GPCCI pushes for revision Dual Training System law to upgrade workers’ skills

THE German-philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) is aiming to push for the amendment of the Dual Training System Act in the 19th Congress to promote the right competencies and skills of the Filipino work force.

“We also want to push for the 19th Congress to look at reforms in the technical vocational track thereby introducing an enterprise-based education and training or amending the Dual System Act to promote the right competencies and skills of the Filipino work force,” said GPCCI Executive Director Christopher Zimmer in a televised interview on Monday.

The Dual Training System Act of 1994 or Republic Act No. 7686 is a law which aims to strengthen manpower education and training in the Philippines so that the country may be assured of an evergrowing supply of an educated and skilled manpower equipped with appropriate skills, desirable work habits, and attitudes.

Section 2 of the law underscores “the Dual Training System, as successfully tested in some highly developed countries, shall be adopted in duly accredited vocational and technical schools, in cooperation with accredited agricultural, industrial and business establishments, as one of the preferred means of creating a dependable pool of well-trained operators, craftsmen and technicians for the economy.”

Apart from the Dual Training System Act, Zimmer added that GPCCI is hoping to see reforms in labor and education in this administration as “Germany is a strong advocate of apprenticeship and dual training as we believe that this will solve issues and grueling unemployment in the country.”

Further, the GPCCI executive director said that they have noted the filing of House Bill No. 20 under Apprenticeship Program Reform. In relation to this, Zimmer said that the GPCCI is keen on being part of the discussions so that they can share their recommendations.