The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the Philippines initiates financial aid program to supplement income for jeepney drivers affected by fuel price increases.
The Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has officially launched the “TUPAD Tuloy Pasada” program aimed at providing supplementary income for jeepney drivers facing economic challenges due to rising fuel prices. The program commenced on April 13, 2026, initially offering daily financial assistance of 695 Philippine pesos—equivalent to the minimum wage in Metro Manila—to 134 jeepney drivers operating on selected routes within the capital region. This assistance is intended to supplement, not replace, the drivers’ regular earnings from their daily operations. Beneficiaries were identified through a profiling and validation process spearheaded by DOLE, utilizing records sourced from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). Drivers not included in the initial phase are encouraged to apply at nearest DOLE offices, presenting a valid professional driver’s license. Each qualified driver can receive support for up to 30 days under the program. DOLE plans to expand this initiative nationwide, aiming to assist approximately 50,000 drivers, and eventually extend support to other affected sectors such as truck drivers transporting agricultural products. While the drivers have expressed appreciation for this immediate aid, they emphasized the need for long-term solutions to address fuel price inflation. This program is part of the government’s efforts to mitigate the adverse economic effects of fuel costs on public utility vehicle operators, following ongoing increases influenced in part by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/983643/dole-launches-tupad-tuloy-pasada-for-jeepney-drivers-amid-high-fuel-prices/story/
