Declaration of Policy
- Recognizes the youth's role in nation building and social progress.
- Aims for the total development of youth through relevant education aligning with government, industry, and economic needs.
Objectives
- Institutionalize career guidance and counseling for secondary students.
- Help students make informed career decisions and understand labor market demands.
- Ensure tertiary education graduates meet sector requirements.
Creation of the National Secondary School Career Guidance and Counseling Program (CGCP)
- Administered by the Department of Education (DepED).
- Implemented starting Grade 7 and required for senior high school graduation.
- Collaborates with PRC, CHED, TESDA, DOLE, DTI, NEDA, PTAs, and accredited guidance organizations.
- Develops and continuously reviews a Career Guidance and Counseling Instructional Module (CGCIM).
- CGCIM guides students based on abilities, accessibility to tertiary education, labor markets, and sector expectations.
Establishment of CGCP Centers
- Each secondary school to have a CGCP Center.
- Center headed by the school administrator, assisted by a trained career and employment guidance counselor.
- Functions as a resource hub for CGCP implementation, providing guidance per CGCIM.
- Allows non-registered counselors to conduct career advocacy after accredited training.
National Career Assessment Examination (NCAE)
- Annual examination conducted by DepED through the National Education Testing and Research Center.
- Assesses students’ aptitude and inclination toward occupational fields.
- Aids students in choosing courses and career options.
- Content, schedule, locations, and examinee levels determined by the DepED Secretary.
- Content subject to periodic review to maintain exam relevance and validity.
Funding and Appropriations
- DepED must include the program in its annual budget.
- Funding to be sourced from the General Appropriations Act.
Rules and Regulations
- DepED to issue implementing rules within 90 days from the Act's approval.
- Consultation with PRC, CHED, TESDA, DOLE, DTI, and NEDA for effective implementation.
Legal Provisions
- Separability clause ensures validity of remaining provisions if any part is declared unconstitutional.
- Repeals or modifies laws and regulations conflicting with this Act.
Effectivity
- Enforced 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.