MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has prepared an initial ₱1.2‑billion standby fund to help workers who may be displaced or economically affected due to the ongoing energy crisis and disruptions in the global energy market.
The funding will be used to expand and intensify the implementation of DOLE’s key social protection programs, including the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) emergency employment initiative and the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP). These programs are designed to provide immediate cash‑for‑work opportunities and livelihood support to vulnerable workers.
DOLE officials said the move is part of the government’s response to the state of national energy emergency declared earlier this month, as rising fuel prices and market instability threaten jobs in transport and related sectors. The department has prioritized assistance for transport workers, who have been hit hardest by higher operating costs.
The labor department is coordinating with other government agencies — including the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and local government units (LGUs) — to ensure effective outreach and implementation of aid. Plans include job matching, referral to skills training through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and livelihood opportunities for workers returning from overseas.
DOLE also aims to support repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by global crises through coordinated reintegration assistance, including access to employment and livelihood programs alongside partner agencies like the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
Government labor officials said the standby fund will help cushion the impact of the energy crisis on households and sustain economic activity by preventing mass job losses, particularly in sectors most vulnerable to rising fuel costs.