MALAYBALAY CITY — The Department of Labor and Employment-Northern Mindanao (DOLE-10) launched the TUPAD Tuloy Pasada on April 30, providing emergency employment to transport workers hit by rising fuel costs. The move operationalizes President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to cushion vulnerable sectors from global economic pressures

Initially, 419 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers will each receive a daily minimum wage of P500 for 15 days starting May 1. This aid supplements daily earnings, helping families manage high oil prices while maintaining essential transport services.

DOLE-10 Assistant Regional Director Norman L. Uyvico said the program is a morale booster for the workforce.

“The government mobilized resources through the Unified Package of Livelihood, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) to fund the program. This framework turns national policy into a direct lifeline for transport workers,” Uyvico said.

Anchored on the theme “Disenteng Trabaho Para sa Lahat: Isang Hangarin, Bagong Pilipinas Sama-Samang Mararating,” the project strengthens a sector vital to local commerce.

“Sa ating mga benepisyaryo, nawa’y magsilbi itong lakas upang patuloy kayong makabangon at makapagpatuloy sa inyong hanapbuhay,” Uyvico said.

(To our beneficiaries, may this give you strength to recover and continue your livelihoods.)

He said the intervention helps drivers sustain operations without sacrificing household needs.

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Regional Director Alexes Joseph R. Bendijo attributed the program’s success to teamwork between national agencies and local leaders.

“TUPAD Tuloy Pasada is an example of effective interagency collaboration—providing immediate assistance while sustaining essential public transport operations. The effort illustrates a “whole-of-nation” approach to meeting families’ needs,” Bendijo said as he committed to further partnerships with DOLE and local government units for reliable transport.

PUV drivers joining at the launch expressed relief, saying the pay bridges the gap between high costs and take-home earnings.

Aldrin Gabato, 53, a multicab driver in Malaybalay City, thanked the government for the aid. “Dako kaayo among pasalamat kang Presidente Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ug sa DOLE tungod niining TUPAD Tuloy Pasada nga programa. Nag-plano na man unta ko’ng mo-undang og pamasada pero duna may hinabang, makapadayon ko bisan nisaka ang presyo sa krudo,” Gabato said.

(We are deeply grateful to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and DOLE for the TUPAD Tuloy Pasada program. I was actually planning to stop driving, but this assistance allows me to continue despite the rising fuel prices.)

Malaybalay City Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran thanked the DOLE for the local rollout, urging beneficiaries to see the aid as a partnership.

“Thank you kaayo sa DOLE para sa pag-implementar sa atong TUPAD. Sa mga natagaan, hinaot nga magpasalamat ta sa gobyerno ug mahimong responsableng mga lungsoranon,” the mayor said.

(Thank you, DOLE, for TUPAD. May this assistance inspire recipients to stay grateful and uphold their duties as responsible citizens.)

DOLE-Bukidnon Head Raul Valmores said the Malaybalay launch localizes a national Labor Day initiative. He said the TUPAD Tuloy Pasada provides drivers and operators with a financial cushion against volatile fuel prices and economic pressures, ensuring they do not have to stop their livelihoods.

“By translating directives into grassroots action, TUPAD Tuloy Pasada ensures that economic growth remains inclusive. The program reinforces DOLE’s promise: a government that actively solves challenges hand in hand with its people,” Valmores said. (BGE/PIA 10-Bukidnon)