ILOILO CITY — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has disbursed over PHP 2.76 billion in Western Visayas for emergency employment and an integrated livelihood program, enhancing support for vulnerable groups under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration.
According to the Philippines News Agency, Officer-in-charge Assistant Director for Western Visayas, Melisa Navarra, during the “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas” forum on Tuesday, detailed the initiatives under the DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP). She highlighted the program’s focus on vulnerable, marginalized, and displaced workers. “This program is tailored to the specific needs of individuals or groups. Vulnerable workers typically have informal work arrangements, whereas marginalized groups lack education and access to government programs,” Navarra explained.
Additionally, the DILP has supported 17,097 individuals from its inception in July 2022 until August 30, 2024, including 2,111 parents of child laborers, with a total funding of PHP 302.58 million. Navarra encouraged partner local government units and organizations to engage with DOLE as accredited co-partners to access the program’s benefits.
On a related front, the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program provides temporary employment to disadvantaged workers, offering work durations ranging from 10 to 90 days, with a daily minimum wage of PHP 400. “From 2022 to August 2024, TUPAD has benefited 504,450 workers, disbursing over PHP 2.45 billion in salaries,” said Navarra. She projected that the total funds released this year would surpass PHP 1 billion, noting that PHP 635.477 million has already been allocated from January to August.
Navarra highlighted the continued collaboration with local government units for the implementation of these programs, which also include initiatives directly managed by the department.