Bicol: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in Bicol have signed a memorandum of agreement to implement the Tuloy Pasada program, providing additional income to public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers. In an interview on Friday, LTFRB Bicol Regional Director Joel Defeo stated that 2,000 slots are available for PUJ drivers in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, the program will give beneficiaries PHP455 per day for 20 days starting next week. 'The target implementation with DOLE, after the orientation of the drivers, is on May 7,' Defeo said. He emphasized that drivers will earn additional income alongside their regular daily earnings.
A total of 4,289 PUJ drivers will also receive PHP5,000 each under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, according to the official. 'Initially, the payout will be from May 6 to 8, and it will be conducted in 12 payout venues across the six provinces in the region,' Defeo said.
Defeo added that 78 units have enrolled in the service contracting program. 'Sectors of senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and students can avail up to a 40-percent discount if they ride in a unit enrolled in service contracting,' he added.
