An MRT 3 employee hands over a Balik Eskwela kit to a student on Monday, Aug. 22, the first day of classes for the school year 2022-23. (Photo from the MRT 3 Facebook account)
MANILA, Philippines — The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT 3) distributed “Balik Eskwela” kits to students riding its trains on Monday, the first day of the school year 2022-23.
The kits consisted of face masks, alcohol, tissues, and ballpens, the MRT 3 said in a statement.
“The distribution of Balik-Eskwela Kits to our passengers who are students is just a small way for the MRT 3 management to show its support for our youth on the opening of classes,” the statement said in Filipino.
The kits were given away at 7 a.m. at the stations on North Avenue, Cubao, Shaw, Boulevard, Ayala, and Taft Avenue.
More kits will be distributed until Friday, Aug. 26.
Students will also get a 20% discount on single journey tickets at the MRT 3 stations. They will just have to present a valid student ID or an original copy of their enrollment or registration form.
PCG bus free rides
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also showed support for students by giving them free bus rides on España Boulevard, a major thoroughfare in Manila that goes through the University Belt.
Two buses started the free rides at Quezon City Hall and traveled to España, picking up students along the way whenever the space allowed, the PCG said in a statement.
On reaching the University Belt, the PCG buses then went to Luneta before going back to Quezon City.
The free rides were offered from 6 a.m. until 9 a.m. and resumed from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The PCG commandant, Admiral Artemio Abu, said the program was meant to lessen the expenses of students on the first day of school.
The PCG said the free bus rides were also open to employees going to work.
— LYKA FARILLON (INQUIRER.net TRAINEE)
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