House OKs bill overhauling Philippine education system

THE House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on second reading a bill that seeks to overhaul the Philippine education system by dividing the tertiary education pipeline and aligning it with industry standards.

In a voice vote, congressmen approved House Bill No. 11213, which gives students the option to pursue a college education or learn a trade.

After junior high school, students will choose between two education pathways — the university preparatory program under the Department of Education (DepEd) or the technical-vocational program under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), according to the bill.

The Philippines in 2013 adopted the K-12 program, which meant to enhance the quality of basic education and the competencies of Filipino students and equipping them with the skills to enter the workforce without going to college.

But Pasig Rep. Roman T. Romulo told the House plenary that senior high school graduates find it challenging to find employment as companies continue to favor college graduates.

“The reality of the job market has not aligned with these expectations,” he said in his sponsorship speech on the measure.

Also on Wednesday, the House approved on third and final reading a measure that would let the National Housing Authority (NHA) restructure housing loans.

For a period of two years after the issuance of the implementing rules of the proposed law, all socialized and low-cost housing loans with the NHA and Social Housing Finance Corp. that have at least three months of unpaid monthly amortizations will be covered by loan restructuring and condonation program, according to the bill.

A housing loan must be under P1.8 million to be covered. “All existing interests on principal, penalties and surcharges shall be condoned upon approval of the restructuring application. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio