Complete DOLE Training Guide for Philippines 2026

What Is DOLE?

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is the executive department of the Philippine government mandated to formulate and implement policies and programs for the promotion of gainful employment, development of human resources, protection of workers, and maintenance of industrial peace. Established under the Administrative Code of 1987, DOLE oversees a network of regional and field offices across all 17 regions of the Philippines.

While TESDA focuses specifically on technical-vocational education and skills certification, DOLE takes a broader workforce development approach. DOLE programs address the full employment lifecycle — from emergency employment and livelihood assistance to skills training, job placement, and workers' welfare. In 2026, DOLE has significantly expanded its programs to include AI readiness, digital skills, and technology-driven livelihood opportunities.

Key DOLE Programs for Workforce Development

1. TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers)

TUPAD is DOLE's flagship emergency employment program providing temporary work and income support to displaced or disadvantaged workers. While primarily an employment program, TUPAD includes a mandatory skills training component.

Key features:

• Emergency employment for 10 to 30 days
• Workers receive the prevailing regional minimum wage
• Mandatory life skills and technical skills training during the engagement
• Community-based projects (infrastructure, environment, social services)
• Training component now includes basic digital literacy and AI awareness modules

Who qualifies:

• Displaced workers (laid off, terminated, or affected by natural disasters)
• Seasonal workers during off-season
• Disadvantaged workers in poor communities
• Informal sector workers without stable income

2. JobStart Philippines Program

JobStart is DOLE's youth employment facilitation program targeting young Filipinos aged 18-24 who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET).

Key features:

• Life skills training component (10 days)
• Technical/vocational training (up to 3 months, delivered with TESDA)
• Internship placement with partner employers (up to 3 months)
• Monthly training allowance of up to PHP 3,000
• Job placement assistance upon completion

AI and digital skills integration: In 2026, JobStart has added AI fundamentals and digital skills tracks to its technical training component. Participating youth can choose AI-related pathways including data entry automation, AI-assisted customer service, and basic programming.

3. SPES (Special Program for Employment of Students)

SPES provides employment opportunities for poor but deserving students, out-of-school youth, and dependents of displaced workers during summer and Christmas breaks.

Key features:

• 60% of the wage is paid by the employer
• 40% of the wage is paid by the government (through DOLE)
• Maximum of 52 working days per year
• Employers can assign meaningful work including technology-related tasks
• Students gain practical AI and digital work experience

4. Government Internship Program (GIP)

GIP provides internship opportunities in government agencies for young graduates, giving them work experience and skills development.

Key features:

• For graduates aged 18-25 who have not been employed
• Stipend provided during the internship period
• Placement in government offices, including those implementing digital transformation
• Exposure to government AI and technology projects

Eligibility Requirements

General eligibility varies by program, but common requirements include:

1. Filipino citizen
2. Of legal working age (at least 15 for SPES; 18 for TUPAD, JobStart, GIP)
3. Resident of the area where the program is implemented
4. Meets the specific vulnerability or economic criteria of the chosen program
5. Not currently employed (for most programs)
6. Willing to participate in mandatory training components

For employers participating in DOLE programs:

• Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or DTI
• Compliant with all labour laws, including minimum wage and occupational safety
• Willing to sign a Memorandum of Agreement with DOLE
• Commitment to provide meaningful work and learning opportunities

Application Process

For Individuals

1. Visit your nearest DOLE Regional/Field Office: Locate the office serving your area through the DOLE website or by calling the DOLE Hotline 1349.
2. Enquire about available programs: Ask which programs currently have open slots and match your situation (TUPAD for displaced workers, JobStart for youth, SPES for students).
3. Submit requirements: Typically includes valid ID, barangay certificate, certificate of unemployment or displacement, and for SPES, proof of enrolment or student status.
4. Attend orientation: DOLE conducts orientation sessions explaining program rules, responsibilities, and training components.
5. Participate in training: Complete all mandatory training modules, including any AI and digital skills components.
6. Complete the program: Fulfil the employment or internship period and receive your certificate of completion.

