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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Bill giving second chance to reformed drug dependents gets final House nod

Bill giving second chance to reformed drug dependents gets final House nod

Published May 15, 2023 09:58 am
The House plenary. (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)


A measure unanimously passed on third and final reading by the House of Representatives gives reformed drug dependents a second chance to become a productive member of society by having them undergo technical-vocational education and training (TVET) and livelihood programs. Approved during plenary session Monday afternoon, May 15 was House Bill (HB) No. 7721 or “An Act Mandating the TESDA to Design and Implement Technical-Vocational Education and Training and Livelihood Programs Specifically for Rehabilitated Drug Dependents”. TESDA stands for the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. Deputy Speaker and Las Piñas City lone district Rep. Camille Villar announced that the measure garnered 260 affirmative votes during nominal voting. Agusan del Sur 1st district Rep. Alfel Bascug, Agusan del Sur 2nd district Eddiebong Plaza, and ABANG LINGKOD Party-list Rep. Joseph “Caraps” Paduano. “Many of our citizens who have fallen victim to illegal drugs and have successfully undergone rehabilitation find it very difficult to reintegrate into society as productive citizens not only because of the stigma but also due to the lack of skills needed to land a job,” House Speaker Martin Romualdez said. Romualdez said the measure aims to help this sector become government's partners in nation-building "by contributing to the betterment of our country through self-reliance, productivity and being employed in our industries". Under the measure, the TESDA Director General is tasked to immediately include in the agency’s program and budget the design and implementation of TVET and livelihood programs that would cater specifically to former drug dependents who have undergone rehabilitation. It also directs the TESDA, in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), to provide rehabilitated drug dependents with competitive and employable skills that shall enhance their ability to find gainful employment and livelihood opportunities. Another key provision of the bill is that it mandates the DOLE to provide incentives to companies that employ rehabilitated drug dependents who have undergone TVET and livelihood training programs under the measure. As per HB No.7721, it is TESDA, in coordination with DOLE, that will promulgate rules and regulations for the effective implementation of the bill.

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House of Representatives TVET TESDA third and final reading
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