MANILA — A measure seeking to provide fresh graduates with a one-time P5,000 cash grant to help cover job-hunting expenses has been filed in the Senate, as thousands are expected to enter the workforce this graduation season.

Senate Bill No. 1961, or the “Fresh Graduates P5,000 One-Time Cash Grant Act of 2026,” aims to institutionalize financial assistance for graduates of Philippine higher education and training institutions as they transition into employment.

The bill, authored by Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, was filed in March and has been referred to the Senate Committees on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education and Finance. It is expected to be taken up following the resumption of session on May 4.

Citing data from the 2025 Labor Force Survey of the Department of Labor and Employment, as referenced by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the proposal noted a 2.6 percent increase in unemployed college graduates from the December 2024 level 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.

The senator said fresh graduates often face financial constraints while searching for employment, including costs for transportation to interviews, printing application documents, and purchasing appropriate attire.

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

While Republic Act No. 11261, or the First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act, already provides fee exemptions for first-time applicants, Ejercito said the proposed bill seeks to expand government support by offering direct financial assistance.

Under the measure, graduates would need to present proof of completion, such as a diploma or certification from their school, to qualify for the grant.

The bill also proposes the creation of an inter-agency monitoring committee to be led by CHED, in coordination with relevant government agencies, to formulate implementing rules and ensure proper rollout of the program.