LTO-7 observes road safety month

CEBU, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO-7) kicked off the observance of road safety month with a strong message of unity and commitment to safer roads.

Key officials, personnel, and stakeholders gathered for a regional campaign aimed at raising awareness and promoting discipline on the road.

The launch event brought together LTO-7 officials, transport groups, LTO-accredited driving schools, local government units (LGUs), truckers associations, motorcycle clubs, the Highway Patrol Group (HPG), road safety advocacy groups, and well-known motorcycle vlogger Jet Lee.

Attendees took an oath to support the campaign’s mission of promoting safe roads for safe people, highlighting their shared responsibility in advancing road safety throughout Central Visayas.

A motorcade through major thoroughfares in Cebu City followed the ceremony, symbolizing the official start of the campaign supported by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and LTO.

Leading the regional initiative is LTO-7 Regional Director Glen G. Galario, who stressed the importance of collaboration among all sectors to reduce traffic-related incidents.

Galario emphasized that road safety is more than just a duty—it is a commitment to preserving life.

He said, “Every child deserves to walk, ride, and travel safely—free from the fear of accidents caused by neglect, impatience, or lack of awareness.”

He added that this year's theme, “Drive to Protect: Safe Streets, Safe Children,” serves as a reminder of what’s truly at stake: the lives of the most vulnerable road users.

“The agency, together with law enforcement, road safety advocates, transport groups, civil society, and the private sector in Central Visayas, is cultivating a culture of discipline, respect, and shared responsibility on the roads,” Galario said.

“Let this month be more than a campaign. Let it be a movement—a movement where every driver, every pedestrian, every policymaker commits to life, not just as a slogan. Through education, engagement, and enforcement, we can and we will make our streets safer for everyone,” he continued.

Local governments in Cebu, including Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Talisay City, expressed their support for the LTO’s road safety efforts.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7, represented by Regional Director Col. Eduardo Montealto Jr., also participated by providing safety tips to attending drivers.

Meanwhile, HPG-7's PCol. Wilbert Parilla reaffirmed the Philippine National Police’s support for ongoing efforts to ensure road safety across the region.

As part of the campaign, a road safety fair was launched at Filinvest Malls in IL Corso and will run until Friday, May 23, 2025. The fair features a variety of booths, including one offering up to 80% discounts on theoretical driving course (TDC) vouchers.

The five-day event aims to foster public awareness and encourage responsible behavior on the road, with interactive activities designed to engage motorists, commuters, and other road users.

“Our partner driving schools have committed to providing 2,700 discount vouchers for TDC courses. These vouchers will be readily available to the public throughout the week-long event," Galario said.

This year’s road safety month campaign, carrying the theme “Drive to Protect: Safe Streets, Safe Children,” reinforces the core message that road safety is a shared responsibility—one that begins with each individual. — (FREEMAN)