Driving class for 20T PUV drivers in NorMin

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1006797
• Saturday, August 19, 2017

By Jigger Jerusalem (PNA)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Thousands of public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers in Northern Mindanao are expected to go back to driving class as part of the nationwide launch of the Public Utility Drivers Academy Program (Pudap).

Not only will the PUV drivers be able to polish their skills behind the wheels, but they will also to learn about road courtesy and even personal grooming, said Aminoden Guro, regional director of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB-10).

Pudap, enacted through Executive Order 202, mandates LTFRB to formulate and implement policies that require operators and drivers of public land transportation service to attend trainings on transport management, road safety and good driving habits, Dir. Guro said.

Guro said the special classes are held twice a week and will have five modules during the eight-hour session, among them, a discussion on the terms and conditions of the Certificate of Public Covnenience (CPC), road safety, road rage and anger management, traffic signs and pavement markings, and good grooming.

He said the agency expects at least 20,000 participants throughout the region.

PUV drivers immediately welcomed the initiative.

Sarlindo Gaid, 33, a resident of Barangay Bulua, this city, and a taxi driver, said that although he is already aware of his responsibilities, the LTFRB’s program is very helpful to him while he is on the road.

“I already know about traffic rules, but I am sure that LTFRB will teach me additional knowledge that I can use as a driver,” Gaid said.

George Kabayao, 52, a driver of one of the biggest bus companies in the country, said it has been a long time since he had attended a driving lesson.

“I hope that LTFRB will refresh my driving skills as I am open to learn new things. As a bus driver, I need to be updated on road and safety tips,” Kabayao said.

Meanwhile, Guro warned that operators or drivers who fail to comply with the program will risk suspension of their license, on top of the penalty amounting to P5,000.

He added that the re-training program will serve as a continuing education for drivers and will be done on a yearly basis.