Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Sandro Marcos has introduced a measure aimed at easing the burden on fresh graduates as they enter the workforce by granting them free access to essential academic records.
Marcos underscored the importance of bridging education and employment in national development, pointing out that many job seekers face added expenses and delays in securing required documents.
“For many graduates, the journey towards employment begins with completing documentary requirements for job applications,” the House Majority Leader said.
“Yet obtaining multiple copies of these documents can involve additional costs and time-consuming procedures.”
House Bill No. 8701, known as the Academic and Labor Pathways Assistance for Students (ALPAS) Act, would mandate all higher education institutions—public and private alike—to provide free employment-related documents such as transcripts of records, diplomas, and certificates of graduation.
Under the proposal, each graduate would be entitled to at least five free copies of their transcript of records or certificate of graduation, along with certified true copies of their diploma. They may also request an additional set within 12 months, all without incurring administrative, processing, or certification fees.
The bill further requires schools to establish digital academic records systems, enabling graduates to request and obtain documents online, thereby streamlining access and reducing processing time.
“This measure seeks to strengthen that transition by addressing practical barriers encountered at the earliest stage of the job-seeking process,” Marcos explained.
“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.”