DOLE rolls out TUPAD Tuloy Pasada

The Department of Labor and Employment has rolled out Department Order No. 239-C, series of 2026, to implement TUPAD Tuloy Pasada, a targeted emergency employment program for transport workers affected by the national energy emergency.

The initiative seeks to provide immediate relief to workers in the public transportation sector as they face rising operational costs and reduced income.

TUPAD Tuloy Pasada is part of the government’s broader response under Executive Order No. 110, which declared a national energy emergency and authorized the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport, or UPLIFT, framework to address the socioeconomic effects of the energy crisis.

As a component of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program, or DILEEP, TUPAD Tuloy Pasada provides temporary employment and support services to vulnerable workers, particularly those in the transport sector.

TUPAD, or Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers, is DOLE’s emergency employment program for workers affected by crises, disasters, or economic disruptions.

The program aims to support drivers’ livelihoods while helping ensure the continued delivery of essential transport services.

It covers public utility vehicle drivers identified by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board as having lost income or experienced a significant reduction in income because of the energy situation.

It also covers transport workers affected by the crisis who perform work and services necessary to support and sustain transport operations, including conductors and mechanics.

Qualified beneficiaries will receive the prevailing regional minimum wage for 15 to 30 days of work.

They will also receive occupational safety and health orientation, personal protective equipment, microinsurance, and access to further training and employment opportunities.

To qualify, drivers must be endorsed by the LTFRB, be at least 18 years old, hold a valid professional driver’s license, and complete the required DOLE orientation before deployment.

The TUPAD implementation guidelines will cover other qualified transport workers.

PUV drivers, transport workers, or their family members who have previously received assistance under the regular TUPAD program may still qualify for TUPAD Tuloy Pasada.

However, only one eligible family member may receive the assistance once in a calendar year, except during a human-induced calamity or emergency.

The program is being implemented in key regions, including Western Visayas, where transport demand remains high.

The guidelines will take effect after publication and will remain in force until the national energy emergency is lifted.

DOLE Regional Office VI Director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr. said the program reflects the government’s recognition of the sacrifices and hard work of transport workers.

Rodriguez also assured the public that DOLE’s commitment goes beyond compliance monitoring.

He said the agency’s work is about protecting livelihoods, ensuring fair treatment, and supporting the sector through responsive and inclusive interventions, especially during crises.

Through TUPAD Tuloy Pasada, DOLE reaffirms its mandate to cushion the impact of economic disruptions on vulnerable workers while helping sustain vital transportation services for the public. (DOLE)