LTO opens more learning hubs; offers seminars to tricycle drivers

MANILA – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will offer more safety seminars and open more learning centers for tricycle drivers and operators.

LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II issued the directive to regional directors and district office heads following the launch of tricycle operators and drivers association (TODA) learning centers nationwide.

These learning centers, he said, will educate TODA members on road safety, their rights, and obligations on the road.

“Marami na tayong nakitang mga viral videos kung saan tricycles na pumapasada ang pinagsisimulan ng road rage. Nais nating proteksyunan ang mga kaibigan nating mga (We’ve seen many viral videos where tricycle drivers are the cause of road rage incidents. We wish to protect our) TODA members by equipping them with knowledge on road safety,” Mendoza said.

The TODA learning centers, he said, will help secure the livelihoods of tricycle drivers and operators by providing them with knowledge.

He urged LTO regional directors, district office heads, and extension and satellite office heads to initiate road safety seminars for tricycle drivers in their areas and to coordinate with local government units on the issuance of tricycle permits.

“Lahat tayo ay may karapatang gumamit ng kalsada. Subalit may mga batas at regulasyon na dapat sundin upang matiyak ang kaligtasan ng bawat isa (We all have the right to use roads. But there are laws and regulations that we must follow to ensure everyone's safety),” he said.

The intensified information drive for tricycle drivers is part of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) push for the reduction of road crashes in the country under the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan presented during the Asia Pacific Road Safety Observatory 2023 Annual Meeting.

During the event, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said the Philippine government is looking to reduce fatal road crashes in the country by 35 percent by 2028 and by 50 percent by 2033. (PNA)