In line with the 2023 National Women’s Month Celebration (NWMC) with the theme “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society”, the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) together with the Tollway Operators and Concessionaires celebrated Tree Planting Activity Tree Planting Activity its 7th Tollway Industry’s Advocacy Caravan for Gender Equality and Women Empowerment on 24 March 2023 at the Tarlac – Pangasinan – La Union Expressway (TPLEX) Anao Exit, Municipality of Anao, Tarlac.

The Advocacy Caravan was hosted by Vertex Tollway Development Inc. and SMC Skyway Stage 3 Corp. (the Concessionaires of the NAIA Expressway and the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3, respectively) and was attended by two hundred sixty-two (262) participants from TRB, Tollway Operators, Concessionaires and the Local Government of Anao, Tarlac.  The said activity started from Petron Gas Station located at Km. 134 Northbound of TPLEX and ended at TPLEX Anao Exit.  

The Caravan was immediately followed by a Tree Planting Activity where Ylang-Ylang seedlings were planted by the participants. The Tree-Planting Activity symbolizes the Tollway Industry’s commitment to protect and nurture the environment. The said Tree Planting Activity was intended to promote Environmental Sustainability and raise awareness on the importance of preserving our natural resources.

After the Caravan, guests and participants were recognized by Mr. Bienvenido N. Bañas of SMC Infrastructure. TRB’s Executive Director Atty. Alvin A. Carullo delivered his message then children from “Panata sa Kinabukasan” presented an awe-inspiring message. The guest speakers Honorable Mayor Gian Pierre O. De Dios from the Municipality of Anao Tarlac and Honorable Mayor Doña Cresencia R. Tesoro, from the Municipality of San Manuel Tarlac, also delivered their motivational messages about gender equality, women empowerment and the importance of creating an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities and rights.

The Advocacy Caravan and the Tree Planting Activity served as an avenue for networking and collaboration undertakings among the representatives from TRB, Tollway Operators, Concessionaires, and the Local Government. It fostered partnerships and cooperation in advancing Gender Equality and Women Empowerment initiatives within the tollway industry and the community. Overall, the 7th Tollway Industry's Advocacy Caravan was a resounding success not only in promoting gender equality, women empowerment, but also in fostering environmental sustainability which was geared towards to a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive and contribute to nation-building.