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Advocates Philippines
House Approves Free Board Exams For Poor Filipinos, IPs
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Poor Filipinos and members of indigenous communities may soon no longer have to worry about paying for licensure and civil service examinations after the House of Representatives approved a measure offering free exam fees to qualified applicants.
On Wednesday, lawmakers passed on second reading House Bill No. 8869, also known as the proposed Free Professional Examinations Act, which seeks to remove financial barriers preventing many Filipinos from becoming licensed professionals or entering government service.
The bill is backed by House leadership led by Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' G. Dy III and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander 'Sandro' A. Marcos.
Marcos said many deserving Filipinos are unable to pursue professional careers simply because they cannot afford examination fees.
“For many poor Filipinos, the problem is not lack of talent or determination. The problem is that even examination fees can already be too expensive,” Marcos said.
“This bill gives them a genuine opportunity to become licensed professionals, enter government service, and build better futures for themselves and their families,” he added.
Under the proposed measure, qualified indigent applicants and members of indigenous peoples (IPs) and indigenous cultural communities will be exempted from paying written examination fees for licensure exams administered by the Professional Regulation Commission and eligibility examinations conducted by the Civil Service Commission.
To avail of the benefit, applicants must present either a certificate of indigency from their local government unit or certification from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.
The privilege may be used once every year by qualified beneficiaries.
Lawmakers said the proposal aims to expand opportunities for Filipinos living in remote and underserved communities by making professional advancement more accessible.
“Education and professional advancement should not be reserved only for those who can afford expensive fees and repeated expenses,” Marcos said.
“When we help more Filipinos become professionals and civil servants, we also strengthen our workforce, improve public service, and create more opportunities for inclusive national development,” he added.
The bill also directs agencies including the Department of Social Welfare and Development, PRC, CSC, NCIP, and the Philippine Information Agency to conduct annual information campaigns so eligible beneficiaries can learn about the program.
On Wednesday, lawmakers passed on second reading House Bill No. 8869, also known as the proposed Free Professional Examinations Act, which seeks to remove financial barriers preventing many Filipinos from becoming licensed professionals or entering government service.
The bill is backed by House leadership led by Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' G. Dy III and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander 'Sandro' A. Marcos.
Marcos said many deserving Filipinos are unable to pursue professional careers simply because they cannot afford examination fees.
“For many poor Filipinos, the problem is not lack of talent or determination. The problem is that even examination fees can already be too expensive,” Marcos said.
“This bill gives them a genuine opportunity to become licensed professionals, enter government service, and build better futures for themselves and their families,” he added.
Under the proposed measure, qualified indigent applicants and members of indigenous peoples (IPs) and indigenous cultural communities will be exempted from paying written examination fees for licensure exams administered by the Professional Regulation Commission and eligibility examinations conducted by the Civil Service Commission.
To avail of the benefit, applicants must present either a certificate of indigency from their local government unit or certification from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.
The privilege may be used once every year by qualified beneficiaries.
Lawmakers said the proposal aims to expand opportunities for Filipinos living in remote and underserved communities by making professional advancement more accessible.
“Education and professional advancement should not be reserved only for those who can afford expensive fees and repeated expenses,” Marcos said.
“When we help more Filipinos become professionals and civil servants, we also strengthen our workforce, improve public service, and create more opportunities for inclusive national development,” he added.
The bill also directs agencies including the Department of Social Welfare and Development, PRC, CSC, NCIP, and the Philippine Information Agency to conduct annual information campaigns so eligible beneficiaries can learn about the program.
May 14, 2026
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