A TOP official of the Department of Labor and Employment in Central Visayas (DOLE 7) said they are prepared to help drivers of traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJ) who would be affected by the implementation of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project in Cebu City.
DOLE 7 Director Lilia Estillore said they are planning to provide aid to PUJ drivers through the agency’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers or Tupad program, which provides emergency employment for displaced workers and other vulnerable workers.
Since the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic started, Tupad has benefitted over 112,000 individuals in Central Visayas, Estillore added.
In his first State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, July 25, 2022, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said he plans to continue pending rail transport projects such as those set for implementation at the National Capital Region, Cebu, Panay and in Mindanao.
Pending road and transportation systems in key cities would also continue, including through Cebu’s BRT, Davao High Priority Bus System, Ilocos Norte Transportation Hub, and the El Nido Transport Terminal.
Business as usual
Estillore said that even though Marcos did not mention the agency in particular in his Sona, they will continue doing their usual duties, such as offering local and overseas job opportunities in line with the directives of Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma to help uplift the economy and the living conditions of every Filipino.
She added that if the development projects being touted by Marcos in his Sona will finally see implementation, they could become possible job generators.
But aside from providing job opportunities, Estillore added that they will continue with their mandate to implement occupational safety within the workplace.