THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) affirmed its commitment to make livelihood a priority in the proposed 2024 National Expenditure Program (NEP).
DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the government is committed to consistently amplify livelihood programs under the proposed 2024 NEP.
“It is the administration’s fervent hope that this budget will continue to lay the groundwork for future-proofing the economy and making the country’s growth inclusive and sustainable, not just for the Filipinos of today, but also for the future generations,” Secretary Pangandaman said.
DOLE’s Livelihood and Emergency Employment Programs
Under the 2024 NEP, P2.28 billion will be allocated to the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), a grant assistance on livelihood for disadvantaged workers, either for individuals, or groups.
It caters to the development needs of communities with careful consideration of regional or local development priorities such as off-farm/non-farm livelihood diversification in the rural agricultural economy, and key employment generating sector (KEGS)-related projects.
On the other hand, the DOLE Livelihood and Employment Program stands to receive P16.4 billion under the proposed 2024 NEP, with P12.9 billion dedicated to the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers or TUPAD program.
Also, a total of P406.88 million was earmarked for the Adjustment Measures Program (AMP), a safety net program to support projects and programs that generate employment, preserve livelihoods, and address the needs of Filipino workers.
DSWD’s Livelihood Programs
A total of P5.62 billion was also proposed for the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Sustainable Livelihood Program that seeks to enhance the capabilities of poor Filipinos’ access to income-generating opportunities and help improve their socio-economic well-being.
Meanwhile, the Implementation and Monitoring of PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program, which contributes to improving community access to socio-economic interventions, was allotted P549 million.
Focus on the agriculture and fisheries sector
For its part, the Department of Agriculture’s Aquaculture Sub-Program was allotted P1,355.408 billion to help improve the country’s technology for breeding and larval rearing of fish and ensure the production of high-quality products.
Also, the Special Area of Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2 was allotted P1.094 billion, aiming to reduce poverty through the provision of agricultural and fishery interventions to the poor farming and fishing sectors.
Around P210.9 million was also dedicated to the Department of Agrarian Reform’s Major Crop-based Block Farm Productivity Enhancement Program, which seeks to optimize the efficiency, productivity, and profitability of farms owned by Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs).
Agencies such as the Department of Migrant Workers, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Department of Science and Technology will also have their respective projects and initiatives to uplift Filipinos’ livelihoods in 2024.