For Employers

1. Register with DOLE: Ensure your company is registered and compliant with all labour standards.
2. Express interest: Contact your regional DOLE office to indicate your interest in partnering for SPES, JobStart, or enterprise training.
3. Sign MOA: Execute a Memorandum of Agreement with DOLE outlining your commitments (number of slots, training provision, employment terms).
4. Accept placements: Receive and onboard program participants.
5. Provide training and mentorship: Ensure participants receive meaningful work experience and skills development.
6. Report outcomes: Submit completion reports to DOLE as required.

How Pertama Partners Can Help

Pertama Partners delivers AI and digital skills training programs that complement DOLE workforce development initiatives. We work with Philippine enterprises to design training programs that can be integrated with DOLE partnership frameworks, ensuring your workforce receives cutting-edge AI capabilities while leveraging government support.

We help organisations:

• Integrate AI training components into DOLE enterprise partnerships
• Design JobStart-compatible AI internship programs for youth
• Build digital skills curricula for TUPAD training modules
• Create sustainable AI upskilling pathways supported by government programs

Contact us to explore how DOLE programs can support your AI workforce strategy.

DOLE Regional Structure and Access Points

DOLE maintains an extensive network of offices across the Philippines to ensure programme accessibility:

National Level

• DOLE Central Office in Intramuros, Manila — sets national policy, programme guidelines, and budget allocations
• Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC) — oversees programs for OFWs, women, youth, PWDs, and indigenous workers
• Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) — manages employment facilitation programs including JobStart and SPES
• International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB) — handles overseas employment policy and bilateral agreements

Regional and Local Level

• 17 DOLE Regional Offices — one for each administrative region, responsible for programme implementation
• Provincial/Field Offices — front-line offices in provinces handling direct beneficiary services
• Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) — local government-operated employment offices co-supervised by DOLE, found in most cities and municipalities

How to Find Your Nearest Office

• Call the DOLE Hotline: 1349 (nationwide, toll-free from landlines)
• Visit: www.dole.gov.ph for the complete office directory
• PhilJobNet portal: www.philjobnet.gov.ph for online employment services
• Walk in to any PESO in your city or municipality

DOLE Budget and Programme Scale in 2026

Understanding the scale of DOLE programmes helps stakeholders appreciate the resources available:

• TUPAD: Typically serves 500,000 to 1 million beneficiaries annually across all regions
• JobStart: Targets 30,000 to 50,000 youth participants per year
• SPES: Provides approximately 200,000 student employment slots annually
• DILP: Delivers livelihood assistance to over 100,000 individuals and groups per year
• Total DOLE budget: The department receives one of the largest allocations among Philippine agencies, reflecting the government's priority on employment and workforce development

Comparing DOLE and TESDA for Employers

For Philippine companies evaluating government training support, understanding the difference between DOLE and TESDA is essential:

The most effective approach for Philippine enterprises is to combine both DOLE and TESDA programs — using DOLE for employment facilitation and wage subsidies while leveraging TESDA for formal training and certification.

DOLE and AI: The Philippine Workforce Transformation Agenda

The Philippine government has recognised that artificial intelligence will fundamentally reshape the labour market. DOLE plays a central role in ensuring that Filipino workers — particularly the most vulnerable — are not left behind in this transformation.

DOLE's AI-Related Policy Actions in 2026

1. Digital Skills Integration Order: DOLE issued a directive requiring all workforce development programmes to include digital literacy and AI awareness components by January 2026.
2. AI Impact Assessment: DOLE regularly publishes assessments of AI's impact on Philippine industries, identifying which occupations face displacement risk and which new roles are emerging.
3. Industry Consultation on AI: DOLE convenes tripartite consultations (government, employers, workers) on AI adoption, ensuring that workforce development programs respond to real industry needs.
4. Partnership with DICT and DOST: DOLE collaborates with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to develop AI training content accessible to all Filipino workers.

What This Means for Employers

Philippine employers planning AI adoption should engage with DOLE early. DOLE's programmes can subsidise the transition costs, provide trained workers, and help manage the workforce impacts of automation. Companies that proactively partner with DOLE on AI workforce development are better positioned to access government support and demonstrate responsible AI adoption practices.