NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 2186
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23 MW 15 P3 21
RECEIVLDBV
Introduced by SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLAR
AN ACT
PROVIDING FRESH GRADUATES OF PHILIPPINE TERTIARY EDUCATION, 
UNIVERSITIES, COLLEGES AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS, OF A ONE­
TIME CASH GRANT OF FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (PHP 5,000) WHICH THEY 
CAN UTILIZE FOR JOB APPLICATION, INITIAL EMPLOYMENT AND 
SETTLING-IN
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Young individuals who have recently graduated from college and are seeking 
a decent means of livelihood often face a common dilemma. They find themselves at 
a loss on how to fund their employment application prospects, grappling with 
challenges such as the continuously increasing transportation fares and the 
difficulties associated with commuting. Additionally, they need to cover expenses like 
preparing a suitable work attire, printing numerous copies of their biodata or 
curriculum vitae, and other financial obligations that arise during the job application 
process and the initial settling-in period after being admitted. This predicament Is 
particularly burdensome for fresh graduates who are striving to secure regular 
income for the first time, compounded by the fact that their families often 
experience severe financial strain due to the high costs of tertiary education.
To address this pressing issue, I recommend the introduction of a new 
measure to complement existing legislation, specifically Republic Act No. 11261, also 
known as the "First Time Job Seekers Assistance Act." While this law currently 
prohibits government agencies from collecting fees or charges from first-time job


seekers In relation to the application for employment certificates or documents, 
there is a need for further support. The proposed bill aims to provide fresh 
graduates with a one-time cash grant of Php 5,000.00 as a productivity/earnest 
fund. This grant would serve as a financial resource that can be utilized to cover 
expenses associated with employment applications, transportation costs, and initial 
settling-in expenses if the individual secures a job within a reasonable timeframe. In 
a nutshell, the bill aims to support and empower fresh graduates in their pursuit of 
employment and financial stability.
It is important to acknowledge that some may perceive this grant as a form of 
dole-out. However, it is crucial to recognize the higher purpose behind It. This 
measure represents an investment in the emerging labor force, which ultimately 
serves the best interests of the State. Furthermore, providing this financial 
assistance demonstrates the government's commitment to alleviate the burdens 
faced by young job seekers and exemplifies the principle of "Parens Patriae," 
wherein the State acts as a protector and promoter of the highest interests of the 
Filipino youth.
In view of the foregoing, I recommend the approval of this measure.
CYNTHIA A. VILLAR


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 2186
,mhtf of tl)?
23 MAY 15 P3 *21
Rt-CEIV:
Introduced by SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLAR
AN ACT
PROVIDING FRESH GRADUATES OF PHILIPPINE TERTIARY EDUCATION, 
UNIVERSITIES, COLLEGES AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS, OF A ONE­
TIME CASH GRANT OF FIVE THOUSAND PESOS (PHP 5,000) WHICH THEY 
CAN UTILIZE FOR 30B APPLICATION, INITIAL EMPLOYMENT AND 
SETTLING-IN
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as "Fresh Graduates Php
2 
5,000 One-Time Cash Grant Act of 2023".
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect the
4 
interest of the youth. It shall endeavor to provide them opportunities for
5 
development by creating policies that improve access to employment. The State In
6 
this regard in addition to the various waivers of payment under Republic Act No.
7 
11261, shall extend a productivity cash grant in the amount of five thousand pesos
8 
(Php 5,000) which the Fresh Graduates can use for the initial expenses of his
9 
employment application and job settling-ln.
10 
Sec. 3. Cash Grant to Fresh Graduates. - In addition to the privileges and
11 
waiver of fees specified under Republic Act No. 11261 or the "First Time Job Seekers
12 
Assistance Act," all Fresh Filipino Graduates Philippine Tertiary Institution,
13 
Universities, Colleges and Training Institution shall receive the amount of five


1 
thousand pesos (Php 5,000) productivity cash grant which he/she can use for the
2 
initial expenses of his/her employment application and job settling-in.
3 
Sec. 4. Proof of Graduation. - To avail of the cash grant authorized in this
4 
Act, a citizen must submit to the government agency or instrumentality or local
5 
government unit concerned a copy of his or her diploma, certification, document or
6 
communication from the academic, vocational or technical institution from which he
7 
or she has graduated, written or issued to the effect that such person has indeed
8 
successfully completed the course required. The diploma, certification, document, or
9 
communication should clearly state the date of graduation or completion and the
10 
course completed or degree earned and should be signed by the institution's duly
11 
authorized representative.
12 
Sec. 5. The Creation of an Inter-Agency Monitoring Committee. - An Inter-
13 
Agency Monitoring Committee (lAMC) is hereby created to be headed by the
14 
Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education and In cooperation with the
15 
heads of the relevant departments as its members.
16 
The lAMC's function Is to formulate the implementing rules and regulations
17 
that will supplement the implementation of this Act and to monitor the compliance to
18 
this Act by the various government agencies and instrumentalities within its scope. It
19 
may recommend to the proper authorities the filing of an administrative complaint
20 
against any person who refuses to comply with the provisions of this Act.
21 
Sec. 6. Appropriations. - The fund needed to implement this Act shall be
22 
coursed thru the Commission on Higher Education, at such amount that may be
23 
determined by Congress after consulting with different stakeholders including the
24 
student sectors and the academia.
25 
Sec. 7. Repealing clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, ordinances, rules and
26 
regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or
27 
modified accordingly.


1 
Sec. 8. Separability clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
2 
unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, the validity of the other provisions shall not be
3 
affected thereby.
4 
Sec. 9. Effectivity. -This shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in
5 
at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,