MMDA opens motorcycle riding academy

(UPDATE) THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) inaugurated on Thursday its Motorcycle Riding Academy in Pasig City.

MMDA Chairman Romando «Don» Artes led the program by thanking all the sponsors and officials who helped the agency fulfill its goal of opening the academy initially announced last August.

Artes said motorcycle units were donated by companies including Angkas, Lalamove, Honda Philippines, and government officials such as Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin «Benhur» Abalos, Jr., Sen. Juan Edgardo «Sonny» Angara and Sen. Christopher «Bong» Go.

He thanked the Government Service Insurance System for allowing the MMDA to use a half-hectare GSIS 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.

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

Artes said several local government officials plan to establish the same academy in their respective provinces.

In a message, Vice President and 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 country, 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,»