MANILA – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said on Monday it is continuing to provide emergency employment assistance to workers affected by the ongoing Middle East crisis.

Assistant Secretary Lennard Serrano, DOLE spokesperson, said one of the programs being implemented is the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD).

“TUPAD is intended to provide emergency employment assistance for the vulnerable, marginalized, displaced workers. We will also look at those who need immediate assistance. In the Middle East situation, the sector that is directly affected is drivers of Public Utility Vehicles, jeepney, transport network vehicle service (TNVS), tricycle, bus,” he said in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview.

He added, “This TUPAD is a continuous program. Inclusive for all, while focusing on PHP1.2 billion for transport industry workers, the implementation of TUPAD continues even for other sectors that are hit by this crisis.”

Serrano emphasized that TUPAD jobs are being redesigned to provide more meaningful work for beneficiaries, rather than simple tasks like street sweeping.

“We are changing it. We want the programs of TUPAD workers to be something meaningful and helpful to the community. We are making it more meaningful so that the work can help the community,” he said.

In the first quarter of 2026, DOLE has extended emergency employment through TUPAD and livelihood support via the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program to 110,106 vulnerable workers, amounting to PHP753.69 million.

“We will continue to provide services such as TUPAD to support those affected by the crisis,” Serrano added.

He assured workers that DOLE offices remain open for assistance. “The DOLE is in solidarity with what we are experiencing right now and we will continue to provide services through our programs. If you need anything, just come to the DOLE office,” he said.