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Oath of Undertaking for First-Time Job Seekers (RA 11261)

The oath of undertaking is the short sworn form you sign at your barangay to get your first-time job seeker certification and free pre-employment documents.

PapelesPH Editorial TeamChecked 28 Sep 20262 min read
PapelesPH is an independent guide, not a government office. Requirements and fees can differ by office, so confirm with the issuing office. We never ask for your personal details.
Quick answer
Form 2Official DOLE form
No notaryForm says so
BarangaySigned in front of an official
1 yearBenefit validity

The oath of undertaking is RA 11261 Form 2, the official DOLE form a first-time job seeker signs in front of a barangay official to get the barangay certification under the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act. The official form states it need not be notarized. By signing, you confirm it's your first time looking for a job and accept that the benefit is valid for one year and can be used only once.

What is the oath of undertaking?

Under RA 11261, the fee waiver for first-time job seekers starts at your barangay. To issue the barangay certification that you're a first-time job seeker, the barangay asks you to sign an oath of undertaking: a short sworn statement using the government's standard form (RA 11261 Form 2).

You then present the barangay certification, and for the NBI clearance also the signed oath, to get your documents free. See the first-time job seeker certificate guide.

What the form contains

The official DOLE Form 2 (revised 16 June 2021) asks for:

  • Your full name and age
  • Your complete address and how long you've lived there (years or months). The implementing rules require at least six months of residency in the barangay.
  • A declaration that you're availing the benefits of RA 11261

You then undertake, among other things, that:

  • this is the first time you are actively looking for a job, and you ask the barangay to issue a certification so you can avail the benefits of the law;
  • the benefits are valid for one year from the date the barangay certification is issued;
  • you will avail the benefits only once;
  • your personal information will be included in the barangay's list (roster) of first-time job seekers.

Read the full wording on the official form before you sign.

Get the official form

Job Seeker Document Checklist (PDF)Every pre-employment document in order, with what's free under RA 11261. Free, no sign-up.Download
RA 11261 Form 2: Oath of Undertaking (official DOLE PDF)DOLE Bureau of Local Employment · revised 16 June 2021 · "This form need not be notarized"Official PDF

The barangay certification itself uses Form 1: Barangay Certification (official DOLE PDF). Questions about RA 11261 go to DOLE at ftjaa@ble.dole.gov.ph.

Most barangays give you the form at the counter, so you usually don't need to print it yourself. If you do print it, use the official version above rather than a copy from an unofficial site.

How to use it

  1. Go to your barangay hall

    Ask for the First Time Jobseeker certification under RA 11261.

  2. Sign the oath of undertaking

    in front of a barangay official. Bring a valid ID and proof of residency.

  3. Receive your barangay certification

    It's free.

  4. Use it within one year

    at each agency: NBI, police, PSA and others.

Don't sign it if it isn't true. Falsifying the certification is punishable under the Revised Penal Code (RA 11261, Section 11), and the benefit can only be used once.

Frequently asked questions

Does the oath of undertaking need to be notarized?

No. The official DOLE Form 2 states that the form need not be notarized. You sign it in front of a barangay official.

Can I fill it in online?

Some barangays and cities have online services, but most issue the form at the barangay hall. Ask your barangay.

I already used my first-time job seeker benefit. Can I sign another oath?

No. The benefit can be availed only once.

Is the oath of undertaking the same as the barangay certification?

No. The oath is the form you sign. The barangay certification is the document the barangay issues after you sign it, and it's what agencies ask for.

Document

First-time job seeker certificate (RA 11261)

The barangay certificate that makes your pre-employment documents free.

Document

Barangay clearance

What it is, what to bring and how to get it from your barangay hall.

NBI

Free NBI clearance for first-time job seekers

The separate portal and the barangay papers you need.