GE, PNR team up to bring smiles to railroad children

MANILA, Philippines -  GE Volunteers in partnership with Philippine National Railways (PNR) staged its “Kids on Tracks” program to promote health and safety, and to reinforce good values among children residing near the railroad tracks in the 4th District of Manila.

More than 50 GE volunteers spent time with around 77 children, ages 5 to 12, at PNR’s main train station in Tutuban, Manila for a half-day session of learning and activities. The children were treated to a special puppet presentation delivering key messages on railroad safety, consequences of railroad track theft, and the importance of cleanliness and preservation of the environment. 

GE Volunteers country leader Martin Crisostomo, together with PNR general manager Joseph Allan Dilay also led the children on a tour around the station, which showcases several memorabilia on display and historical photographs about the country’s railway heritage.

“Rehabilitating the railroad system in a country does not only entail solving the infrastructure challenges of the railroad tracks and locomotives,” explained Crisostomo. “In the situation of the Philippines, it is just as important to address the psychosocial concerns of the poor communities located near the railroad tracks to ensure long-term progress.”

He added, “I believe that children are the best messengers as they are full of hope and they are the most adaptable to change.”

Aside from being treated to games, magic acts and puppet shows, the children were also taught about personal hygiene and physical health.

“We are very glad to partner with GE Volunteers in this educational activity,” said Dilay. “It’s the first time we held such an activity for the children living along PNR’s tracks. Through this initiative, we hope that more people will become aware about the perils of living near the railroad. This is the message we want to emphasize and we thank GE Volunteers for helping us to promote this public awareness.”

The event was made possible through the assistance of the Manila Social Welfare office.

In 2014, GE Transportation marked a milestone deal with PNR as it upgraded 3 of its 26 diesel engine locomotives since its acquisition in 1992.

Annually, GE coordinates volunteer efforts company-wide by keeping a close eye on social needs and inviting all employees to build stronger communities where they live and work. In 2014, GE Volunteers in the Philippines recorded a total of 5,018 service hours. This year, the team recently marked another milestone by granting $25,000 to nature conservation group Haribon Foundation to help rehabilitate Philippine forests.