The Philippines faces real threats from the global economic crises. Thus, on 23 October 2008, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Memorandum Circular No. 168 that directed all members of the Cabinet to draw up and prepare emergency work programs and doable and fundable livelihood projects.

The Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) is the Cabinet's response to the directive. This huge program is a package of interventions projected to avert an employment crisis. It takes into account the challenges the Philippines-as a nation-must confront in the next few years, as the global economic crisis begins to exact further toll on the economies of both developed and developing nations.

 Download latest update on CLEEP as of March 12, 2010