MMDA officially opens Motorcycle Riding Academy

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) officially opened its Motorcycle Academy in Pasig City on Wednesday.

The MMDA said that the Motorcycle Riding Academy aims to promote awareness for road safety along the major thoroughfares in Metro Manila.

“Its objectives also include increasing the awareness of the public with respect to the safety hazards of the road, in view of contributing to the reduction of the growing number of road crash victims. It also aims to make roads safer with less traffic-related accidents, provide skills for safe riding and training on basic emergency response course, and instill discipline,” said MMDA in a statement.

According to a report by Bernadette Reyes in Balita Ko, the academy offers free lessons on basic motorcycle riding, anger management and emergency response to beginners and existing riders who need a refresher.

The academy has also partnered with several stakeholders to aid in conceptualizing the courses being offered in the program, as well as provision of other necessary items such as container vans, tents, and helmets.

Among MMDA’s partners are the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS),  and Honda Philippines Inc.

“Our GSIS is adhering to a policy of putting our investment into nation building. And this is why we are all here today to put together riding discipline and make our roads safe," said GSIS President and General Manager Jose Arnulfo “Wick" Veloso.

“We are also optimistic that this will reduce traffic-related accidents by teaching the Filipino people safe and appropriate driving," added Honda Philippines Inc. President Sayaka Hattori.

The motorcycle academy currently has 100 motorcycles that can be used by students.

Interested individuals aged 17 who are able to balance and ride a bicycle will be asked to provide the following:

• Standard full-face helmet
• Full-finger motorcycle gloves
• Rain gear
• Reflective safety vest (optional)
• Photocopies of Driver's License or Student's Permit (if available, but not necessarily a requirement)
• Barangay clearance
• Certificate of Employment (if employed)
• Medical certificate / health declaration
• Signed Waiver

As of the moment, the academy is offered only to existing MMDA personnel, but will eventually be opened to the public at 100 slots per batch.

The academy is located at a vacant property of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) along Julia Vargas Avenue, corner Meralco Avenue in Pasig City. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/ VAL, GMA Integrated News