TRB, MPCALA Gathers Toll Road Operators for 2024 GAD Caravan

March 26, 2024

2–3 minutes

The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), in collaboration with MPCALA Holdings Inc., a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), convened the various toll road operators and concessionaires for the 8th Tollway Industry’s Advocacy Caravan, focusing on Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in celebration of National Women’s Month.

This year’s event, themed “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!”, was hosted by MPCALA which took place at the Bayleaf Hotel Cavite on Friday, March 22, 2024. The gathering brought together 250 employees from various sectors, including contingents from Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), along with representatives from toll road companies under the San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and the Villar Group (MCX); as well as teams from the TRB and government partners Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), its operating arm PEA Tollway Corporation (PEATC), and Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

The event aimed to highlight and honor outstanding women who have broken barriers and excelled in roles traditionally dominated by men. It recognized and honored the contributions of women in male dominated roles Ms. Rebecca Dimasacat (Security Operations) and Ms. Anna Marie Eroy (Patrolwoman), as well as Ms. Karla Carizza Orozco from (Security Operations) MPT South; Ms. Meldvwyn Maike Lacson and Ms. Margarita Miranda (Patrolwomen) from NLEX Corporation; Ms. Reizl Vee Marfil (Patrolwoman) from PEA Tollway Corp (PEATC); Ms. Mary Rose Abragar (Patrolwoman) from Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX); Ms. Claire Gutierrez (Patrolwoman) from Skyway.

Additionally, guest speaker Ms. Xaxa Manalo-Gochangco, a pilot of the nation’s flag carrier, turned CEO of an aviation training center, shared her insights, and provided inspiration for women navigating male-dominated fields.

“As we celebrate National Women’s Month, let us not only acknowledge the achievements of women within our organizations but also those across various industries and sectors. Together, let us continue to champion gender equality, create opportunities for women to thrive, and build a more inclusive and equitable society for all,” remarked Mr. Raul L. Ignacio, President and General Manager of MPCALA Holdings Inc.

“We extend our gratitude to MPCALA Holdings Inc. for graciously hosting the 8th Tollway Industry’s Advocacy Caravan this year. The event provided an invaluable opportunity for all participants to share and gain insights into their personal definitions of women empowerment and gender equality. Our hope is that the spirit of this event resonates not only within these walls but also across broader communities as we celebrate National Women’s Month,” stated Atty. Alvin Carullo, Executive Director of Toll Regulatory Board.
In addition to inspiring speeches from the guest speaker, Ms. Xaxa Manalo-Gochangco, participants from different toll roads showcased their talents in special entertaining production numbers.

MPCALA also provided the guests with a drive-thru tour of its Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), highlighting the company’s efforts in technological advancement and environmental sustainability.

The advocacy caravan provided an opportunity for representatives from the TRB, tollway operators, concessionaires, and local government to network and collaborate. It encouraged the formation of partnerships and cooperation to promote initiatives for Gender Equality and Women Empowerment within both the tollway industry and the wider community.

#Edjun Mariposque