Student Internship Allowance

Senate → Offier of the Secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 26 MAY 25 P3:34 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 2157 Introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING THE GRANT OF INTERNSHIP ALLOWANCE FOR STUDENTS IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES IN THE PHILIPPINES EXPLANATORY NOTE In labor laws, we have the principle of "no work, no pay"; thus, labor should not be free. This proposed measure seeks to ensure that college and university students who are required to undergo internships as part of their academic requirements receive proper compensation for their time, effort, and work. Internship and practicum programs are vital in the process of preparing students for their future career since they give students field experience outside the classroom. Such programs are very important for education and future work but students have to face financial challenges due to transportation expenses, meals, documentation requirements, and other fees. This challenge is even more evident among students in medical and health- related courses, particularly those assigned to hospitals and clinical settings where interns are subjected to grueling hours, rigorous schedules, and high-pressure environments, all while juggling academic requirements and patient responsibilities. Many spend large sums of money on transportation, meals and daily costs just to report for duty, and some are compelled to stretch limited resources just to finish the training required for graduation.

The proposed policy, therefore, proposes to provide one-time financial assistance of P10,000.00 to students after completion of their required internship/practicum. The grant is designed to ease the financial burden on students and their families, in particular those under financial stress. In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought. RAFFY T. TULFO

Senate Effite of the Setcetarp TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 26 MAY 25 P3:34 First Regular Session RECEIVED BY: SENATE S. No. 2157 Introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING THE GRANT OF INTERNSHIP ALLOWANCE FOR STUDENTS IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE STATE UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES IN THE PHILIPPINES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress Assembled:

Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Student Internship Allowance

2 Act"

Sec. 2. Declaration of State Policy. - It is the declared policy of the State to

4 uphold the constitutional mandate to promote accessible and quality education for all, 5 and to provide adequate support to students in the fulfillment of their academic and professional requirements. The State recognizes that internship and practicum programs are integral to the 8 development of a competent and job-ready workforce, and that the financial burden 9 associated with these programs may hinder students from lower-income backgrounds from completing their education. In this regard, the State shall institutionalize financial support for students who complete their required internship or practicum, as a measure to foster inclusive growth, uphold equity in education, and encourage successful transition from school to work.

Sec. 3. Coverage. - This Act shall apply to all Filipino students enrolled in any

public or private Higher Education Institution (HEI) duly recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), or in any Technical-Vocational Institution (TVI)

accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), who 2 are required to complete an internship, practicum, or on-the-job training (OJT) as part 3 of their academic or certification requirements. The grant of allowance shall be extended to students in undergraduate, diploma, 5 certificate, and technical-vocational programs, whether enrolled on a full-time or part- 6 time basis, provided they have satisfactorily completed the required number of 7 internship, practicum, or OJT hours. Eligibility shall be certified by their respective HEI 8 or TVI, based on their compliance with the approved curriculum or training program 9 guidelines.

Sec. 4. Student Internship Allowance. - A one-time Internship Allowance in the

amount of Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00) shall be granted to each qualified student who successfully completed the internship, practicum, or on-the-job training (OJT) required by their academic or certification program. The allowance shall serve as financial assistance to support the student's subsistence, transportation, documentation, and incidental costs incurred during the internship period. For the purposes of this Act, successful completion shall mean the student intern has: a) fulfilled the required number of internship or practicum hours as certified by the host training establishment and the HEl or TVI; b) submitted all post-internship reports, evaluations, and related documentation as required by their institution; and c) received a passing or satisfactory final assessment from both the institution and the host entity, if applicable. The allowance shall be non-taxable and non-transferable, and shall not be subject to any deductions by the host establishment or the educational institution. Provided, this Act shall not diminish other rights or benefits due to student interns under separate applicable laws or regulations.

Sec. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from the

approval of this Act, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), in coordination with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), shall jointly issue an implementing rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

Sec. 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared

2 unconstitutional, the remainder thereof not otherwise affected shall remain in full force 3 and effect.

Sec. 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, letters

5 of instruction, proclamations or administrative regulations that are inconsistent with 6 the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

Sec. 8. Effectivity. - Notwithstanding the non-issuance of the implementing rules

8 and regulations, this Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 9 Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,