SENATOR Manuel “Lito” Lapid is pushing for stronger coordination between the education sector and industry to improve the employability, industry readiness, and competitiveness of K to 12 graduates.

Under Senate Bill No. 2368, Lapid proposes the creation of an Education and Employment Coordinating Council that would serve as the primary body for harmonizing policies and initiatives among government agencies, educational institutions, industry partners, and labor stakeholders.

The proposed measure also seeks to establish a National Labor Market Information and Skills Matching System to align education and training programs with employers’ needs and the demands of emerging industries.

It also aims to promote apprenticeship, internship, and work immersion programs to give students practical experience and equip them with the skills needed in the workplace.

In the bill’s explanatory note, Lapid said that despite more than a decade of implementing the K to 12 program, many graduates continue to face difficulties securing employment because of gaps in technical skills, practical experience, and industry readiness.

The senator emphasized the need to strengthen the connection between education and employment to help graduates transition more smoothly from school to the workplace.

The proposed legislation also seeks to expand employment opportunities for Filipino graduates and improve their competitiveness in an increasingly technology-driven economy.

Senate Bill No. 2368 is the counterpart of House Bill No. 510, authored by Representative Jaime Fresnedi.