By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet

Families are widely regarded as the basic unit of society, yet they are indispensable in carrying forward the traditions, beliefs, norms, and best practices of culture across generations.

Such is best exemplified by Filipino families, who greatly value close ties that extend beyond their lineage. Factually, they even treat contemporaries as if they were a family member too.

This aspect of Filipino culture is among those that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ought to keep alive for future generations, as he was joined by the First Lady and their children in the launch of the Pamilya Pass 1+3 Promo along the country’s major rail lines this Sunday, June 1.

“Ang kultura ng Pilipino, pag Linggo, para sa pamilya ‘yan—para sa mga mahal sa buhay para mabigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang ating mga kababayan na maramdaman naman nila ang Linggo,” President Marcos said.

“Kasi alam naman natin na napakahirap ng oras ng mga komyuter. Madalas nating marinig wala na kaming oras sa pamilya. Kaya bigyan natin ng chance para makasama ang inyong pamilya sa pamamagitan nitong Pamilya Pass 1+3 Promo,” he added.

The Chief Executive also emphasized that this initiative, made possible in collaboration with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), aims to provide an opportunity for families to have more quality time while spending less on public transportation fares.

He also cited the Pamilya Pass 1+3 Promo as a showcase of the government’s commitment towards making public transport accessible and affordable to more Filipinos.

Under the promo, all major rail lines including MRT-3 and LRT lines 1 and 2 offer free rides for up to three family members with one paying family member every Sunday beginning June 1. The promo will last until the last Sunday of 2028.

Family members, including parents and children, grandparents, grandchildren and siblings, as well as uncles and aunts or guardians with dependents, can also avail of the promo.

EDSA rebuild program on hold

Meanwhile, at the sidelines of the Pamilya Pass 1+3 Promo launch, President Marcos has put the brakes on the upcoming commencement of the EDSA Rebuild program on June 13, which was intended to rehabilitate the aging thoroughfare that cuts through the heart of Metro Manila.

The Chief Executive has ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and other concerned agencies to conduct further studies that would help in expediting the construction works to minimize the inconvenience caused by said road rehabilitation initiative to Filipinos.

He has tasked the agencies to make use of modern technology in revamping the 23-kilometer highway that links several cities in the National Capital Region, citing six months as the target timeframe for the whole project from start to finish.

“Mayroon tayong nakitang mga teknolohiya na hindi natin nagamit sa pagplano sa EDSA rehabilitation. Kaya ang instruction ko kay Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon at Public Works and Highways Secretary Manny Bonoan, pause muna sa rehabilitation. ‘Wag n’yo na muna gagawin,” President Marcos said.

Such pronouncement was made by the President on account of the Filipinos’ sentiment regarding the major roadworks on the country’s busiest thoroughfare, which can affect motorists and commuters alike.

Instead, President Marcos cited a “whole of government approach” as the solution to move forward with the EDSA rebuild program. 

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