The DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program, also known as the Kabuhayan Program, is a project designed to uplift the lives of the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized workers in the Philippines. By providing both financial assistance and training, this aims to support these individuals and groups in establishing new livelihood projects or enhancing existing ones. It’s a comprehensive approach to help start-ups, expand or upgrade businesses, restore sources of income affected by disasters, and transform enterprises into sustainable community endeavors. This aims to reduce poverty and develop economic growth.
Targeting a wide range of beneficiaries, including displaced workers, low-income earners, marginalized farmers and fisherfolk, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens, the DILP offers up to Php 20,000 for individual projects and up to Php 1 million for group endeavors. These amounts are tailored to meet the specific needs of the projects, ensuring a significant impact on the participants’ economic stability. With its roots deeply embedded in the government’s agenda for job creation and poverty alleviation, the DILP/Kabuhayan Program is a key player in empowering Filipinos, providing them with the tools and resources necessary to build a more prosperous future.
What is the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) or Kabuhayan Program?
The DILP/Kabuhayan Program is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized workers of the Philippines by helping them establish or enhance their livelihood undertakings. Through financial assistance and training, the initiative supports individuals and groups in starting new income-generating projects, expanding or upgrading existing ones, restoring livelihood projects affected by disasters, and transforming projects into sustainable community enterprises.
Significance of the Program
The DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), also known as the Kabuhayan Program, plays a significant role in uplifting vulnerable communities and contributing to national development in the Philippines. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, as of 2021, 18.1% of Filipinos live below the national poverty line. To address this, DILP, through its various components, empowers individuals and groups to establish or improve their income-generating ventures, generating income and promoting self-sufficiency. This aligns with Republic Act No. 11292, the Magna Carta for MSMEs, which emphasizes fostering the growth and development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as pillars of inclusive economic growth. DILP’s success is evident in its achievements, having assisted over 297,000 beneficiaries in 2020 alone, contributing to poverty reduction and empowering Filipinos to build a brighter future.
Legal Basis
This initiative is grounded in the Philippine government’s agenda for significant poverty reduction and robust job creation, operating under the legal frameworks and guidelines set by department. It’s administered by DOLE Regional Offices or through accredited co-partners, ensuring a wide-reaching impact across various sectors of society.
Benefits
The DILP/Kabuhayan Program offers a spectrum of benefits, key among them being financial assistance tailored to the needs of the beneficiaries. Here’s a glance at what’s available:
- Individual beneficiaries: Up to Php 20,000 for income-generating projects.
- Group livelihood projects: Up to Php 1 million, based on project requirements.
These amounts represent the maximum assistance possible, with actual amounts determined through a comprehensive assessment of the project proposal and budget availability.
Eligibility / Qualifications
Eligibility spans a wide array of groups, including:
- Displaced or to-be-displaced workers due to natural disasters or economic shifts
- Low-income or minimum-wage earners
- Marginalized workers, including farmers and fisherfolk
- Parents of child laborers
- Persons with disabilities
- Senior citizens, and many more
However, individuals receiving government honorariums, elected officials, government employees, and beneficiaries of certain other government initiatives are not eligible.
Requirements
Prospective beneficiaries are required to submit several documents, including:
- Letter of Intent to the DOLE Regional Director
- Beneficiary profiles with photos
- Approved business plans or project proposals
- Work plans
- Additional documents for LGUs and Accredited Co-Partners (ACPs)
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Benefit from the DILP/Kabuhayan Program
- Prepare and gather all documentary requirements.
- Visit the nearest DOLE Regional, Provincial, or Field Offices.
- Undergo an orientation on the program provided by the DOLE livelihood focal person.
- Submit your Project Proposal for evaluation.
- Participate in the project proposal deliberation and evaluation process.
- Await the endorsement of your project proposal by the field office head.
- Receive notification on the status of your project proposal from the RPMT.
- Ensure all documents are complete for final approval.
- Attend the release of funding to implement your proposed project.
- Implement your project with ongoing monitoring by DOLE.
Recent Updates
Santa Maria Vegetable Farmers Association Receives Livelihood Assistance from Senators Cayetano for Sector Development
Santa Maria Vegetable Farmers Association in San Pablo, Laguna received additional livelihood assistance from the offices of Senators Pia Cayetano and Alan Peter Cayetano to enhance their sector. Through the Department of Labor and Employment – DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), 38 association members were provided with assistance and essential agricultural tools on February 20, 2024. The association is one of the beneficiaries of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano’s Price, Jobs, Income/Well-being (PTK) Program, an economic initiative launched in 2013 to improve opportunities for sectoral groups by providing investments to strengthen their income.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) ensures that the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will continue to prioritize the public’s benefit from government initiatives that create income and employment opportunities. A total of P32.720 billion has been allocated under the FY 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) to support these initiatives. These programs, implemented by the Department of Labor and Employment, aim to empower the workforce and promote sustainable growth in the country.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma announced that the Department of Labor and Employment has improved the implementation of its Kabuhayan Program. The DILP now features streamlined requirements, inclusivity in targeting beneficiaries, and an expanded package of assistance, ensuring that more disadvantaged workers can benefit from the initiative.
LIVELIHOOD PROGRAM AWARDS OVER PHP 990,000 TO 33 BENEFICIARIES IN PARACELIS
The Department of Labor and Employment and the Local Government Unit of Paracelis, led by Mayor Marcos G. Ayangwa, MD, collaborated to provide a total of PHP 990,000 in financial assistance to 33 beneficiaries of the Kakarefin Land Small Business Enterprise proposal. The initiative aims to support families and discourage child labor, offering income-generating opportunities to parents and grandparents who previously relied on their children’s income. The awarding ceremony was attended by various officials, including Vice Mayor Djarma Rafael, Municipal Administrator Atty. Christian Van Talawec, and representatives from DOLE Mountain Province and DOLE Cordillera.
Video: DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program | DILP
JPB-PESO Cagayan de Oro Manager, Miss Kathleen Kate Sorilla, and TUPAD/DILEP JPBPESO Focal, Mr. Rosendo Israel, along with DOLE-X Cagayan de Oro City Field Office TUPAD/DILEP Focal, Miss Akisa Guro-Boriongan, conducted monitoring and provided guidance and assistance to the beneficiaries of the Macajalar Wharf’s Porters Association Federation of Free Workers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ACP). The main purpose of the activity was to assess the progress and offer support to the recipients of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).
Conclusion
The DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP)/Kabuhayan Program stands as a pillar of hope and opportunity for the Filipino people, especially those on the margins of society. By providing financial assistance, training, and support, DOLE empowers individuals and communities to improve their quality of life, increase their resilience to future challenges, and contribute to the nation’s inclusive growth and development. If you or someone you know fits the eligibility criteria, exploring this could be a step toward a brighter, more secure future.