MALAYBALAY CITY — A total of 367 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers from the Northern
Bukidnon Transport Service Cooperative (NOBTSCO) received P2,752,500 under the Tulong
Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Tuloy Pasada program during the
July 7 payout in Barangay 9 Covered Court, supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s
directive to strengthen social protection and safeguard workers’ livelihoods.

The beneficiaries, who operate routes between Malaybalay City and Valencia City, Sumilao,
Dologon, Lantapan, and Cabanglasan, joined a 15-day emergency employment program that
provides a daily wage of P500 based on the prevailing regional minimum wage.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in partnership with the Land Transportation
Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), implements TUPAD Tuloy Pasada to augment
drivers’ income amid rising transport costs while helping sustain reliable public transportation
services for commuters.
Arnold Sabado, one of the beneficiaries, said the assistance would help cover the maintenance
costs of his multicab and allow him to continue serving commuters in Malaybalay City.
“Dako nagyud kini nga tabang sa among mga driver, lisod mamasahero nga mokita lang og 300
pesos ang adlaw, busa pasalamat me sa gobyerno kay gihatagan gyud nila og pagtagad ang mga
drivers,” Sabado said.
(This is truly a great help for us drivers. It’s difficult to make a living when we earn only around
P300 a day. We are grateful to the government for giving attention and support to us drivers.)
Sabado said the assistance came at a critical time as drivers continue to cope with economic
challenges. He added that the financial aid would help keep his livelihood running and enable
him to continue providing dependable transportation services to commuters.
TUPAD Tuloy Pasada forms part of the government’s Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry,
Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) under Executive Order No. 110, which aims to cushion transport
workers from the effects of high fuel prices while ensuring continued public transport services.
DOLE said the program remains in effect under Department Order No. 239-B, Series of 2026,
which provides continued financial assistance and livelihood support to public utility vehicle
drivers and operators nationwide as the government expands programs that deliver immediate
relief and strengthen workers’ economic resilience. (Bernadith G. Epan/PIA-10/Bukidnon)