THE House of Representatives, under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, unanimously approved on third and final reading on Wednesday House Bill (HB) 11186, which seeks to promote globally competitive, ethical and well-rounded agriculturists in the country.
To achieve the intent, HB 11186 or the proposed “Philippine Agriculturists Act,” provides a regulatory framework for the agriculture profession in the country, enhancing the curriculum for the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Agriculture degree and improving the professional competence of registered agriculturists through Continuing Professional Development programs.
The bill also sets forth provisions for the scope of agricultural profession practice, covering services for crops and livestock, as well as poultry production, processing and distribution in both urban and rural areas.
Other bills approved on third reading were HB 11227 or the proposed “Magna Carta of Tricycle Drivers and Operators” on a 180-0 voted and HB 11202 or the proposed “Socialized and Low-Cost Housing Loan Restructuring and Condonation Act” on a178-3 vote.
The House also approved on second reading HB 11213, which seeks to offer young learners the option to complete basic education in four years of high school, or pursue an additional two years of pre-college education if they plan to proceed to higher studies.
House Committee on Basic Education and Culture chairperson and Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo, who sponsored the bill on the floor, said HB 11213 or the proposed “Education Pathways Act” seeks to address the problem where many senior high school graduates, despite the K-12 program’s goal to prepare students for work, still struggle to find employment.
“The reality of job market has not aligned with these expectations. Despite completing senior high school, many senior graduates face challenges in finding employment as the private sector continues to favor students and graduates of colleges and universities over those who have solely completed the K-12 program,” he said, citing a 2020 Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) study which found only one in five senior high school graduates join the workforce, with most opting to pursue higher education.
Former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo recounted how the push for additional years in basic education began during her administration, and emphasized the need to meet international standards for professional courses.
“I’m very glad that now, we have this bill on the floor, and I join Chairman Romulo in asking our colleagues to pass this bill, Committee Report 1312, immediately,” Arroyo said.
Both Romulo and Arroyo are authors of the said measure.
Also passed on second reading was HB 11255 or the proposed “Modernized ZIP Code System Act.” The bill mandates, among others, that the Philippine Postal Corporation adopt and institutionalize a modernized alphanumeric ZIP code system.
Deputy Speaker Kristine Singson-Meehan presided over Wednesday’s session.
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