A multi-stakeholder consultation meeting was held in Iloilo City on December 2, 2013 to gather the perceptions of public transport users on the state of public transport in their city and identify current issues. The participants discussed the possible improvements needed for public transport and one of them is the proposal for an education program for traffic enforcers and drivers.

I think this is the most important aspect of this public transport improvement or modernization or any term related because of the knowledge that will be provided, even the simplest proper road etiquette can be relevant on the way they act on the road. Once these drivers are educated and aware of, implementation of the law and other ordinance would be simpler.

The program can be divided into the most needed topics,starting from the basics. This orientation is usually done when getting a driver’s license but given the corrupt system in the agency where most just pay an amount to get one, a follow-up education program is also needed. A topic such as road safety should be thoroughly discussed along with its importance and its effects on the affected parties once the actual accident happens. 

If possible, a post-course examination can be conducted to rate what the drivers have learned of the course and also for the program’s future improvements and corrections.

In addition to the drivers’ education program, a public campaign for road safety for all road users should also be conducted. Pedestrians,motorists, cyclists and all other parties should be informed and be aware of practicing road safety in their daily engagement. This campaign can be in the form of posters, banners, leaflets, TV and radio ads.

The Department of Transportation has assigned the LGUs to come up with a LPTRP or the Local Public Transportation Route Plan to bes ubmitted on the first quarter of 2019 and I am hoping that the driver education program is included in this plan. I also hope that this will be implemented as soon as possible once approved.

*Referenced on the Final Iloilo TTMP 2015 document.