Philippines allocates P61.17 billion to labor department to boost jobs in 2026

The Philippines’ Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) has been allocated P61.17 billion for 2026, a 19.47% increase from its 2025 budget. 

The funds will support job creation, livelihood programs, and enforcement of labour laws. The allocation follows the signing of the P6.793-trillion national budget for Fiscal Year 2026 by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on January 5 at Malacañan Palace. The funding is included under Republic Act No. 12314, also known as the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2026.

DoLE said the higher budget will strengthen key employment programs such as the DoLE Integrated Livelihood Program, Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers, the Government Internship Program, the Special Program for Employment of Students, and JobStart Philippines. 

Funds will also be used to promote local employment, support workers’ organisations, ensure compliance with labor laws, and improve case management.

Addressing earlier media reports, DoLE Undersecretary Warren M. Miclat clarified that the department’s approved budget is P61.17 billion, not the P73.6 billion figure that had been reported.

“The correct amount based on the General Appropriations Act is P61.17 billion. This is the figure posted on the Department of Budget and Management website,” Miclat said.

Of the total amount, P29.98 billion will go to the Office of the Secretary. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority will receive P26.06 billion, up 25.68% from 2025. The National Labor Relations Commission will receive P1.80 billion, a 20.45% increase.

Other agencies will also receive funding, including P371.16 million for the National Conciliation and Mediation Board, P357.06 million for the National Wages and Productivity Commission, P2.52 billion for the Professional Regulation Commission, and P77.90 million for the Institute for Labor Studies.

The government also stressed that labor assistance programs must remain free from political influence, especially during election periods. “Politicians will not be allowed to distribute financial aid. We will ensure that support reaches the right beneficiaries in full, with no deductions,” President Marcos said.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma has instructed DoLE regional directors to protect the integrity of the department’s programs and prevent any political misuse.

DoLE said it remains committed to using public funds responsibly and transparently, in line with existing laws and regulations, to maintain public trust in its labor and employment programs.