Road Safety and Defensive Driving Seminar for PUV Drivers Held in Kalibo

By John Robert B. Vega

The first-ever Road Safety and Defensive Driving Seminar for Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Drivers in Kalibo was successfully held at the 4th Floor Conference Hall of the New Building of the Local Government Unit of Kalibo.

The seminar was an initiative of Sangguniang Bayan Member Matt Aaron Peren Guzman, Chairperson of the Committee on Transportation, Public Utilities, and Energy, as part of his “Mastering the Grid” Transportation and Traffic-Related Seminar Series.

The activity was conducted in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Kalibo, under the leadership and support of Mayor Juris Bautista Sucro, and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Kalibo District Office, headed by Chief Engineer Marlon L. Velez. More than 50 PUV drivers participated in the seminar, reflecting the commitment of the local transportation sector to continuous learning and safer public transport.

In his message, Guzman emphasized the importance of road safety and defensive driving. He urged PUV drivers to always prioritize the safety of their passengers, fellow motorists, and pedestrians, while recognizing the value of every life on the road.

Meanwhile, Velez underscored the importance of safe and responsible driving. He assured drivers that the LTO remains ready to assist and guide them, while emphasizing that violations of traffic laws and regulations will not be tolerated.

Mr. Zindryl Ian Rome of LTO Kalibo discussed several important laws and regulations that motorists are expected to know and follow, including Republic Act No. 8749 or the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999; RA No. 8794 or the Motor Vehicle User’s Charge Law; RA No. 10054 or the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009; RA No. 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013; and RA No. 10666 or the Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015, among other transportation laws and regulations.

The seminar also featured an open forum, giving participants the opportunity to raise questions and share concerns regarding road safety, traffic laws, and the responsibilities of PUV drivers. The discussion provided an avenue for dialogue between drivers and transportation authorities.

Mr. Dave S. Teodosio, Chairman of the Paradise Island Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative, expressed his appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the seminar. He highlighted the importance of continuing education and capacity-building among drivers in promoting safer, more responsible, and more professional public transportation.

The seminar forms part of the continuing efforts under the Mastering the Grid Program to strengthen road safety awareness, traffic education, and responsible driving practices in Kalibo through collaboration among the local government, the LTO, and the transportation sector.