MANILA – In a significant move to enhance the Philippine workforce, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) have formalized the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for Republic Act 12063, known as the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act. The signing took place at TESDA’s central office in Taguig City.
The new IRR aims to boost the skills of workers, increase their employability, and better align educational programs with industry needs. TESDA Director General Jose Francisco Benitez, who co-authored the bill during his time in Congress, described the EBET Framework Act as a pivotal piece of legislation that will help the workforce adapt to the changing job market both locally and internationally.
Benitez emphasized that the IRR, developed collaboratively with various stakeholders, will pave the way for Filipino workers to acquire new skills and improve their career prospects. He highlighted the importance of aligning training programs with market demands, stating that the law will enable TESDA to provide training that directly leads to job opportunities.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed the EBET Framework Act into law in November 2024. The legislation is intended to expand enterprise-based training, encourage industry involvement in curriculum development, and enhance on-the-job training programs. TESDA reported an impressive 85.48 percent employment rate among EBET graduates.
Following the signing of the IRR, TESDA plans to work closely with industry partners. Several companies, including Maclin Electronics, Inc., have already voiced their support for the EBET program, noting its relevance to industry needs. A graduate of the program, Dario Tolentino, shared his positive experience, mentioning that the training provided real-world exposure and treated participants as part of the workforce rather than mere trainees. Tolentino has since advanced to a senior management position in a manufacturing firm.
The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) praised TESDA for the swift implementation of the IRR. Lawmakers and education leaders view the EBET Framework Act as a transformative step in addressing the persistent mismatch between jobs and skills, especially in the context of advancements in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Senator Joel Villanueva, a key figure in the law’s creation, expressed confidence that the EBET program will help bridge the skills gap as industries increasingly adopt AI and new technologies. Representative Mark Go, who chairs the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education and co-chairs EDCOM 2, stressed the economic advantages of the law, noting its role in linking training initiatives with industry requirements and driving economic growth.
Despite the high employment rates among EBET graduates, only 9 percent of technical-vocational education and training (TVET) enrollees currently participate in enterprise-based programs, indicating challenges in implementation. To address this, Senators Villanueva and Sherwin Gatchalian, along with Representatives Go, Roman Romulo, and Jude Acidre, introduced Senate Bill No. 2587 and House Bill No. 7400, which led to the passage of the EBET Framework Act on November 7, 2024.