_{9th Anniversary Message of Assec. Reynaldo I. Berroya}

_{20 July 2009} 

While I was contemplating on what to report in today’s anniversary to this body and to our Honorable Secretary, I was tempted to line up the various accomplishments of the line for the past nine (9) years. While these achievements are worthy, I can not lay claims of participations as I barely introduce my management technique.

The EDSA line has presently a tremendous impact on Metro Manila trip makers and these more than half a million minds can very well make up the core of habit renewal among us Filipinos.

Upon my assumption, I got my first call, my first marching orders from President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, to provide rail services to our midnight workers. I was at first skeptical, as our Maintenance Provider demand at least five (5) hours of window period for the daily maintenance of the trains and the tracks. But I realize that the President wants to assure our people that she is there to provide the basic service, of an efficient, safe and most economic transport service. And why not use the popularity of the MRT3 for this purpose.    I realize that this is the first and the most effective way of changing, of renewing our beliefs in our government. Let our people know that their government is there to extend help, to protect the helpless and help them earn and make a living.

This jumpstarted my interest in pursuing the line of change, let the MRT3 fill in the role as the track of change. Together with my MRT3 employees, we expanded this to cover the health factor of our riders. The GMA kiosk was born. GMA Kiosk stands for “Good health for…MRT3 passengers…AssiStance Kiosk”.  This kiosk shall be installed in all stations and terminals and shall act as help desk, extend first aid, offer healthy tips, extend blood pressure determination, and shall sell health supplements. This would make a healthier and strong Filipino work force. Tama bawal magkasakit pero bigyan natin ang ating uring manggagawa ng tulong para sila ay maging matibay sa pagharap sa kahirapan. Please note that the MRT3 passengers are predominantly wage earner, those whose take home pay is within the range of P 10,000.00 a month.

Palagi natin sinasabing ang mga OFW ang mga bagong bayani ng Pilipinas. If this is true, then all government offices must strive and work together to promote ABROAD our efficient Filipino workers. For the past four (4) years now, the MRT3 is the best source of Filipino workers for the rail operations in Singapore, Dubai and even the United Kingdom. I decided to make this activity as one of my management highlights. Starting next month,   we shall be conducting trainings for train drivers, ticket sellers, station supervisors and customer service handling not only for the employment pool of MRT3, but for employment abroad purposes as well. Let the MRT3 be the track of change, the venue of well trained Filipino rail workers for dispatch to rail systems in the world.

I shall not end my report without mentioning to you our operation achievements. While we are operating at a restrained capacity, in July 2009,   we managed to provide services to 12 Million passengers roughly 4.7 percent increase from July of 2008. However, whatever claim of success if we can not provide services to the most number of passengers, then we are a failure. I shall not allow this to continue. During my term as general manager, however short it may be, I shall strive hard that the capacity expansion, of adding 73 LRVs will be a reality. This will end with exclamation point my stint as the general manager of MRT3.

Again, the centerpiece of my management is ensuring that the EDSA Line as the track of change is achieved.

Thank you.