CHR backs Senate Bill on vocational training, livelihood programs for ex-drug dependents
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said the passage into law of Senate Bill (SB) No. 2721 is a "significant step" towards the reintegration into society of former drug dependents.
SB 2721 is a proposed "Act Mandating the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to Design and Implement Technical-vocational Education and Training and Livelihood Programs Specifically for Rehabilitated Drug Dependents and Appropriating Funds Therefore," was filed by Sen. Raffy T. Tulfo.
In a statement, the CHR said the bill intends to mandate the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), to establish and institutionalize technical-vocational education and training (TVET), as well as livelihood programs, specifically tailored for rehabilitated drug dependents.
In order to help boost the program, the DOLE would be committed to offer incentives to companies that hire rehabilitated drug dependents who have completed the TVET and livelihood programs.
"By institutionalising TVET alongside livelihood programs, the bill provides rehabilitated individuals with the necessary skills and opportunities to rebuild their lives, contribute to the workforce, and break the cycle of substance dependence," the CHR said.
"Through this, SB 2721 is commendable for upholding their Constitutional rights to quality education as stated in Article XIV, Section 1, gainful employment in Article XIII, Section 3, and human dignity in Article II, Section 11," it also said.
It expressed its gratitude to Tulfo for taking an initiative demonstrating the government's commitment to rehabilitate drug dependents in a more humane way.
"We urge the swift passage of SB No. 2721 in order to move closer to a society where every individual is given the opportunity to recover, rehabilitate, and reintegrate with dignity and hope," the CHR said.