Education shall submit an annual report to the appropriate
governing agency detailing the programs offered, number of attendees, and other relevant data
Necessary to assess the success of the program.

The governing agency, whether the DepEd, CHED, or TESDA shall include in its annual budget,
the necessary amount to subsidize the continued operation of Lifelong Educational Institutions
and other related activities.

SECTION 9. Lifelong Education in Private Enterprises as Allowable Tax Deduction. —
Private corporations, institutions, workplaces and other similar establishments are encouraged to
provide lifelong education to their employees or conduct activities to promote lifelong learning,
Study leaves, whether paid or not, shall be extended to employees who wish to expand their
lifelong education. The subsidy provided to employees for lifelong study expenses shall be allowed
as deductions for tax purposes.

SECTION 10. Literacy Education. - The State and LGUs shall endeavor to enhance basic
capabilities including literacy for adults. Literacy education program for adults shall be offered in
designated schools within Learning Cities nationwide.

SECTION 11, Guarantees, — The following guarantees shall be respected at all times:
a) All citizens shall be guaranteed equal opportunities for lifelong education;

b) Lifelong education shall be conducted on a learners’ willing participation and voluntary
study; and

©) Lifelong education shall not be exploited as a tool for political propaganda or personal
prejudices,

SECTION 12. Appropriation, - The funds necessary to initially implement the provisions of this
‘Act shall be sourced from the available funds of DepEd, CHED and TESDA. Thereafter, the funds
necessary for the continuing implementation of the provisions of this Act shall be included in the
annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 13. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DepEd, CHED and TESDA shall,
within one hundred twenty (12) days from the effectivity of this Act, jointly issue the rules and
regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 14. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any part or provision of this Act is
declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain
in full force and effect.


SECTION 15. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or
modified accordingly.

SECTION 16. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days upon the approval and
publication thereof.

Approved,