By Ferdinand Patinio | Philippine News Agency
More than P261.5 million in livelihood assistance is set to be provided to 11,257 beneficiaries nationwide under the Kabuhayan Program, helping workers build long-term sources of income beyond temporary relief, in connection with the celebration of 124th Labor Day on May 1, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
In a statement Tuesday, the department said the aid will be distributed through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), one of the department’s flagship interventions for informal workers, vulnerable sectors, and community-based groups seeking sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Under the program, individuals may receive livelihood starter kits worth up to P50,000, while groups or associations may receive assistance of up to P3 million, depending on the approved project.
It noted that the initiative highlights the government’s efforts to not only respond to urgent financial needs but also help families establish more stable and lasting means of earning a living.
Livelihood grants are provided through startup materials for projects, such as sari-sari stores, “negokarts,” agricultural and livestock ventures, fishing, and other community-based enterprises suited to local needs and market opportunities.
Unlike emergency employment, the Kabuhayan Program focuses on long-term economic recovery by enabling beneficiaries to start or expand income-generating activities that can support households well beyond short-term assistance.
At the same time, the DOLE also announced that more than 110,000 disadvantaged and displaced workers nationwide will receive wages on Labor Day under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Program, which provides emergency employment to vulnerable sectors.
A total of 111,418 beneficiaries will receive more than P797 million in wage payouts as part of nationwide Labor Day activities, providing immediate financial relief to workers and families affected by income disruption.
Among the beneficiaries are 538 drivers under the recently launched TUPAD Tuloy Pasada Program, which provides short-term employment support to transport workers affected by income loss and operational disruptions brought by the energy emergency.
In line with efforts to ease the burden on workers and consumers, DOLE is also supporting the nationwide conduct of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo in 47 sites, where workers and consumers can buy affordable food and basic goods directly from producers. To support the activity, hundreds of TUPAD workers will be deployed, with total wages amounting to more than P1 million.
Further strengthening the inter-agency collaboration and convergence, DOLE has also partnered with the Department of Agriculture (DA) to assist 10,000 farmers affected by El Niño in the Cordillera region, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Zamboanga, and Caraga through emergency jobs and livelihood support. The initiative aims to provide immediate income while helping restore irrigation systems and strengthen climate-resilient livelihoods.
TUPAD is DOLE’s emergency employment program for displaced, underemployed, and seasonal workers, providing short-term jobs for 10 to 30 days to help beneficiaries meet urgent daily needs while transitioning toward more stable sources of income.
On May 1, the department will hold job fairs in 89 sites nationwide. An estimated 1,700 employers are participating in the event, offering 165,000 vacancies.
The top vacancies are in the wholesale and retail, manufacturing, construction, business process outsourcing, and accommodation and food service sectors.
