A total of 51,202 female passengers were given free rides aboard the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) and the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) on Tuesday in celebration of National Women’s Day.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the MRT-3 recorded a total of 38,445 free rides given—with 18,209 given from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 20,236 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“Ang libreng sakay ng MRT-3 para sa mga kababaihan ay bilang pagkilala at pasasalamat ng pamunuan ng linya sa natatanging kontribusyon ng mga ito sa lipunan (The MRT-3’s free ride for women gives recognition and gratitude from the rail service’s management to the unique contribution of women in society),” the MRT-3 said.

Meanwhile, the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA)—the operator and maintenance provider of the LRT-2—recorded a total of 12,757 free rides given to women during the same day.

Aside from giving free rides, the LRTA also offered free blood typing tests, blood pressure checking, and random blood sugar tests at the LRT-2 Recto and Araneta Center – Cubao stations.

“These activities aim to honor and recognize the indispensable role of women in our society as well as reaffirm DOTr and LRTA’s commitment to gender equality and women empowerment,” LRTA Administrator Jeremy Regino said in a Facebook post.

Under RA 6949, every March 8 of the year has been declared as a working special holiday to be known as National Women’s Day which was signed on April 10, 1990. The law further enjoins employees from the government and private sector to participate in activities conducted by the different offices. (PNA)

(Photo credits to: UNTV News)