CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The provincial government of Pampanga has partnered with the MVP Group of Companies to create livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs) through an electric transportation project aimed at providing both mobility services and income-generating opportunities.
The partnership for the Persons with Disabilities through Electric Transportation Services (PWD-ETS) Project, or “Love Bus,” was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement signed on Sept. 18 by the Provincial Government of Pampanga and the MVP Group.
The project will allow qualified PWDs in the province to serve as local operators of electric transport vehicles, giving beneficiaries a potential source of sustainable livelihood while providing transportation services to communities.
Pampanga Gov. Lilia “Nanay” Pineda thanked MVP Group Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan and participating companies and foundations for supporting the initiative.
Pineda said partnerships such as the Love Bus project are important because they provide PWDs not only with access to services but also with opportunities to earn a livelihood and participate more actively in the local economy.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 3 will assist in organizing Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs) composed of PWD beneficiaries who will participate in the management and operation of the project.
The MOA signing was attended by Pangilinan, Pineda, Nanay Party-list Rep. Florabel Yatco and DSWD Field Office 3 Regional Director Venus Rebuldela.
Representatives of the participating MVP Group companies and foundations also joined the signing, including ASA Philippines Foundation Inc., GET Philippines Inc., One Meralco Foundation Inc., Meralco PowerGen Corp., PLDT-Smart Foundation Inc., Metro Pacific Investments Foundation Inc. and Maynilad Water Services Inc.
The provincial government said the partnership is intended to expand opportunities for PWDs by combining electric mobility, livelihood generation and private-sector support.
Pineda also thanked DSWD and the participating organizations for helping establish the program, which she said supports the goal of providing PWDs with equal opportunities, dignity and sustainable sources of income. (Press Release Pampanga PIO)