TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
S. NO. 1055
25 A'JS-6 P2 32
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
PROVIDING FRESH GRADUATES OF PHILIPPINE TERTIARY EDUCATION, 
UNIVERSITIES, COLLEGES AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS, OF A ONE-TIME 
CASH GRANT OF FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (P5,000) WHICH THEY CAN 
UTILIZE FOR JOB APPLICATION, INITIAL EMPLOYMENT AND SETTLING-IN
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Each year, thousands of young Filipinos graduate from universities, colleges, 
and technical-vocational institutions with the hopes of securing meaningful 
employment and contributing to the nation's development. However, the transition 
from education to the workforce is often met with significant financial and logistical 
barriers. For many fresh graduates, the costs associated with applying for jobs—such 
as transportation, documentation, attire, and initial relocation or settling-in expenses— 
pose a serious challenge, particularly for those from low-income families.
Recognizing the economic hardships faced by many first-time job seekers, this 
bill proposes the provision of a one-time cash grant of Five thousand pesos 
(P5,000.00) to all qualified Filipino graduates of recognized tertiary education and 
training institutions. The intent is to offer timely and targeted support that will help 
ease the burden of employment preparation and empower young individuals as they 
begin their professional journey.


A similar bill was filed by Senator Cynthia A. Villar in the 19th Congress. This 
bill reflects a deep understanding of the socioeconomic obstacles that hinder 
employment access and underscores the importance of proactive government 
assistance in bridging the education-to-employment gap. This measure exemplifies 
the State's growing responsibility to support the nation's youth—not only through 
education but also by enabling a smoother, more equitable entry into the workforce. 
It affirms the belief that opportunity should not be limited by financial hardship, and 
that every graduate deserves a fair chance to succeed.
Key features of the bill include:
1. 
The provision of a one-time, non-repayable cash grant of f5,000 to 
qualified graduates of Philippine tertiary and training institutions, to be 
used for job application-related expenses;
2. 
The establishment of a simple, accessible, and transparent process for 
application and disbursement through relevant government agencies;
3. 
Coordination with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), 
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the 
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to implement and monitor 
the program;
4. 
The prioritization of graduates from low-income households and 
marginalized sectors to ensure equitable distribution;
5. 
The annual appropriation of funds necessary for the program's sustained 
implementation.
This legislation aims to invest in the country's future workforce by supporting 
its newest members at a critical point in their personal and professional development. 
By doing so, it fosters greater inclusivity, economic mobility, and productivity in the 
labor market.


In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
L
GGQY EJERCITO ESTRADA


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
S. No. 1055
25 AUG-6 P2 32
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
PROVIDING FRESH GRADUATES OF PHILIPPINE TERTIARY EDUCATION, 
UNIVERSITIES, COLLEGES AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS, OF A ONETIME 
CASH GRANT OF FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (P5,000) WHICH THEY CAN 
UTILIZE FOR JOB APPLICATION, INITIAL EMPLOYMENT AND SETTLING-IN
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Tide. - This Act shall be known as the "Fresh Graduates P5,000
2 
One-Time Cash Grant Act".
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect the interest
4 
of the youth. It shall endeavor to provide them opportunities for development by
5 
creating policies that improve access to employment. The State, in this regard in
6 
addition to the various waivers of payment under Republic Act No. 11261, shall extend
7 
a productivity cash grant in the amount of Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) which the
8 
fresh graduates can use for the initial expenses of his employment application and job
9 
settling-in.
10 
Sec. 3. Cash Grant to Fresh Graduates. - In addition to the privileges and waiver
11 
of fees specified under Republic Act No. 11261 or the "First Time Job Seekers
12 
Assistance Act", all fresh Filipino graduates Philippine tertiary institution, universities,
13 
colleges and training institutions shall receive the amount of Five thousand pesos
14 
(P5,000.00) productivity cash grant which he/she can use for the initial expenses of
15 
his/her employment application and job settling-in.


1 
Sec. 4. Proof of Graduation. - To avail of the cash grant authorized in this Act,
2 
a citizen must submit to the government agency or instrumentality or local
3 
government unit concerned a copy of his or her diploma, certification, document or
4 
communication from the academic, vocational or technical institution from which he
5 
or she has graduated, written or issued to the effect that such person has indeed
6 
successfully completed the course required. The diploma, certification, document, or
7 
communication should clearly state the date of graduation or completion and the
8 
course completed or degree earned and should be signed by the institution's duly
9 
authorized representative.
10 
Sec. 5. The Creation of an Inter-Agency Monitoring Committee. - An Inter-
11 
Agency Monitoring Committee (lAMC) is hereby created to be headed by the
12 
Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education and in cooperation with the heads
13 
of the relevant departments as its members.
14 
The lAMCs function is to formulate the implementing rules and regulations that
15 
will supplement the implementation of this Act and to monitor the compliance to this
16 
Act by the various government agencies and instrumentalities within its scope. It may
17 
recommend to the proper authorities the filing of an administrative complaint against
18 
any person who refuses to comply with the provisions of this Act.
19 
Sec. 6. Appropriations. - The fund needed to implement this Act shall be
20 
coursed thru the Commission on Higher Education, at such amount that may be
21 
determined by Congress after consulting with different stakeholders including the
22 
student sectors and the academia.
23 
Sec. 7. Repeaiing Ciause. - All laws, decrees, orders, ordinances, rules and
24 
regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified
25 
accordingly.
26 
Sec. 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
27 
unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, the validity of the other provisions shall not be
28 
affected thereby.
29 
Sec. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication
30 
in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,