The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) appealed Tuesday for continued budgetary support to fund flagship employment, livelihood and social protection initiatives for workers nationwide, particularly those in underserved rural areas.

Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino led consultations with representatives from various provinces, congressional districts and party-list organizations to align the department's proposed budget with community-level labor priorities.

Among the priority initiatives for which the department is seeking increased funding are the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program, the Government Internship Program, the Special Program for Employment of Students, and the DoLE Integrated Livelihood Program.

The agency is also requesting budgetary support for its newly established Labor Attorneys Office alongside existing legal services to accelerate the resolution of labor disputes and maintain industrial peace.

Labor officials stressed that their proposed budget framework focuses on expanding job opportunities, enforcing workplace rights and strengthening social safety nets for vulnerable populations.

The agency added that its financial proposal aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive for government institutions to optimize public funds while addressing the economic needs of working-class Filipinos.