The Metro Pacific-led NLEX Corporation recently donated close to 1,000 boxes of food items and other essentials to jeepney drivers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, communities hit by the recent flooding, and vaccinators in some local government units. This effort is part of NLEX’s commitment to support its stakeholders in both transport and community sectors.
With stricter safety protocols in the National Capital Region and other areas in Luzon, jeepney drivers are once again affected in terms of allowed passenger capacity and number of trips. Host communities also need help as inclement weather conditions in their areas hurt their livelihood.
“We recognize the vital role of our jeepney drivers in providing mobility to our medical frontliners and individuals working amid the pandemic. We likewise acknowledge the efforts of our vaccinators who assist in the country’s vaccination program against the dreaded virus. They all need our assistance including the members of our host communities who have been struck by disasters. It is our commitment in NLEX to continue to support our stakeholders as we all strive to recover from the adverse effects of this crisis,” said J. Luigi L. Bautista, NLEX Corporation President and General Manager.
Around 450 boxes of rice, grocery items, and other essential items such as alcohol and face masks were given to jeepney drivers with routes plying the NLEX open and closed systems in Caloocan City, Bulacan, and Pampanga. These include those traversing Meycauayan-Monumento, Marilao-Monumento, Sta. Maria-Monumento, Malolos, San Fernando, Dau, and Angeles.
Over 150 boxes of food items were also given to 35 communities, benefiting around 1,000 families affected by flooding in Caloocan City, Valenzuela City, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Bataan. Meanwhile, almost 300 boxes of snacks for vaccinators were also distributed to 13 LGUs in Manila, Quezon City, Caloocan City, Malabon City, Navotas City, Bulacan, Pampanga, and Bataan.
“We hope that through these initiatives, we were able to address their immediate needs and help ease their burdens,” Bautista added.
Jun Apuyan of Pasang Masda expressed gratitude for the assistance. “Maraming salamat po sa ibinahaging tulong ng NLEX, sobrang laking bagay po ito para sa aming mga miyembro,” he said.
Earlier this year, the tollway company also joined the cause of community pantries and distributed food donations in barangays covered by its expressway network. NLEX Corp. and the other units of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation have always been at the forefront of reaching out and giving back to communities through various corporate social responsibility programs.