Manila: The reduced funding for the labor department’s emergency employment programs, such as the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) in its proposed 2026 budget, would cut the number of beneficiaries by over one million. During the Senate Committee on Finance hearing Wednesday, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) officials said the reduction would shrink TUPAD’s coverage from 4.2 million beneficiaries in 2024 to about three million next year.

According to Philippines News Agency, the program faces a PHP6.31-billion cut under the agency’s proposed PHP44.382-billion budget for 2026. DOLE Assistant Secretary Amuerfina Reyes said the reduction would directly affect beneficiaries who rely on the program during calamities and emergencies.

Reyes emphasized that the main impact will be on the number of beneficiaries, especially during calamities and emergencies, as TUPAD has always been a stop-gap measure providing temporary employment. She added that fewer beneficiaries would also mean weaker economic relief for displaced workers, noting a domino effect on both the number and quality of government intervention.

Data presented by DOLE showed that under the Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program, TUPAD’s funding was reduced by 36.4 percent, while the Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) declined by 8.84 percent. The Government Internship Program (GIP) was the only component to receive an increase of 17.85 percent.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma stated that an initial impact assessment showed that both TUPAD and livelihood programs have contributed to income growth for participants. He mentioned that the department is considering extending the duration of TUPAD employment, which currently ranges from 10 to 90 days depending on project type. However, extending workdays could reduce the number of workers benefiting from the program.

Senate Committee on Finance chairperson Sherwin Gatchalian warned that the budget cut could have a domino effect on employment recovery, highlighting that TUPAD serves as a temporary lifeline for workers affected by disasters or economic disruptions. He urged the department to conduct an impact study to determine whether the program remains effective and stated that the Senate would review the long-term effects of the TUPAD budget cut to ensure the program continues to serve as an effective safety net for displaced and low-income workers.