Manila: The House Committee on Higher and Technical Education has approved House Bill No. 2778, which aims to establish a one-time internship allowance for students completing their required internship, practicum, or on-the-job training (OJT) programs in higher education and technical-vocational institutions.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Student Internship Allowance Act proposes a one-time allowance of PHP10,000 for eligible students who successfully complete their required internship or practicum. The bill, authored by Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Tingog Party-list Reps. Yedda Marie Romualdez, Andrew Julian Romualdez, and Jude Acidre, addresses the financial challenges faced by students for transportation, food, documentation, and other related expenses during their training period.
"This measure recognizes that learning does not stop in the classroom. Internships are an essential part of preparing students for the workforce, and we should not allow financial constraints to prevent them from completing this requirement," said Acidre, the chair of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, during the deliberations.
The proposed measure ensures that the allowance will be available to students enrolled in public and private higher education institutions recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), as well as technical-vocational institutions accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), provided they have satisfactorily completed the necessary internship or OJT hours under their respective programs. The allowance will be non-taxable, non-transferable, and free from any deductions.
In addition to the internship allowance, the panel also approved House Bill No. 4699, which mandates TESDA to design and implement technical-vocational education, training, and livelihood programs specifically for rehabilitated drug dependents. This initiative aims to provide these individuals with competitive skills, enabling them to secure employment or pursue sustainable livelihood opportunities. The bill also instructs the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to offer incentives to companies employing program beneficiaries.
"This measure recognizes that rehabilitation must go beyond treatment - it must lead to real opportunities. By institutionalizing TESDA-led training and livelihood programs for rehabilitated drug dependents, we are strengthening their chances to return to society with dignity, skills, and sustainable means of earning a living," Acidre added.
