MANILA, Philippines - Petron Corp., the country’s largest oil refiner, has launched its yearly Petron Lakbay Alalay program ahead of the long holiday in commemoration of Holy Week.
The program, now on its 23rd year, provides free roadside assistance to motorists inside the major tollways.
During the Holy Week, the Petron Lakbay Alalay team will be on hand at the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Star Tollway and Coastal Road.
Free minor car repairs, first aid, emergency phone calls, radiator water and bottled water will be available through Petron Lakbay Alalay on April 8 and 9 (Holy Wednesday and Maundy Thursday) and then on April 11 and 12 (Black Saturday and Easter Sunday). Radio traffic reports courtesy of Petron will also keep motorists informed about driving conditions.
This year, Petron will stage its largest Lakbay Alalay, with 88 Petron stations nationwide participating in the program.
For the first time, Petron expanded the Lakbay Alalay beyond Luzon, with 13 stations in the Visayas and 10 stations in Mindanao adding to the complement of 40 Metro Manila stations, 15 Northern Luzon stations and 10 South Luzon stations offering free service check-ups.
Starting March 1, participating Petron stations offered free service checks on tire pressure, oil and radiator water level, and brakes inspection.
Motorists were encouraged to avail of the free service checks to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy for worry-free travel.
As the country’s leading oil company, Petron has also partnered with the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) to support its Ligtas-Lakbay, Tuloy ang Buhay, a road safety awareness advocacy designed to make travelers more safety-conscious.
Petron Lakbay Alalay has become an annual practice for Petron employees during the Lenten break and is the longest-running motorist assistance program in the country.
Employee-volunteers of the oil company have participated in the activity for 23 years now as a form of “Volunteerism in Action”.
This pioneering motorist assistance program has inspired similar activities, and is now being replicated by leading automotive and oil companies, as well as government agencies.