THE Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), private operator of Light Railway Transit (LRT-1), has reaffirmed its commitment to workplace inclusivity by renewing its partnership with the Manila City government to promote employment of residents, particularly persons with disability (PWDs).
Reporting a milestone for “Project PWD: Promoting Workforce Diversity,” an initiative that empowers persons with special needs in public transit operations, the LMRC said that it forged a memorandum of agreement with Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, Vice Mayor Angela Lei Atienza, and other key city hall officials.
LRMC President and CEO Enrico Benipayo said that since the program’s initial rollout in December 2025, the company has onboarded 15 persons with special needs across various LRT-1 stations as Station Service Aides (SSAs).
“Working alongside frontliners, these individuals assist daily commuters, manage passenger flow, and help ensure a seamless and friendly station experience,” Benipayo said.
With the partnership renewed, more Manila residents with special needs will gain access to dignified livelihoods and skills development, the LRMC chief executive said.
Building on its collaboration with the Manila city government, LRMC is also exploring expansion opportunities with other local government units along the LRT-1 alignment to open more slots and extend the program’s reach to more communities, he said.
LRMC further announced that high-performing SSAs may have pathways toward career advancement, with the company considering qualified SSAs for full-time employment, subject to meeting job requirements and completing LRMC’s standard recruitment process.
“At LRMC, our employees are our greatest asset, and we firmly believe that a diverse workforce enriches our organizational culture and strengthens our service to the riding public,” the LRMC chief stressed.
He emphasized that Project PWD goes far beyond traditional corporate social responsibility.
“It is a concrete step toward building a truly inclusive environment. Our SSAs have proven to be invaluable assets to our daily operations, bringing dedication, warmth, and excellence to our stations every day,” Benipayo said.
