Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Job Manahan

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has set an initial P1.2 billion to “further intensify and refocus the implementation of its programs for vulnerable workers,” as the Philippines declares a national energy emergency because of the growing conflict in the Middle East.  In a release, DOLE said this is in line with the government’s adoption of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT), which sought to ensure the stability of domestic energy supply, continuity of economic activity, and the protection of Filipinos’ welfare, among others. The agency added that the budget will be used for its two biggest social protection programs, “Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers” (TUPAD) program and the DOLE Integrated Livelihood program (DILP).  <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/28/temporary-relief-motorcycle-taxi-riders-weigh-impact-of-fuel-subsidy-amid-price-hikes-1422">Temporary relief? Motorcycle taxi riders weigh impact of fuel subsidy amid price hikes </a></div>“These programs are in place to support vulnerable workers, including those who may be displaced as a consequence of the current energy emergency,” the statement read. “The declaration of energy emergency will enable government agencies to address the risks posed by disruptions in the global energy supply and the domestic economy, including in the labor market,” it added.The agency said it is coordinating with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to determine repatriated overseas workers who might have been affected by the conflict in the Middle East. This includes, it said, “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. “In the meantime, DOLE continues to strengthen its commitment to expanding employment opportunities by regularly conducting monthly job fairs across the country. Since January 2026, the Department has conducted 144 job fairs across the country, including those for senior high school and alternative learning system graduates, as well as displaced construction workers,” it added. Aside from this, the labor department said it would also convene the National Tripartite Industrial Peace Council to form more strategies and action plans to respond to the energy emergency. <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2026/3/27/marcos-legislation-to-lower-fuel-prices-an-option-but-gov-t-focused-on-immediate-relief-1338">Marcos: Legislation to lower fuel prices an option, but focus is on immediate relief</a></div>President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. this week declared a state of national energy emergency, saying the war in the Middle East—a region also called West Asia—has posed an &quot;imminent danger… upon the availability and stability of the country&#x27;s energy supply.&quot;As of Friday, 425 gas stations have temporarily stopped operations after running out of fuel supply, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP). The rise of fuel prices has been attributed to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, where 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes through.<div> </div>

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has set an initial P1.2 billion to “further intensify and refocus the implementation of its programs for vulnerable workers,” as the Philippines declares a national energy emergency because of the growing conflict in the Middle East.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has set an initial P1.2 billion to “further intensify and refocus the implementation of its programs for vulnerable workers,” as the Philippines declares a national energy emergency because of the growing conflict in the Middle East.

DOLE readies P1.2B funds for vulnerable workers amid energy emergency

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Business

DOLE readies P1.2B funds for vulnerable workers amid energy emergency

Job Manahan,

ABS-CBN News

Published March 29, 2026 12:01 AM PHT

Read More:

DOLE

Department of Labor and Employment

Middle East conflict

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.