The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has allocated P430 million in emergency employment assistance for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in 2024.

The assistance has benefited over 84,000 individuals in the Bangsamoro region, particularly in emergency employment, livelihood assistance, labor dispute resolution, and capacity development.

Through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, the DOLE’s flagship emergency employment program, the department has allocated P430.75 million, benefiting 84,539 individuals, including 35,417 in Zamboanga Peninsula, 25,925 in Northern Mindanao, and 23,197 in Soccsksargen.

According to the Labor department, aside from providing immediate economic support, the TUPAD assistance also helps in the long-term integration of former combatants into the region’s socio-economic structures to ensure they become contributing members of society.

In addition, the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) provided P43.64 million in livelihood assistance to 1,957 individuals.

“The livelihood assistance aims to create sustainable income-generating options to promote economic stability and development in BARMM,” the agency said.

The government, through DOLE's Government Internship Program, has also invested P9.45 million to empower 410 young individuals in BARMM.

This initiative provides paid training to prepare young people for public sector employment, fostering their long-term career growth and contributing to the region's development.

Labor Justice, Capacity Building

The DOLE also extended its labor dispute resolution services to the region, ensuring continued labor justice for workers in BARMM.

Through its National Labor Relations Commission Regional Arbitration Branch in Soccsksargen, DOLE facilitated the resolution of 10 labor cases filed by workers from Basilan and Cotabato City, addressing issues such as unpaid wages and illegal dismissals.

Nine labor cases, including money claims and illegal dismissal cases filed by workers from Maguindanao Province and Cotabato City, were also resolved in the said arbitration branch.

“These resolutions addressing labor conflicts effectively helped strengthen trust in legal and labor systems and foster a sense of fairness and peace in communities striving to rebuild from the effects of conflict,” the DOLE said.

Additionally, DOLE Regional Offices and their attached agencies undertook initiatives to enhance collaboration and service delivery in BARMM.

These included providing technical assistance and conducting capacity-building sessions on key labor settlement mechanisms, such as the Single Entry Approach.

The Labor department said the collaborative efforts between its regional offices in Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and the BARMM Ministry of Labor and Employment are aligned with its commitment to support the region’s goal of lasting peace and development formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement signed last December.