FUEL CRISIS RESPONSE: 214 BATANGAS TRANSPORT WORKERS BENEFIT TUPAD TULOY PASADA PROGRAM

With the impact of the oil crisis in the Middle East reaching local streets, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in collaboration with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) launched the Tulong Panghanapbuhay para sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Tuloy Pasada Program pursuant to the government’s whole response to energy emergency, benefiting a total of 214 jeepney drivers.

Beneficiaries from Lipa-Lemery Route showed their readiness for their 20-day service.  (Photo by Shaina Ariane Masangkay/ DOLE-BPO)

Through DOLE Batangas Provincial Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), identified beneficiaries from the Lipa-Tanauan, Batangas City-Bauan, and Lipa-Lemery routes attended their TUPAD Orientation last May 2 and May 7, 2026.

DOLE Batangas Provincial Director Predelma M. Tan graced both orientations, applauding the important role of transport workers amid the oil crisis and acknowledging the immediate need to support them especially during this time.

The orientation, led by Ms. Salvacion Kalalo, Labor and Employment Officer III, provided an avenue for transport workers to express their suggestions to improve the implementation of the program in the province.

After brief orientation on TUPAD, drivers were given a chance to express their thoughts on how the program should be effectively implemented  (Photo by Shaina Ariane Masangkay/ DOLE-BPO)

The jeepney drivers shall render their 20-day service in various routes and receive additional income on top of their daily earnings.

TUPAD stickers designed by DOLE Batangas were also disseminated among beneficiaries which will serve as their identification for easier monitoring while awaiting for their individual tarpaulins.

On May 6, the drivers from Lipa-Tanauan Route already started their implementation that will last until June 05 while the remaining routes of Batangas City-Bauan and Lipa-Lemery will start their implementation on May 13-June 26 and May 13-June 8 respectively.

TUPAD Tuloy Pasada stickers can already seen on jeepneys going from Lipa and/to Tanauan. (Photo by Shaina Ariane Masangkay/ DOLE-BPO)

Moreover, TUPAD Coordinators continuously conduct monitoring while noting the driver’s concerns and suggestions on the program’s implementation.

Through the collaborative efforts of DOLE and its partner agencies, TUPAD Tuloy Pasada program hopes that this can provide immediate financial support to jeepney drivers and reinforce the importance of responsive and inclusive assistance during times of economic crisis.  #