The Department of Labor and Employment has prepared an initial standby fund worth P1.2 billion to help workers who may lose their jobs amid the current situation in the Middle East.
The department said the budget will be used mainly through its two flagship social protection programs – the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) and the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) – which support vulnerable workers, including those who may be displaced as a consequence of the current energy emergency.
The department also adopted the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) under Executive Order No. 110, which declared the energy emergency.
To support UPLIFT, the DOLE is closely working with the Department of Transportation, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and local government units to implement targeted emergency employment and livelihood interventions, starting with transport workers to help ensure continuity of economic activity and mobility of the riding public.
It has also identified industries that may need similar assistance, such as agriculture and fisheries.
The DOLE is likewise in close coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in identifying repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who may be provided
with appropriate assistance, including job matching with available vacancies in their respective areas, referral to skills training opportunities through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and access to livelihood support.
As part of the National Reintegration Network, it will collaborate with the DMW in the “Bayanihan para sa Balikbayang Manggagawa” in April to provide a comprehensive platform for repatriated OFWs and their families to access a full range of reintegration services from government agencies, the private sector, and local partners.
DOLE said monthly job fairs across the country will also expand employment opportunities.
For his part, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Saturday reiterated the department’s firm stance on ensuring that all eligible transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers and delivery riders are included in the government’s cash relief assistance as he called out gaps in the submitted beneficiary lists from some transport network companies (TNCs).
He said issues in list submission affected the inclusion of several beneficiaries, particularly riders from Lalamove.
“Apparently, we got word that Lalamove did not submit or failed to submit on time their listing. So many of the Lalamove riders were not accommodated,” he said.
Despite these challenges, the DSWD chief assured affected drivers that corrective measures are already in place, including the conduct of special payouts.
As this developed, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday urged Filipinos to adopt sustainable habits that will help address climate change and promote responsible energy use as the country marked the 2026 Earth Hour.
In a video message, Mr. Marcos said the annual observance offers a timely opportunity to reflect on environmental protection, energy conservation and the need to limit fuel consumption amid the current global challenges.
“Earth Hour reminds us that how we use energy affects us all and shows not just our ways, but also the kind of future that we choose to build for our nation and our planet,” he said.
“May the true meaning of Earth Hour be part of our lives. Let it guide our habits and former actions and inspire cooperation among our communities towards responsible and sustainable energy use,” the President added.
