INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) on Wednesday signed an agreement giving way to the temporary utilization of the Motorcycle Riding Academy in Pasig City.
In a statement, the MMDA said that the memorandum of agreement effectively allows the agency to use a 5,977-square meter vacant lot owned by the GSIS at Doña Julia Vargas corner Meralco Ave., Barangay Ugong in Pasig Cityfor a year.
Under the memorandum, the MMDA will clear the property of all impounded vehicles to construct, renovate, and improve the site for the establishment of the Motorcycle Riding Academy.
The MMDA will shoulder all costs including the cost of maintenance and security services. The said move is set to generate P 1-million worth of savings for the GSIS.
“We are very grateful to the GSIS management for giving us the chance to fully realize the Motorcycle Riding Academy together with our other partners such as Honda Motorcycle Philippines and Watanabe Riding Development headed by coach Dashi Watanabe. Both gave technical assistance for the Academy,” Artes said.
Based on data released by the MMDA, as of May 22, a total of 174,934 motorcycles currently traverse Edsa, which it noted is a 58.79 percent increase from the 110,167 motorcycles pre-pandemic, or in 2019.
The said academy is set to open within the third quarter 2023, providing interested motorcycle riders free formal training on both theoretical and practical aspects of motorcycle riding as well as basic emergency response training.
According to MMDA, it is also currently in talks with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) to allow issued certificates in the academy to be used in obtaining a driver’s license.
Riders who finish their courses will also be priority employment by Grab and Angkas.
Meanwhile, the GSIS wholeheartedly supports the MMDA in this initiative which will provide riders basic training on handling motorcycles and following road and traffic rules.
“We are optimistic that the Motorcycle Riding Academy will encourage responsible driving and road safety among riders,” said GSIS president Wick Veloso.
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