The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is expanding reintegration and worker protection programs to help Filipinos cope with rising living costs, Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said Monday.

In an interview on DZRH’s “Damdaming Bayan,” Tolentino said the agency is implementing a “K2K” – Kaalaman Tungo sa Kabuhayan initiative in partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to assist returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who prefer to stay in the country.

Under the program, beneficiaries will receive skills training from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and seed capital from DOLE to start small businesses.

“Yung mga returning OFWs na ayaw nang umalis ay binibigyan ng tamang training ng TESDA at bibigyan din ng konting puhunan ng DOLE,” Tolentino said.

He added that DOLE is also pushing for stronger legal protection for workers, including the creation of a Labor Attorney’s Office (LAO), similar to the Public Attorney’s Office, to provide free legal services.

The proposal, which requires funding and additional personnel, is already in motion, he said.

Tolentino said DOLE has also tapped law students to assist in safeguarding workers’ rights, particularly those in the gig economy such as delivery riders, who have faced safety and misconduct issues.

He noted that the department has been coordinating with transport network vehicle service (TNVS) companies to develop standardized compensation schemes and improve social protection, including accident insurance.

“Marami pa kaming pagpupulong dito para magkaroon kami ng isang komprehensibo at standard na pa-sweldo, pagbibigay ng social protection, accident insurance at marami pang iba,” Tolentino said.

He added that labor inspections are ongoing to ensure compliance with labor standards and protect workers from exploitation, including contractualization concerns.

Watch the full interview below.