THE HOUSE of Representatives has approved on third and final reading the bill that seeks to establish a Technical Education and Skills and Development Training Center in Bulakan, Bulacan.

The representatives voted 215-0 in favor of House Bill 7611 or the proposed Bulakan ESDA Training and Assessment Center which substitutes House Bill 5981 introduced by Representatives Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado, Mark Go and Eric Go Yap.

“The creation of the TESDA Center in Bulakan will cater to its 14 barangays as well as the neighboring barangays of Obando and the City of Malolos,” the lawmakers said.

Once established, the Bulakan TESDA Training and Assessment Center will provide technical-vocational education and training programs to students and local residents from low-income families, as well as out-of-school youths, persons with disabilities and indigenous peoples.

The center, in coordination with the Department of Education, will also provide technical-vocational training for teachers and curriculum design assistance to the secondary schools offering the technical-vocational livelihood track under the K to 12 program.

Based on the bill, TESDA Bulakan may also establish research and technology hubs, technology development farms, satellite or extension training centers, promote training programs, and strengthen linkages among the industry partners and the academe.