Continuing their mission to support sustainable livelihood and improve the lives of their host communities, GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co. (GNPD) and GNPower Mariveles Energy Center Ltd. Co. (GMEC) gave 70 members of the Barangay Alas-Asin Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA) reflective stickers, defensive driving training, and gasoline fuel assistance in an event held at the Barangay Alas-Asin Covered Court on August 8.
With the support of Barangay Captain Florante Malimban, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program called TODA MAX aimed to equip tricycle drivers with proper visibility stickers, improve defensive driving skills, and promote responsible road behavior.
The project, which costs around P200,000, began with GMEC-GNPD employees seeing tricycles struggling to operate at night without proper reflectors. This situation has been considered a real road hazard that endangers not only the drivers themselves but also their passengers and fellow road users.
With this rationale, the company gave the TODA members reflective stickers in red, white, and yellow.
In his message, GNPD Plant Manager Anton Besaris expressed his appreciation to the attendees for taking time amidst their busy schedules to be there, because “being here meant you’re not working or earning.” He then reiterated the importance of road visibility, especially during the evening.
“We noticed a lot of tricycles operate during the night with poor lighting. It gave us the idea to donate these reflective stickers for you to use,” Besaris said. These stickers are intended to increase the tricycles’ visibility during low-light or nighttime settings and adverse weather conditions.
Another highlight of the program was Defensive Driving Training conducted by Safety Inspectors Edgardo Cruz of GNPD and John Zint Cruz of GMEC.
The seminar focused on reducing driving risk, vehicle maintenance and care, and having accident-free roads in Mariveles. It ensured that the drivers received not only the essential equipment but learned the proper road mindset as well.
Malimban extended gratitude to GMEC-GNPD, saying that the company has already done a lot for Mariveles, specifically Barangay Alas-Asin, and they will forever be thankful for these kinds of initiatives.
Malimban also challenged the TODA members. “Huwag nating ipag-walang bahala ang pagkakataon na mas matuto. Huwag nating sayangin ang mga pagpapalang ito. Ito ay para rin sa ating kaligtasan at sa kaligtasan ng ating mga kalsada,” he said.
GMEC-GNPD AVP for Community Relations Arcel Madrid further said, “Bilang mga taga-Alas-Asin, iisa lamang po ang kalsada na dinadaanan natin. Hangarin po ng aming kumpanya na maging safe ang ating mga TODA drivers, at nang sa gayon maging safe din po ang aming mga empleyado at ang ating mga pamilya,” said Madrid. “Maging maingat po tayo sa pamamasada, nang sa gayon ay makauwi tayo nang ligtas sa ating mga pamilya pagkatapos.”
As a token of appreciation for their active participation in the training, the company aided each TODA member with a P500 worth of gasoline vouchers, five-kilo rice packs, groceries, and a first aid kit.
“Nagpapasalamat po kami, ang bumubuo ng TODA ng Alas-Asin, dahil sa event na ito maraming natutunan ang aming mga miyembro. Bukod sa natutunan, nagkaroon pa kami ng mga biyaya mula sa GNPD-GMEC. Sana ay hindi po dito matapos ang lahat. Sana po ay magtuluy-tuloy pa ang mga pagpapala sa mga darating na panahon,” TODA president PJ Ramos said.
GNPD and GMEC’s commitment to safety extends beyond the workplace. With the TODA MAX program in place, Barangay Alas-Asin is taking significant strides toward creating safer roads and communities.
