The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and motorcycle taxi ride-hailing services Angkas and JoyRide PH on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding providing trained motorcycle emergency responders (MERs).

The MOU was signed by MMDA acting chair Carlo Dimayuga III, JoyRide PH Vice President Jerico Meneses, and Angkas Chief Executive Officer George Royeca at the MMDA headquarters in Makati City.

Dimayuga said the agency collaborated with the two firms to augment its resources during situations needing an emergency response, such as road traffic accidents, within the metropolis.

“Even though they are competitors, Angkas and JoyRide have extended their services by providing MERs at no cost to the MMDA as part of their corporate social responsibility,” he said.

Both Angkas and JoyRide will provide 25 riders each who will undergo training to be conducted by the MMDA’s Public Safety Division and Road Emergency Group, in coordination with the Philippine Red Cross and the Department of Health.

MERs are equipped with first-aid kits and other equipment and supplies that are commonly needed for medical emergencies. They will only respond to road traffic accidents/incidents on the seven major thoroughfares of Metro Manila – Edsa, C5, Commonwealth, Roxas Boulevard, Quezon Avenue, Osmeña Highway, and Marcos Highway.

Royeca said this partnership is a testament that competition does not exist among bike-hailing firms.

“This is to show that we in the motorcycle industry are people of public service,” he said.

Meneses also thanked the MMDA for accepting their offer to be its partner as first responders. (PNA)