DBM earmarks P12.919B for DOLE’s TUPAD in proposed 2024 budget

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has set aside over P12 billion for the Department of Labor and Employment's (DOLE) initiative, 'Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers' (TUPAD) program in the proposed 2024 National Expenditure Program (NEP).

In a statement on Thursday, the DBM said the DOLE’s Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program of DOLE will receive a budget of P16.4 billion.

Of the said amount, the TUPAD program will receive the bulk P12.919 billion budget.

“We are strengthening social protection measures to ensure that no one will be left behind, especially the marginalized and vulnerable sectors,” said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

The TUPAD program is the DOLE’s community-based package of assistance providing emergency employment.

The DBM said the program is expected to benefit over 1.358 million displaced, underemployed, and seasonal workers.

The Labor Department’s program provides occupation to Filipinos for a minimum period of 10 days to a maximum of 90 days, depending on the nature of the work to be performed.

All disadvantaged workers aged 18 and older are qualified as program beneficiaries. Senior citizens are also eligible for the program, provided that they are fit to work and would not engage in hazardous work.

Meanwhile, only one member per family shall be eligible for the assistance. In no instance shall the beneficiaries be availed of more than once in a calendar year, except in cases of natural or human-induced disaster or calamity, according to the DBM.

Meanwhile, of the P16.4-billion proposed budget for the DOLE’s Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program, P2.3 billion was earmarked for the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).

The DILP was seen to benefit 63,959 marginalized workers.

Moreover, the DOLE’s Government Internship Program (GIP), which aims to provide opportunities to 13,554 youth beneficiaries, was allocated P807.716 million in the proposed budget next year.

The remaining P407 million was earmarked for the Adjustment Measures Program, according to the DBM.—AOL, GMA Integrated News