BATAAN 2nd District Rep. Jose Enrique Gacia III is pushing for the establishment of learning cities that aim to introduce lifelong learning.

In House Bill 208 or the proposed Lifelong Learning Act, Garcia said citizens must be regularly equipped with varying and shifting capacities necessary for living and working. This includes literacy and basic skills, professional development and vocational skills, community engagement and active citizenship.

The measure mandates the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to develop a master plan for the establishment of Learning Cities to promote lifelong education.

“The State shall promote lifelong learning as a tool for a more sustainable and secure nation by prescribing basic standards concerning the duties of the State and local government units for the promotion of lifelong education,” Garcia said.

Lifelong Education, based on the bill, refers to all types of systematic educational activities other than regular school curriculum, including supplementary education, basic literacy education for adults, ability enhancement education, culture and art education, and citizen’s participation education.

The DepEd, CHED and TESDA will designate a Learning City for the establishment and operation of Lifelong Education Institutions, cultivation and posting of certified lifelong education teachers, development of lifelong education programs and other projects.

Under the bill, Lifelong Educational Institutions may be attached to existing elementary, middle school, senior high school, college, university of technical vocational institutions.

Once enacted into law, the funds needed for the implementation of the provisions of the act will be sourced from the available funds of DepEd, CHED and TESDA.