Tovic Salvador

Marcos signs into law Lifelong Learning Development Framework

Article (news)

Job Manahan

ABS-CBN News

MANILA (UPDATED) – President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has signed into law a measure institutionalizing the Lifelong Learning Development Framework, which envisions to promote functional literacy in all communities nationwide.Republic Act No. 12313, signed on Oct. 23, 2025, highlighted the importance of lifelong learning for all Filipino citizens, saying this should be made based on the &quot;willingness of the learner to voluntarily participate and study accordingly.&quot;The law mandates the creation of a learning city, municipality, or barangay which pours its resources for inclusive learning at all education levels and likewise encourages learning in families and communities.Each designated learning city, municipality, or barangay must help facilitate continuous learning in workplaces, use technology, and &quot;foster a culture of learning throughout life,&quot; among other things.&quot;Lifelong learning shall not be exploited as a tool for political propaganda or personal prejudice,&quot; the law reads.Given this, a Lifelong Learning Development Framework is established to set the standards, describe, and set the action measures for the success and promotion of lifelong learning in cities, municipalities, barangays, and lifelong learning providers.It aims to achieve the following:- Promote inclusive learning in the educational system;- Revitalize learning in families and communities;- Facilitate learning for and in the workplace, with the participation of industry and other stakeholders;- Extend the use of modern learning technologies;- Ensure the quality of learning; and- Foster a culture of learning throughout life.According to the law, the action components and corresponding success measures must include the promotion of literacy at all levels of society, inclusive learning in the education system, and the revitalization of learning in families and communities.The law states that no person – regardless of their sex, gender, religion, ethnicity, or language – would be excluded from the lifelong learning system.It also seeks to establish or recognize community based learning spaces, with the provision of learning resources, giving &quot;special attention&quot; to indigent families, vulnerable or disadvantaged groups, minorities, among others.Cities, municipalities, and even barangays should also let their residents use the internet and technology &quot;for learning and self-empowerment.&quot; This includes expanding their access to ICT tools and learning programs.&quot;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,&quot; the law stated.Moreover, local government units must &quot;enhance basic capabilities of all Filipinos&quot; by developing and pushing for adult literacy programs through designated schools.This will be done in coordination with the Literacy Coordinating Council and the Bureau of Alternative Education under the Department of Education.It is also the responsibility of private firms to implement an inclusive lifelong learning to employees, the law said, &quot;to ensure that their skills remain relevant and responsive to the changes of the world of work.&quot;In a statement, Senator Joel Villanueva described the law as a &quot;crucial step&quot; in fostering continuous learning and upskilling to improve the lives and income of Filipinos.Learning cities and municipalities, he said, would empower localities in developing educational programs fit for each of their residents&#x27; skills and abilities.&quot;The new law, which follows Republic Act No. 12063 or the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Law, and RA 12124 or the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) Act, completes our advocacy to establish a comprehensive framework for education and skills upgrading support for our workers,&quot; he said.<div></div>

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has signed into law a measure institutionalizing the Lifelong Learning Development Framework, which envisions to promote functional literacy in all communities nationwide.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has signed into law a measure institutionalizing the Lifelong Learning Development Framework, which envisions to promote functional literacy in all communities nationwide.