SENATOR Mark Villar is pushing for a measure that would provide free professional licensure and civil service examinations to qualified indigent Filipinos and members of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs).

Under Senate Bill No. 2439, or the proposed *Libreng Board at Civil Service Exam Act*, Villar seeks to remove examination fees as a financial barrier preventing disadvantaged Filipinos from pursuing professional careers and employment opportunities.

Villar noted that individuals in the Philippines are generally required to pass professional licensure examinations before they can practice their chosen professions.

Aside from meeting the necessary educational, personal, and professional qualifications, applicants must also pay examination fees, which can reach P2,200, depending on the examination.

The senator said these fees can impose a significant financial burden on indigent Filipinos, limiting their ability to obtain professional licenses and pursue better career opportunities.

The proposed measure seeks to exempt qualified indigent individuals and eligible members of IPs and ICCs from paying professional examination fees.

Through the proposed legislation, Villar aims to make professional certification and licensure more accessible to financially disadvantaged Filipinos, allowing them to pursue employment, advance their careers, and improve their quality of life.

The measure also seeks to promote equal opportunities by ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent qualified individuals from taking examinations needed to enter their chosen professions.