LRT-1 launches ‘Gabay Guro Train’ to encourage reading and learning

Themed LRT-1 trains are nothing new to Filipino commuters. Previously, there have been themed trains for Christmas and Valentine’s Day, which amused many passengers amid the chaos of rush hour.

This time, however, LRT-1 has chosen to mount themed trains for a very special cause — to pay tribute to the Filipino educators’ role in shaping the minds of our country’s future.

“Gabay Guro Train”

The Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) and the PLDT-Smart Corporation launched the “Gabay Turo Train” on Wednesday, September 5.

The train is designed with library and school-themed interiors. Handrail poles were made to look like crayons; printed graduation caps were used to decorate the train windows; and inspirational quotes on education were posted on different parts of the train.

Questions about grammar, history, logic, and trivia can also be seen on handrails. Commuters are encouraged to post their answers on social media and tag @officialLRT1 on Twitter and Instagram for a chance to win prizes.

Only one of the 20 LRT1 trains were decorated for the Gabay Turo project, and it will run the theme for an entire year.

Pursuit of truth

Asked about the Gabay Turo Train initiative, LRMC President Juan Alfonso said the project aims “to promote reading and love for books in the daily life of passengers beyond the four walls of the classroom.” It also emphasizes the significance of education for students to attain success.

Nevertheless, in this age of rampant and deliberate misinformation across digital spaces, the Gabay Turo Train is a nice reminder to always seek for truth. And the best place to start this pursuit of truth is in books, in schools, and with teachers.

With the guidance of books and educational institutions, one can uncover the truth about our world, our country, our history, and everything else under the sun.

Reading books is often a great way to escape reality, but it is also one of the best ways to acquire concrete knowledge. It opens you up to new ideas, and it transports you to different worlds. It lets you feel all kinds of emotions — anger, sadness, empathy, joy — and helps you find your own unbreakable truth.

The themed train — with its decorations and inspirational quotes — easily reminds passengers that reading and learning should be a huge part of Filipino lives. It brings to mind that more than a nicely decorated train interior, actual books and education should be made more accessible to every Filipino, especially the poor.