News5—TV5’s News and Information arm—continues to set the country’s standard for innovative public service through its one-of-a-kind Taxi Squad, the biggest and fastest-growing 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 cause journalism beyond news, with its over 1,100 members serving as News5’s extra eyes, ears and informers on various newsworthy events as they navigate the streets daily – such as the traffic condition, areas affected by calamities and other emergencies (eg. flood, fires), crime situations (eg. robberies, murders), among others.

Further reinforcing the effectivity of this unique campaign for citizen journalism, News5 recently organized a workshop exclusively for Taxi Squad members at the Tanghalang Pasigueño, Pasig City Hall Complex, ultimately aimed at renewing their commitment to upholding their roles as honest, service-and-action-oriented, vigilant, and law-abiding motorists, as well as for them to develop the proper values and attitude towards themselves, their family, their passengers, fellow motorists, and the citizenry in general.

The “Nasa Tama” workshop included in-depth discussions led by several notable speakers tackling key topics such as Road Rules (by Police Senior Superintendent Col. Edwin Butacan—Chief of Human Resources Management & Doctrine Development Division, Highway Patrol Group), 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 Anchorman Raffy Tulfo paid a surprise visit and spent time with the attendees. He also took the opportunity to give an inspirational message, highlighting the significant role the Taxi Squad members have in society.

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 also made possible through the generous support of the following sponsors: Talk ‘N Text, Goldilocks, Unleash International, Cobra, Robust and Rexona.