Ceremonial Hall, Malacañan Palace
November 7, 2024
Reaffirming the Administration’s commitment to addressing the skills gap in the country’s labor force and forging a more adaptable, future-ready workforce, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act (RA) No. 12063 or the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act in a ceremony at Malacañan Palace.
“The EBET Framework Act is both visionary and certainly timely. Yesterday, the PSA released the latest Labor Force Survey and I am happy to note that our employment and unemployment rates improved in the past three months,” President Marcos Jr. said in his keynote message.
The enacted Law officially institutionalizes a unified framework for enterprise-based education and training in the Philippines by harmonizing various approaches – apprenticeship, leadership and the dual training system – under one cohesive structure to address job-skills mismatch.
“At its heart, the EBET Framework Act aims to provide Filipino workers with accessible and relevant skills training, bridging the capabilities of individuals with the demands of industry. By opening pathways to professional growth, employment opportunities and entrepreneurship, we are answering the call for quality employment and fostering a globally competitive workforce. Through this act, we will harness private-sector partnerships to align our training programs with real-world industry needs. The private sector will play a crucial role in ensuring that our workforce is properly equipped with the right skills to meet the demands of the industry,” the President emphasized.
EBET programs are organized into three (3) categories to address varying skill levels: General EBET for low to mid-level skills, Apprenticeship for higher-level skills and Upskilling for currently employed workers. The training program lengths will be adjusted based on skill complexity, with a maximum duration of three (3) years. Companies implementing registered EBET programs will benefit from incentives, including tax-deductible training expenses. EBET one-stop shops or an online portal will be created to simplify access. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will provide scholarships for EBET trainees who will also receive protection under labor standards and occupational safety and health regulations in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
“In signing the EBET Framework Act into law, we lay a stronger foundation for a workforce that is agile, skilled and ready to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world. Through this legislation, we realize our vision of a nation where talent is nurtured, potential is realized and opportunities abound for all our people,” President Marcos Jr. concluded in his message.
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