AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING THE LIFELONG LEARNING DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK, BROADENING THE MANDATE OF THE PHILIPPINE QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK - NATIONAL COORDINATING COUNCIL (PGQ - NCC), AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10968, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "PQF ACT", APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

The PQF-NCC shall actively collaborate with other relevant government agencies in the formulation of the master plan to ensure comprehensive policy coherence. It shall also coordinate with LGUs in the mandatory implementation and execution of the master plan, with clear reference to the PDP's overarching objectives. SEC. 9. Designation of Learning Cities, Municipalities, or Barangays. - The PQF-NCC shall designate a city, municipality, or barangay as a learning city, municipality, or barangay based on its proven capacity to carry out the component activities and attain the success measures under this Act. The PQF-NCC shall also develop guidelines in using the action components under this Act to assess if a city, municipality, or barangay may qualify for designation as a learning city, municipality, or barangay. A designated learning city, municipality, or barangay shall enjoy additional support and funding for the following: (a) Operation of lifelong learning providers and community learning centers; (b) Cultivation and posting of certified lifelong education teachers; (c) Development of lifelong education programs; and (d) Other projects to be conducted for the promotion of citizens' participation in lifelong education. The PQF-NCC shall designate geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas desiring to become learning cities, municipalities, or barangays to receive the assistance provided under this Act. The PQF-NCC shall assist them in the attainment of success measures as indicated under this Act or thereafter amended or modified. SEC. 10. Functions of Designated Learning Cities, Municipalities, or Barangays. - Heads of LGUs designated as learning cities, municipalities, or barangays shall guide and support activities for the promotion of lifelong learning, whether initiated by the LGU or a lifelong learning provider. The LGUs designated as learning cities, municipalities, or barangays shall undertake measures to institutionalize the following: (a) Opportunities for counselling, coaching, mentoring, and information sharing on lifelong learning; (b) Operation of lifelong learning programs; (c) Establishment and operation of CLCs to foster the implementation of lifelong educational programs and provision of access to ICT for e-learning, blended, distance, or open learning, and community and enterprise-based trainings to all persons, especially the underprivileged; (d) Lifelong learning opportunities for residents within their jurisdiction; and (e) Guidance on all lifelong learning activities/programs for stakeholders, including, but not limited to, private organizations. SEC. 11. Support and Subsidy for Lifelong Learning Providers. - The heads of learning providers offering lifelong learning shall submit an annual report to the appropriate government agency which has jurisdiction over them, detailing the programs offered, number of attendees, and other relevant data necessary to assess the success of the lifelong learning program. The LGU shall appropriate the necessary amount to ensure and guarantee that lifelong learning in its jurisdiction is accessible to all residents, including, but not limited to, women, youth, indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities. SEC. 12. Literacy Education Programs. - The LGUs shall endeavor to enhance basic capabilities of all Filipinos by, among others, developing and promoting adult literacy programs, which shall be offered in designated schools within the learning cities, municipalities, or barangays. This shall be done in accordance with the Literacy Coordinating Council created under Republic Act No. 7165 or "An Act Creating the Literacy Coordinating Council, Defining its Powers and Functions, Appropriating Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes", as amended by Republic Act No. 10122, as well as the Bureau of Alternative Education of the Department of Education created under Republic Act No. 11510 or the "Alternative Learning System Act". SEC. 13. Lifelong Learning in Private Enterprises. - Private corporations, institutions, workplaces, and other similar establishments are encouraged to provide inclusive lifelong learning to their employees to ensure that their skills remain relevant and responsive to the changes of the world of work. Private enterprises are encouraged to conduct activities for the promotion of lifelong learning, and give consideration and/or incentives to employees who enroll in graduate studies or in any form of lifelong learning and continuing education by allowing revised schedules, alternative work arrangements, and adjusted workloads without sacrificing the quality of work. The participation of private enterprises in the following areas supportive of lifelong learning shall also be promoted: (a) Providing information to employees regarding current and future skills needed; (b) Updating of skills standards and training design responsive to changing needs in the labor market; (c) Development of enterprise- and community-based skills training and career guidance mechanisms; and (d) Collaboration through the involvement of all relevant stakeholders in pooling expertise, resources, and funding towards concrete upskilling and reskilling actions. The employees are also encouraged to provide scholarships and incentives to their employees who wish to pursue lifelong learning activities. SEC. 14. Appropriations. - Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 235 and 272 of Republic Act No. 7160 or the "Local Government Code of 1991", a portion of the Special Education Fund shall be used to fund the objectives of this Act within the LGU's respective areas of jurisdiction. In addition, the amount necessary for the initial implementation of this Act shall be sourced from the current budgets of the concerned agencies and/or LGUs. Thereafter, the concerned agencies and LGUs shall include in their annual budget such appropriations as necessary to subsidize the continued operation of the lifelong learning institutions and other related activities. SEC. 15. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, the PQF-NCC shall, in coordination with other concerned government agencies and civil society organizations, formulate and issue the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act. SEC. 16. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any part or provision of this Act is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect. SEC. 17. Repealing Clause. - The relevant provisions of Republic Act No. 10968 are hereby amended to conform with the provisions of this Act. Section 272 of Republic Act No. 7160 is also amended accordingly. All other laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, and rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are repealed or modified accordingly. SEC. 18. Effectivity.