House Panel Greenlights Student Internship Allowance Act for ₱10,000 Support
In a significant move to aid Filipino students, the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education has given its approval to House Bill No. 2778, known as the Student Internship Allowance Act. This legislation proposes a one-time financial grant of ₱10,000 for students who successfully complete their mandatory internships, practicums, or on-the-job training (OJT) programs.
Financial Relief for Student Trainees
According to TINGOG Party-list Representative Jude Acidre, who chairs the committee, the primary goal of this bill is to provide substantial assistance to students facing various expenses during their training periods. The allowance is specifically designed to cover costs such as transportation, meals, and other incidental fees, thereby alleviating financial burdens and enabling students to focus more effectively on their professional development.
Eligibility and Funding Details
The benefits under this act will extend to students enrolled in CHED-recognized higher education institutions and TESDA-accredited technical-vocational schools. Importantly, the ₱10,000 allowance will be tax-free and exempt from any deductions, ensuring that recipients receive the full amount. Funding for this initiative will be sourced from the existing budgets of CHED and TESDA, with provisions to incorporate it into the General Appropriations Act in subsequent fiscal years.
Legislative Progress and Next Steps
Authored by Leyte Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and co-authored by fellow lawmakers from the TINGOG Party-list, the bill has now cleared the committee level and is poised to advance to the next phase of the legislative process. Following this approval, it will be elevated to the plenary for further discussion and potential enactment, marking a critical step toward its implementation.
This development underscores the government's commitment to supporting the educational and vocational aspirations of Filipino youth, potentially impacting thousands of students across the nation by making internships more accessible and financially feasible.
