A bill has been filed in the Senate seeking to give a one-time cash grant of P5,000 to fresh graduates from higher education and technical-vocational institutions as support during their transition from school to work.
The proposal, Senate Bill No. 1961 or the “Fresh Graduates P5,000 One-Time Cash Grant Act of 2026,” aims to institutionalize financial assistance for Filipino graduates who are actively looking for jobs.
The measure, authored by Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, comes amid concerns over youth unemployment, with recent labor data showing a rise in the number of unemployed college graduates.
According to a 2025 Labor Force survey cited by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the rate of unemployed college graduates increased by 2.6 percent compared to December 2024.
Ejercito said the issue is not only the availability of jobs but also the gap between available employment and the skills of graduates entering the workforce.
He noted that many young Filipinos who finish tertiary education still struggle to secure stable and decent-paying jobs that match their qualifications and expectations for a dignified livelihood.
The bill also highlights the financial strain faced by fresh graduates during job hunting, including costs for transportation to interviews, printing of resumes and documents, and the need for appropriate work attire.
“These expenses add up to the financial burden and pressure experienced by young job seekers as they begin their transition into the workforce,” Ejercito said.
The proposed measure seeks to expand Republic Act 11261 or the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act, which currently waives government fees for documents required in job applications. Under the new proposal, eligible graduates would instead receive direct cash assistance.
To qualify, applicants must present proof of graduation such as a diploma or certification from their educational institution.
The bill also proposes the creation of an inter-agency monitoring committee led by the CHED, in coordination with other government agencies, to draft implementing rules and ensure proper rollout of the program once enacted.
Supporters of the measure said the goal is to help ease the financial pressure on young Filipinos as they take their first steps into the labor market while improving access to early employment opportunities.