Ms. Maria Isabel Artajo, Acting Chief LEO of the Institute’s Workers Welfare Research Division, presented the Institute for Labor Studies’ research titled “Bringing Sustainable Livelihood Framework to Life:  A Study on the Possible Determinants of Sustainability of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP)” last 27 February 2019 at the Manila Prince Hotel in Ermita, Manila.

Organized by the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC), and titled “Consultation Towards the Effective Implementation of the DILP,” the event’s participants included the regional implementers of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program and Emergency Employment Programs (DILEEP).

DILP specifically seeks to assist vulnerable workers such as the self-employed, landless farmers, unpaid family workers, displaced workers, parents of child laborers and low-wage seasonal workers.

The study shows that the program has created positive effects, particularly on the beneficiaries’ self-esteem. However, factors such as rigidities in government processes and fragmented government support are constraining livelihood expansion, and effects on incomes are minimal as evidenced by the beneficiaries’ desire for additional job or hours of work aside from their existing livelihood projects.

Ms. Artajo further shared the study’s recommendations to pursue livelihood projects that are complementary with long-term development plans to ensure consistency in the priorities of the national and local governments. Also, that given the limited personnel complement of DOLE, the beneficiaries themselves may be tapped to assist in project monitoring efforts and initiatives aimed at expanding market access for DILP-assisted projects.

The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) is the policy research and advocacy arm of the Department of Labor and Employment. For more information on this story, please contact the Advocacy and Publications Division at 527-3490.