On September 16, 2025, DOLE Secretary met with Technical Education And Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and National Union of Building and Construction Workers (NUBCW) representatives to discuss the problems concerning the displaced construction workers.

Secretary Laguesma ordered DOLE’s Regional Offices to give immediate aid to those affected, through emergency employment, livelihood, and job facilitation, as well as skills training and certification.

NUBCW official representatives stated that the widespread displacement of subcontracted workers caused by the suspension of flood control projects made these said workers return to their home provinces, making it more urgent to establish efficient referral and outreach mechanisms.

In addressing these issues, one of their strategies is to implement Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), and the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) initiatives.

TESDA also vowed to provide on-site certification activities in areas with a high percentage of affected workers to ensure faster and more accessible support.

Both DOLE and NUBCW concurred in coordinating closely in identifying the displaced workers, reaffirming their vow to provide assistance while also providing or rather creating long-term solutions to a more secured employment in the construction industry.