Manong Toda Press Conference and Forum

With the genuine desire to help and look after the welfare of the tricycle drivers in the Philippines, Manong Toda was created.

A press conference and forum were held last November 22 at Max’s Restaurant in Quezon City that launched “Para Kay Manong Toda” where the objectives were presented to the media and guests. 

Conceptualized by Ms. Eva Lisa Adoremos, the primary goal of Manong Toda is to address the needs of our Manong tricycle drivers and with the help of The Madrigal Foundation this worthy advocacy can reach as much as many tricycle drivers nationwide. 

Some people from private sectors as well as representatives of various government agencies are ready to help spread the good news to tricycle drivers. The advocacy for the tricycle drivers in the Philippines will benefit many Filipino families who are marginalized and with various key people pledging assistance, solutions to common and basic problems of our Manong Toda drivers will be readily available.

Two set of panel discussions have transpired which covered topics from environmental issues to health and well-being for our tricycle drivers.

Set of panelists includes:

1. Shariff Ibrahim (An advocate and aspiring public servant. Running for a seat at the senate)

2. Migui Moreno (Actor and Businessman. Aspiring public servant from Quezon City)

3. Mario Batuigas (Aspiring public servant from Bulacan and a former radio broadcaster and now holds an online broadcast)

4. Bong Quiroga (Business Chamber President for Business)

5. Rey Castro (Barangay Captain at Santa Maria, Bulacan, TODA)

6. Usec Rose Bistoyong (Climate Change Council)

7. Eva Lisa Adoremos (Manong Toda)

8. Ms. Therese Madrigal (Madrigal Foundation)

Attendees comprised of key personalities from government sector, private companies and even guests from other countries. Overwhelmed with the huge success of this event, Therese Madrigal pledged that this is just the beginning of this advocacy for tricycle drivers and will soon tour the country to bring support to tricycle drivers as well as operators on a nationwide level.

The successful media launch and forum for “Para Kay Manong Toda” was moderated by PTV anchorwoman Emelie Katigbak and Manila Times business writer Engr, Grace Bondad Nicolas.

The “Para Kay Manong Toda” advocates the very basic needs of our Manong tricycle drivers. Considering that these modern-day heroes are vulnerable to various hazards that include exposure to pollution and environmental hazards, one of the objectives of Manong Toda is to address the working and health conditions of the tricycle drivers. 

Under this advocacy, the importance of medical assistance in a form of health insurance and other medical services will be readily made available to Manong Toda members.

The Madrigal Foundation believes that through information dissemination the plight of tricycle drivers in the Philippines will have a voice thus providing them a perfect channel where their needs and pleas will be heard.

Photo Op with Ms. Therese Madrigal (Madrigal Foundation) and Migui Moreno 

Manong Toda together with Madrigal Foundation and through the collective efforts of concern parties will help ensure the well-being of our tricycle drivers providing them access to various programs that aim to solve issues that concern them.

For more information on Manong Toda you may call these numbers: 09778978877/022193503

It was such an honor to be part of this event as one of the guests from the media.

Being a commuter who often ride tricycles for many years, I already seen and heard the concerns of our fellow Manong tricycle drivers firsthand.

Manong Toda is a unique advocacy that targets the concerns of tricycle drivers in the Philippines. 

Kudos to Madrigal Foundation and to Ms. Adoremos who conceptualized this advocacy campaign.

NOTICE: No part of this article should be copied, altered or used in anyway without consent from the author. All content, photos and video are credited to the author, Macy Santos.