A proposed measure in the Senate seeks to provide a one-time P5,000 cash grant to fresh graduates of Philippine tertiary institutions to help offset job-hunting expenses.

Senate Bill No. 1961, or the “Fresh Graduates P5,000 One-Time Cash Grant Act of 2026,” was filed by Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito and aims to institutionalize financial assistance for graduates transitioning from school to employment.

The bill has been referred to the Senate Committees on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education and Finance and is expected to be taken up when sessions resume on May 4.

Citing labor data referenced by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the measure noted a 2.6% increase in unemployment among college graduates based on the 2025 Labor Force Survey of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Ejercito said the proposal responds not only to job scarcity and skills mismatch but also to the financial burden faced by job seekers, including transportation costs, document preparation, and interview-related expenses.

While existing law already grants fee exemptions for first-time job seekers, the bill seeks to expand government support through direct cash assistance.

Under the proposal, applicants must present proof of graduation, such as a diploma or certification. An inter-agency monitoring committee led by the CHED will be created to oversee implementation and draft guidelines in coordination with other agencies.