Trained MERs to be deployed for emergencies

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and motorcycle taxi ride-hailing services Angkas and JoyRide PH signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) providing trained Motorcycle Emergency Responders (MERs) in the fulfillment of the agency’s mandate on public safety during emergency response.

The MOU was signed by MMDA Acting Chairman Engr. Carlo Dimayuga III, JoyRide PH Vice President Jerico Meneses, and Angkas Chief Executive Officer (CEO) George Royeca at the MMDA headquarters in Makati City and was witnessed by Philip Du, Chief Administrative Officer of the Department of Health-National Capital Region (DOH-NCR).

Dimayuga said the agency collaborated with the two firms to further strengthen its capacity and augment its resources in situations needing an emergency response, such as road traffic accidents within the metropolis.

“Even though they are competitors, Angkas and Joyride have extended their services by providing MERs at no cost to the MMDA as part of their corporate social responsibility,” Dimayuga said.

MERs are equipped with first-aid kits and other equipment and supplies which are commonly needed for medical emergencies. They will only respond to road traffic accidents/incidents on the seven major thoroughfares of Metro Manila, such as EDSA, C5, Commonwealth, Roxas Boulevard, Quezon Avenue, Osmeña Highway, and Marcos Highway.

Royeca, for his part, said that this partnership is a testament that competition does not exist among bike-hailing firms.

“This is to show that we in the motorcycle industry are people of public service,” Royeca said.

Meneses also expressed his deepest gratitude to the MMDA for accepting their offer to be its partner as first responders.

Both Angkas and JoyRide shall provide 25 riders each. They will undergo necessary training to be conducted by MMDA’s Public Safety Division and Road Emergency Group in coordination with the Philippine Red Cross and DOH.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Edd Reyes