New job seekers and recent graduates are in for a pleasant surprise as numerous pre-employment documents are now accessible without any charge!

Many companies demand various government-issued documents from job applicants, making the process cumbersome, particularly for Filipinos venturing into the job market for the first time or fresh graduates. These documents often come with associated government fees and charges, adding to the financial strain.

Police Clearance Certificate: Php 100

NBI Clearance: Php 130 – Php 155

Barangay Clearance: Php 0 – Php 100

Medical Certificate: Php 30 – Php 250

Birth Certificate: Php 155 – Php 365

Transcript of Academic Records from learning institution: Php 100 – Php 450

These documents alone can cause our first time job seekers around Php 540 ~ Php 1,395.

But thankfully, with the aid of 18 other government departments, the Department of Labor and Employment created the rules of the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act in order to assist first-time job seekers.

Approximately 1.3 million graduates each year who are looking for their first job benefit from this Act that waives the expenses for government-issued papers and certifications ever since it was approved by the former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

About First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act

The First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act, officially known as Republic Act (RA) 11261, was enacted in response to the Philippines' high unemployment rate. Its primary objective is to enable the government to play a more active role in facilitating employment opportunities for all citizens. Former President Rodrigo Duterte signed this legislation into law on April 10, 2019. The Act aims to increase access to government services for Filipinos and provide incentives to promote full employment and economic equality.

To uphold this intention, all government agencies, including government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), local government units (LGUs), and government hospitals, are mandated to refrain from imposing any fees or charges on first-time job applicants. The only exceptions allowed are fees directly associated with completing application forms, obtaining licenses, proving identification, securing clearances, or obtaining certificates necessary for employment purposes. This provision ensures that financial barriers do not hinder job seekers from accessing essential services while pursuing employment opportunities.

What are the Pre-employment documentary requirements that can be acquired for free by first time job seekers?

Here are the free government documents that will be made available to job searchers for the first time as a result of this legislation:

Barangay clearance
Birth certificate
Marriage certificate
Medical certificate from a public hospital. However, fees and expenses for laboratory tests and other medical procedures required or that are necessary for the issuance of a medical certificate will not be free of charge.
National Bureau of Investigation clearance
Police clearance certificate
Tax Identification Number (TIN)
Academic records issued or transcript from state colleges and state universities or SUCs
Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) card
Other government documents which may be required by employers to job seekers.

On the other hand, there will be no remission of costs if the following papers are applied to the case:

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) authentication of documents
Career Service Examination
Driver’s License
Philippines passport
Professional licensure examination

Eligibility for First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act or RA 11261?

People who can take advantage of this legislation can only do so if they are listed as eligible in the Implementing Rules and Regulations. The candidate must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible for this program:

a Filipino citizen
a first-time job seeker
actively looking for work or employment
for a minimum of six months, a resident of the barangay where the barangay certification is being issued.

A barangay certification is needed to verify one's eligibility to take advantage of and take advantage of this legislation. The Barangay Certificate is valid for one year from the date of issuance.

How can I avail the benefits of the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act, also known as RA 11261?

To qualify for the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act, you need to furnish documentation from your barangay certifying that you are seeking employment for the first time. Typically, this comes in the form of a Barangay Certification issued by the Punong Barangay or their authorized representative, confirming your status as a first-time job seeker.

However, there are exceptions to these requirements. Individuals already benefiting from the Jobstart Program under RA No. 10869 and those covered by other laws offering payment exemptions for specified documents or transactions are exempt from these regulations.

All first-time job seekers receiving free documentation under this law have their records maintained and updated by government agencies involved in this initiative. To ensure seamless execution, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) regularly updates this information. Consequently, the DICT is tasked with developing a database accessible to relevant agencies and authorities. It's worth noting that RA 11261 can only be utilized once by a single individual, underscoring the importance of accurate and updated records.

ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA

Conclusion

For first-time jobseeker, this policy is definitely a great help to reduce the financial burden of acquiring their pre-employment documentation and help them find a job in a shorter period of time.

ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA

What is RA 11261: The First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act