A bill seeking to grant a P5,000 cash incentive to college graduates nationwide has been proposed in the House of Representatives to encourage more Filipino students to complete tertiary education.
The measure seeks to provide financial assistance to students who earn a college degree, particularly as they begin looking for work or pursue higher studies.
The proposal, authored by Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, is patterned after a similar program long implemented in Navotas City and serves as the House counterpart of Senate Bill No. 1961 filed by Sen. JV Ejercito.
Under the proposed national program, qualified college graduates would receive a one-time P5,000 cash incentive in recognition of their academic achievement and the sacrifices made by their families.
Supporters of the measure said the assistance may help ease the financial burden of new graduates as they transition from school to employment.
“Hindi man kalakihan ang halaga ang P5,000, malaking simbolo ito ng pagkilala ng gobyerno sa pagsisikap ng ating mga college students at mga magulang,” the Navotas solon said.
He said many families spend heavily just to help their children finish college, making it important for the government to provide support as graduates search for their first job or apply for further education.
The proposed bill also seeks to institutionalize education-linked incentives across the country so that more students may be encouraged to finish college.
“Every diploma earned is a victory not just for the student, but for the entire family. The government should always find ways to encourage education because it remains one of the strongest paths out of poverty,” Tiangco said.