Manila, Aug. 20 -- At least 2,000 public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers in the Bicol Region have benefited from the Department of Labor and Employment's (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Tuloy Pasada program.

In an interview Thursday, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Bicol Regional Director Joel Defeo said the implementation is ongoing across the region's provinces.

"We are currently implementing the program in Camarines Norte, with 144 participants. Camarines Sur is already in its third batch, while Sorsogon and Albay are in their second batches," he said.

Defeo said payouts for the first batch had been made, including in Albay, while preparations are underway for ...