Senate Office of the Execretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 SEP 25 A11:55 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 1420 Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR AN ACT MANDATING THE INCLUSION OF SOCIAL AWARENESS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AS PART OF THE CURRICULUM IN ALL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL EXPLANATORY NOTE Republic Act No. 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 implemented the K to 12 Program in the Philippine Education System. Among the objectives of the said program is to ensure readiness of the senior high school (SHS) graduates by providing them necessary skills and competencies so they can prepare for and succeed in work and life in the modern times. In spite of the program's well-meaning intentions, SHS graduates find it difficult to transition from schooling to employment due to unavailability of information relative to their responsibilities and obligations as part of the workforce after they graduate. More often than not, young professionals feel confusion upon gaining employment since their new experience does not meet their expectations when they are still students. In a survey conducted to young professionals aged 18 to 25, it is discovered that they are unfamiliar to the realities of pre-employment protocols and other social responsibilities with tendencies to frequently transfer from one employment to another. The Gabay sa Buhay Act is a piece of legislation aimed at preparing senior high school graduates to be employment-ready. With the increasing demand for a well- informed and skilled workforce, it is imperative that students receive the necessary education to transition from school to the workplace smoothly.
This bill requires the Department of Education (DepEd) to develop and implement a comprehensive Employee Readiness Program through a 16-hour seminar that will be incorporated in the senior high school curriculum. The program will cover various topics such as employment laws and regulations, tax laws, benefits and compensation, financial management, and employee responsibilities and obligations. It is important for senior high school graduates to understand their rights and obligations as employees, including minimum wage laws, labor rights, tax filing, and benefits. This will enable them to make informed decisions and take control of their finances in the future. The Gabay sa Buhay Act is a crucial step towards ensuring that SHS graduates are prepared for the workforce and are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in their careers. It will help them transition into adulthood with a clear understanding of their responsibilities and obligations, setting them up for long-term financial stability and success. In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. MARK A. VILLAR
Senate Bilite of the eciretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 SEP 25 HT :55 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 1420 Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR AN ACT MANDATING THE INCLUSION OF SOCIAL AWARENESS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AS PART OF THE CURRICULUM IN ALL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL 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 "Gabay sa Buhay Act."
Sec. 2. Purpose. - The purpose of this Act is to ensure that senior high school
3 graduates are equipped with the necessary knowledge to help them navigate through life after schooling. This will provide guidance for senior high school graduates to make a smooth transition from school to the workforce and to promote their understanding of the obligations and responsibilities they will have as employees and a responsible member of the society, through a mandatory 16-hour seminar initiated by the schools.
Sec. 3. Coverage. - This Act shall apply to all senior high school graduating
9 students for both public and private school.
Sec. 4. Employee Readiness Program. - The Department of Education (DepEd),
in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and other concerned government agencies, shall develop and implement a comprehensive Gabay sa Buhay Program to be included in the senior high school curriculum through seminars. The 16-hour seminar shall cover the following topics: a. Understanding of employment laws and regulations, including minimum wage laws and labor rights; b. Knowledge of relevant tax laws and the proper filing of tax returns;
c. Overview of benefits and compensation, including Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG contributions; d. Basic financial management and savings tips; e. Understanding the responsibilities and obligations of employees, including punctuality, productivity, and workplace ethics; and f. Other laws, rules and regulations concerning employment and social responsibility.
Sec. 5. Compliance. - All senior high schools both public and private, shall be
9 required to incorporate the Gabay sa Buhay Program into their curriculum through a 16-hour seminar, and to provide certification of completion.
Sec. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DepEd and all concerned
agencies shall issue the necessary rules and regulations for the implementation of this Act within ninety (90) days from its effectivity.
Sec. 7. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act shall be declared
or held unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.
Sec. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, presidential orders,
administrative orders, implementing rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
Sec. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation. Approved,