Bicol region: A total of PHP106.87 million in assistance from various Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) programs was extended to 13,292 beneficiaries across the six provinces of the Bicol Region as part of the 2026 Handog ng Pangulo: "Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat" on Monday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the assistance benefited workers, students, young jobseekers, disadvantaged workers, and livelihood beneficiaries in Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon, providing support through employment, internship, livelihood, and income-generating interventions. DOLE Bicol Regional Director Geraldine Panlilio emphasized that this initiative is part of the department's continuous effort to bring employment and livelihood interventions closer to those in need.
Panlilio highlighted that the support goes beyond immediate financial aid, aiming to create opportunities for beneficiaries to gain work experience, expand skills, strengthen livelihoods, and achieve greater economic stability. "We are not merely providing jobs to our fellow citizens; we are also extending support for their livelihoods, income, and experience, as well as the development of their skills, so they can secure more stable livelihoods and a better future for their families," she stated.
The assistance package encompasses six DOLE programs: the Government Internship Program (GIP), Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), JobStart Philippines, Adjustment Measures Program (AMP), Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), and livelihood assistance. Notably, the TUPAD program accounts for the largest portion of the aid, with PHP63.25 million allocated to 10,341 beneficiaries across the region, providing temporary employment through community-based work.
Additionally, PHP33.70 million in livelihood assistance was provided to 1,000 beneficiaries, aiding in establishing or strengthening livelihood activities. For young Bicolanos, the GIP allocated PHP7.09 million to 1,732 beneficiaries, offering practical work experience and workplace exposure. The JobStart Philippines program dedicated PHP1.40 million to 101 beneficiaries to enhance employability and readiness for the workforce.
Further support was extended under the AMP, with 20 beneficiaries receiving a total of PHP978,484, and 98 student beneficiaries under the SPES receiving PHP439,758.40, contributing to educational and employment opportunities for the youth.
