Financial support for students completing mandatory internships is moving closer to law after a House panel approved a proposal that would provide a fixed allowance to qualified trainees.
Members of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education on Tuesday gave the green light to House Bill No. 2778, which seeks to formalize government assistance for students undergoing required internship, practicum, or on-the-job training programs in colleges and technical-vocational institutions.
The measure, known as the Student Internship Allowance Act, proposes a one-time P10,000 allowance for students who have completed the internship or training hours prescribed under their academic programs. Lawmakers backing the bill said the grant is intended to offset everyday costs linked to internships, including transportation, meals, and documentation, which are typically paid out of pocket by students and their families.
Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez filed the bill as principal author, with Tingog Party-list Representatives Yedda Marie Romualdez, Andrew Julian Romualdez, and Jude Acidre listed as co-authors.
During committee discussions, Acidre emphasized that internships play a central role in preparing students for employment but often create additional financial strain. He noted that practical training is an extension of learning beyond the classroom and should not become a barrier to completing degree or certification requirements.
The proposed allowance would cover students enrolled in both public and private higher education institutions recognized by the Commission on Higher Education, as well as those in technical-vocational schools accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. Eligibility is contingent on the satisfactory completion of the internship or OJT requirements under each program.
The bill specifies that the P10,000 assistance will be non-taxable, non-transferable, and free from any deductions.
Initial funding for the program will be drawn from the existing budgets of CHED and TESDA, while future funding is set to be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
