Manila, Philippines — As early as March, most Filipinos look forward to the summer vacation.
But for fresh college graduates, it is not the vacation they brace for, but the start of their job hunting journey.
And not only they think of where to apply, but are pressured as well by the demanding finances.
In aim of providing support for fresh graduates as they transition to employment, senator JV Ejercito pushes for bill granting cash assistance for 1st time job seekers.
Under Senate Bill No. 1961 or the “Fresh Graduates P5,000 One-Time Cash Grant Act of 2026, it seeks to institutionalize productivity cash grant for tertiary and training institutions graduates.
This one-time P5,000 cash assistance aims to provide financial aid for fresh graduates seeking employment.
Ejercito noted that job hunting is often financially challenging, especially for former students transitioning as workers.
Among the most common expenses are for transportation fot application and interviews, printing of resume and other application requirement, as well as the work/corporate attire.
He said that these expenses adds pressure to fresh graduates who are also 1st time job seekers.
Presently, there exists First Time Jobseekers Assistance Act waiving the fees for some documents and requirements in job application.
But for Ejercito, this bill will expand the support provided by the government for the new part of the laborforce.
The bill have been referred to the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education and Finance, and will be under deliberation as the Senate resumed its session.
If approved, fresh graduates will only need to present proof of completion—like a diploma or certification issued by their institution—to avail the cash grant.—Mia Layaguin, Eurotv News