MANILA -The Marcos administration is doubling down on efforts to expand livelihood programs, with at least P27 billion earmarked for this purpose in the proposed national budget for 2024, according to Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.
“It is the administration’s fervent hope that this budget will continue to lay the groundwork for future-proofing the economy and making the country’s growth inclusive and sustainable, not just for the Filipinos of today, but also for the future generations,” Pangandaman said in a statement.
She said that under the 2024 National Expenditures Program, or the budget that the administration drew up for approval of Congress, P2.28 billion is allocated for the Department of Labor and Employment’s Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), a grant assistance on livelihood for disadvantaged workers.
The DILP supports the diversification of livelihood opportunities in rural areas — whether or not these activities are done in farms.
Also, P16.4 billion was allocated for the labor department’s Livelihood and Employment Program. Of this amount, P12.9 billion was dedicated to the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers or Tupad Program.
Further, P406.88 million was earmarked for the department’s Adjustment Measures Program, which support projects and programs that generate employment, preserve livelihoods and address the needs of Filipino workers.
Safety nets
The proposed 2024 budget also earmarks P5.62 billion for the Department of Social Work and Development’s Sustainable Livelihood Program, which aims to enhance poor Filipinos’ access to income-generating opportunities and improve their socioeconomic well-being.
Also, P549 million was allocated for the implementation and monitoring of the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan or Pamana Program, which funds socio-economic interventions.
Meanwhile, P1.36 billion was allocated to the Department of Agriculture’s Aquaculture Sub-Program, which is designed to improve technology for breeding and larval rearing of fish, and ensure production of high-quality products.
In addition, P1.09 billion was allotted for Phase 2 of Special Area of Agricultural Development Program, which provides agricultural and fishery interventions to poor farming and fishing sectors.
The administration also wants to set aside P210.9 million for the Department of Agrarian Reform’s Major Crop-Based Block Farm Productivity Enhancement Program.