PANAGYAMAN AWARDS 2026: PESO Kalinga gains DOLE Recognition for driving employment and economic growth

Baguio City, Philippines – The Provincial Government of Kalinga, led by Governor James Edduba, was recognized for its sustained implementation of livelihood and employment programs.

During the Panagyaman Awards 2025 conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)–Cordillera on April 27 in Baguio City, a Certificate of Recognition was awarded to the Kalinga Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) for its continued collaboration with the agency in implementing the Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP).

As cited on the DOLE website, DILEEP aims “to reduce poverty and the vulnerability to risks of the working poor, vulnerable, and marginalized.”

The program has two components—the Kabuhayan or DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), and the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD).

Under TUPAD, beneficiaries are provided access to short-term employment through community-based work for a period of 10 to 90 days, whether continuous or intermittent, depending on the nature of the work.

Meanwhile, through DILP, livelihood assistance is extended to qualified individuals or groups to help them establish or improve their businesses.

Thousands of residents in Kalinga have already benefited from these programs through multiple batches and continued funding support.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera, Senior Labor and Employment Officer Emmanuel Barcellano explained that beneficiaries come from vulnerable sectors such as displaced workers, rebel returnees, persons with disabilities, parents or guardians of child laborers, as well as referrals from local government units and qualified walk-in applicants.

Before receiving assistance, beneficiaries undergo a thorough validation and verification process.

“Amin nga beneficiaries tayo, sakbay nga maekkan da tulong, ma-evaluate da, i-verify tayo. Like koma dagitoy rebel returnees, i-verify tayo diay PNP, Army. Dagitoy PWDs, i-check tayo dagitoy IDs da. Dagitoy met walk-ins, or dagitoy umay ag-apply kadatayo; kitan tayo no talaga met lang nga they are classified as poor or deserve da diay maited nga tulong, nu kaya da met lang talaga nga i-manage ti maited nga puunan kanyada,” Barcellano said.

In a Facebook post, the Public Employment Service Office (PESO)-Kalinga, the provincial implementing arm of DOLE programs, said the award signifies that the Kalinga PLGU has been a reliable partner in delivering livelihood and emergency employment interventions to residents in need.

PESO-Kalinga Manager Designate Ermilinda Wandag received the award during the event.