14 November 2019, MANILA, Philippines — With the aim of increasing passenger delight through positive customer satisfaction and feedback, LRT line 1 private operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) partnered with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to conduct a series of gender sensitivity trainings for the security personnel of LRT-1.
LRMC Chief Operating Officer Enrico R. Benipayo said the partnership covers educating security guards in proper handling of commuters, of all genders, so they may enjoy a safe and comfortable ride in LRT-1. “We acknowledge the fact that we have passengers from the LGBTQ community that is why we teamed up with CHR to help us promote respect in human rights and gender sensitivity among our 500,000 passengers every day.”
CHR Atty. Ma. Teresa P. Diola facilitated the training focused on explaining how LRT-1 security personnel should be sensitive and respectful and have no judgment on any passenger’s gender identity. “We gave them simple and practical tips such as greetings and approach that may apply to LGBTQ commuters. If they are equipped with this knowledge, complaints, cases of discrimination and violation of human rights will be minimized or avoided,” she added.
LRMC Head of Security CDR George L. Dominguez PN (Ret) also shared, “We listened to the clamor of our security personnel to be provided with this kind of training and we’re happy with their active response and engagement. Kasi sila mismo they want to give excellent customer service to all passengers.”
According to Diola, “There are only few private companies and organizations that tap CHR for this kind of training. So, we commend LRMC for partnering with our agency which was also appointed as the Gender Ombud.
LRMC targets to complete the series of gender sensitivity trainings for LRT-1 security team before the year ends.
LRMC is a joint venture company of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation’s Metro Pacific Light Rail Corporation (MPLRC), Ayala Corporation’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation (AC Infra), and the Philippine Investment Alliance for Infrastructure’s Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) PTE Ltd. (MIHPL). It assumed operations and maintenance of LRT-1 in September 2015 through a PHP 65-billion 32-year concession agreement with the Department of Transportation and the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA).
