SENATOR Joel Villanueva has sponsored Senate Bill No. 2960, the Lifelong Learning Development Framework Act, to promote a culture of continuous learning for Filipinos at every stage of life.

“Sa mas mahabang bahagi ng buhay ng isang Pilipino matapos maka-graduate, saan po siya kukuha ng kaalaman o kasanayan? Tapos na rin ba ang pagkatuto?” Villanueva asked, stressing the need for ongoing education in an ever-evolving world.

A key priority of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM2), the bill seeks to strengthen the Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) by expanding the PQF National Coordinating Council to include the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

This expansion aims to ensure a more integrated and comprehensive approach to lifelong learning.

Villanueva cited Balanga City, Bataan, as a model for other local governments in advancing lifelong learning.

“Ang Balanga City ay modelo sa pagtataguyod ng lifelong learning,” he said, praising its initiatives such as Barangay Learning Hubs and the SMART University Town program.

Senate Bill No. 2960 also introduces the concept of Learning Cities and Learning Municipalities, empowering LGUs to create customized learning opportunities for their constituents.

Additionally, the bill seeks to enhance micro-credentialing initiatives and strengthen the Philippine Credit Transfer System, ensuring that diverse learning pathways are recognized and valued.

“Sa framework po na ito, ma-eempower ang ating workforce na mag-upskill at mag-reskill nang tuloy-tuloy, ensuring that no one is left behind,” Villanueva said.

As a former TESDA Secretary, Villanueva emphasized that lifelong learning is crucial to achieving the goals set in the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028.

The EDCOM2 thanked Villanueva for championing the measure in the Senate.

“The Lifelong Learning and Development Framework Bill is one of our EDCOM priorities, recognizing it as a cornerstone in reshaping Philippine education. These reforms are critical to making our education system more responsive to today’s realities, so we can truly provide opportunities for Filipino learners to reskill and upskill in this ever-changing world,” said Dr. Karol Mark Yee, EDCOM2 Executive Director.

“Together, let us build a future where every Filipino has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed at any stage of life amidst artificial intelligence and rapid technological change,” Villanueva concluded.