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NOT
known to many is a novel and extremely noble project
being silently undertaken by a modest outfit (Creative
Point) to improve driving habits at the North Luzon
Expressway (Nlex).
Although
now on its second year, it is still basically in capsule
form but, hopefully, would soon expand into nationwide
proportions as its module and concept are tailor-fit for
the Filipino driver.
Today,
it targets mainly truck and bus drivers, particularly
those regularly plying the Nlex.
But
that’s getting ahead of the story.
FIRST,
I’d like again to call on Ping de Jesus to take a bow.
He’s been consistently doing a good job at the Nlex that
I have yet to hear a balikbayan utter an unsavory remark
aimed at Ping’s babe of an expressway.
One
thing I like with Ping, the top honcho at the Manila
North Tollways Corp. (MNTC), the entity that built the
world-class Nlex, is he doesn’t stop thinking of what’s
best for the Nlex.
Ping had
diligently supervised the Nlex construction, built to
the tune of billions of pesos, until the final slab of
cement has been put into place.
You
think that was it?
Nope.
Being a true-blue perfectionist, Ping did not stop
there. To him, the work has just begun after the
ceremonial ribbon has been cut to open the Nlex some 36
months back.
PUTTING
into practice the theory of not abandoning the client
once a sale is sealed, Ping continues to make sure that
every Nlex user is satisfied to the hilt.
To Ping,
the already world-class highway just won’t be left to
run on its own. It simply has to be maintained,
sustained and nourished to keep its luster and specter
of superiority intact till eternity.
It is
toward this end that Dante Velasco and Marlene Ochoa,
two intrepid souls, are doing their own bit of gig to
pitch in something in the name, mainly, of safety.
TEAMING
up last year, Dante and Marlene have started creating
waves in the transport sector.
Through
his original Creative Point initiatives, Dante has
linked up with Marlene, the MNTC vice president for
corporate communications, to put up a methodology to
radically transform errant drivers into law-abiding
motorists, soon-to-be-models in safety driving.
The
first time the forum was held last year, Dante and
Marlene saw themselves pleasantly surprised at the
boiling-hot enthusiasm displayed by participants.
‘SEVERAL
bus and truck companies have requested us to conduct
more forums for their drivers, following observations
that those who have attended the workshop-seminars have
changed their driving behavior, from bad to good,” said
Marlene. “This is very encouraging since our goal is to
reach as many groups of drivers and Nlex motorists as
possible.”
With the
huge help of Creative Point, a Makati-based PR
consultant, MNTC came up with a concept and methodology
to make the forum not just a learning experience but
also a wholesome, relaxing and interactive experience
for the participants.
It was a
smash hit. Last year, the innovative project ran away
with the Anvil Award by the Public Relations Society of
the Philippines (PRSP).
OFFICIALLY christened the MNTC Drivers’ Forum on Safety,
it aims to educate drivers, particularly those in the
mass-transport sector, on the significance of obeying
traffic rules and street signs in a bid to make the
country’s road networks safe for the general public.
The
learning process involves an innovative mix of formal
lectures and fun games designed to make the
public-utility drivers more responsive and safety
conscious, as well as to create a healthy competitive
atmosphere among the workshop participants.
“The
response of the participants to the forum was very
inspiring, indeed,” Marlene said.
THE
latest batch of graduates came from the Cox Trucking
Corp., which has a fleet of some 60 delivery trucks that
service large clients such as Nestlé Philippines, San
Miguel Corp. and Del Monte. Its routes cover Central and
Northern Luzon regions.
“Our
drivers are on the road every day and we want to ensure
that they are properly educated on the rudiments of safe
driving,” said Rey Espares, operations chief of Cox
Trucking.
“It
makes a lot of business sense for our company to
increase the awareness of our drivers on road safety
because it saves money, property and lives,” Espares
added.
Those
scheduled next are the Integrated North Harbor Truckers
Association, Kyle’s Hauling Service, Eagle Fortune,
Steel Asia Trucking Co. and Central Luzon White Sand
Truckers Association.
MORE
than 250 drivers, conductors, officials and operatives
of major bus companies like Genesis, Victory Liner,
Partas, Five Star and Fermina Express also attended last
year’s workshops.
Divided
into four segments, the program starts with the “What’s
Wrong With This Picture?” stage where the drivers outwit
one another and harness their experiences to point out
traffic violations as shown in the pictures flashed on a
screen.
Segment
Two entitled “Name That Sign” calls for grouping of the
participants into two teams who must work together in
identifying various road signs.
THE
third segment called “Bakeet?” challenges the
drivers to answer and explain questions like: “Bakit
may load limits para sa mga truck?,” “Bakit
hindi dapat tumigil sa expressway?,” and “Bakit
kailangang mag-observe ng speed limit?”
The
fourth and final stage, called “Usapang Driver,” gives
the participants an opportunity to share their
experiences at the workplace and convey their concerns
to the MNTC officials. This portion underscores the
forum’s main purpose—to educate the drivers on their
role in making the roads safe for everyone.
“After
all, that is what the forum is all about: to commit Nlex
drivers, motorists and travelers in minimizing road
accidents,” said Marlene.
Well
said, Marlene. |
