House OKs labor education subject in college

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives yesterday approved a bill seeking to integrate labor education in social science subjects in the college curriculum.

The measure was first introduced in the 18th Congress by Reps. Mikee Romero and Enrico Pineda through House Bill 1228. 

Romero welcomed the development, citing the importance of labor education as part of the preparation of students for employment after graduation.

“Our labor force accounts for over half of the national population, which makes us 13th in the world among countries with the most available pool of workers,” Pineda said.

The bill defines labor education as teachings on labor rights, worker’s welfare and benefits, labor laws and regulations, the national and global labor situation, labor market concerns, labor issues, overseas work and related problems and similar topics related to labor and employment.

Romero stressed that developing the labor force would make the country more attractive to foreign investors. 

The measure provides that labor education shall be integrated into the mandatory social science subjects.