P11B proposed for TUPAD program in 2026

The government wants to continue its emergency employment program to disadvantaged individuals and displaced workers with the proposed P11 billion allocation to the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Under the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP), the labor and employment agencies, composed of the DOLE and Department of Migrant Workers, are set to receive P55.2 billion funding next year — among the top departments with the biggest proposed budget for next year. 

Of the figures, the DOLE will get P44.38 billion — lower than its P51.20 billion budget in 2025.  The DMW, meanwhile, will receive P9.48 billion, higher than its P8.08 billion funding for this year. 

According to the NEP, a total of P12.24 billion will be appropriated for the DOLE’s TUPAD program and the Government Internship Program (GIP). 

This amount is lower than the P18 billion budget of the two programs this year.

Under the  TUPAD program,  beneficiaries will be working for 10 days in community clean-up, debris clearing, and rehabilitation of public infrastructures. They will be paid with the highest prevailing minimum wage rate in the region.

TESDA

Meanwhile, the Marcos administration likewise allocated funding for Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) scholarship programs. This includes the training for work scholarship program (P4.34 billion); special training for employment program (P1.62 billion); and technical-vocational training programs (P5.05 billion).

At least P300 million will also be appropriated for the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program, and  P1.65 billion for the TESDA Tulong Trabaho Program.

In July, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. touted major strides in the country’s higher education sector, highlighting the expansion of TESDA scholarships and financial aid for poor families during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA). 

Malacanang proposed a P6.79-trillion national budget for 2026.—LDF, GMA Integrated News