The management of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) has disowned a viral signage posted on one of the escalators at the Shaw Boulevard Station that online users perceived as offensive to commuters.
On Sunday, February 8, commuter Jane Guanzon shared a photo on social media of a signage she spotted below an escalator at the station.
“Each step you climb is a gift to your heart, lungs, and muscles,” the sign read.
Guanzon said she felt the MRT management was “gaslighting” commuters, adding that officials should focus on fixing escalators and elevators “instead of making their lives harder instead of easier.”
She also tagged the MRT-3 management’s official Facebook page to air her grievance.
According to the commuter, the signage was seen on the southbound platform of the Shaw Boulevard Station, specifically near the queue for the coach reserved for women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and senior citizens.
Guanzon’s post has garnered around 38,000 reactions, 3,700 shares, and more than 100 comments on Facebook, with several online users expressing similar sentiments.
“Pagod ka [na] nga sa walking eh, ta’s may ganyan ka pang mababasa. Ay nako, magtigil,” a Facebook wrote.
“So very ableist and unsympathetic to the tired Filipino worker, the elderly, and the mobility impaired,” another commented.
“Sobrang burukratiko ng Department of Transportation – Philippines, imbis na ayusin na lang ang escalator, bigla silang nagkaroon ng health campaign,” a different Pinoy said.
“Sampal na naman sa mga kawawang komyuters na gusto lang naman ng safe at efficient na public transpo, lalo na mga senior, buntis, tsaka mga PWDs. Deserve natin ng totoong serbisyo sa tao. Hindi passive-aggressive na excuses,” the Facebook user added.
“Ano kaya itsura ng mga senior na hirap na lumakad. Tapos nakita ‘to. Each step [you] climb [is] a gift to our pocket that should have been use to improve the esculator,” another wrote.
While physical activity is generally beneficial, this may not apply to everyone, particularly commuters with impairments and the elderly who also rely on the MRT. For them, climbing stairs can be more taxing than helpful.
The following day, MRT management released a statement clarifying that it was not responsible for the signage.
“Upon learning about this, we immediately took it down as it does not reflect the official position of the transport agency. On the contrary, the convenience of the commuters is always our paramount concern and priority,” the statement released on Monday, February 9, read.
The management added that there was “no need for such signage,” noting that all escalators at the station were operational.
“It only caused unnecessary confusion. It was the initiative of one of the the station supervisors not sanctioned by MRT-3 management and was poorly communicated that only led to misunderstanding. Again, such signage was unnecessary,” it added.
“We sincerely apologize for this. There was never any intention to invalidate or diminish the commuters’ experiences or concerns. We recognize the importance of listening, especially when issues about accessibility, comfort, and safety of the commuters are raised,” the management said.
It also said that Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez and MRT General Manager Michael Capati “have given stern instructions that any reported malfunction of escalators must be addressed immediately, with repairs prioritized to ensure minimal disruption.”
“The comfort, safety, and trust of the riding public remain our foremost priorities. We remain committed to maintaining our facilities and improving the commuting experience of everyone,” the management added.
The MRT Shaw Boulevard Station is among the MRT stations with elevated platforms. As such, escalators and elevators are essential in easing access for commuters, especially those already fatigued from work.
