PNR extends free rides to senior citizens during last fiesta

By Ana Liza Macatangay

AS a manifestation of solidarity and gesture of support to all the pilgrims and devotees of Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) is offered complimentary rides to all Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) who joined the Peñafrancia celebration.

This was confirmed by PNR Public Information Officer (PIO) Dathan Dario in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)- Camarines Sur.

This heartwarming expression of goodwill greatly provided ease of travel and will lessened the transportation expenses of elderlies and people with special needs who wish to watch the fluvial procession and hear the mass as the Peñafrancia feast culminates on Sunday, Sept. 17.

“Ilang buwan pa lamang ang paparating ay naghanda na po kami sa PNR sa bugso po ng mga pasahero. Para po sa kanilang kaligtasan, naglatag po agad-agad kami ng mga kawani sa kahabaan ng linya upang masiguro ang status ng tracks,” PNR General Manager Jeremy S. Regino stated.

Regino said the directive came from Department of Transportation -Philippines (DOTr) Secretary Jaime J. Bautista to ensure safety of the passengers and as act of goodwill to the devotees of the Patroness of Bicolandia.

The free ride started the day of the Flvuial procession, Sept. 16, Saturday and extended until Sunday, Sept. 17, the Feast Day of Our Lady of Peñfrancia.

Dario said that a month prior to the festivity, PNR personnel already conducted careful planning to ensure the safety and comfort of the passengers.

The PNR management has also strengthen security measures and assigned standby medics in anticipation of the influx of commuters.

PNR implements enhanced security measures at the Naga City's PNR Station to ensure safety of commuters especially devotees and pilgrims arriving for the Fluvial Procession and Peñafrancia Festival. Photo credits : PNR, DDario