LGU Butuan strengthens road safety awareness among youth
By Mariesh F. Celedeña
The summit, held on April 10, was spearheaded by the city government of Butuan through the Butuan City Transportation and Traffic Management Department CTTMD, in partnership with Motorcycle Riding School Philippines.
During the event, participants actively engaged in a riding safety demonstration and hands-on learning activities designed to strengthen their knowledge and skills in safe motorcycle operation. The activity emphasized proper riding techniques, discipline on the road, and the importance of being responsible riders.
“For all riders and those who aspire to ride motorcycles, always remember that safety is for you, for everyone, and for those around us. So always remember: ride safe, ride smart, save lives,” said Mel Aquino, head coach of Motorcycle Riding School Philippines.
Meanwhile, Kyle Maurienne A. Bilbao, a student from Saint Joseph Institute of Technology (SJIT), shared a key takeaway from the summit: the importance of awareness and responsibility, not only on the road but also as a rider in general.
“We enjoyed the event, especially the demonstration. You learn more when things are shown to you, as it provides first-hand learning,” said Bilbao.
The Motorcycle Safety Riding Summit serves as a proactive initiative to educate young riders and instill a culture of safety, discipline, and accountability. As motorcycle use continues to increase, the city government of Butuan remains committed to ensuring safer roads by empowering the youth with the right knowledge and skills.
Philippine National Police (PNP) data showed a 35 percent increase in road accidents in 2024 compared to 2023. It also reflected a 35 percent increase in fatal road accidents from 2,030 fatalities in 2023 to 2,747 deaths in 2024.
Moreover, vehicular crashes last year rose by 27.6 percent from 24,495 cases in 2023 to 31,258 incidents in 2024, in which 87.17 percent of road accidents were caused by reckless driving such as bad overtaking, improper turning, speeding, drunk driving, overloading, and using mobile phones while driving. (MFC, PIA Caraga with a report from Butuan CTTMD)
