DOLE implements ‘TUPAD Tuloy Pasada’ to keep jeepneys running, drivers earning

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in coordination with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), rolled out TUPAD Tuloy Pasada, an emergency employment program designed to keep jeepneys on the road and cash flowing for drivers while easing the burden on daily commuters. The program is anchored on DOLE's Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD). The initiative falls under Executive Order (EO) 110, which created the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) framework, the government’s response to the energy crisis—aimed at cushioning transport workers from soaring fuel costs while ensuring commuters aren’t left stranded. Through TUPAD, the labor department committed to continuously assisting the transport sector and other affected workers toward recovery, livelihood restoration, and their continued progress. The TUPAD program offers emergency employment for disadvantaged workers, enabling them to engage in community work for 10 to 30 days. Beneficiaries will be provided with a daily minimum wage prevailing in the region. DOLE started the rollout on April 13 with 134 jeepney drivers receiving the daily minimum wage for 20 days—on top of their regular earnings. The first rollout covered key routes — Anonas/Aurora–Lagro, Fairview Dahlia–Cubao Arayat, Fairview Wet Market–Cubao New York and Lagro–SM North EDSA. The guidelines for TUPAD Tuloy Pasada were issued on April 8 and supplemented the recently amended DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment program, further strengthening DOLE’s implementation of the TUPAD program. Beneficiaries were identified by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), with DOLE handling payouts and implementation. More batches are already lined up, including 279 drivers serving Alabang–Zapote and Alabang–Baclaran routes. DOLE Assistant Secretary Lennard Constantine C. Serrano emphasized that keeping public transport running was critical to keeping the economy moving. "Beyond transport, DOLE continues to expand emergency employment nationwide, including payouts for fisherfolk, farmers, and other vulnerable workers," he said. "As fuel prices surge, the government is stepping in—keeping jeepneys rolling, drivers earning, and commuters moving." DOLE updated the TUPAD guidelines to allow more vulnerable Filipino workers to gain access to livelihood support, skills training, and emergency jobs.

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