Iloilo city: The Department of Labor and Employment in Western Visayas (DOLE-6) will expand the implementation of its TUPAD: Tuloy Pasada Program to 21 routes in Iloilo City. This expansion aims to provide support to the transportation sector within the city, enhancing the livelihoods of drivers and passenger assistant officers.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOLE-6 Assistant Regional Director Melisa Navarra highlighted that the Tuloy Pasada program, initially launched under the government's Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT), initially supported 115 beneficiaries along the Tagbak-Buntatala-JM Basa St. route in Iloilo City. In its upcoming second phase, the program will extend its support to 959 beneficiaries across 21 routes. The department has earmarked over PHP10.76 million to cover the wages of these beneficiaries.

This second phase will span 20 days, with participants working six hours daily and earning a daily minimum wage of PHP550. To ensure compliance, TUPAD coordinators will oversee the adherence to the required working hours. The list of beneficiaries was provided by the Land Transposition Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), which specified that those who have previously received benefits under service contracting are not eligible for the Tuloy Pasada program.

Navarra mentioned that the orientation and submission of necessary documents are currently underway. Once this process is complete, the program's implementation will commence. She emphasized that the ongoing energy crisis necessitates a swift transition to the program's next phase, contingent upon the completion of documentation with LTFRB's assistance.