Davao City: Over 400 slots in the TUPAD program are still open for Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) drivers who want to avail of the temporary assistance offered by the government.
TUPAD or Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers is a program providing temporary employment to PUJ drivers whose livelihood was affected due to the preventive measures adopted by the government to slow down the spread of the Covid-19 infection.
According to the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), 419 slots are still available for some routes in Davao City. To avail, drivers may visit TupadforPUJdrivers Duetocovid Facebook account or call PESO at 233-6890 or text 0910 423 0006.
Five routes have already reached their allotted slot limit – Buhangin-Dacudao, El Rio, Ma-a, Route 3 and Tugbok-Mintal-Calinan, Ecoland-SM routes.
TUPAD Spokesperson Norman Baloro said his office is now accepting online submissions through Facebook and Messenger platforms.
“All they have to do is to put details like name, age, date of birth, plate number, route, contact number, beneficiary and relationship to the beneficiary through messenger,” Baloro said.
And to make sure that there is less contact and less paper, Baloro said the applicants are to attach photos through the FB Messenger.
The photo requirements are one 1×1 ID photo (for TUPAD ID); one 2×2 ID photo (for Profile); a photocopy of PUV ID issued by the City Traffic and Transport Management Office (CTTMO) and photocopy of Accident Insurance Receipt thru FB messenger. These will be verified by the CTTMO and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).
PUJ drivers under TUPAD are tasked to do community works – disinfect, sanitize, and clean their assigned areas like terminals, their jeepneys, health centers, barangay halls, and parks. It is also their responsibility to implement social distancing and wearing of masks.
Complaints about PUJ drivers who violate the TUPAD work policy can be reported directly to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTRB), Department of Transport (DOTr), and CTTMO. CIO