The MVP Group’s Tulong Kapatid and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) formalized the partnership for the deployment of the Love Buses, which will prioritize PWDs, women and senior citizens.
MVP Group chair Manuel V. Pangilinan and DSWD Central Luzon Regional Director Venus F. Rebuldela led the ceremonial signing, joined by Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda and heads of the MVP Group’s corporate social responsibility organizations.
16-bus fleet
The MVP Group will provide eight electric buses, while the DSWD will contribute another eight, bringing the fleet to 16 units.
Of the MVP Group’s eight buses, four will come from the PLDT-Smart Foundation Inc., with support from First Pacific Co. Ltd. and ASA Philippines Foundation.
One Meralco Foundation and Meralco PowerGen Corp. will provide two units, while Metro Pacific Investments Foundation and Maynilad Water Services Inc. will contribute one bus each.
The initiative is being implemented under the DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) Love Bus, which combines accessible public transportation with livelihood opportunities for PWD associations.
Under a profit-sharing model, participating associations will become part-owners and operators of the buses.
Global Electric Transport (GET), the DSWD’s implementing partner, will support the deployment and operation of the electric buses in Pampanga.
The vehicles will be equipped with accessibility features, including ramps and designated spaces for wheelchair users.
Greater access
“My hopes for these buses are both ordinary and meaningful. It is for students to get to school on time, for nurses to make it to their shifts without riding multiple jeepneys and tricycles,” Pangilinan said.
“The hope is for the man in a wheelchair to be able to make it to the hospital for his check-up, even if they are alone,” he added.
The buses are intended to improve access to workplaces, schools, healthcare facilities, government services and other essential destinations.
Rebuldela said the program is also designed to support the long-term economic independence of PWDs through the establishment of PWD-Electric Transportation Services for SLP associations.
Electric transport
“By establishing PWD-Electric Transportation Services (ETS) for SLP Associations from the MVP Group's donation, this initiative does far more than deploy electric vehicles, it promotes the long-term economic self-reliance of Persons with Disabilities,” Rebuldela said.
The fully electric fleet is also intended to provide a cleaner public transportation option in Pampanga.
The MVP Group, DSWD, GET and the Pampanga provincial government will work together on the deployment and operation of the buses following the signing. — Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
