There may be many reasons to complain about drivers on the road these days, but every once in a while, a hero helps us out in our time of need. He may be a cab driver who returned a valuable item left in his taxi or a passing motorist who lent a helping hand even if he didn't need to.
These heroes go beyond the call of common road courtesy, and for those who wish to repay the kindness, there's now a way to do so.
Goodyear recently launched the call for nominations to its Bayani ng Kalsada program for 2012. The Goodyear Bayani ng Kalsada is an annual nationwide search for Filipino drivers who have exhibited heroic acts of courage and extraordinary selflessness while on the road. Now on its sixth year since formally launching in 2006, the pioneering corporate social program has recognized hundreds of courageous acts of service and random acts of kindness from everyday Filipino motorists.
Bayani ng Kalsada was inspired by Goodyear's Highway Heroes program held annually in the US and Canada that recognizes truck drivers who have done acts of courage, sacrifice and service on the road. Now, it is also held annually in Asia-Pacific countries such as Australia, Vietnam and Indonesia.
"We encourage our people to become responsible and cautious drivers," said Goodyear Marketing Director Gibby Peñaflor. "Recognizing selfless and heroic acts on the road is part of Goodyear's lifetime commitment to road safety. These road heroes help us promote awareness for road safety and help bring forth the important message that it is everyone's responsibility."
This year, the Goodyear Bayani ng Kalsada will honor five winners: one each from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, the National Capital Region and an overall winner. Each regional winner will receive a cash prize of P30,000 while the overall winner will receive P50,000.
Like in the past, consumers are encouraged to nominate their own road heroes by filling out a form and submitting it to all Goodyear Autocare outlets across the country. A dedicated search committee will also actively be on the lookout for road heroes all over the country. Each nomination will undergo a thorough screening process before the winners will be announced and honored in a prestigious awarding ceremony.
This year's program is being done in cooperation with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, the Department of Transportation and Communications, the Automobile Association of the Philippines, the Safety Organization of the Philippines, Centro Negosyo, Petron, Manila Bulletin, Pilipino Star Ngayon, and Abante.
The 2012 Bayani ng Kalsada search will run from August to November 30, 2012. Nomination forms are available in all Goodyear Servitek, Goodyear Autocare and TyrePro stores nationwide. Consumers can also nominate a driver by texting BNK to 0917-554737, visiting the Bayani ng Kalsada page in Facebook (facebook.com/bayaningkalsada) or calling the BNK Hotline at (632) 439-2005 for more information.
