July 01, 2024 - The Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced a new initiative to support fresh graduates and first-time jobseekers aiming for government positions. Under the program, the CSC will be offering Certificates of Eligibility (COE) at no cost.
This move comes under Republic Act (R.A.) No. 11261 or the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act (FTJAA). The law mandates government agencies to waive fees for pre-employment documents requested by first-time jobseekers.
“We understand the challenges of applying for a first job, especially when it comes to documentary requirements,” said Chairperson Karlo Nograles. “By offering free pre-employment documents, we aim to make government services more accessible and expand employment opportunities for Filipinos."
Following the FTJAA, the CSC issued Resolution No. 2000363 on February 2020. This resolution allows first-time jobseekers applying for career service positions to receive one original and one authenticated copy of the COE for free. This applies to those who have passed the Career Service Examination and individuals with Civil Service eligibilities under special laws and CSC issuances.
To qualify for the free COE, an individual must be a Filipino citizen actively seeking employment and must present a barangay certification verifying their status as a first-time jobseeker.
Civil service eligibles can bring the barangay certification to any of the 16 CSC Regional Offices nationwide to request original and authenticated copies of the COE at no charge. Additional copies will incur the usual fees of PHP100 per original copy and PHP50 per authenticated copy.
The CSC clarified that even if an individual had applied for a COE in the past but was not employed and remains eligible under the FTJAA, they can still request a free COE.
Finally, after obtaining employment, first-time jobseekers are expected to report back to their barangay to assist in monitoring the implementation of the law.
“The CSC hopes that by providing these complimentary documents, more applicants will be encouraged to apply for government positions and join the 1.9 million public servants serving our country,” Chairperson Nograles concluded.