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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOLE ramps up P61-B 2026 budget aid, enforces strict anti-politicking measures

DOLE ramps up P61-B 2026 budget aid, enforces strict anti-politicking measures

Published Jan 21, 2026 10:23 am  |  Updated Jan 21, 2026 01:47 pm

At A Glance

  • DOLE's 2026 budget set at P61.17 billion, a 19.47% increase from 2025.
  • Funding to strengthen key employment and livelihood programs nationwide.
  • Major programs: TUPAD, SPES, DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program, GIP, JobStart Philippines.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will be utilizing its P61.17-billion 2026 budget in expanding flagship employment and livelihood programs nationwide while enforcing stricter safeguards to keep government assistance free from political interference.
In a statement, DOLE said the 19.47-percent budget increase will strengthen key programs nationwide.
These include Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program, the Government Internship Program (GIP), and JobStart Philippines.
Of the total allocation, the Office of the Secretary is set to receive the largest share at P29.98 billion.
TESDA will be allotted P26.06 billion to enhance skills training and workforce readiness.
The National Labor Relations Commission is allocated P1.80 billion, while the National Conciliation and Mediation Board will receive P371.16 million to support dispute resolution services.
Meanwhile, the National Wages and Productivity Commission is earmarked P357.06 million, the Professional Regulation Commission P2.52 billion, and the Institute for Labor Studies P77.90 million.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who signed the P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026 into law on Jan. 5, ordered strict enforcement of the ban on political involvement in financial assistance.
DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma also directed regional offices to shield labor programs from political influence, election season or otherwise, underscoring the department’s commitment to integrity in aid delivery.
DOLE Undersecretary Warren Miclat clarified that the department’s official allocation stands at P61.17 billion, correcting earlier reports that placed the figure at P73.6 billion.

Related Tags

DOLE 2026 budget P61-B employment programs
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