TV5’s NEWS and Information arm sets the standard for innovative public service with its one-of-a-kind Taxi Squad, the biggest community of volunteer taxi drivers in the Philippines who serve as citizen journalists while on the road. The Taxi Squad campaign embodies TV5’s commitment to show journalism beyond news, with its over 1,100 members serving as News5’s extra eyes, ears and informers on various newsworthy events such as the traffic condition, areas affected by calamities and other emergencies (eg. flood, fires), crime situations (eg. robberies, murders), among others.
News5 organized a workshop for Taxi Squad members at the Tanghalang Pasigueño, Pasig City Hall Complex, aimed at renewing their commitment to their roles as honest, service-and-action-oriented and law-abiding motorists.
The “Nasa Tama” workshop included in-depth discussions led by notable speakers on key topics like Road Rules (by Police Senior Superintendent Col. Edwin Butacan), Financial Empowerment (by Vic Garcia—President & CEO, Unleash International) and Health & Wellness (by Edinell Calvario—Host of Healing Galing). In addition, with Radyo5 consistently being the no. 1 radio station among taxi drivers, one of the definite highlights of the workshop was when Radyo5’s Raffy Tulfo paid a surprise visit and spent time with them. News5 also has several other activities planned for the rest of the year, beginning with the nationwide leg of the “Nasa Tama” workshop for the Taxi Squad members based in Cebu and Davao in August. Taxi Squad’s “Nasa Tama” workshop was made possible through the generous support of Talk ‘N Text, Goldilocks, Cobra, Robust and Rexona.