DBM allocates P32.72B under 2024 budget for livelihood, employment programs

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has earmarked over P30 billion for the government’s livelihood and employment programs under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

In a statement on Wednesday, the DBM said the amount was allocated for the programs being implemented by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

DOLE’s Tulong Pang-hanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers or TUPAD got the lion’s share of P28.867 billion.

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.

Also under the GAA, P2.352 billion was set aside for the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).

The DILP, also known as the Kabuhayan Program, is one of the primary programs of 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.

The DBM added that P46.021 million was earmarked for the JobStart Philippines Program.

The JobStart program 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, they will have the opportunity to undergo technical training and internships with private sector employers.

Moreover, P488.198 million was also allotted to the Special Program 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.

The DBM said that funding was also allocated for the Government Internship Program (GIP), amounting P707.716 million. 

The GIP is a government initiative that provides internship opportunities for young individuals aged 18 to 30 years old. 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.

The DBM said funding was allocated for the DOLE Adjustment Measures Program (DOLE AMP), amounting to P258.722 million. 

The 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.

“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,” said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

The DBM chief said that the livelihood and employment programs 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.—AOL, GMA Integrated News