Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr. has donated 10 motorcycles to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) as the agency prepares for the opening of its motorcycle-riding academy on Sept. 27.
The MMDA has so far received at least 30 new motorcycles after Senators Sonny Angara and Bong Go earlier donated 20 motorcycles each that will be used in the operation of the Motorcycle Riding Academy in Pasig City.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Acting Chairman Atty. Romando Artes receives 10 motorcycle units from Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos at the MMDA New Bldg. in Pasig City on Sept. 18, 2023. The donation will be used in the operation of the MMDA's Motorcycle Riding Academy which is set to open on Sept. 27. (Arnold Quizol)
"When I told him that the MMDA will be having a Motorcycle Riding Academy, Secretary Abalos immediately responded by donating ten brand new motorcycle units," said Artes during the turnover ceremony held at the MMDA Head Office in Pasig City Monday afternoon.
Abalos, for his part, explained the necessity of having an institution that is catering to road safety amid the high number of road traffic deaths.
“The number of those using motorcycles is increasing, so are the fatalities. This Academy will provide motorcycle riders necessary riding and basic emergency response skills and we hope to replicate it in other local government units to lessen motorcycle-related deaths and accidents,” said Abalos.
According to the MMDA Metro Manila Accident Reporting and Analysis System (MMARAS), from January to August 2023, there are 2269 pedestrians who were hit. Last year, MMARAS recorded 3161 pedestrians who were hit by vehicles
Artes said there are two significant objectives of the Motorcycle Riding Academy: to make the roads safer with less traffic-related accidents, and increase the awareness of the public with respect to the safety hazards of the road in view of contributing to the reduction of the growing number of road crash victims.
He also reiterated a reminder for the public to follow the traffic rules and not cross EDSA in light of an accident in Guadalupe Southbound last night involving a pedestrian trying to cross the highway and a motorcycle rider. Both were injured.