The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
BY: Vito Barcelo Jr.
More than 15,000 transport workers across the country have received over P55 million in financial assistance through the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) TUPAD-Tuloy Pasada Program. As of June 22, a total of 15,044 beneficiaries have been provided with P55.3 million in aid to help ease the burden of rising fuel prices.
Launched in April, the TUPAD-Tuloy Pasada Program is part of the Marcos administration’s response to increasing fuel costs. The initiative continues to expand under the leadership of DOLE Secretary Francis N. Tolentino, providing temporary employment and income support to transport workers affected by higher fuel expenses.
Among the beneficiaries is veteran public utility jeepney (PUJ) driver Romeo O. Dela Cruz, who serves the SM Ecoland route in Davao City. Through the program, Dela Cruz participated in the Labor Day “Libreng Sakay” initiative, offering free rides to commuters and job seekers attending employment activities.
Dela Cruz expressed pride in taking part in the program, saying he was grateful for the opportunity to serve the community, particularly individuals seeking employment. His participation reflects the program’s dual purpose of supporting transport workers while providing essential services to the public.
DOLE has also expanded the program to include maritime transport workers in the Dinagat Islands, extending assistance to personnel from passenger vessels operating in the province. The expansion highlights the government’s continued efforts to reach more transport workers affected by economic challenges and global fuel price increases.
Implemented in partnership with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), the TUPAD-Tuloy Pasada Program aims to sustain public transportation services while providing immediate relief to transport workers. DOLE reaffirmed its commitment to delivering responsive programs that protect workers’ livelihoods and ensure reliable transport services for commuters.