MANILA - The government is set to spend P2.5 billion for environmental programs this year, a move seen to generate some 114,000 emergency jobs in the country.

According to National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Secretary Domingo Panganiban, about P1.5 billion will be used for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' (DENR) Upland Development program, while the remaining P1 billion will be spent for the Bantay Kalikasan (nature watch) program of the same agency.

As of August 2009, Panganiban said some 44,178 workers have been employed under the Bantay Kalikasan program, while about 21,199 Filipinos were provided jobs under the Upland Development program.

"As of August 14 this year, the government, under the guidance of the President and the leadership of Environment Secretary Lito Atienza, has already obligated around P86.2 million for the 2 programs, hiring some 66,377 poor folk in the process," Panganiban said.

NAPC noted that environmental degradation usually limits economic growth as it prevents the creation of livelihood opportunities. Some of the country's poorest communities, according to NAPC, are in upland districts or around watersheds and forest areas.

The agency, which is under the Office of the President, oversees the implementation of the government's Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program.