The Philippine government, under the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has launched the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Tuloy Pasada Program to help Filipinos whose livelihoods are  impacted by the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

During a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Press Officer Claire Castro said the initiative is intended to help ease the financial strain on drivers and other transport workers.

The program is a joint effort between the Department of Labor and Employment, led by Bienvenido Laguesma, and the Department of Transportation, headed by Giovanni Lopez.

The initial rollout of the program benefited 134 public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers, who received a cash benefit equivalent to minimum wage for 20 days.

The first batch of beneficiaries included drivers operating along routes such as Anonas/Aurora-Lagro, Fairview Dahlia-Cubao Arayat, Fairview Wet Market-Cubao New York, and Lagro-SM North EDSA.

“Ngayong araw, aabot sa 400 beneficiaries mula sa General Luna at Dapa sa Surigao ang mabibigyan ng sampung araw na minimum wage sa March 24 hanggang April 7,” Castro said.

“Sa likod ng mga pagsubok dulot ng kaguluhan sa ibayong dagat walang patid ang Pangulo sa pagbibigay ng tulong sa ating mga kababayan,” Castro said.

-Paraluman News