REPRESENTATIVES Ricardo Kho and Olga Kho, from Masbate’s 1st and 2nd districts, are pushing for a measure that would grant income tax incentives to private entities employing NC II graduates from Technical Vocational Institutions.

The lawmakers filed House Bill 10839, which also seeks to amend Republic Act 7796, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Act of 1994. They stressed the importance of Technical-Vocational Education and Training in bridging gaps in the labor market by equipping individuals with better career opportunities.

The solons noted that while Republic Act 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, provides free tuition to TVI students, the law does not guarantee strong industry engagement. The bill aims to encourage the active participation of private entities in hiring TESDA graduates, thereby boosting employability.