PARAÑAQUE City’s 2nd District Rep. Joy Myra Tambunting pushed for a measure that will introduce lifelong education in the country.

House Bill 8822 or the proposed Lifelong Learning Act mandates the establishment of learning cities in the Philippines.

“Lifelong learning refers to the process of gaining knowledge and learning new skills throughout life for either personal or professional reasons,” Tambunting said in her explanatory note.

The lawmaker cited the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning’s statement saying that lifelong learning is key to addressing the multiple challenges faced by humanity.

Lifelong learning fosters people’s capacity to deal with change and build the future they want. It also improves employability and entrepreneurship through skills development and creativity, Tambunting said.

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

The master plan shall be for a period of five years and must include medium and long-term policy objectives and basic direction for lifelong education; implementation of lifelong education activities; investment plans and budgetary requirements; and guideline for the evaluation of lifelong education programs.