Senator JV Ejercito proposes P5K cash aid to new graduates seeking jobs

Senator JV Ejercito filed a bill proposing a one-time cash assistance of ₱5,000 for recent graduates.

This initiative aims to help new graduates cover expenses associated with job-hunting as they enter the workforce this season.

Senate Bill No. 1961 or the “Fresh Graduates P5,000 One-Time Cash Grant Act of 2026,” seeks to institutionalize a productivity cash grant for Filipino graduates of higher education and training institutions as they transition from school to employment.

The bill was filed in March and has since been referred to the Senate Committees on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education and Finance.

As the Senate resumed its regular plenary sessions on May 4, the bill is expected to be taken up for discussion soon.

Ejercito's proposal cited data from the Department of Labor and Employment and the Commission on Higher Education. The findings indicate a 2.6 percent increase in unemployed college graduates, rising from the December 2024 rate of 35.6 percent.

“The problem is not just the lack of job opportunities but also the mismatch between the jobs available and the skills of fresh graduates. Many individuals who have completed tertiary education aspire to secure decent employment that provides adequate benefits for a stable and dignified living,” Ejercito said.

He noted the financial challenges fresh graduates often face during their job search.

He said jobseekers frequently experience strain due to costs associated with transportation for interviews, printing resumes and documents, and purchasing appropriate work attire.

“Such expenses add to the financial burden and pressure experienced by young job seekers as they begin their transition into the workforce,” the senator added.

While the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act already grants fee waivers for first-time job seekers, Ejercito noted that the proposed measure aims to further expand support through direct financial assistance.

If passed into law, the proposed bill will require graduates to present proof of completion, such as a diploma or certification from their school, to qualify for the benefit.

The bill also proposes the creation of an inter-agency monitoring committee, led by CHED in coordination with other government agencies. This committee will be responsible for drafting the implementing rules and ensuring the proper rollout of the program.

-Paraluman News