Republic Act 12063: Boosting Filipino Workforce Skills through Enterprise-Based Training

Republic Act No. 12063, or the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act, is a significant piece of legislation in the Philippines signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on November 7, 2024. This Act aims to institutionalize and strengthen enterprise-based education and training programs across the country to address the persistent issue of job-skills mismatch and enhance the employability of the Filipino workforce.

The core purpose of RA 12063 is to create a more cohesive and responsive system of skills development by actively involving private enterprises in the training of individuals. By aligning training programs with the actual needs and demands of industries, the Act seeks to ensure that graduates are equipped with relevant and in-demand skills, thereby increasing their chances of securing quality employment and contributing to the nation's economic growth.

Key provisions and features of Republic Act 12063 include:

• Institutionalization of the EBET Framework: The Act establishes a national framework for enterprise-based education and training, rationalizing and harmonizing various training modalities such as apprenticeship, learnership, and dual training system under a unified, competency-based, and industry-driven approach.
• Collaboration with the Private Sector: A central tenet of the Act is the strong partnership between the government and private enterprises. Businesses are incentivized to participate in the development of training modules, provide on-the-job training, and contribute to the overall skills development of the workforce.
• Addressing Job-Skills Mismatch: By directly involving industries in the training process, the Act aims to bridge the gap between the skills taught in educational and training institutions and the actual skills required by employers.
• Providing Opportunities for Upskilling and Reskilling: The EBET framework offers opportunities for Filipino workers to acquire new skills, upgrade their existing competencies, and adapt to the evolving demands of the labor market in a rapidly changing world of work.
• Incentives for Participating Enterprises: To encourage private sector participation, the Act provides incentives to enterprises that establish and implement TESDA-registered EBET programs.9 These incentives include additional deductions from their taxable income equivalent to a percentage of their actual training expenses.
• Support for Trainees: The Act also ensures support for trainees by allowing them to avail of scholarships under existing government programs and ensuring that apprentices receive an allowance equivalent to at least 75% of the minimum wage.

Baguio City Representative Mark Go played a significant role in the enactment of the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act. As a Co-Chairperson of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) and the Chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, he was actively involved in the legislative process that led to the passage of this law.

Representative Go is one of the authors of the bill that became RA 12063. His role in EDCOM 2 and his chairmanship of a key House committee related to education and skills development highlight his commitment to addressing the issues of job-skills mismatch and improving the quality and relevance of education and training in the Philippines. His emphasis on creating a "crucial linkage between training initiatives and industry needs" underscores his understanding of the importance of enterprise-based training in producing a more employable workforce.

The passage of the EBET Framework Act is expected to significantly impact the skills development landscape in the Philippines, fostering a more dynamic and responsive workforce that can meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st-century economy. Representative Mark Go's involvement as an author and advocate for this legislation demonstrates his dedication to improving the educational and employment prospects of Filipinos.