What is Philippine Republic Act (RA) 11261 First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act: Benefits, Rules, Coverage
First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act - Philippine Republic Act (RA) 11261
Job hunting, especially as a fresh graduate, can be a daunting task. The plethora of required documents and fees can quickly become overwhelming. However, there’s good news for first-time job seekers in the Philippines — the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act, also known as Republic Act (RA) 11261, which has been in effect since 2019.
Understanding the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act:
The First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act is a significant initiative aimed at easing the financial burden on individuals seeking employment for the first time. The law waives government fees and charges for essential job application documents for eligible candidates, providing a helping hand to fresh graduates and those entering the workforce.
The idea was to lower the expense of job hunting for recent college graduates, people who have finished vocational training, recent high school grads, and people wishing to apply for part-time jobs.
Don’t be one of those people and obtain the documents yourself for free if you qualify. Many job searchers, on the other hand, are ignorant and fall victim to scammers or fixers who persuade gullible applicants that these documents cost money and charge up to triple the value of a single document as a “processing fee.”
Eligibility Criteria:
To benefit from this act, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being a Filipino citizen, a first-time job seeker actively looking for employment, and a resident of the issuing barangay for at least six months. The act also covers various categories such as out-of-school youth, individuals not employed or in training, students on leave, and those enrolled in educational programs.
The law also considers the following as qualified first-time job seekers:
- Out-of-school youth
- Persons who are neither employed nor in school or training
- Students on leave
- All students enrolled in any type of learning institution who intend to work while studying at a school, college, or university.
- A fresh graduate with an associate or bachelor’s degree
- A student enrolled in a technical vocational course
- A student with a high school diploma
- A student who has completed the K–12 educational program.
- Covered Agencies and Documents:
The scope of the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act encompasses all government agencies, government-owned corporations, local government units, and government hospitals. These entities are mandated not to collect fees for certain pre-employment documents, including police clearance, NBI clearance, birth and marriage certificates, academic records, Tax Identification Number (TIN), Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) card, and other government-mandated documents.
How to Obtain Documents for Free:
To access these documents for free, the key is securing a First Time Job Seekers Barangay Certification from your local barangay office. Armed with this certification, you can approach relevant government agencies for essential documents, such as police clearance, NBI clearance, TIN, birth certificate, and more.
The certificate for first-time job seekers is an official document issued by the local barangay government unit. This certification states that the person bearing it has been a resident of the locale for at least six (6) months. Ultimately, this is the most important requirement when securing status as a first-time job seeker.
Without your first barangay certification, obtaining all of the aforementioned paperwork for your job application would cost at least P800.
Medical certifications from public hospitals or the Department of Health are provided free of charge, aside from the forms mentioned above. However, any lab work and medical treatments you must undergo in order to receive the medical certificate will come with a cost.
According to the Bureau of Local Employment, credentials from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority are also free for job seekers who are applying for their first employment. Free ones are also offered by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and the Maritime Industry Authority.
The First Time Jobseekers Act aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with employment requirements for fresh graduates. The Barangay Certification, a crucial requirement, can be obtained by visiting the Barangay Center, informing the official about your first-time job seeker status, and providing necessary documents to prove your Filipino citizenship.
IMPORTANT:
Remember to make copies of your pre-employment paperwork as soon as you receive them, as they are only available for free once. You’ll have to take out your wallet to pay the going rate if you need another copy.
Use certified true copies of your pre-employment paperwork rather than the originals when applying for a job. Private enterprises must accept certified true copies of the pre-employment paperwork from the issuing government entity, under a labor guideline published by the Bureau of Local Employment. The original copies should only be sent in once you’ve received a job offer from a company.
Maximizing the Benefits:
By taking advantage of the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act, individuals can save considerable money during their job search. It’s essential to make certified copies of the obtained documents, as these benefits are applicable only once. When applying for a job, use these certified true copies, reserving the original documents for submission only after receiving a job offer.
Navigating the complexities of job hunting is a significant challenge for first-time job seekers. The First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act in the Philippines serves as a valuable resource, offering financial relief and simplifying the process of obtaining essential documents. By understanding the eligibility criteria and following the necessary steps, individuals can embark on their job search journey with confidence, knowing that the financial barriers have been significantly reduced.
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