THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said a huge chunk of money under the national budget will go towards empowering the Filipino labor force through various livelihood and employment programs.
DBM Secretary Mina Pangandaman said that a total of P32.720 billion under the FY 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) have been allocated to support President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s thrust to ensure that the public will benefit from government programs that provide livelihood and help ensure employment to Filipinos.
“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. 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,” Pangandaman emphasized.
The allocated fund includes programs being implemented by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), one of which is the Tulong Pang-hanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) which was allocated with P28.867 billion for 2024.
The TUPAD program is a community-based safety net initiative that provides temporary employment to workers in the informal sector. It specifically targets the underemployed or workers who do not receive sufficient wages in their current jobs; the self-employed individuals who work for themselves; and the displaced marginalized workers or those who have lost their jobs or experienced reduced income due to the pandemic.
Funding of P46.021 million was also allocated to the Jobstart Philippines Program, which aims to help young people, with at least a high school education who are unemployed and not in school, to gain knowledge of local labor market conditions, career assessments, and life skills training, and after that, will have the opportunity to undergo technical training and internships with private sector employers.
A total of P488.198 million was likewise allotted to the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), a government initiative that aims to provide temporary employment to students in need to keep them in school and complete their education. This allows them to work and make their vacation productive.
Under the 2024 GAA, P2.352 billion was allocated for the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), also known as the Kabuhayan Program, one of the primary programs of the DOLE. It aims to assist marginalized groups such as self-employed individuals, unpaid family members, low-wage and seasonal workers, displaced workers, and landless farmers.
Additionally, funding worth P707.716 million was also allocated for the Government Internship Program (GIP), another government initiative that provides internship opportunities for young individuals aged 18-30. It targets high school students, technical-vocational institute students, college graduates who wants to pursue a career in public service, and out-of-school youth.
Furthermore, the DOLE Adjustment Measures Program (DOLE AMP) will get P258.722 million in funds. This program aims to enhance workers’ skills through funding for skills upgrade projects. It is a positive step toward empowering workers and promoting their professional development.
Pangandaman also noted that the budgeted programs mentioned under the 2024 GAA are in line with President Marcos, Jr.’s vision of a Bagong Pilipinas, an initiative that aims to create a comprehensive plan for economic and social change.