By Gerome Dalipe IV
The Land Transportation Office Region 6 (LTO-6) has empowered 285 women through a free 15-hour Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) held from March 11 to 14, 2025, at the LTO-6 Driver’s Education Center in Iloilo City.
The initiative, part of the agency’s National Women’s Month celebration, aimed to promote road safety and gender inclusivity by providing accessible driving education to women, including students, employees, and mothers.
The first batch of participants, from March 11 to 12, saw 132 women complete the course and receive certificates.
The second batch, from March 13 to 14, had 153 additional participants earn their certifications.
Nicole Trisha Dioso, a 22-year-old BS Mathematics student, expressed gratitude for the program, saying it not only helped her save money but also boosted her confidence to drive safely.
Hianna Reyes, a 17-year-old student from Kalibo, Aklan, joined the course to prepare for independent driving.
She shared that her father promised her a car once she secures her driver’s license.
“I am grateful to LTO-6 for this program. It allows us to earn a driver’s license the right way,” she said.
Jovi Obligacion, 27, and Ma. Lourdes Libo-on, 30, employees who took leave from work to attend the course, shared their excitement after receiving their certificates.
Obligacion, who works for MORE Power Corp., praised LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor Mendoza II, Regional Director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II, and Assistant Regional Director Jeck Conlu for initiating the program.
“Sulit gid ang two-day lecture. We are now equipped with knowledge about road rules and regulations,” said Obligacion.
Libo-on echoed her sentiments, saying, “After attending the program, I am now confident to drive, knowing the basic rules and safety measures. Nadula gid ang akon mga misconception about driving.”
Maria Cristina Valenzuela, a mother from Capiz, attended the course with her 10-month-old baby.
After passing the exam, she said, “Thank you, LTO, especially Asec. Mendoza, Director Geduspan, and Assistant Director Conlu. Tani i-extend pa ninyo ang program for the whole month of March.”
Recognizing Outstanding Performers
To honor exceptional participants, Geduspan, Operations Division Chief Gifford Selloriquez, and Traffic Safety Unit head Mel Joy Gaurano sponsored the student permits of the top scorers in the theoretical exam.
Relin B. Reyes, chief of the Regional Enforcement Unit, also provided gift packs to the top two performers.
Geduspan congratulated the participants and encouraged them to share their knowledge to promote road safety.
He emphasized the importance of education in reducing road accidents, noting that the Philippines records an average of 12,000 road fatalities annually, with 500 deaths occurring in Western Visayas alone.
“This program is vital. Education is the key to reducing these fatalities,” Geduspan said.
Conlu highlighted the accessibility of the free TDC, which included certificates that typically cost PHP1,000 at private driving schools.
“This initiative recognizes the vital role of women in ensuring the safety of all road users,” Mendoza said, emphasizing the program’s alignment with the Department of Transportation’s directive to honor women during National Women’s Month.
The TDC is part of LTO’s broader efforts to address road safety concerns, including crackdowns on unregistered vehicles, illegal transport operations, and expired licenses.
The course was facilitated by LTO-6’s Traffic Safety Unit, led by Gaurano, and featured expert lecturers Ryan John Apalacio, Bernard C. Bacay, and Michael Costuya.
Through initiatives like the TDC, LTO underscored its commitment to fostering safer roads while recognizing the contributions of women in promoting responsible driving practices.
