House panel okays P5,000 cash grant to college grads

A House panel has approved a measure seeking to give P5,000 in cash to aid young Filipinos looking for jobs after their graduation from college.

Filed by House Deputy Speaker Camille Villar, House Bill No. 6542 hurdled the House higher and technical education committee chaired by Rep. Mark Go last week.

The bill aims to grant a P5,000 financial assistance to fresh graduates of higher education institutions (HEIs) like universities, colleges and training institutions.

The amount is expected to help them in their search for employment and expenses for initial employment and settling-in, said Villar in a statement on Monday.

“This is an assistance to graduates, an encouragement as they become part of the workforce, which is very relevant at this time. They can also utilize the amount, small it may be, in commencing a micro business or a startup enterprise,” she said.

345,000 grads

Data from the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) showed that there were 345,0000 graduates of public and private HEIs for school year 2020-2021.

A new graduate who wishes to avail the cash aid will be required to present a copy of the diploma or a valid proof of graduation issued by the HEI to the government agency or local government concerned.

The proof of graduation should clearly state the date of graduation or completion and the course completed or degree earned. It should be signed by the HEI’s duly authorized representative.

The CHEd chair will head an interagency monitoring committee, which will craft the implementing rules and regulations for the cash aid, and will monitor the compliance of government agencies.

“This is not a dole-out but should be viewed as an investment of the government to the youth, fully consistent with our Constitution, and the nation’s existing laws on social welfare,” Villar added. INQ