Press Release
March 20, 2008

GORDON DEPLOYS PNRC FOR LENTEN LAKBAY-ALALAY 2008

Philippine National Red Cross chairman Senator Richard Gordon has mobilized PNRC staff and volunteers for Lakbay-Alalay 2008, a motorist assistance program in service to the public for the annual Holy Week exodus to and from the provinces.

Starting Holy Wednesday (March 19) till Easter Sunday (March 23), as large numbers of motorists troop to and from Metro Manila to the provinces, PNRC staff and volunteers and partner organizations will offer emergency services to motorists and passengers during their Holy Week journeys.

From the inception of the Lakbay Alalay program 22 years ago under the leadership of Petron Corporation, and Chevron Ka Road-Trip Ka, the PNRC has provided ambulances and emergency medical crews in case of roadside accidents and other incidents that would require swift, timely and potentially life-saving medical attention.

Motorists may avail of free safety checks on their vehicle at participating Petron stations. The safety checks that include tire pressure, oil and radiator water level, and brakes inspection. Such safety checks help make sure that vehicles are in tip-top condition to handle the stresses of long travel.

The PNRC, Petron, Chevron and other partners will deploy emergency and safety personnel, medical services and car repair services in stations and base camps along major toll roads, including the North Luzon Expressway or NLEX, South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), and the Star Tollway.

Lakbay-Alalay will have two stations and two base camps along the NLEX; one station and two base camps at the SLEX and two stations at the Star Tollway.

The services also include free minor car repair services; vehicle towing services (from light vehicles to SUVs); first aid treatment and ambulances; emergency phone calls; radiator water; bottled drinking water and even clean restrooms. Radio traffic reports courtesy of Petron will keep motorist updated on the latest road conditions.

Having been a former Tourism Secretary, PNRC Chairman Gordon is fully aware that long trips are made less stressful, safer and worry-free for travelers thanks to programs like Lakbay-Alalay.

"Medical crews that provide first aid treatment and medical transport via ambulances can spell the difference between life and death for motorists and passengers during their long treks to the provinces and their return trip. The large volume of vehicles, motorists and passengers on the road during Holy Week make it even more crucial to have a program like Lakbay-Alalay. The Philippine National Red Cross has always been supportive of Lakbay-Alalay and similar programs as part of fulfilling its humanitarian mission," said Gordon.

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