The original plan of the MMDA to open its Motorcycle Riding Academy in the first quarter of this year was not met. However, things are looking up after the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Metro Manila Development Authority and the GSIS. As was originally planned, the GSIS-owned lot at Julia Vargas corner Meralco Avenue will be cleared and repurposed for the Riding Academy’s needs.
Motorcycle Riding Academy of MMDA aims to teach both beginners and experienced motorcyclists
Photo: MMDA
Yesterday, MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes and GSIS President and General Manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso led the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). With it, the agency headed by Acting Chairman Artes will be allowed to use the sprawling 5,977 square meter lot owned by the GSIS in Barangay Ugong, Pasig, as the site for the Motorcycle Academy.
As indicated in the MOA, “the Metro Manila Development Authority shall clear the property of all impounded vehicles and will construct, renovate, and improve the site for the establishment of the Motorcycle Riding Academy, including the cost of maintenance and security services, which will generate PHP 1 million worth of savings for the GSIS.”
The rights to use this lot will be for one year.
Photo: Honda
Artes had this to say after the MOA’s signing: “We are very grateful to the GSIS management for giving us the chance to fully realize the Motorcycle Riding Academy together with our other partners such as Honda Motorcycle Philippines and Watanabe Riding Development headed by coach Dashi Watanabe. Both gave technical assistance for the Academy.”
The GSIS, through Veloso, also expressed its full support for the Riding Academy for motorcyclists and that they are ready “to assist the MMDA in other areas of cooperation such as providing comprehensive insurance for its field personnel.”
“We are optimistic that the Motorcycle Riding Academy will encourage responsible driving and road safety among riders,” Veloso said.
Photo: Honda
Talks are also currently underway with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) so the certificates to be issued to “graduates” of the Academy can be used in obtaining a driver’s license from the LTO. The agency is also in coordination with motorcycle ride-hailing services such as Grab and Angkas for priority employment of participants who will finish the course. The course will include lectures, practical application, and Basic Emergency Response Course.
No new data has been published yet, but as of the end of 2021, the number of road crashes in the Philippines involving motorcycles is staggering. You can find those numbers here. It is hoped that Riding Academies such as this will bring forth educated and properly-mannered motorcyclists who will value safety and courtesy above all else.
The Motorcycle Riding Academy is set to open within the third quarter of 2023.
Kamotes are quaking in their saddles. Or are they?
