Deputy Speaker and Las Piñas Representative Camille Villar aims to introduce young students to entrepreneurial concepts and deeper insights and aid in the creation of new firms in the future to help shape Filipinos to become successful entrepreneurs.
In order to require the inclusion of entrepreneurship as a separate subject in the junior and senior year curricula in both public and private secondary schools countrywide, she has introduced House Bill 3099. Under the current system, senior high school students in Grades 11 and 12 can take an entrepreneurship course based on the K–12 curriculum of the Department of Education.
“Entrepreneurship education is a lifelong process, starting as early as elementary school and progressing through all levels of education, including adult education,” Villar noted in a statement.
The House leader said, because small businesses account for more than 90 percent of the Philippine economy and play a significant role in Filipinos’ employment opportunities, entrepreneurship education should be introduced to children at a young age. This will encourage more startups and help the nation’s future prospects.
More than 60 percent of the new generation said they have started or intend to start their own company ventures, making them the most entrepreneurial generation in history.
“Entrepreneurship education aids students from all socioeconomic backgrounds to think outside the box and nurture unconventional talents and skills. It creates opportunities, ensures social justice, instills confidence and stimulates the economy,” said Villar, noting the indispensable role of entrepreneurs in bringing about social change and providing solutions to the most basic – and even complex problems.
It benefits not only science students, but also those who study the arts, music, and humanities since they can apply their imagination and critical thinking abilities to situations in the real world, she continued.
Villar added, “the inclusion of entrepreneurship in the curriculum of our students will allow for all these benefits to be reaped by the future generations which will allow our economy to flourish and emerge as one of the leading economies in Asia and the world.” Entrepreneurship education fosters young people’s initiative, encourages creativity, self-confidence, and social responsibility.
Photo Credit: House of Representatives website