The DPWH Assistance to Youth and Unemployed for Development and Advancement (AYUDA) Program is an employment initiative launched by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in response to the rising unemployment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Introduced in December 2021, the program aims to provide temporary jobs to youth and displaced workers through infrastructure maintenance and roadside development projects. It builds on previous DPWH programs like OYSTER and Kalsada Natin, Alagaan Natin (KNAN) to promote livelihood, community involvement, and economic recovery.
The main goal of the DPWH AYUDA Program is to offer productive work while helping households recover from financial hardship. By engaging beneficiaries in activities like street cleaning, declogging, and public infrastructure upkeep, the program supports both individual income generation and national development. It’s important to know about this program because it not only provides financial assistance through employment, but also equips workers with skills and experience for long-term job opportunities. If you are a young individual or worker who aspires to earn through meaningful work rather than rely solely on financial aid or “ayuda,” then this guide will help you get that support you need in getting the job opportunities you desire.
History of the DPWH AYUDA Program
The DPWH AYUDA Program is a local employment initiative launched on December 7, 2021, targeting both the youth and displaced workers affected by COVID-19. It offers temporary employment through roadside maintenance and infrastructure upkeep projects across the Philippines.
Inspired by DPWH’s previous employment programs like OYSTER (Out-of-School Youth toward Economic Recovery) and Kalsada Natin, Alagaan Natin (KNAN), the AYUDA Program offers productive work to help beneficiaries earn income while contributing to public infrastructure maintenance.
Why it Matters
This employment program is more than just financial assistance. It helps people rebuild their confidence and work ethic while contributing to community development. Instead of temporary relief, the program offers meaningful work and potential pathways to long-term employment through skill-building.
It also supports DPWH’s infrastructure goals by ensuring proper upkeep of projects already completed under the Build, Build, Build initiative. While DPWH continues to construct new infrastructure, AYUDA beneficiaries help maintain cleanliness, safety, and usability of existing public roads and facilities.
Objectives
The AYUDA Program is part of DPWH’s broader effort to support both employment and national infrastructure development. It aims to:
- Offer employment to DPWH workers displaced due to reduced maintenance funding in previous years.
- Provide job opportunities to individuals who lost work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Help Filipino households meet basic needs by hiring at least one worker per household.
- Engage the youth in meaningful, income-generating activities, potentially reducing risks of social problems.
- Train workers in infrastructure maintenance through on-the-job training (OJT), preparing them for future employment opportunities.
- Boost economic recovery by creating jobs and supporting the long-term development of communities and infrastructure nationwide.
Implementation of the AYUDA Program Nationwide
The AYUDA Program is being rolled out across all 16 DPWH Regional Offices and 189 District Engineering Offices (DEOs) throughout the country.
Each district office oversees the recruitment, monitoring, and supervision of workers. Regional offices are responsible for consolidating reports from their districts, which are then submitted to the Bureau of Maintenance (BOM). The BOM analyzes and compiles accomplishments before forwarding a final report to the DPWH Secretary via the Undersecretary for Technical Services.
Features
It stands out from other employment and financial assistance initiatives in the Philippines because it provides actual job opportunities instead of just direct cash aid. This employment program does not only respond to short-term needs but also contributes to long-term community development and infrastructure upkeep. It’s designed to support Youth, COVID-displaced workers, and low-income families by integrating them into productive, hands-on work.
- Employment-Based Assistance: Instead of one-time ayuda or dole-outs, it offers short-term but meaningful jobs that provide daily wages.
- Daily Wage of Php 503.09: Beneficiaries receive a standard daily rate, helping them sustain their household needs.
- One Beneficiary Per Household: To reach more families, hiring prioritizes at least one qualified individual per household.
- Focus on Infrastructure Maintenance: Tasks include street sweeping, drainage declogging, vegetation control, painting curbs and bridges, and hauling waste materials.
- On-the-Job Training Opportunities: Beneficiaries get hands-on experience and learn skills that can help them secure future employment.
- Work Certification Issued: Beneficiaries receive a certificate of employment that can be used as a reference for future job applications.
- Implemented Nationwide: The program is rolled out across 16 DPWH Regional Offices and 189 District Engineering Offices across the Philippines.
- Inclusive Target Groups: Open to youth, displaced workers, out-of-school individuals, and those affected by reduced government maintenance funds.
- Support for Economic Recovery: By combining employment generation and infrastructure improvement, the program contributes to local and national economic growth.
