Drivers and operators train on road courtesy
By Alpine L. Killa
Bontoc, Mountain Province – To prevent and lessen the occurrence of road accidents, drivers and operators in the province underwent advance training on Disaster Preparedness, Response, Search and Rescue and Retrieval Operation.
Members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) have been going to the different municipalities in the month of September to conduct the training to drivers and operators of public utility jeepney, utility van, public utility bus and tricycle except for the municipalities of Natonin and Paracelis as it is scheduled in October this year.
In his message, Governor Leonard G. Mayaen who is also the Chairperson of the PDRRMC remarked that the training was conducted to remind the drivers of their attitude especially in following the traffic rules and regulations to avoid accidents. He added that the training is very timely considering that the drivers act as tourism frontliners since they encounter different people who visited the province. Mayaen further elaborated that tourists usually get their first impression of the place they visit based on the people they first meet. One of these is the drivers. With this training, the governor is hopeful that the participants shall always remember to be responsible and courteous drivers.
Jacqueline O. Joven of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) – Mountain Province discussed Republic Act No.413, “An Act to Compile the Laws Relative to Land Transportation and Traffic Rules, to Create a Land Transportation Commission and for Other Purposes,” the Helmet Law or Republic Act 10054, “An Act Mandating All Motorcycle Riders to Wear Standard Protective Motorcycle Helmets While Driving and Providing Penalties,” and Republic Act No. 8750 or the Seatbelt Use Act.
She explained and reminded the participants of the Rules to Prevent Traffic Jams, Tips to Avoid Loose break, Restriction to Overtaking, what to remember and do when approaching blind curves, Right of Way and Signals, Traffic Violations and Franchise Violations. Joven also emphasized hygiene, patience, discipline and defensive driving to the participants.
Engr. Emma Olusan of the Department of Public Works and Highways – Mountain Province District Engineering Office (DPWH- MPDEO) lectured on Road Safety, various road signs, pavement markings and barriers.
A representative from the Philippine National Police –Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) gave tips on Anti- Carnapping and defensive driving, and presented the Carnapper’s profile in the province.
Personnel of the Mountain Province Provincial Police Office (MPPPO) who presented the vehicular accidents in Mountain Province; Anacleto B.Tangilag, the Officer in Charge of the PDRRRMO lectured on R.A. 10121 or the Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Kapon B. Gomgom-o presented the Rationale of the Activity.
The training was funded by the provincial government thru its PDRRMC Fund.
