The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reported that a total of 387,329 first-time jobseekers across the country have received free barangay certifications from January to July 2025, in accordance with Republic Act No. 11261 or the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act (FTJAA).

A barangay certification is a document issued by the Punong Barangay or a duly authorized officer, affirming that a person is a resident of the Barangay for at least six (6) months and is applying for employment for the first time.

Based on the data consolidated by the DILG’s National Barangay Operations Office (NBOO) from Regional and Field Offices, CALABARZON recorded the highest number of FTJAA beneficiaries with 106,149 certifications issued, followed by the National Capital Region with 66,475, and Region III with 64,468.

Under RA No. 11261, all government agencies and instrumentalities, including Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), Local Government Units (LGUs), and government hospitals, are prohibited from charging any fees to first-time jobseekers for the issuances of licenses, clearances, certificates or other documents usually required in seeking employment locally or abroad.

To ensure implementation at the barangay level, the DILG earlier issued Memorandum Circular No. 2020-128 specifying the duties and responsibilities of barangay officials and functionaries in the issuance of barangay certifications free of charge.

The Department affirms its commitment to ensuring the full and faithful implementation of the law and to supporting first-time jobseekers in accessing employment opportunities without undue burden or cost.

This continuing initiative supports the national government’s push for inclusive and citizen-friendly public services, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda for streamlined, transparent, and accessible services across all levels of government.

Original Article At: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/DILG-Over-387k-First-Time-Jobseekers-Issued-Free-Barangay-Certifications-from-January-to-July-2025/NC-2025-1174