CAMARINES SUR Representative Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. filed a measure seeking the development of an educational strategy that will address the educational needs of all members of local communities.

In pushing for House Bill 8568 or the proposed 21st Century Community Learning Center’s Act, Villafuerte stressed the need for public schools to collaborate with other public and non-profit agencies and organizations, local business educational entities, recreational, cultural and other community and human service entities to meet the needs and expand the opportunities for residents of the communities served by schools.

By using school resources, communities can promote a more efficient use of public education facilities in rural and inner-city areas where limited financial resources enhance the need for local public schools to become social service centers, he said.

“A high technology, global economy of the 21st Century will require lifelong learning to keep our workforce competitive and successful, and local public schools should provide centers for lifelong learning and educational opportunities for individuals of all ages,” Villafuerte said in his explanatory note.

Under the bill, Community Learning Centers will provide educational, recreational, health, and social service programs for residents of all ages within a local community.

It will be operated by an educational agency in conjunction with local government agencies, business, vocational educational programs, institutions of higher education, community colleges, and cultural recreational and other community and human service entities.