The Department of Labor and Employment-Davao City (DOLE-Davao City) reported that 100 members of various Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODAs) from different barangays in Davao City have started work under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.
Contract Signing and Work Commencement
On June 1, 2026, the TODA members signed their employment contracts, marking the beginning of 15 days of guaranteed community service. The initiative provides the drivers with an opportunity to directly uplift their own neighborhoods while securing a steady income for their households.
According to DOLE-Davao City, the workers will receive a minimum wage of ₱525 per day. Instead of relying on unpredictable daily earnings from driving motorcycles, they will be deployed to their respective barangays to perform community work such as cleaning drainage systems, clearing public pathways, and revitalizing local public spaces.
Program Background and Beneficiary Screening
TUPAD is a package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed individuals, and seasonal workers for 10 to 30 days, depending on the nature of the work. Earlier, DOLE announced coordination with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to identify qualified beneficiaries under the new program, the TUPAD Tuloy Pasada assistance.
Suzette Jane A. Antiveros, DOLE-Davao's regional employment programs focal person, said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw on Monday, April 20, 2026, at SM City Davao that DOLE would screen drivers for eligibility. Those who do not qualify will be referred to skills training and livelihood assistance programs.
Validation and Wages
Antiveros added that the list of beneficiaries remains under validation as coordination with the LTFRB continues. She clarified that the initiative falls under TUPAD, with beneficiaries working for 15 to 30 days and receiving wages based on the prevailing minimum wage rate.
