As the number of road accidents continues to rise, energy company Pilipinas Shell recently launched its “BiyaHero” campaign to promote road safety.
During the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines’ Safer Mobility and Logistics Conference and Exhibition, Shell — together with the Automotive Association of the Philippines and the Philippine Global Road Safety Partnership (AAP-PGRSP) and the local government of Mandaluyong City — highlighted the importance of the initiative in making the country’s roads safer for pedestrians and motorists.
Believing that road safety is one of the important agendas in the country, Shell Companies in the Philippines general manager for health, safety, security and environment Oliver Ortega said that the BiyaHero campaign attempts to collaborate with individuals and organizations to send out a stronger message.
“We at Shell believe the first step to achieving road safety is to be aware of responsible driving practices. Road safety starts with all of us, and being aware, alert, and prepared can help save lives,” Ortega said.
The “Be a Hero on the Road“ campaign features several driving and car ownership tips such as proper maintenance of a vehicle as well as advice on how to minimize discomfort while on route to your destination.
“We start with training internally in Shell just to make sure that they (our staff) drive safely and they come back to work safe and complete. We want to advocate that as well to other road users. BiyaHero is also about helping our motorists make sure that their cars are in tip top shape and they are fit for use on the road,” Ortega added.
According to the annual report by the Manila Accident Reporting and Analysis, a total of 116,906 road accidents have been recorded in 2018 – already some 6,000 higher than the previous year.
Cynthia Reyes from AAP-PGRSP said that some motorists have tendencies to violate traffic laws whenever enforcers are not around.
“BiyaHero is taking a more holistic approach to solving the problem by promoting a new kind of safety culture in the Philippines. Through this event, BiyaHero will bring all relevant communities together to envision safer roads throughout the country,” Reyes said.
Since Mandaluyong City is right in the center of Metro Manila, Councilor Charice Marie Abalos-Vargas said that the municipality has to be at the forefront when it comes to road safety.
Mandaluyong serves as BiyaHero’s pilot city for Shell’s road safety efforts. In the coming months, Shell also plans to involve other cities to drive a nationwide campaign on promoting road safety.
As part of the initiative, Shell prepared numerous measures involving various organizations in promoting road safety. Shell service centers have year-long special offers including a free 14-point safety check, as well as free engine insurance and roadside assistance for those who will avail of the Shell Helix oil-change package.
The initiatives in Lipa and Mandaluyong also include a road safety program for kids in a bid to teach the youth on how to be responsible when on the road.
Meanwhile, Shell also partnered with PNP, PNP-HPG, and LTO to disseminate road safety leaflets such as the RA 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
Aside from training their own truck drivers on how to be safe while driving on the road, Shell also teamed up with A1 Driving School in order to teach customers on defensive driving.
“Shell believes that through ‘BiyaHero,’ everyone can come together to share the responsibility of making every road in the Philippines safer,” Ortega pointed out.
