Reyes, in a recent interview, highlighted the DoLE’s livelihood grants as a “double-edged sword,” arguing that while they provide immediate relief to displaced workers, they often fail to address the root causes of unemployment and underemployment. Reyes argues that the DoLE’s livelihood grants are often insufficient to sustain a family, leaving recipients struggling to make ends meet. He cites the example of a recipient who received a grant of P10,000, which was insufficient to cover the cost of starting a small business.

The TUPAD program is a key component of the Philippine government’s social protection strategy. It aims to provide temporary employment opportunities for marginalized and vulnerable individuals, particularly those who are unemployed or underemployed. The program is designed to address the immediate needs of these individuals by providing them with income and skills training.