The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has allocated nearly P29 billion to support the government's community-based safety net initiative that offers temporary employment opportunities to workers in the informal sector.
Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) will be the primary recipient of the government's P32.7 billion budget for this year's livelihood and employment programs.
Under the 2024 General Appropriations Act, TUPAD, a program under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), is set to receive P28.87 billion.
“To fulfill the President’s directive to empower our workforce, we remain committed to supporting programs that will continue to provide quality jobs and employment opportunities,” Pangandaman said in a statement.
“The livelihood programs, educational initiatives, and safety nets we’ve put in place will not only provide immediate relief but also pave the way for sustainable growth,” she added.
TUPAD is specifically aimed at assisting the underemployed, self-employed individuals, and marginalized workers who have been displaced or experienced reduced income as a result of the pandemic.
Funding of P46 million has also been allocated to the JobStart Philippines Program, which seeks to assist young people who are unemployed and not in school, providing them with knowledge of local labor market conditions, career assessments, life skills training, among others.
Additionally, a total of P488.2 million has been allotted to the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), a government initiative designed to offer temporary employment to students in need, enabling them to continue their education while gaining valuable work experience during their vacations.
Moreover, P2.352 billion has been allocated to the Department of Labor and Employment's Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), also known as the Kabuhayan Program.
Likewise, P707.716 million has been set aside for the Government Internship Program (GIP), a state initiative offering internship opportunities to young individuals aged 18-30.
Lastly, budget allocation has been made for the Department of Labor and Employment's Adjustment Measures Program (DOLE AMP), totaling P258.722 million.
This program is designed to enhance workers' skills through funding for skills upgrade projects, representing a positive step towards empowering workers and fostering their professional development.