In a significant outreach effort, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has positively impacted over 84,000 residents across four regions in Mindanao, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The initiatives span emergency employment, livelihood support, labor dispute mediation, and skill enhancement programs, with a substantial budget of PHP430.75 million earmarked for emergency jobs in 2024.
The DOLE’s flagship program, Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), has been instrumental in aiding 35,417 individuals in Region IX, 25,925 in Region X, and 23,197 in Region XII. This program not only offers immediate financial relief but also plays a crucial role in reintegrating former combatants into the community, helping them become productive societal members.
Additionally, the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program has disbursed PHP43.64 million to support 1,957 people, focusing on creating sustainable income sources to bolster economic stability and growth in BARMM.
The Government Internship Program, another DOLE initiative, has allocated PHP9.45 million to train 410 young individuals in BARMM, preparing them for careers in the public sector and contributing to the region’s overall development.
DOLE has also extended its labor dispute resolution services to BARMM, ensuring fair labor practices and justice for workers. To further address labor issues, assistance desks have been set up in Region IX, including Zamboanga City, enhancing accessibility to DOLE’s services.