MANILA, Philippines—More vulnerable Filipino workers are expected to gain access to livelihood support, skills training, and emergency jobs after the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) updated the guidelines for its Kabuhayan and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (Tupad) programs.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma introduced the changes through Department Order (DO) 239-B, Series of 2026, which amends the earlier guidelines under DO 239-2 governing the Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program.
The update supports the administration’s efforts to broaden Filipinos’ access to livelihood and job opportunities.
Under the new guidelines, beneficiaries will be linked to skills training and job opportunities to help them transition to more sustainable sources of income.
Coverage has also been expanded to include guardians of child laborers and micro-entrepreneurs who have undergone DOLE Technical and Advisory Visits.
Other beneficiaries include indigenous peoples, Tesda graduates, workers from micro-establishments who completed productivity improvement training, and labor organizations under the Workers Organization Development Program.
The guidelines also clarify that only one eligible member per family may avail of Tupad assistance per year, except during natural or human-induced calamities. Pregnant beneficiaries and persons with disabilities must submit certification of fitness to work.
Wages will be released through remittance centers, digital payment platforms, or authorized paymasters, with direct payouts allowed only in areas without access to these channels.
