MANILA – The Department of Labor and Employment’s PHP61-billion budget for 2026, 19.47 percent higher than last year’s budget, will help strengthen its flagship programs.
In a statement, the department said among the programs include the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program, the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, the Government Internship Program (GIP), the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), and the Jobstart Philippines Program.
The budget will enhance local employment promotion, workers’ organization development and empowerment, labor laws compliance and case management.
Of the total budget, the Office of the Secretary will receive the largest allocation of PHP29.98 billion for its operations and programs.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority follows with PHP26.06 billion, reflecting a 25.68 percent increase from its 2025 budget.
The National Labor Relations Commission is set to receive PHP1.80 billion, marking a 20.45 percent increase, while the National Conciliation and Mediation Board will be allotted PHP371.16 million, up by 12.72 percent.
The National Wages and Productivity Commission will receive PHP357.06 million, showing a 1.67 percent increase.
Meanwhile, the Professional Regulation Commission is allocated PHP2.52 billion and the Institute for Labor Studies will receive PHP77.90 million.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who signed into law the PHP6.793 trillion national budget for 2026 on Jan. 5, ordered the strict implementation of the ban on political involvement in the distribution of financial assistance, ensuring funds reach beneficiaries without political patronage.
Earlier, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma instructed regional directors to protect the programs against political misuse, whether in election season or not.
Meanwhile, DOLE Undersecretary Warren Miclat clarified that the department’s official budget allocation is PHP61.17 billion, not PHP73.6 billion which was reported earlier. (PNA)
