Corazon B. Salvador
LRT-1 private operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) is going the extra mile as it extends efforts in fostering a safe environment not just for LRT-1 employees and passengers, but also for the communities that LRT-1 serves. LRMC recently sealed a Memorandum of Understanding with various educational institutions in Pasay City as the launch partners for its safety education program, dubbed as “KaligtaSakay.”
LRMC is piloting a 1-year partnership with Marcela Marcelo Elementary School (MMES), Philippine National School for the Blind (PNSB), and Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD) for the implementation of a safety education program composed of modules on health and safety training, emergency preparedness, hazards mapping, and commuter etiquette.
The partnership was recently sealed and was led by LRMC Head of Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) Department Dr. Louernie F. De Sales; MMES Principal IV Reynaldo L. Yakit; PSD Officer-in-Charge Principal Shery P. Funcion; PNSB Special School Principal I Corazon B. Salvador; and Pasay City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Supervising Administrative Officer Ronald Rae Salvador.
LRMC HSEQ Head Dr. Louernie F. De Sales shares, “Safety is a way of life and a fundamental value in LRMC. This is the mindset across the organization that we would like to share with our partner communities and schools. We aim to share our best-in-class safety programs being implemented at our LRT-1 depot and stations to deepen our understanding of each other’s needs in addressing safety concerns, as well as create an inclusive and supportive environment inside and outside the classrooms. By instilling safety early on, we are equipping our future generations with the right discipline.”
“Disaster preparedness is a team effort according to Eric Whitaker; the reason why MMES has teamed up with the LRMC to work together for a better implementation of Disaster Risk Reduction Management programs of the school,” says MMES Principal IV Reynaldo L. Yakit.
PSD Officer-in-Charge Principal Shery P. Funcion shares, “The entire Philippine School for the Deaf family is very delighted to have this partnership with LRMC. This engagement strengthens our advocacy on inclusive community. This is a great opportunity to ensure that equal provisions in terms of social services are provided to our Deaf community especially making a comprehensive safe leaning environment for our dear learners.”
“Through the initiative of the Light Rail Manila Corporation, inclusivity is being felt with this kind of partnership, and undertaking the safety of our learners who are visually impaired will be ensured. Thank you for being a part of this exemplary service. Mabuhay LRMC!,” says PNSB Special School Principal I Corazon B. Salvador.
This project is a testament to LRMC’s initiative of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable anchored on United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 which offers opportunities for all to contribute to the betterment of the society. It also aims to support the Department of Education (DepEd)’s Adopt-a-School Program, wherein private entities provide assistance and services to different public schools. LRMC looks forward to the successful roll-out of the ”KaligtaSakay” program to more schools and cities.