THE HOUSE Committee on Higher and Technical Education on Tuesday approved House Bill No. 2778, which seeks to institutionalize a one-time internship allowance for students completing required internship, practicum, or on-the-job training (OJT) programs in higher education and technical-vocational institutions.

The Student Internship Allowance Act seeks to grant a one-time allowance of PHP10,000 to qualified students who successfully complete their required internship or practicum.

The bill, principally authored by Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, and Tingog Party-list Reps. Yedda Marie Romualdez, Andrew Julian Romualdez, and Jude Acidre, recognizes the financial burden often borne by students for transportation, food, documentation, and other incidental 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,” Acidre, the chair of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, said during the deliberations.

Under the proposed measure, the allowance will be extended 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 required internship or OJT hours under their respective programs.

The allowance shall be non-taxable, non-transferable, and shall not be subject to any deductions.

TESDA training for rehabilitated drug dependents
The panel also approved House Bill No. 4699, seeking to mandate the TESDA to design and implement technical-vocational education, training, and livelihood programs specifically for rehabilitated drug dependents.

The bill seeks to institutionalize targeted technical-vocational education and training (TVET) programs to equip rehabilitated individuals with competitive and employable skills, enabling them to secure gainful employment or pursue sustainable livelihood opportunities.

It also directs the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to provide incentives to companies that employ 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 said. (PNA)