Raffy Tulfo has filed a bill seeking to establish a Magna Carta for out-of-school youth, aiming to expand access to education, skills training, and livelihood opportunities for young Filipinos unable to continue formal schooling.

Under Senate Bill No. 2064, Tulfo proposed measures that would provide social protection and support programs for out-of-school youth, including access to alternative learning systems, entrepreneurial training, technical-vocational education, and employment opportunities.

In the bill’s explanatory note, Tulfo cited a November 2025 discussion paper by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies showing that the national out-of-school children rate declined from 5.9 percent, or 1.64 million children, in 2017 to 4.1 percent, or 1.16 million, in 2022 before slightly rising to 4.9 percent in 2023.

The study identified work as the strongest predictor of non-attendance among high school-aged children, while marriage was cited as a significant factor affecting older youth.

Tulfo stressed that the State has a constitutional duty to recognize the role of the youth in nation-building and to promote their physical, moral, intellectual, and social well-being.

“While legislation in creating alternative learning systems, flexibility, and affordability for education are in place, it is imperative to consider the other barriers hidden from surveys,” the explanatory note stated.

The proposed measure seeks to encourage enrichment and development programs that would help out-of-school youth achieve their full potential while contributing positively to nation-building.

The bill also aims to strengthen economic opportunities for young people through free technical or vocational education and employment support programs.