Thousands of Filipinos stepping out of higher education institutions this graduation season may soon receive direct government financial support as they begin looking for work, under a newly filed Senate measure.
Senate Bill No. 1961, or the “Fresh Graduates P5,000 One-Time Cash Grant Act of 2026,” has been referred to the Senate Committees on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education and Finance. The bill proposes a one-time P5,000 productivity cash grant to help absorb the early costs of job hunting — from transportation to interviews, resume printing, and work attire.
Sen. JV Ejercito, the bill’s author, framed the proposal as a response to a documented gap between available employment and the qualifications of recent graduates. “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,” he said in the measure’s explanatory note.
Ejercito cited data from the Department of Labor and Employment’s 2025 Labor Force Survey, as referenced by the Commission on Higher Education, showing a 2.6 percent rise in unemployed college graduates from the December 2024 figure of 35.6 percent.
The proposal builds on existing legislation — Republic Act No. 11261, or the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act — which already waives certain fees for first-time job seekers. The new bill would go further by putting cash directly in the hands of graduates.
“The assistance is intended to help fresh graduates cover the basic expenses related to their job search, allowing them to focus on developing their skills and preparing themselves to secure meaningful employment,” Ejercito said.
To qualify for the grant, graduates would be required to present proof of completion, such as a diploma or certification from their educational institution. “Such expenses add to the financial burden and pressure experienced by young job seekers as they begin their transition into the workforce,” Ejercito added.
