By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — More than 15,000 transport workers nationwide have received over P55.3 million in government assistance under a program designed to help the sector cope with rising fuel prices, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced on Tuesday.
DOLE said a total of 15,044 beneficiaries have so far been assisted through the TUPAD-Tuloy Pasada Program, which was launched in April 2026 to provide temporary employment and income support to transport workers affected by increasing oil costs.
The program is being implemented in partnership with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
Under the initiative, drivers and other transport sector workers are provided with temporary jobs and financial assistance to help cushion the impact of fluctuating fuel prices and economic uncertainties.
DOLE said the program forms part of the government’s efforts to protect the livelihood of transport workers while ensuring the continued operation of public transportation services.
The labor department recently extended the program to maritime transport workers in the Dinagat Islands, benefiting personnel and crew members serving passenger vessels operating in the province.
According to DOLE, the expansion demonstrates the government’s commitment to reaching more workers whose incomes have been affected by global economic developments and rising fuel costs.
“Recently, assistance was extended to maritime transport workers in the Dinagat Islands, covering beneficiaries from passenger vessels operating in the province,” the agency said in a statement.
DOLE emphasized that it remains committed to strengthening and expanding programs that provide immediate assistance to workers facing economic challenges.
The agency said initiatives such as TUPAD-Tuloy Pasada not only help transport workers maintain their livelihoods but also support the continued delivery of essential transportation services to the commuting public.
Officials added that the government will continue monitoring the needs of transport workers and implementing responsive measures aimed at mitigating the effects of fuel price increases and other economic pressures.
ia/xf
