THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has enhanced its collaboration with the information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) industry to ensure business continuity, safeguard employment and maintain growth in the industry during the ongoing energy emergency.
DOLE officer in charge Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto Bitonio Jr. said the expanded engagement between the two parties was arrived at following a meeting with the IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (Ibpap) and IT-BPM representatives.
Bitonio said DOLE committed to protecting employment and welcomed support measures such as subsidized transportation and flexible work arrangements.
The department, he said, is also strengthening social protection programs for workers affected by disruptions.
DOLE and Ibpap committed to strengthening their partnership further to expand employment opportunities particularly for young workers, which includes maximizing job placement channels and ensuring that training programs meet current employer skill requirements.
Bitonio underscored the need for sector-wide business continuity planning to sustain operations and job creation in the face of existing and emerging challenges.
DOLE is coordinating with other national agencies, the private sector and social organizations to improve its response to global uncertainties affecting jobs and workers.
DOLE has set aside a P1.2-billion standby fund to protect the country’s most vulnerable workers against the shock of global energy disruptions.
At the core of DOLE’s push were the Kabuhayan and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (Tupad) emergency employment program and the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).
Tupad offers emergency employment for displaced workers, enabling them to engage in community work for 10 to 30 days.
The DILP gives vulnerable and marginalized workers access to resources, such as working capital in the form of raw materials, equipment, tools and jigs, to help them start, enhance or restore their livelihood.
“These initiatives are being mobilized to support workers at risk of displacement as the energy crisis ripples across industries,” Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said.
In the first quarter of 2026, DOLE provided emergency employment through Tupad and livelihood assistance to 110,106 workers, with total disbursements reaching P753.69 million.
The department is also working closely with agencies like the Department of Transportation, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and local government units. Initial efforts will focus on transport workers to help maintain mobility and economic activity, with plans to extend assistance to sectors like agriculture and fisheries.
Repatriated overseas Filipino workers were also getting focused attention, with DOLE coordinating with the Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in lining up job matching, skills training through Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and livelihood assistance.
On the jobs front, DOLE has conducted 144 job fairs nationwide, connecting jobseekers, from fresh graduates to displaced workers, with new opportunities.
All 16 regional wage boards have issued adjustments for the 2025–2026 cycle, with the latest increase in Bicol set to take effect on April 8.
DOLE will also convene the National Tripartite Industrial Peace Council to craft stronger, coordinated strategies in response to the energy emergency, said Laguesma.