Bicol region: At least 2,000 public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers in the Bicol Region have benefited from the Department of Labor and Employment's (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Tuloy Pasada program.
According to Philippines News Agency, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Bicol Regional Director Joel Defeo stated that the program's implementation is ongoing across the region's provinces. "We are currently implementing the program in Camarines Norte, with 144 participants. Camarines Sur is already in its third batch, while Sorsogon and Albay are in their second batches," he mentioned.
Defeo highlighted that payouts for the first batch had been made, including in Albay, while preparations are underway for the launch of the province's second batch. The agency is carefully overseeing the implementation, particularly because the program involves monitoring drivers' activities and compliance.
Defeo explained that monitoring stations were set up along designated routes to ensure beneficiaries comply with the program's attendance requirements. Participants are also issued identification cards as part of the monitoring mechanism. However, he noted that not everyone was able to complete the program for reasons unknown.
Defeo emphasized the need for government assistance to reach qualified beneficiaries and be matched by the services required under the program. He pointed out that the 2,000 slots are limited compared with the estimated 6,000 PUJ drivers in the region. "With the limited slots, we are asking for more from the national government and from DOLE," he added.
Meanwhile, Defeo called for more gasoline stations to participate in the government's fuel discount program for public utility vehicles (PUVs), particularly in island provinces. He noted that some provinces, such as Masbate and Catanduanes, have relatively few participating gas stations, leaving some transportation routes without access to the discount.
The government increased the fuel discount for qualified PUV drivers and operators from PHP10 to PHP12 per liter effective August 15. The program covers traditional and modern jeepneys and UV Express units with valid franchises, allowing eligible vehicles to receive the discount for up to 150 liters per week at participating, accredited gasoline stations.
Bicol currently has 125 participating gasoline stations: 35 in Albay, 14 in Camarines Norte, 42 in Camarines Sur, 18 in Catanduanes, four in Masbate, and 12 in Sorsogon. The fuel discount program is being implemented through a partnership between the Department of Transportation and the Department of Energy, with the LTFRB overseeing its implementation.
