The House of Representatives approved on final reading a bill declaring May 18 of every year as National Higher Education Day.

With 167 affirmative votes, the chamber approved House Bill 4851, otherwise known as the proposed “National Higher Education Day”, in commemoration of the founding anniversary of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

“This recognizes the immense contribution of higher education to poverty alleviation and national development, especially in developing human resources, bridging the gap between the skills set of the Filipino workforce and the demands of the employers, creating jobs, and facilitating inclusive growth and sustainable development,” the bill read.

Under the proposal, the CHED shall be the lead agency in charge of the preparation and implementation of an annual program of activities and advocacy campaigns for the observance of the “National Higher Education Day.”

All higher education institutions shall be mandated to provide full support and assistance to the preparation of the annual program of activities and events to be conducted by the CHED in the observance of the event.

All heads of government agencies and local government units, public and private educational institutions, employers in the private sector, and industry associations also to afford sufficient time and opportunities for their employees to engage and participate in any activity within the premises of their offices in celebration of the “National Higher Education Day”. (PNA)