The Department of Budget and Management has remarked P12.919 billion for the Department of Labor and Employment's initiative, "Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers"  program in the 2024 National Expenditure Program to bolster job creation for Filipinos.

In a statement on Thursday, DBM said the Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program of DoLE will receive P16.4 billion, from which the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers Program will receive P12.92 billion.

The TUPAD program, a community-based assistance package providing emergency employment, is expected to benefit over 1.358 million displaced, underemployed and seasonal workers.

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

TUPAD 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 TUPAD 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 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.

Furthermore, DoLE's Government Internship Program, which aims to provide opportunities to 13,554 youth beneficiaries, was allocated P807.716 million in the proposed 2024 NEP.