Ever wondered why some of your teachers were experts in food, fashion, or design even if they weren’t education majors? Thanks to RA 11168, this is now officially possible. The law gives Home Economics graduates the opportunity to teach their field of expertise in schools across the Philippines.
What Is RA 11168 All About?
RA 11168, or the “Act Allowing Home Economics Graduates to Teach Home Economics Subjects,” is a law that opens teaching opportunities to graduates of Home Economics and related fields. This means that people with degrees in culinary arts, clothing technology, hotel and restaurant management, and other allied courses can now teach in both public and private schools.
This move was made to address the shortage of licensed teachers in specialized subjects while still ensuring students get quality education from professionals in their fields.
Why This Law Matters
The implementation of RA 11168 has several benefits for both teachers and students:
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More teachers for specialized subjects – Schools won’t have to struggle finding qualified educators in Home Economics-related areas.
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Practical knowledge transfer – Students will learn directly from professionals trained in real-world skills.
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Expanded career opportunities – Non-education graduates now have a path to enter the teaching profession.
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Support for K–12 goals – The law aligns with the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, which emphasizes life skills and productivity.
Who Can Teach Under RA 11168?
Not all Home Economics graduates can immediately teach. To qualify, they must meet specific requirements:
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Must be a graduate of a Home Economics or allied program (like Culinary Arts, Interior Design, Food Technology, or Family Life and Child Development).
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Must complete TESDA’s Training Methodology Level 1 certification.
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For those teaching technical-vocational subjects, they must obtain National Certificates I and II (NC I & NC II).
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Must pass the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) within five years of hiring if they start as provisional teachers.
Interesting Facts About the Law
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The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 11168 took effect on November 18, 2024, after being published in the Official Gazette.
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Provisional teachers hired under this law are officially appointed as Teacher I in DepEd.
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The law was created in consultation with CHED, TESDA, and PRC to ensure proper teacher qualifications.
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It’s a direct response to Section 8 of RA 10533 (K–12 law), which allows specialists in fields with limited licensed teachers to fill in.
Personal Insight
I think this law is a win-win situation. On one hand, students get teachers who are deeply knowledgeable and skilled in their craft. On the other, it gives talented graduates a chance to share their expertise in a meaningful way. Honestly, if I had a teacher who was a real chef or fashion designer back in high school, I would’ve been even more inspired to learn.
Final Thoughts
RA 11168 is more than just a law—it’s a bridge between academic learning and real-world skills. By allowing Home Economics graduates to teach, it strengthens both the teaching workforce and the future of Filipino learners. What do you think about this new opportunity for non-education graduates to become teachers? Would you have wanted one of your Home Economics classes taught by an industry expert?