Entrepreneurship ought to be a separate subject in junior and senior high school as far as House Deputy Speaker and Las Pinas lone district Rep. Camille Villar is concerned.

"Entrepreneurship education aids students from all socioeconomic backgrounds to think outside the box and nurture unconventional talents and skills. It creates opportunities, ensures social justice, instills confidence and stimulates the economy," Villar said in a statement Wednesday, Sept. 7.

The lady solon has filed Villar has filed House Bill (HB) 3099, which seeks to mandate the inclusion of entrepreneurship as a separate subject in the junior and senior year curricula in both public and private secondary schools nationwide.

Under the current setup, entrepreneurship is being offered for Grades 11 and 12 senior high school students based on the Education department's K-12 curriculum.

"Entrepreneurship education is a lifelong process, starting as early as elementary school and progressing through all levels of education, including adult education," Villar said.

According to her, entrepreneurs have an indispensable role in driving societal change and offering solutions to the simplest and even complex problems.

She said small businesses make up more than 90 percent of the economy, and contribute greatly to employment opportunities for Filipinos; thus, starting entrepreneurship education at an early age would pave the way for more startups that will help shape brighter prospects for the country.

Furthermore, Villar said the new generation is rapidly becoming known as the most entrepreneurial generation ever, with more than 60 percent saying they have some sort of started or they plan to start their own business venture.

Introducing entrepreneurship to young people develops their initiative and helps them to be more creative and self-confident in whatever they undertake and to act in a socially responsible way, she noted.

"The inclusion of entrepreneurship in the curriculum of our students will allow for all these benefits to be reaped by the future generations which will allow our economy to flourish and emerge as one of the leading economies in Asia and the world," the House leader further said.