Bill seeks free academic records for fresh grads

A BILL requiring universities and colleges to provide free academic records to fresh graduates was filed in the House of Representatives last week, a measure aimed at removing constraints and barriers for job applicants.

In a statement, Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” A. Marcos III said House Bill No. 8701 would help ease the job‑hunting process for graduates and strengthen the country’s workforce.

“For many graduates, the journey towards employment begins with completing documentary requirements for job applications,” Mr. Marcos, who authored the bill that was filed on March 18, said. “Yet obtaining multiple copies of these documents can involve additional costs and time-consuming procedures.”

All higher education institutions should provide fresh graduates with five copies of their transcript of records, or certificates of graduation and certified true copies of their diplomas, free of charge, under the bill.

Graduates would also be entitled to another five copies of their academic transcripts and certified true copies of their diplomas within a year of finishing school, it added.

“By making essential academic records more accessible and improving the efficiency of records processing systems in higher education institutions, this measure helps ensure that Filipino graduates are better equipped to pursue employment opportunities and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s workforce,” Mr. Marcos said. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio