Protecting the health and safety of its employees are paramount, and that is why Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the tollways unit of the MVP Group of Companies, will provide COVID-19 vaccines to its 3,814 employees.
The MPTC operates different expressways, such as the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) that covers Balintawak in Caloocan, Valenzuela, Bulacan and Pampanga; the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) in Olongapo, Angeles and Tarlac; the Coastal Road or Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX); Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) and the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX).
The tollway firm and other companies under the MVP conducted a pre-registration for employees and their dependents or household companions who are interested to get vaccinated for protection against the dreaded virus. An internal information campaign which seeks to encourage vaccination has also started.
MPTC Chairman Manuel Pangilinan assured that they have already placed orders for vaccines from a number of foreign suppliers. “These are more than sufficient to cover each and every one of our workforce. Our vaccination policy can be best described as inclusive and embracing as this includes our employees’ immediate families and kasambahays.”
For his part, Rodrigo Franco, President and CEO of MPTC, said that for more than a year now, COVID-19 has been hitting hard on everyone—creating an adverse impact across the country and the world. “Safeguarding the well-being of our people ensures the continuous delivery of services to our motorists. We will cover the cost of vaccine for each employee as it is our responsibility to keep our workforce safe and secure.”
He added that the vaccination, which is expected to commence by the second or third quarter of the year, is also in support to the national vaccination program and will be conducted in compliance with government protocols.
Since the pandemic started, the company did not waver its support to employees. Free COVID-19 testing, telemedicine consultations, health monitoring, and temporary accommodation were provided to ensure a safe workplace. To reduce their outside exposure, alternative work arrangement and door-to-door shuttling were implemented.
Face masks and face shields as well as sanitizers were also handed out with priority to those who need to regularly face motorists such as tellers, patrol crews, customer service personnel, and rescue teams.
These expressways have also been intensifying its COVID-19 prevention measures so both motorists and employees can be assured of their safety. They have carried out stringent disinfection for the toll booths, customer service centers, employee shuttles, construction project sites, and corporate workplaces.
Aside from these efforts, MPTC also continues to educate employees on how to protect themselves and their families. Protective curtains or transparent barriers, signs, and floor markings are installed at the toll booths and customer service centers to remind both employees and motorists of physical distancing guidelines.
“The welfare of our employees and motorists remains to be one of the company’s priorities. With pandemic or not, we are fully committed to keeping everyone healthy and safe,” Franco said.