Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 173 0

Introduced by Representative Ryan S. Recto

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This legislative measure seeks to establish a National Employment Assistance
Program (NEAP) to ensure a sustained and institutionalized framework for providing
temporary employment to members of vulnerable sectors. It shall ensure immediate
income support for those who need it most, especially individuals who belong to the
most disadvantaged sectors of society.

The Philippines has made significant economic strides in recent years and has
earned a reputation as an emerging economy. With robust Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) growth rates, our country has positioned itself as one of the fastest-growing
nations in Southeast Asia. It cannot be ignored, however, that despite these
macroeconomic achievements, the prevailing challenge of poverty continues to haunt
a substantial portion of the population. The gravity of this challenge is an issue that
concerns every facet of national development and societal well-being. Despite recent
economic gains, where the national poverty incidence among the population saw a
decrease to 15.5% in 2023 from 18.1% in 2021 (thus lifting 2.4 million Filipinos above
the poverty line), a significant portion of our fellow countrymen remain vulnerable. In
January 2025, a survey conducted by the Social Weather Station (SWS) reported that
63% of Filipino families consider themselves poor, the highest since the recorded self-
rated poverty rate at 64% in November 2003. This widespread and deeply felt poverty
undermines the country’s potential as an emerging economy. It impedes human
capital development, limits domestic consumption, strains public services and can
even contribute to social instability.

Poverty in our country is not simply about the lack of jobs, but more importantly
the lack of quality jobs and sustained income. The issue of underemployment, on one
hand, affects millions who desire more work or better pay despite being technically
employed. This underscores the fact that economic growth does not always translate
into equitable opportunities. Vulnerable sectors like the agriculture and fishery and
also indigenous peoples, face high poverty incidences. They are disproportionately


affected by factors like precarious, seasonal and low-wage work. Thus, perpetuating
a cycle of poverty that hinders them to fully participate in the progress of the nation.

Itis precisely the vision of this legislative measure to break the vicious cycle of
poverty. Although the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) currently has
existing programs like the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced
Workers (TUPAD) to provide temporary employment to vulnerable sectors, it is
inherently limited by its nature as it is merely a special provision under the General
Appropriations Act (GAA). Meaning, it could easily be discontinued or funding could
be reduced based on legislative review and yearly budget priorities. Millions of those
rely on such assistance could be left to uncertainty if this scenario were to occur. By
institutionalizing the NEAP, the law could greatly provide for a sustained and
dedicated initiative for anti-poverty that is free from the annual budgetary
uncertainties.

The proposed measure seeks to provide temporary employment for a minimum
of ten (10) days but not more than ninety (90) days in a calendar year to poor,
disadvantaged or displaced individuals, as well as seasonal workers. It shall also
cover individuals duly identified by the National Household Targeting System for
Poverty Reduction (Listahanan). Those who qualify under the program shall receive
compensation at the prevailing minimum wage, as determined by the Regional
Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) to guarantee decent and equitable
remuneration for their labor. Employment activities under this program shall focus on
the types of work that focus on community development and long-term resilience.
This could come in the form of development or rehabilitation of agri-based livelihood
assets, common service facilities, farm-to-market roads and vital social community
projects like the repair of schools and health centers. Not only does this provide
productive work and temporary income, but it also builds essential infrastructure and
capabilities within impoverished communities.

Poverty remains a persisting and multifaceted issue that continues to haunt the
average Filipino, manifesting not just as a lack of income but as a complex web of
challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare and stable employment
opportunities. It is then crucial that we create a more resilient and equitable labor
market to help our fellow countrymen break away from the chains of poverty and build
a future where every Filipino has the dignity of decent work and the means to live a life
of quality and opportunity.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

fan S. Recto

Representative
6" District, Batangas


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1730

Introduced by Representative Ryan S. Recto

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines
in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “National Employment
Assistance Program Act”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. ~ It is a declared policy of the State to promote a
just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the
nation and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social
services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living and an improved quality
of life for all. Towards this end, the State shall provide Filipinos with opportunities for
just and sufficient means of livelihood. The State shall likewise initiate meaningful
employment assistance programs to qualified individuals of poor, disadvantaged or
displaced households duly identified by the appropriate national agencies.

SEC. 3. National Employment Assistance Program. - There is hereby created a
National Employment Assistance Program (NEAP), which shall provide temporary
employment to qualified individuals who are poor, disadvantaged or displaced or
seasonal workers who volunteer work for a minimum of ten (10) days but not more
than ninety (90) days in a calendar year wherein the minimum and maximum period
of engagement can cover a single activity or multiple activities spread out over the
course of a calendar year: Provided, That qualified individuals may include
subprofessionals.

