DOLE Special Programs for Workers: OFWs, Youth, Women & PWDs

DOLE's Mandate for Vulnerable Workers

The Department of Labor and Employment has a constitutional and statutory mandate to protect the welfare of all Filipino workers, with special attention to vulnerable and marginalised groups. Under the Philippine Labor Code and various special laws, DOLE implements targeted programs for:

• Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) returning to the Philippines
• Youth aged 15-30 who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET)
• Women seeking economic empowerment and re-entry into the workforce
• Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) facing employment barriers
• Indigenous Peoples in remote communities
• Displaced workers from company closures, retrenchment, or disasters

In 2026, these programs have been updated to include AI awareness, digital skills, and technology-enabled livelihood opportunities, recognising that vulnerable workers need technology access to avoid being left behind in the digital economy.

JobStart Philippines Program

Overview

JobStart Philippines is DOLE's flagship youth employment facilitation program, established under Republic Act No. 10869 (JobStart Philippines Act). It targets Filipino youth aged 18-24 who are out of school, out of work, and not in training (NEET).

Program Components

Phase 1: Life Skills Training (10 days)

• Communication and teamwork
• Financial literacy and budgeting
• Work ethics and professionalism
• Job search skills (resume writing, interview preparation)
• Digital literacy basics (introduced in 2025 update)
• AI awareness: understanding how AI is changing the job market

Phase 2: Technical Training (up to 3 months) Delivered in partnership with TESDA and accredited training providers:

• Industry-specific vocational skills
• AI and digital skills tracks (new in 2026):
  • Data entry and AI-assisted data processing
  • Customer service with AI chatbot management
  • Basic programming and web development
  • Digital marketing with AI tools
  • AI-assisted graphic design and content creation

Phase 3: Internship (up to 3 months) Placement with partner employers for hands-on work experience:

• Structured learning plan developed with employer
• Monthly training allowance of up to PHP 3,000 (paid by DOLE, not the employer)
• Mentorship from senior employees
• Exposure to AI tools and systems used in the workplace

Phase 4: Employment Facilitation

• Job matching with partner employers
• Career counselling and guidance
• Referral to further training programs if needed
• Follow-up support for 6 months after placement

JobStart AI Tracks

In 2026, JobStart has introduced dedicated AI skills tracks in partnership with technology companies and training providers:

1. AI for Customer Service — Training youth to manage AI chatbots, handle escalations from AI systems, and use AI tools for customer support. Internship placements with BPO companies and digital service providers.
2. AI for Creative Work — Using AI tools for graphic design, content writing, video editing, and social media management. Internship placements with marketing agencies and media companies.
3. AI for Data and Analytics — Data entry, data cleaning, basic analysis, and understanding AI-generated insights. Internship placements with financial services, e-commerce, and technology companies.

Programs for Returning OFWs

DOLE-OWWA Reintegration Programs

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), attached to DOLE, provides comprehensive reintegration support for returning OFWs:

Financial Reintegration:

• Reintegration loan of up to PHP 100,000 for livelihood projects
• DOLE-AKAP financial assistance for distressed OFWs
• Enterprise development training for OFWs who want to start businesses

Skills Reintegration:

• Skills assessment and career counselling
• Referral to TESDA training programs (fully funded)
• DOLE enterprise training partnerships for returning OFWs
• In 2026, AI and digital skills modules are offered to all returning OFWs as part of the reintegration package

Employment Reintegration:

• Job matching through DOLE's PhilJobNet portal
• Priority referral to employer partners
• Skills conversion programs (translating overseas experience into locally recognised qualifications)

AI Upskilling for OFWs

Many returning OFWs have valuable international experience but may lack exposure to AI and digital tools now prevalent in the Philippine workplace. DOLE's 2026 OFW reintegration package includes:

• AI literacy workshops (understanding AI tools used in Philippine workplaces)
• Digital business skills (e-commerce, digital payments, online marketing)
• Remote work skills (collaboration tools, virtual communication, digital project management)
• Technology-enabled livelihood options (online freelancing, digital micro-enterprise)

Programs for Women

DOLE Women Workers' Programs

DOLE implements programs addressing women's specific employment challenges:

• Women in Non-Traditional Occupations — Encourages and supports women entering technology, AI, and STEM fields through training subsidies and employer incentives
• Solo Parents Employment Assistance — Priority access to DOLE programs for solo parents, including flexible training schedules
• Anti-Sexual Harassment Compliance — DOLE ensures workplace safety, making AI and tech workplaces more accessible to women
• Women's Economic Empowerment — Livelihood and micro-enterprise programs with AI and digital tools integration

AI Skills for Women Workers

In 2026, DOLE has partnered with women's advocacy organisations to deliver AI training specifically designed for female workers:

• AI for micro-enterprise (automating small business operations)
• E-commerce with AI (product photography with AI, automated inventory, AI customer service)
• Digital freelancing skills (AI writing, design, and virtual assistance)
• STEM career pathways for women (connecting to TESDA and university programs)

Programs for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)