Benefits
For young Filipinos and those who lost their jobs during the pandemic, the AYUDA Program offers more than just wages:
- Job Experience: Beneficiaries receive a Certificate of Employment which they can use when applying for future jobs.
- Income Security: Even temporary jobs can make a difference in meeting daily needs.
- Skill Development: Training and hands-on work in infrastructure maintenance can open doors to other employment opportunities.
- Community Involvement: Participants actively contribute to improving their local environment.
Target Beneficiaries
Here’s a list of the target beneficiaries meant to benefit from the DPWH AYUDA Program:
- Youth seeking employment opportunities
- Out-of-school youth
- Workers displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic
- Individuals laid off due to reduced DPWH maintenance funding
- At least one member per low-income household
- Unemployed individuals within the jurisdiction of District Engineering Offices (DEOs)
- Job seekers interested in on-the-job training in infrastructure maintenance
Who Can Apply?
Here are the basic criteria that they need to satisfy to at least be eligible for the program:
- Priority is given to displaced DPWH workers and unemployed individuals in the community.
- Beneficiaries must be hired within the District Engineering Office’s (DEO) area of jurisdiction.
- The program targets hiring at least one person per household, ensuring every participating family receives support.
- Both newly hired applicants and those previously displaced due to budget reductions are welcome to apply.
- The number of slots per district depends on the allocated budget. For example, a fund of ₱27 million was allocated for nine DEOs in NCR.
- Beneficiaries receive a daily wage of ₱503.09.
Scope of Work
Hired individuals under the DPWH AYUDA Program are tasked with maintaining national roads and public infrastructure. The job responsibilities include:
- Street sweeping and road cleaning
- Painting of curbs, center islands, bridges, and concrete barriers
- Clearing vegetation and overgrowth
- Hauling and proper disposal of waste materials
- Declogging drainage systems
- Cleaning street signage
- Removing unauthorized posters and signage
- Clearing road obstructions such as junked items and illegally dumped construction materials
These maintenance tasks are aligned with Department Order No. 73, Series of 2014, which focuses on keeping public roads clean and obstruction-free.
Requirements
To apply for the program, interested applicants are required to prepare and submit the following documents:
- Valid Government-issued ID (e.g., Barangay ID, Voter’s ID, or any acceptable ID)
- Barangay Certificate of Residency
- Certificate of Displacement or Proof of Unemployment (if applicable)
- Proof of household membership (to verify “one member per household” policy)
- Application Form provided by the District Engineering Office (DEO)
- Resume or Biodata (optional but recommended for future employment opportunities)
How to Apply for the AYUDA Program
Interested applicants should directly approach their local District Engineering Office (DEO). Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Visit your nearest DPWH District Engineering Office and inquire about current hiring opportunities under the AYUDA Program.
Step 2: Bring your personal documents such as valid IDs, barangay certificate, and resume or any document showing prior work experience (if available).
Step 3: Fill out the application forms and submit any required paperwork.
Step 4: Wait for screening and selection. If chosen, you will be notified by the local DEO.
Step 5: Once hired, you will receive orientation and training, followed by deployment to your assigned maintenance area.
Tip: It’s best to coordinate with your local barangay or municipal hall to get updates on ongoing recruitment under the DPWH employment program.
Where to Secure the Application Form
Applicants can get the DPWH AYUDA Program application form directly from their nearest DPWH District Engineering Office (DEO). The application is free of charge, and no payment is required throughout the entire process. Once submitted, applications are usually processed within a few working days, depending on the volume of applicants in the area. Completed forms and required documents must be personally submitted to the DEO, where staff will review the application and provide further instructions for orientation and job assignment.
Video: DPWH AYUDA Program
The DPWH AYUDA Program is a practical employment solution designed for young people and COVID-displaced workers who are looking for ways to get back on their feet. With a fair daily wage, skills development opportunities, and a focus on community involvement, the program offers both short-term relief and long-term benefits. If you or someone you know has been affected by the pandemic and is currently unemployed, applying for this DPWH Ayuda assistance program in the Philippines might just be the stepping stone toward a more stable future. To learn more, watch this video from DPWH:
For inquiries or other concerns, you may also reach out to the DPWH via the following:
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
NCR Compound, 2nd Street, Port Area, Manila, Philippines
Contact No(s).: (02) 5304-3700
Fax No.: (02) 5304-3910
Email: malaluan.loreta@dpwh.gov.ph
Call:165-02
Cellphone/Viber:09616847084
Official website: https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/DPWH/
Facebook page: https://web.facebook.com/dpwhph