DOLE readies P1.2 billion fund amid oil crisis

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March 29, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has readied an initial standby fund of P1.2 billion to assist vulnerable workers, following Executive Order 110 or the declaration of a state of national energy emergency.

The DOLE said the declaration would enable government agencies to address the risks posed by disruptions in the global energy supply and the domestic economy, including in the labor market.

“The budget will be utilized mainly through its two flagship social protection programs – the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers or TUPAD and the DOLE Integrated Livelihood project,” the DOLE said.

“These programs are in place to support vulnerable workers, including those who may be displaced as a consequence of the current energy emergency,” the agency added.

Under EO 110, the government adopts a Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT).
To support UPLIFT, the DOLE is now closely working with the Departments of Transportation, Social Welfare and Development, the Interior and Local Government and local government units to implement targeted emergency employment and livelihood interventions, starting with transport workers, to help ensure continuity of economic activity and mobility of the riding public.
The department is also in coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in identifying repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who may be provided with appropriate assistance, including job matching with available vacancies in their respective areas, referral to skills training opportunities through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and access to livelihood support.

“As part of the national reintegration network, the DOLE shall collaborate with the DMW in the upcoming ‘Bayanihan para sa Balikbayang Manggagawa’ next month to provide a comprehensive platform for repatriated OFWs and their families to access a full range of reintegration services from government agencies, the private sector and local partners,” DOLE said.
Meanwhile, over 2,910 OFWs affected by the Middle East crisis have been repatriated, the DMW yesterday said. Of the total, 2,120 were brought home through five chartered flights.

The latest and fifth chartered flight transported 349 persons, including 222 OFWs, their dependents and stranded Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates.

The repatriated OFWs were welcomed by their respective families and officials of the DMW and OWWA at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Friday.

Gaps

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) secretary Rex Gatchalian has asked transport network companies (TNCs) to submit complete drivers’ lists for the government’s cash relief assistance.

Speaking during his visit to the payout site for delivery riders at the Kartilya ng Katipunan in Manila, Gatchalian said gaps in the list submitted by TNCs – particularly Grab and Lalamove – has affected the distribution of financial assistance to the transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers and delivery riders.

“We got word that Lalamove did not submit, or failed to submit on time, their listing,” he said.

“Sec. Henry (Aguda) of DICT (Department of Information and Communications Technology) told me that Lalamove has already been issued a show-cause order because their drivers came here, just like everybody else, but their list has not been submitted. So, many Lalamove riders, in particular, were not accommodated,” Gatchalian added.

Despite these challenges, he assured the affected drivers and delivery riders that corrective measures are already in place, including the conduct of special payouts, in line with the directive of President Marcos to ensure every public utility vehicle driver gets the financial aid from the DSWD. — Jose Rodel Clapano, Bella Cariaso