PWD Employment Assistance

Under Republic Act No. 7277 (Magna Carta for Disabled Persons), DOLE provides:

• Priority registration in DOLE employment facilitation programs
• Skills training accommodations (sign language interpreters, accessible materials, assistive technology)
• Employer incentives for hiring PWDs (tax deductions under RA 7277)
• Workplace accommodation assessment and support

AI and Assistive Technology Training

DOLE's 2026 PWD programs include training on AI-powered assistive technologies:

• AI screen readers and voice-to-text tools for visually impaired workers
• AI speech recognition and communication aids for hearing-impaired workers
• AI-powered productivity tools that enhance PWD work capabilities
• Remote work skills that enable PWDs to work from accessible home environments

Programs for Indigenous Peoples (IPs)

DOLE provides culturally sensitive employment and livelihood programs for indigenous communities:

• Community-based TUPAD projects in IP areas
• Livelihood programs incorporating traditional knowledge with modern technology
• Digital literacy training adapted for remote IP communities
• AI-assisted agricultural tools relevant to IP farming communities

How Pertama Partners Supports DOLE Special Programs

Pertama Partners contributes to DOLE's mission of inclusive workforce development by providing AI training content and expertise for special programs:

• AI curriculum development for JobStart youth tracks
• Technology training modules for OFW reintegration programs
• Inclusive AI training design for women and PWD workers
• Enterprise partnerships that create employment pathways for DOLE program completers

Contact us to learn about our inclusive AI training programs aligned with DOLE's workforce development goals.

Legal Framework for DOLE Special Programs

Understanding the legal basis of DOLE special programs helps beneficiaries and employers navigate their rights and obligations:

Key Legislation

Republic Act No. 10869 — JobStart Philippines Act (2016)

• Establishes the legal framework for the JobStart program
• Mandates DOLE to provide life skills training, technical training, and internship facilitation
• Provides training allowances and insurance coverage for participants
• Requires participating employers to provide meaningful work experience

Republic Act No. 8042 as amended by RA 10022 — Migrant Workers Act

• Establishes OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) under DOLE
• Mandates reintegration programs for returning OFWs
• Provides for skills training, livelihood assistance, and financial support
• Requires pre-departure and post-arrival orientation including digital skills

Republic Act No. 7277 — Magna Carta for Disabled Persons

• Prohibits discrimination against PWDs in employment
• Provides tax incentives for employers hiring PWDs (additional deduction equal to 25% of PWD wages)
• Requires accommodation and accessibility in the workplace
• Mandates skills training and livelihood programs for PWDs

Republic Act No. 10917 — Solo Parents Welfare Act Amendment

• Provides additional protections and benefits for solo parents in the workforce
• Priority access to DOLE training and livelihood programs
• Flexible work arrangement provisions
• Skills training subsidies for solo parents

Republic Act No. 8371 — Indigenous Peoples Rights Act

• Protects the rights of indigenous peoples, including employment and livelihood rights
• Mandates culturally appropriate skills training programs
• Requires free, prior, and informed consent for programs in IP communities

DOLE Department Orders

DOLE issues Department Orders (DOs) that provide implementing rules for special programs:

• DO 218 Series of 2020 — TUPAD implementing guidelines
• DO 223 Series of 2021 — Updated JobStart programme rules
• DO 215 Series of 2020 — DILP livelihood programme guidelines
• DO 141-14 — SPES implementing rules and regulations

How to Maximise DOLE Special Programs

For Individuals

1. Register with multiple programmes — You can be registered with PESO, JobStart, and OFW reintegration simultaneously (though active participation is usually one programme at a time)
2. Complete all training modules — Including optional AI and digital skills modules, which enhance your employability and open additional opportunities
3. Build your documentation — Keep certificates, completion records, and reference letters from each programme for future employment applications
4. Network with fellow participants — DOLE programmes connect you with other workers, employers, and government staff who can help your career

For Employers

1. Partner with multiple special programmes — Hire through JobStart, SPES, and PWD employment channels simultaneously to build a diverse, skilled workforce
2. Access tax incentives — Companies hiring PWDs receive a 25% additional deduction on wages paid, plus SPES wage subsidies and other benefits
3. Build your employer brand — Participation in DOLE special programmes demonstrates social responsibility and attracts purpose-driven talent
4. Create progression pathways — Design career tracks that take workers from DOLE programme entry to full employment with AI and technology skills development

DOLE and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028

DOLE special programs are aligned with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, which sets national priorities including:

• Accelerating human capital development — DOLE programmes provide skills and employment opportunities to develop the Philippine workforce
• Reducing inequality — Special programmes target the most vulnerable and marginalised workers
• Building digital infrastructure — Digital skills integration in DOLE programmes supports national digitalisation goals
• Enhancing global competitiveness — AI and technology training prepares Filipino workers for the global digital economy
• Strengthening social protection — DOLE programmes serve as a social safety net for displaced and disadvantaged workers

The integration of AI and digital skills into DOLE special programs reflects the PDP's recognition that technology access is essential for inclusive economic growth.