Senate bill pushes for P5K cash grant for fresh grads

Senator JV Ejercito has filed a measure seeking to provide fresh graduates with a one-time cash assistance of P5,000 to help cover expenses related to job searching.

Proposed Senate Bill No. 1961, or the “Fresh Graduates P5,000 One-Time Cash Grant Act of 2026,” aims to ease the financial burden faced by graduates from universities, colleges, and training institutions as they transition into the workforce.

“This is actually an investment sa ating youth at sa labor market. Maraming gustong makakuha ng disenteng trabaho pagka-graduate pero nahihirapan dahil kapos sa pera,” Ejercito said.

(“This is actually an investment in our youth and labor market. Many want to secure decent jobs after graduation but struggle because they lack financial resources.”)

Ejercito said the cash grant may be used for initial job-hunting and employment-related expenses such as transportation, printing of application documents, and purchasing proper attire for interviews.

“Sa iba, puwedeng maliit o pangkaraniwan lang ang mga ito, pero sa marami, malaking bagay ito para makapagsimula,” the senator added.

(“For some, these may seem small or ordinary expenses, but for many, they are a big help in starting their transition into the workforce.”)

Under the proposed measure, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) would oversee the program implementation and ensure the proper and transparent distribution of funds.

Citing data from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), CHED said the unemployment rate among college graduates increased to 38.2% in 2025 from 35.6% in December 2024. —VAL, GMA News