The Philippines’ Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Mina F. Pangandaman said that the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will continue to ensure that the public will benefit from government programmes that provide livelihood and help ensure employment to Filipinos by allocating a total of P32.720 billion under the FY 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
Budget Secretary Mina Pangandaman emphasised, “To fulfil the President’s directive to empower our workforce, we remain committed to supporting programmes that will continue to provide quality jobs and employment opportunities.”
“The livelihood programmes, 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 said.
The allocated fund includes programmes being implemented by the Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE).
One of the programmes is the Tulong Pang-hanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) which was allocated with P28.867 billion for 2024.
The TUPAD programme 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 marginalised workers or those who have lost their jobs or experienced reduced income due to the pandemic.
Funding was also allocated to the Jobstart Philippines Programme of P46.021 million. The JobStart programme aims to help young people, with at least a high school education who are unemployed and not in school, to gain knowledge of local labour market conditions, career assessments, and life skills training.
Later, they 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 Programme for Employment of Students (SPES). SPES is 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, funds were allocated for the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Programme (DILP), amounting to P2.352 billion.
The DILP, also known as the Kabuhayan Programme, is one of the primary programmes of DOLE.
It aims to assist marginalised groups such as self-employed individuals, unpaid family members, low-wage and seasonal workers, displaced workers, and landless farmers.
Additionally, funding was also allocated for the Government Internship Programme (GIP), totalling P707.716 million.
The GIP is a government initiative that provides internship opportunities for young individuals aged 18-30.
It targets high school students, technical-vocational institute students, college graduates who want to pursue a career in public service, and out-of-school youth.
Furthermore, a budget has been allocated for the DOLE Adjustment Measures Programme (DOLE AMP), amounting to P258.722 million.
The programme aims to enhance workers’ skills through funding for skills upgrade projects. It is a positive step toward empowering workers and promoting their professional development.
Secretary Pangandaman noted that the budgeted programmes mentioned under the 2024 GAA are in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s vision of a Bagong Pilipinas which aims to create a comprehensive plan for economic and social change. – DBM
