MMDA opens motorcycle riding academy

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is welcoming the public to learn or brush up their riding skills after  officially opening its Motorcycle Riding Academy (MRA).

Situated at the open lot of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) along Julia Vargas Avenue, corner Meralco Avenue in Pasig City, the Academy offers free training to individuals aged 17 years and above. Only 100 participants per batch will be accommodated.

MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Romando Artes expressed firm belief that the MRA will address the lack of traffic education on motorcycle riders, and to change their mindset on the road. 
“Hindi ako naniniwala na ang ibang motorcycle riders ay likas na walang disiplina, bagkus kulang lamang sila sa kaalaman at edukasyon sa tamang paggamit ng daan, traffic rules and regulations, and proper driving skills. 'Yan po ang hangad natin sa pagtatayo ng MC Riding Academy – bigyan ng edukasyon ang mga motorcycle riders at baguhin ang kanilang isipan (I don't believe that some motorcycle riders are naturally undisciplined; rather they lack knowledge and education on the correct use of the road, traffic rules and regulations, and proper driving skills. That's what we want in building the MC Riding Academy — to give education to motorcycle riders and change their minds),” the  MMDA leader said.
 
In a message, Vice President and concurrent Department of Education Secretary Sara Duterte expressed her support to 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,” she said
 
“To save lives and reduce the number of motorcycle-related accidents on Metro Manila’s roads, I support the MMDA’s implementation of this initiative,” Duterte added.

Requirements

Those who want to receive rider education in the MRA must be able to balance and ride a bicycle, and have their own standard full-face helmet, full-finger motorcycle gloves, and rain gear. Optional piece of equipment is the reflective safety vest.

Further, the MRA will lend out motorcycles during the program.  

In addition, participants also need to secure the following documentary requirements: 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 or health declaration, and; a motorcycle safety course waiver form that is signed by both the student and his/her parents if the applicant is 17 years old.

Per MMDA, the two-day course includes:

• Basic Road Emergency Response
• Road Traffic Rules and Regulations
• Motorcycle Orientation on basic parts
• Control and operation of motorcycles
• Demonstration of static position and moving position
• Motorcycle Skills Practice and Demonstration.

Those who will complete the Basic Motorcycle Rider Course and pass the Motorcycle Riding Skills Test shall receive a Certificate of Completion and a badge.

Interested applicants must submit the online enrollment form under this link: https://forms.gle/UPPbryVoaKoiyxJE9

The MMDA has forged partnerships with numerous stakeholders to establish what is needed in the MRA such as the conceptualization of modules as well as donations of motorcycles, container vans, tents, and helmets, among others.
 
GSIS President and General Manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso conveyed the agency’s support to the Academy. “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," he said.

For her part, Honda Philippines Incorporated President Sayaka Hattori assured MMDA the company’s support in future development of the project. “We are also optimistic that this will reduce traffic-related accidents by teaching the Filipino people safe and appropriate driving," she said. 

The MMDA also received assistance from Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.; as well as Senators Juan Edgardo Angara and Christopher Lawrence Go by way of additional motorcycle units. On the other hand, the municipality of Pateros turned over container vans which will serve as the academy’s classrooms.

Moreover, motorcycle taxi firms Angkas, Joyride and Lalamove gave more motorcycles to the agency. Likewise, motorcycle dealer Ropali further donated motorcycles — together with helmets, and a tent.

Meanwhile, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto and Congressman Roman Romulo both expressed their support for the academy.

Photos from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

Also read:

MMDA’s Motorcycle Riding Academy to Open in Pasig in Q3

MMDA eyes to establish Motorcycle Riding Academy by Q1 2023