The House Committee on Higher and Technical Education on Tuesday approved a measure requiring the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to develop and implement technical‑vocational training and livelihood programs for rehabilitated drug dependents.
House Bill 4699 was principally authored by Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, along with TINGOG Party‑list Reps. Yedda Marie Romualdez, Andrew Julian Romualdez, and Jude Acidre.
It seeks to institutionalize targeted Technical‑Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs to equip rehabilitated individuals with employable skills and support their reintegration through gainful employment or sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The bill also directs the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to provide incentives to companies that hire program beneficiaries.
“This measure recognizes that rehabilitation must go beyond treatment—it must lead to real opportunities,” said committee chair Rep. Acidre.
“By institutionalizing TESDA‑led training and livelihood programs, we strengthen their chances of returning to society with dignity and sustainable means of earning a living.”
Under the proposal, TESDA must integrate the program into its regular offerings, with funding sourced from the annual General Appropriations Act.
TESDA and DOLE are mandated to craft the implementing rules and regulations within 60 days of the law’s effectivity.
The measure was previously approved on third reading during the 19th Congress, reflecting continued legislative support for skills‑based reintegration programs for rehabilitated drug dependents.
