Press Release
April 14, 2015

ANGARA BATS INCENTIVES, SOCIAL BENEFITS FOR NEW GRADUATES

Senator Sonny Angara is pushing for the Bill of Rights for New Graduates which seeks to provide incentives and social benefits for fresh graduates while they are searching for work.

Under Angara's Senate Bill No. 59, new graduates from all colleges and universities, and accredited institutions offering technical-vocational courses would be made sponsored members of the Social Security System, PhilHealth and Pag-ibig, and be exempted from paying monthly contributions for a period of one year from the date of graduation.

"We should provide our new graduates with opportunities for growth and development by creating policies that protect their welfare and readily provide employment benefits equal to those of regular employees," Angara said.

To lessen the job-hunting costs, the bill also seeks to exempt graduates from fees paid for getting birth certificates, passport, tax identification number, and various clearances from the barangay and the National Bureau of Investigation.

The exemption from the payment of fees and charges will also apply to those who will venture into businesses and will have to secure business and other permits.

Moreover, to expand the employment opportunities of new graduates, those belonging to the top 10 percent of their college shall be exempted from taking the civil service eligibility exam should they opt to join the government sector.

"Providing various incentives to new graduates would be the government's way to recognize their efforts, perseverance and hard work. The bill of rights will serve as a reward them for completing their studies. It is also a good motivation for those who are still in school to finish their courses," he added.

Other incentives fresh graduates would enjoy include the student discount on transportation fees, exemption from payment of travel tax and airport terminal fees within one year from graduation date.

Under SB 59, Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in different cities and municipalities shall serve as a one-stop shop for new graduates to secure any documents necessary for employment application.

Upon showing proof of graduation, PESO shall issue to the new graduate a "new graduate's incentive card," which shall be used to avail of all the privileges enumerated in the bill of rights.

Upon application for the incentive card, new graduates will be encouraged to submit their curriculum vitae to be included in a database that will link them with the appropriate companies or employers.

"Through the Bill of Rights for New Graduates, we aim to raise the number of new grads who land a job in a year's time by increasing their chances at finding suitable posts in the government or in a private firm, or helping them set up their business," the lawmaker said.

The bill also aims to give new graduates the right to fair assessment and the right to a supportive wage, and to ensure their security of tenure six months after they are hired.

Fresh graduates will also be urged to attend an orientation seminar or workshop on basic labor laws and rights, and other useful information on public and private employment.

"New graduates, as with other employees, should be recognized as an important part of the country's workforce. They should be valued and given proper recognition for their vital contribution to the economy. By investing in our new graduates, we are effectively investing in their future and ultimately, in our country's national development and progress," Angara said.

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