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THE DEPARTMENT of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI is preparing to roll out the TUPAD Tuloy Pasada for the transport industry workers, particularly the public utility vehicle drivers.

Suzette Jane Antiveros, DOLE XI regional employment programs spokesperson, said the agency is collaborating with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) XI to prepare the shortlist of qualified beneficiaries.

Tuloy Pasada is under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Program, part of the government’s coordinated response to the energy emergency pursuant to Executive Order No. 110, which established the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT).

“This program is to augment the income of drivers who are among the affected sector by the rising fuel costs,” Antiveros said during the Kapehan sa Davao on Monday, April 20.

Antiveros added that this enables the drivers to continue earning and to keep essential transport services running.

“The driver-beneficiaries of the program will receive the prevailing regional minimum wage for 15-30 days of work, to augment their daily earnings,” Antiveros said.

The program beneficiaries will be identified by the LTFRB XI and endorsed to DOLE XI for validation, assessment, profiling, and orientation.

Antiveros said every beneficiary can avail of a maximum of 30 days of work one time.

The target number of beneficiaries is yet to be disclosed as it will be determined by the LTFRB XI, pending finalization of agreements with the agency.

On top of the assistance, the DOLE will also provide occupational safety and health orientation, personal protective equipment, micro-insurance, and access to further training and employment opportunities.

The official clarified that the assistance is a “temporary aid,” but if drivers wish to avail skills enhancement, DOLE can endorse them to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for skills training, and to the Public Employment Service Office for employment.