SENATOR Manuel ‘Lito’ Lapid has filed a measure that seeks to create a Philippine Entrepreneurs Academy.

The bill aims to support the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises which comprise 99 percent of businesses in the country.

To be established under the Commission on Higher Education, the academy will provide undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as short-term, technical-vocational, non- degree courses and modular training to enhance the core competencies of individuals on entrepreneurship.

“Maituturing na backbone at mahalagang pundasyon ng ating ekonomiya lalo na sa gitna ng pagsubok na dala ng pandemya ang mga MSMEs. Bukod sa pagpapalakas ng ekonomiya, malaki rin ang ambag ng mga MSMEs para sa pagbigay ng trabaho sa ating mga kababayan,” Lapid said.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that in 2019, MSMEs generated 5,510,760 jobs or 62.4% of the country’s total employment.

“Dahil sa laki ng tulong ng MSMEs sa ating mga kababayan at sa ating ekonomiya, mainam na magkaroon ng isang paaralan na tatawaging Philippine Entrepreneurs Academy para sa suporta at pagpapaunlad sa sektor na ito sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng pormal na edukasyon sa ating mga kababayan at mga kabataan na pangarap na magsimula rin ng negosyo, maliit man o malaki,” the senator said.

Lapid’s bill aims to establish two campuses, with the main campus located in the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone and the other in Baguio City.

The Academy shall also formalize and integrate, under a school system, the non-formal entrepreneurship programs and short-term, technical-vocational courses of other government agencies.

It shall also administer education and consultancy, supervise publications on entrepreneurship, and the conduct of scientific and policy-oriented research and training.