Qualified individuals are not subject to the terms and conditions of regular
employment and as such, shall not be deemed to have an employer-employee
relationship with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), or any agency or
institution who utilizes their services with respect to the Program.


SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall be
defined as follows:

a) Displaced Worker refers to a worker in the formal and informal sector who
became unemployed, underemployed or have lost livelihood as a result of
closure of establishment, economic crisis, retrenchment, termination,
natural disaster or calamity;

b) Poor refers to individuals and families whose income fall below the

poverty threshold as defined by the government or cannot afford, in a

‘sustained manner, to provide their minimum basic needs of food, health,

education, housing and other essential amenities of life, or those who

have been identified as poor by the National Household Targeting System
for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR), also known as the Listahanan;

°)

Qualified individual refers to willing and able Filipino citizens who are at
least fifteen (15) years of age: Provided, That individuals between the ages
of fifteen (15) and eighteen (18) years may only qualify by first obtaining
consent from their parent/s or legal guardian and can only be employed
in non-hazardous work environments in accordance with the Labor Code;
and

d)

Seasonal Worker refers to a worker who performs work or service that is
only for a specific period of time or season of the year.

SEC. 5. Qualifications for Availment of Employment Assistance. - The DOLE
shall take the lead in the overall implementation of the NEAP.

The DOLE may conduct a preliminary assessment of all poor, disadvantaged or
displaced individuals, including seasonal workers who signify interest in undertaking
work in order to determine eligibility and inclusion in the NEAP. The assessment shall
also take into consideration the inherent knowledge, skills, capacities and capabilities
of potential qualified participants so as to properly determine the type and nature of
projects that are most suited to them and their respective communities.

The DOLE shall facilitate basic knowledge and skills orientation and capacity-
building trainings and seminars as deemed necessary towards project development
for qualified participants. The local government units (LGUs) and program partners
concerned may make available for use any tools and equipment necessary for project
development to the qualified individuals

SEC. 6. Types of Work and Activities under the Program. ~ Employment activities
for this purpose shall be designed to mobilize eligible individuals, families and
communities to finish a project within a given time period. These projects may include,
but are not limited, to the following:


a) Development, rebuilding or rehabilitation of agri-based livelihood assets,
damaged, destroyed or lost due to natural disasters, such as desilting of
irrigation canals, development of paddy dikes and rehabilitation of water
impounding dams;

b)

Development or rehabilitation of common service facilities, which are being
shared and used by poor families as production or consolidation centers
like post-harvest facilities, public markets, display centers and fish ports;

©)

Development or rehabilitation of physical assets to open up access to areas
necessary to transport rural products, such as contribution of farm-to-
market roads and bridges;

d)

Protection of natural and productive assets through mitigation and disaster
risk reduction measures, such as mangrove planting and rehabilitation, tree
planting, seedling preparation, re-forestation and similar activities; and

Social community projects, such as repair, maintenance or improvement of
common public facilities and infrastructure such as schools and health
centers, debris clearing, declogging of canals, debris segregation and
materials recovery, stockpiling and clearing.

e)

The DOLE shall provide an updated list of projects that may be undertaken as
well as taken as projects not covered under this Act. This list shall be readily made
available to potentially qualified individuals who have expressed their desire to
participate in the NEAP.

SEC. 7. Rate of Assistance. - Every person qualified under this Program shall
be entitled to receive compensation for each day of work at the prevailing minimum
wage by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPH) concerned.
LGUs may also provide for additional allowances to the beneficiaries in order to cover
for other expenses such as transportation and food.

SEC. 8. Appropriations. -- The Secretary of Labor and Employment shall include
in the DOLE’s programs the implementation of this Act, the initial funding of which
shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the DOLE. Thereafter, the
amount necessary for its continued implementation shall be included in the annual
General Appropriations Act (GAA).

In addition, the DOLE may accept donations, contributions or grants from
foreign and local persons, institutions and governments, among others, for the
implementation of the NEAP.

SEC. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days after the
approval of this Act, the Secretary of the DOLE shall issue the necessary rules and
regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.


SEC. 10. Separability Clause. - If any provision, section, or part of this Act is
declared unconstitutional or invalid, such judgment shall not affect, invalidate, or
impair any other provisions, sections, or parts hereof.

SEC. 11. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, orders, issuances, circulars, rules and
regulations or parts hereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 12. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,