Angkas has been busy despite not being able to deploy their riders during the quarantine period. Led by their Chief Transport Advocate George Royeca, they paid a courtesy call to Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano to formalize their donation of protective shields and commitment to deploy free rides for the city’s Health Care Workers (HCW) during the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ).
Mayor Rubiano received the donation from Royeca on Friday afternoon at the Pasay City hall. Also present at the turnover ceremony was Pasay City Administrator Atty. Dennis Acorda, OIC for Tricycle and Pedicab Licensing Ace Sevilla, and OIC for Traffic & Parking Arturo Fortaleza.
Aside from the free rides and shields and upon the request of Mayor Rubiano, Angkas will also deploy its bikers as contact tracers, beefing up the city’s COVID-19 efforts.
Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano with Angkas Chief Transport George Royeca during the turnover ceremony at the Pasay City Hall | Photo by Angkas Press
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa Angkas headed by George Royeca,” Mayor Rubiano said during the turnover. “Talagang napakalaking tulong po nito lalo na sa aming frontliners na nagseserbisyo para sa minamahal nating taga-Pasay. Syempre nahirapan tayo sa transportation at isa itong sagot para makapasok ang mga empleyado at maibigay nila ang tamang paglilingkod sa ating mga mamamayan.“
In response, Royeca said “It is an honor to serve our medical frontliners in the city of Pasay which holds a strategic location in the NCR. These HCWs work in hospitals that are near the bus terminals and airports which many Filipinos use to journey to other places in the capital, if not the country. Angkas bikers will be making it easier for them to go to work, while our shields will add an extra level of protection for HCWs who own and use their own bikes.”
The Pasay City LGU has been active in implementing measures that can contain the coronavirus spread, such as testing and the strict implementation of minimum health protocols on the barangay levels. As of August, more than 40 of its 210 barangays have been declared COVID-free.
Mayor Rubiano also sought Royeca’s help to deploy bikers to beef up the city’s contact tracers. “To help in our country’s efforts with contact tracing, certain Angkas bikers will also be trained and deployed to help in this aspect,” Royeca adds.
Angkas’ partnership with Pasay City for health care workers is the latest in its series of partnerships with national agencies and local government units. Angkas has also established similar ties with Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, providing their HCWs with free rides and shields.
Last week, Angkas launched its collaboration with the National Task Force against COVID, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). They provided 1000 shields and arranged for 1000 bikers for medical frontliners.
Royeca again emphasized Angkas’ commitment to safety, and this time, for the frontliners who have been serving their countrymen during the pandemic. “Nagagalak kaming makipag-partner sa ating mga LGU at mga kababayan. Ito ay para sa kapakapanan ng ating mga HCW who risk their safety upang maging ligtas tayo.”