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San Miguel Corp. is implementing toll-free access in its expressways for marked government vehicles mobilized for relief and recovery operations in areas affected by Super Typhoon Uwan
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The initiative is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure the unimpeded movement of government responders across Luzon
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SMC said tollway personnel have been deployed across its expressways to assist emergency convoys and ensure their safe and smooth passage
San Miguel Corp. (SMC) is implementing toll-free access in its expressways for marked government vehicles mobilized for relief and recovery operations in areas affected by Super Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-wong).
SMC chairman and CEO Ramon Ang said the company’s toll operations teams are coordinating closely with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) to facilitate implementation of its initiative, which is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure the unimpeded movement of emergency responders across Luzon.
“Our priority is to make sure responders get to affected communities as quickly as possible. We have always worked with government in times of calamity. It’s part of our responsibility to help and to make sure aid reaches those who need it,” Ang said in an emailed statement.
SMC said tollway personnel have been deployed across its expressways to assist emergency convoys and ensure their safe and smooth passage.
SMC Infrastructure operates more than 200 kilometers of expressways in Luzon, including the Skyway System, South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), STAR Tollway, Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway (TPLEX), and NAIA Expressway.
Ahead of Super Typhoon Uwan’s landfall, the company deployed maintenance crews to inspect and clear drainage systems, secure roadside signages and billboards, and preposition quick-response teams and heavy equipment in flood-prone areas to keep expressways passable.
Motorists are advised to observe traffic rules and speed limits at all times, and to exercise extra caution when driving in inclement weather.
SMC also noted that for more than a year during the pandemic, it also waived over P230 million in toll fees for medical frontliners across all its expressways.
READ: SMC waives toll fees on eve of Christmas, New Year
Relatedly, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has also asked airlines to provide free transport of relief goods to areas affected by Super Typhoon Uwan.
Super Typhoon Uwan, which has weakened to a typhoon as of November 10, caused widespread flooding and severe wind damage along its path, particularly in the Bicol Region and northern Luzon regions. Initial reports indicate two casualties and displacing 1.4 million people. It came on the heels of Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) with Cebu and other Visayan provinces the hardest hit.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a nationwide state of calamity that could remain in effect for 12 months.
