It’s probably not surprising to know that many Filipino drivers are not familiar with basic road and traffic regulations. This is already a bad thing on its own, but add to that the fact that our country is one of the most traffic-congested in the world, then you can see why this is a recipe for disaster. The government is trying to change that by trying to educate drivers that ferry around paying passengers, with the  Department of Transportation (DOTr) launching a driver’s education academy, especially for our Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) drivers.

The DOTr through the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) launched the academy at the LTFRB main office in Quezon City this month.

According to Transportation Undersecretary for Road Transport Thomas Orbos, the project is being led and directed by DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade. The DOTr head wanted PUV drivers to refresh their basic knowledge about our road rules, traffic regulations, road safety, and driving courtesy through trainings and classes that the academy will provide them with.

“Secretary Tugade aims for this Drivers’ Academy to become a very good venue for PUV drivers to be reminded of the basic traffic rules and regulations. But, this time they should learn it by heart as thousands of public transport commuters depend on them,” Undersecretary Thomas Orbos said. He further added that “We have to make sure that all PUV drivers on the road know these traffic regulations in order to avoid accidents, and to also ease the traffic situation on our thoroughfares.”

According to the LTFRB, 100 PUV drivers were able to register and attend the initial seminar. Upon completion, a certificate of completion will be given to the participants.

In the future, the LTFRB will be requiring PUV drivers to finish the one-day training seminar and to submit a certificate of completion as part of their renewal process.