House Deputy Speaker and Las Pinas City lone district Rep. Camille Villar wants to institutionalize a one-time cash subsidy or "ayuda" worth P5,000 for fresh graduates.

Villar, who filed House Bill (HB) No.6542, said such cash aid will provide support to the beneficiaries while they seek employment.

The measure's full title reads, "An Act providing fresh graduates of Philippine tertiary education, universities, colleges and training institutions, of a one-time cash grant of P5,000 which they can utilize for job application, initial employment and settling-in."

“This bill seeks to compliment and help fresh graduates by giving them a one-time cash grant in the amount of P5,000 which they can use as productivity/earnest fund application for employment, transportation and settling-in amount, if they get a job soonest,” Villar said.

In justifying the bill, she said fresh graduates find themselves "at a loss on how to fund for employment application prospects—the continuously increasing transportation fare and the difficulty of commuting, preparing a decent work wear, printing tons of biodata or curriculum vitae, and other expenses needed when one applies for a job".

To avail of the cash aid, a copy of diploma or any valid proof of graduation issued by the educational institution shall be presented to the government agency or local government unit concerned.

The diploma, certification, document, or communication should clearly state the date of graduation or completion and the course completed or degree earned, and should be signed by the institution's duly authorized representative.

Under HB No.6542, an interagency monitoring committee will be created to be headed by the chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd). The body will formulate the implementing rules and regulations and monitor compliance by the various state agencies and instrumentalities.

The appropriations needed to implement this bill, once enacted, shall be coursed thru CHEd, and such amount may be determined by Congress after consultations with different stakeholders.

“While some would label the grant as means of a dole-out, the higher purpose is actually investment in the emerging labor force which is for the best interest of the State. Similarly, it is an aegis of a caring government to provide relief and an expression of the principle of "Parens Patriae"—to show the State's commitment to promote the highest interest of the Filipino youth,” added Villar.

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education.