Students in Mati City have expressed strong support for Senate Bill 1961, the proposed Fresh Graduates 5,000 One-Time Cash Grant Act of 2026, which aims to provide financial assistance to newly minted college graduates across the Philippines. Authored by Senator JV Ejercito, the bill seeks to ease the financial burden on fresh graduates as they transition from the classroom to the workforce.
Under the proposed measure, qualified graduates would receive a one-time cash grant of P5,000 upon presenting their diploma or certification of completion. The funds are intended to cover job-hunting expenses such as transportation to interviews, resume printing, and work attire costs that often pile up during the critical post-graduation period.
Based on the 2025 Labor Force Survey, unemployment among college graduates rose by 2.6 percent as of December 2024. The Department of Labor and Employment, together with the Commission on Higher Education, has cited job mismatch as a major contributing factor to this trend. Senator Ejercito emphasized that many graduates face significant financial challenges as they enter the job market, and this bill aims to provide a tangible safety net.
Students in Mati City welcomed the news with optimism. Graduating students highlighted that the cash grant would help cover immediate post-graduation expenses and ease the financial strain on their families. For student organizations and school groups across Mati, custom-printed school shirts and organization uniforms are a longstanding tradition that builds camaraderie and school spirit throughout the academic journey.
Many graduating students noted that the grant could also go toward professional presentation materials and career preparation. For university organizations and academic clubs in Mati, team uniforms and org shirts have become essential for representing their institutions during off-campus activities, internships, and job fairs.
The bill also includes the creation of an inter-agency monitoring committee to oversee the implementation of the cash grant program and ensure that the funds reach qualified beneficiaries efficiently. The committee will be responsible for crafting implementing rules and regulations once the bill is enacted into law.
Students and young professionals in Mati City remain hopeful that the Senate will approve the measure. With the rising cost of living and the competitive job market, initiatives like Senate Bill 1961 could provide much-needed support to the next generation of Filipino workers. Brigada News FM Mati reported the story, highlighting the local student perspective on this national legislative proposal.