MMDA opens Motorcycle Riding Academy

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) opened the Motorcycle Riding Academy in Pasig City on Thursday.

MMDA Chairman Romando “Don” Artes thanked all the sponsors and officials who helped the MMDA fulfill its dream of having a riding academy that was originally set to open in August.

MMDA inaugurates Motorcycle Riding AcademyMetropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Acting Chairman Don Artes leads the inauguration of the Motorcycle Riding Academy on Sept. 27, 2023. The academy along Meralco Avenue in Pasig City will offer courses on motorcycle riding to minimize motorcycle-related accidents and ensure the safety of riders. PHOTO BY ISMAEL DE JUAN

He acknowledged the motorcycle donations by transport service companies Angkas, Lalamove, Honda Philippines and government officials like Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr., Senators Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, and Christopher “Bong” Go.

Artes also thanked the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) for allowing the MMDA to borrow its half-hectare land for the academy.

“This motorcycle riding academy has a goal of giving free education to our riders about proper driving of motorcycles,” Artes said during his speech.

“I know that sometimes, some of our motorcycle riders are being called 'kamote riders.' But according to data and observation, there are just few,” he added. “With the help of this motorcycle riding academy, we will do our best to help our motorcycle riders to learn more about traffic discipline, driving skills, following traffic rules and laws, and basic emergency response.”

“I don't believe that motorcycle riders really have no discipline in nature,” Artes said. “It is true that motorcycle riders lack discipline but perhaps lack of education.”

Artes also confirmed that several local governments are planning to put up the same academy in their respective provinces.

In a message, Vice President and concurrent Department of Education Secretary Sara Duterte expressed her support for the MMDA Motorcycle Riding Academy.

“Motorcycles are a common mode of transportation in Metro Manila and the rest of the nation, but they are also among the most vulnerable vehicles on the road. The academy will assist in mitigating risks by equipping riders with the necessary knowledge and abilities for riding safely.”

Pasig City Mayor Victor Ma. Regis “Vico” Sotto also commended the initiative of MMDA. “This is really an excellent and innovative initiative. If this continues and we train many, we are sure that on the streets, any problems we currently have will be reduced,” Sotto said.

The opening was also attended by Pasig City Congressman Roman Romulo and GSIS President and General Manager Jose Arnulfo “Wick” Veloso.

From the private sector, Honda Philippines Inc. President Sayaka Hattori, Angkas Chief Executive Officer George Royeca and Ropali President Ariane Alingog were present.