MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has officially launched the “TUPAD Pasada” program, providing a critical financial lifeline to transport workers struggling with the nearly 200% surge in diesel prices caused by ongoing Middle East tensions.
Part of the government’s response under the national energy emergency, the program supplements a driver’s daily earnings with an additional daily minimum wage for a set period.
Unlike traditional TUPAD programs that involve community work like cleaning or repairs, “TUPAD Pasada” is designed as an income augmentation scheme to ensure essential transport services continue.
- Benefit: Daily minimum wage payout.
- Duration: Typically 20 days for the initial batches.
- Eligibility: Qualified PUV drivers and allied transport workers identified by the LTFRB.
- Partnership: A joint effort between DOLE and the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
The first phase of the program began on April 13, 2026, focusing on specific high-traffic routes in Metro Manila and key provincial areas:
- Quezon City Routes: Anonas/Aurora-Lagro, Fairview Dahlia-Cubao Arayat, Fairview Wet Market-Cubao New York, and Lagro-SM North Edsa.
- Southern Metro Routes: Alabang-Zapote and Alabang-Baclaran (currently in orientation for the next batch of 279 beneficiaries).
- Provincial Reach: 400 beneficiaries in General Luna and Dapa, Surigao, including boat operators, fisherfolk, and farmers.
TUPAD Pasada is one of three major government interventions launched this month to prevent a total collapse of the public transport sector:
- TUPAD Pasada (DOLE): Additional daily minimum wage for 20 days.
- Fuel Subsidy (DOTr): ₱10-per-liter discount (capped at 150 liters weekly) or direct cash grants ranging from ₱1,500 to ₱10,000.
- Service Contracting (SCP): Government pays drivers per kilometer (₱30 for traditional jeepneys, ₱40 for modern jeepneys/UV Express, and ₱100 for buses).
“It is intended to augment the income of drivers and allied workers… which have been drastically reduced by rising fuel costs,” DOLE said in a statement. The program aims to keep wheels turning and fares stable despite the volatile global oil market.