QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has allotted the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) a budget of P1.401 billion to support its various 2023 programs aimed at providing job opportunities for Filipino youth.

These programs include the Government Internship Program, Special Program for Employment of Students, and Job Search Assistance.

DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman emphasized the importance of investing in the labor force, especially the youth, to achieve progress and prosperity. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the government to prioritize this initiative.

The Government Internship Program, which offers internship opportunities for high school, technical-vocational, and college graduates who want to work in the government, will receive P708 million from the 2023 national budget. The program is expected to benefit around 12,000 individuals.

The Employment Facilitation Program, which helps prepare beneficiaries as they enter the labor force, has been allotted P769 million. This amount includes P585 million for the Special Program for Employment of Students, which provides temporary employment opportunities for deserving students, out-of-school youth, and dependents of displaced or would-be displaced workers to help augment their family’s income and enable them to pursue their education.

DOLE’s Job Search Assistance program has been allocated P108 million to help job seekers find suitable employment opportunities.

DOLE has a total budget of P26.89 billion for 2023 to increase employment opportunities and enhance the country’s labor force. (DBM / PIA-NCR)