By Roy Tomandao
Metro Pacific Tollways South (MPT South), a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the infrastructure arm of Metro Pacific Investment Corporation (MPIC), joined forces with Cignal TV, TV5, and other MVP Group of Companies in kindling the annual “Tuloy Pa Rin Ang Pasko” Movement with its mission of spreading love and joy among fellow Filipinos this holiday season despite life’s challenges.
The drivers of the national symbol, the Jeepney, are one of the most severely affected by the ravages brought by the current pandemic. Up until now, few were still left without a livelihood.
This year, MPT South has chosen the members of Paliparan-Baclaran Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association (PABODA), who traverse Dasmarinas, Cavite to Paranaque, Metro Manila via Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), as the beneficiaries of these CSR activities.
MPT South on Friday, December 10, through the combined efforts of the parties, provided 50 pieces of Noche Buena packs among 50 PABODA jeepney drivers and operators. Each package contains Noche Buena staples such as spaghetti, cheese, and fruit cocktail, as well as canned goods.
“Noche Buena has been a symbol of hope and joy of the Filipino family during Christmas eve. With these small Christmas packages, we hope that the families of PABODA members get to enjoy the festive holiday season and imbibe the spirit of togetherness despite being affected by the year-long pandemic,” said Arlette V. Capistrano, MPT South Spokesperson and AVP for Communication and Stakeholder Management.
Last year, MPT South conducted ‘Drayberks’ road safety program, a social advocacy of the toll road company to promote road safety along its expressways, among PABODA drivers and operators to show the companies’ support for the resumption of the Jeepney operations.
Tuloy Pa Rin Ang Pasko movement, roused by the Bayanihan spirit, aims to reach out to communities affected by the pandemic and other calamities by providing Noche Buena goods and other essential items for a joyful Christmas.
It was initiated by the MVP group of companies and foundations under the leadership of its chairman, Mr. Manuel V. Pangilinan.
MPTC is the biggest tollway builder and operator in the Philippines. Aside from CAVITEX, MPTC also holds concession rights for CAVITEX C5 Link, Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), the Subic-Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), the NLEX Connector Road, and the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) in Cebu.
