EPRES,
¥ 8 S
fy E-Filed AN
[S RECEIVED 2\
= DATE August 22, 2024
= TIME 3:36 pm hf

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

\ by tweety Jy
NINETEENTH CONGRESS J RY
3rd Regular Session ip IND ey

House Bill No, 10810

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE JOCELYN P. TULFO

AN ACT
PROHIBITING SECONDARY AND HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

FROM REQUIRING STUDENTS TO COMPLETE STUDENT IMMERSION OR
INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS OR ON-THE-JOB TRAINING ABROAD OR
OUTSIDE THE PROVINCE WHERE THE INSTITUTION IS LOCATED

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The 1987 Constitution guarantees the right of all citizens to quality education
at all levels and mandates the State to ensure equitable access to education,
particularly for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Despite this right, we were in receipt of reports that certain higher education
institutions impose mandatory requirements for students to undertake internships or
on-the-job (OJT) training programs abroad asa condition for the completion of courses
and graduation. The mandatory nature of this requirement places an undue financial
burden on students and their families to finance these international internships or on-
the-job training restricting their right to receive quality education in the country.

This proposed measure seeks to prohibit educational institutions from
requiring students to complete immersion, internship, or OJT programs abroad or
outside the province where the institution is located as a condition for graduation. The
bill affords each student their right to graduate without being compelled to undertake
such programs in line with the principles of fairness, equality, and accessibility of
quality education in the Philippines, ensuring that no student is left behind.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

a


eVonnwena

"
12
13
14
15
16
7
18
19
20
2

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
3r! Regular Session

House Bill No. 10810

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE JOCELYN P. TULFO

AN ACT
PROHIBITING SECONDARY AND HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
FROM REQUIRING STUDENTS TO COMPLETE STUDENT IMMERSION OR
INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS OR ON-THE-JOB TRAINING ABROAD OR
OUTSIDE THE PROVINCE WHERE THE INSTITUTION IS LOCATED

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the
State to uphold the right to education by protecting and promoting the right of all
citizens to accessible quality education at all levels. This Act aims to ensure that
students are not unduly burdened by compulsory requirements that may impose
unnecessary financial strain, which could hinder their right to complete their
education, The State recognizes that requiring students to participate in immersion,
intemship, or on-the-job (OJT) training programs in locations that are financially or
logistically challenging may obstruct access to education, especially for those from
economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

SECTION 2 Coverage. - This Act shall cover the following:
(a) Work Immersion Programs for Grade 12 Students - Any work

immersion programs required as part of the curriculum for Grade 12
students, whether in public or private schools.

(b) Internship Programs or On-the-Job Training (OJT) for College
Students - Any internship or on-the-job training programs required as
part of the curriculum for college or tertiary level students in both public
and private higher education institutions.


eNanaona

"
12
13
14
15
16
7
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40

SECTION 3. Prohibition on Mandatory Immersion or Internship Programs
Outside the Province or Abroad. - No secondary or higher education institution shall
require students enrolled therein to complete immersion, internship, or on-the-job
(OFT) training programs abroad or outside the province where such institution is
located as a requirement for graduation or the completion of a course or curriculum.

SECTION 4. Voluntary Participation. - Nothing in this Act shall prohibit
students or their parents or guardians from willingly availing of student immersion,
internship, or OJT programs abroad or outside the province where such institution is
located, provided that such participation is done with full written consent and is not
a mandatory requirement for graduation or the completion of the course.

For the purpose, all secondary and higher education institutions shall be
required to submit an annual report to the Department of Education (DepEd) or the
‘Commission on Higher Education (CHED), as may be applicable, detailing all
immersion, internship, or on-the-job (OJT) programs conducted by their students
abroad or outside the province where the institution is located within the school year.

SECTION 5. Mandatory Reporting. - (a) All secondary and higher education
institutions shall be required to submit an annual report to the Department of
Education (DepEd) or the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), as may be
applicable, detailing all immersion, internship, or on-the-job (OJT) programs
undertaken by their students abroad or outside the province where the institution is
located.

(b) Such report shall include copies of the written consent provided by the
students or their parents or guardians, indicating their voluntary participation in such
abroad or out-of-province programs, as well as a summary of any financial assistance,
scholarships, or other support provided to students participating in such programs.

(©) Failure to submit the required annual report or the submission of incomplete
reports may result in administrative sanctions as determined by DepEd or CHED.
Repeated non-compliance may lead to additional penalties, including fines or other
disciplinary measures.

SECTION 6. Penalties. - Any secondary or higher education institution found
tobe in violation of this Act shall be subject to penalties, including fines and sanctions,
as may be determined by CHED or DepEd. Repeated violations may result in the
suspension or revocation of the institution's license to operate.


eVonrena

"
12
13
14
15

SECTION 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DepEd and CHED,
in coordination with relevant stakeholders and organizations, shall promulgate the
necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act within
ninety (90) days from its effectivity.

SECTION 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
‘unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in
full force and effect.

SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, and rules
and regulations, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act, are hereby

repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,