CEBU CITY – Barangay officials here have cited the Land Transportation Office-Central Visayas (LTO 7) for offering free Theoretical Driving Course seminars.
Barangay Sudlon 1 Captain Dante Tabucal said the seminar spearheaded by LTO 7 Director Victor Caindec is timely and significant.
"The people of mountain barangays are so grateful for your (Caindec) efforts of bringing the TDCs to our doorsteps," said Tabucal.
Residents of Barangay Sudlon 1 and 2 were the first to avail of the free TDC after it was launched in the mountain barangays here last October.
"Despite all the challenges and trials, you were able to come up and conduct the program. Indeed, it was a huge success. Our constituents are clamoring for the next TDC services,” added Tabucal.
LTO 7, through its “Malasakit on Wheels,” brought the free TDC lectures down to barangay level through its e-Patrol Mobile Service.
Among the mountain barangays in this city that were able to avail of the free TDC were Sinsin, Bonbon, Sirao, Pungol-Sibugay, Tabunan, Toong, Pamutan, Malubog, Babag, Taptap, and Agsungot.
Caindec offered the free TDC scholarships to barangay captains of mountain barangays to address key issues affecting road safety in highland areas such as lack of proper licensing and registration.
Over 18,000 individuals have availed of the LTO 7 free TDC scholarships nearly two years after its implementation in the region.
Cebu City Councilor Phillip Savior Zafra also lauded Caindec for making the LTO 7 more accessible by bringing the agency’s services to the barangays.
“He is one of the most capable, efficient, and effective regional directors of the LTO today. He’s so focused on his job and has accomplished a lot. Cebu City residents are among those that benefited from the said laudable program," said Zafra.
Barangay Tisa, the second largest barangay in the city where Zafra was a former barangay captain, received more than 1,000 TDC scholarships to help “habal-habal” (motorcycle taxis) drivers in the area.
Former Apas Barangay Captain Ramil Ayuman bared that the TDC has helped some residents find livelihood.
“After they got their driver’s license, they got a chance to become driver of delivery services,” said Ayuman, a former Department of Social Welfare and Development assistant secretary.
First-term city Councilor and former Barangay Cogon Pardo Captain Francis Esparis also thanked Caindec for extending the program to his barangay. "You have done a lot to help our constituents with this free TDC seminars,” said Esparis.
TDC certificates are being offered by private driving schools but cost P1,500 to P2,500.
The LTO 7 TDC is under the agency's Driver's Education Center.