SENATOR Robinhood Padilla has filed a bill mandating the integration of practical life skills, values formation, and environmental awareness into the Philippine basic education curriculum.

Filed as Senate Bill No. 1300, also called the Anti-Pabebe Act of 2025, the measure seeks to promote holistic development among learners from Kindergarten to Grade 12 by combining academic knowledge with hands-on skills and values education.

Padilla explained in the bill’s explanatory note that while traditional education systems focus heavily on academics, many young people today are not adequately prepared for the demands of daily life, particularly in the digital age.

Citing the World Health Organization’s framework on Life Skills Education, he stressed the need for structured lessons in decision-making, problem-solving, communication, emotional resilience, and responsible behavior.

The proposed law directs DepEd to design modules and teacher training programs, in consultation with experts in child psychology, environmental science, and education.

It also mandates age-appropriate hands-on activities such as school gardening, composting, sewing, cooking, budgeting, carpentry, and community-based environmental projects to ensure students gain practical skills alongside theoretical learning.

Padilla underscored that the measure not only strengthens psychosocial competence and mental well-being but also instills ecological responsibility in line with the Constitution’s mandate to protect a balanced and healthful environment.

Funding will be sourced initially from DepEd’s current appropriations, with succeeding allocations to be included in the national budget.

“This bill institutionalizes essential life skills and values in the education system to prepare our youth for real-world challenges, foster responsible citizenship, and promote lifelong learning,” Padilla said.