Free training program for motorcycle drivers launched
MANILA, Philippines — A training program for those who use motorcycles for livelihood as drivers or couriers is set to happen on Sunday, August 18, in a move to educate them on road safety and legal rights, among others.
The Ridelihood program, spearheaded by the Legal Engagement Advocating Development and Reform Inc. (LEADER, Inc.) and the NCR East branch of the Land Transportation Office, will take place at the LTO Compound in East Avenue, Quezon City.
Executive Director of LEADER, Inc., Emiliano Bantog, said the program was launched amid the rising number of motorcycle-based ride-hailing and courier-services.
“Tinatarget natin na hindi lang safety, ano ba yung legal aspect dyan? Anong rights and responsibility ng isang—professional na Kasi ang treatment eh, public na siya, common carrier. So yun ang gusto nating i-impart na iba na, hindi ka na private, extraordinary diligence na. Mas mataas na ang antas ng pag-iingat na kailangan mong gawin,” Bantog said at the sidelines of the Pandesal Forum in Kamuning, Quezon City.
The training program includes lectures which will cover two batches — one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Each batch will be composed of 50 participants.
Topics to be discussed include road safety practices, related health concerns, and financial protection, among others.
“Gusto din nating tingnan ‘yung exposure ng mga motorcycle riders sa iba pang aspect katulad ng air pollution that can cause the motorcycle riders mga respiratory diseases and all that,” Jofti Villena, project manager of Bloomberg Initiative for Global Road Safety, said.
“And of course if there are benefits for them na available sa government, especially kung sila naman ay regularly employed or even casual, ano ang mga benefits na makuha ng ating mga riders,” Villena added.
Participants may register through the online form posted on LEADER, Inc.’s Facebook page.
“The program will not only train motorcycle drivers but will also serve as a good opportunity for cooperation among road safety advocates and other stakeholders,” Benjamin Santiago, head of LTO NCR East said. /je
