QUEZON City 5th District Rep. Alfred Vargas has filed a measure that aims to enhance internship programs.

Vargas said that House Bill 5205 or the proposed Interns’ Rights and Welfare Act will require companies and organizations to expand opportunities for development in their internship programs.

This will enable interns to acquire relevant training experiences while contributing to the needs of the host companies and organizations.

“Earning relevant work experience is crucial to anyone aspiring to enter the labor force. It is thus imperative for the country to prepare and protect these interns and the service they provide through just compensation,” Vargas said in his explanatory note.

Under the bill, interns shall enjoy all rights guaranteed by the Constitution as well as those recognized under other orders, and relevant international and regional human rights conventions and declarations.

The bill mandates establishments to develop internship plans outlining the scope and limitations of interns’ duties.

The measure also seeks the creation of the Interns’ Rights and Welfare Task Force to be composed of the Undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment for Regional Operations and Special Concerns as the chaiperson and the Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education as the co-chairperson.

Senior officials of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry and the Civil Service Commission will be the ex-officio members. Representatives of University Student Councils and Student Associations will also be part of the task force.