SENATOR Raffy Tulfo is pushing for a measure that seeks to institutionalize the grant of internship allowances for students enrolled in public and private colleges and universities.

Under Senate Bill No. 2157, or the proposed Student Internship Allowance Act, Tulfo said internship and practicum programs play a vital role in preparing students for their future careers by providing them with valuable field experience outside the classroom.

He noted, however, that while these programs are essential to education and future employment, many students face financial challenges due to transportation costs, meals, documentation requirements, and other related expenses.

The challenge is even more pronounced among students enrolled in medical and health-related courses, particularly those assigned to hospitals and clinical settings, where interns are subjected to long hours, rigorous schedules, and high-pressure environments while balancing academic requirements and patient responsibilities.

Tulfo explained that many students spend significant amounts on transportation, meals, and daily necessities just to report for duty, while others are forced to stretch limited resources to complete the training required for graduation.

To help address these concerns, the lawmaker is proposing the grant of a one-time financial assistance of P10,000 to students upon completion of their required internship or practicum.

The proposed grant is intended to ease the financial burden on students and their families while supporting them in completing a key requirement for their academic and professional development.