As the nation observes Road Safety Month this May, LTO and LTFRB in Northern Mindanao remind road users that safety is a shared responsibility. (JAKA, PIA Region 10)
MindanaoToday.com | LTO, LTFRB remind road users that safety is a shared responsibility
MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in Region 10 emphasized that road safety is a shared responsibility between government implementers and road users, a message highlighted during the Kapihan sa PIA, as the nation observes Road Safety Month in May.
Proclamation No. 115-A, signed by President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. in 1966, declares May as Road Safety Month. The commemoration aims to raise awareness among road users and prevent accidents.
“The purpose of this initiative is to maintain order on our streets. We are focusing and expanding our operations to ensure the safety of travelers and drivers,” said LTO-10 Supervising Transportation Regulation Officer Ferdinand Flores.
The LTO follows the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan 2023–2028, built on five pillars—policies, qualified drivers, roadworthy vehicles, traffic discipline, community relations, and legislative initiatives—to promote road safety.
LTO-10 Regulation Officer Alrey Ebajay explained the importance of sufficient driving skills, road safety awareness, and proper courtesy for individuals before obtaining a driver’s license.
He said the LTO conducts theoretical and practical examinations to educate road users as safety advocates and defensive drivers who always adhere to traffic rules to ensure the safety of both drivers and passengers.
“Yes, drivers have a big responsibility for the lives of their passengers, so they should always be keen on road safety,” Ruby Ragandang, a Kapihan sa PIA online viewer, said in reaction to Ebajay’s statement.
Despite their efforts, LTO-10 Regional Law Enforcement Section Chief Santino Aguilar said many drivers are still being apprehended for violations like speeding, drunk driving, and disregarding traffic signals.
“We have had 6,700 apprehensions since January, involving 668 motorcycles and 373 four-wheel motor vehicles, including 1,041 unregistered vehicles and drivers with expired or no licenses,” Aguilar said.
Transportation Inspection Chief Mohammad Hajam Sarip of LTFRB-10 said their office coordinates with LTO and other government agencies to prioritize road safety, especially for public utility vehicles (PUVs).
He urged commuters to ensure PUV drivers adhere to road safety and report violations such as overloading passengers through their hotlines.
LTO and LTFRB remind all road users that safety is a year-round commitment, not just for a month. They also urge the public to advocate for road safety. (JAKA, PIA Region 10)
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