Agusan Norte strengthens road safety, protection of gov’t assets
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Aligned with the national government’s strengthened road safety program, the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte continues to invest in initiatives that ensure safer, more reliable, and well-maintained government transport vehicles.
Part of this effort is equipping vehicle-in-charge personnel, those entrusted with operating and caring for government vehicles with the necessary knowledge and skills to prevent mechanical problems, reduce accident risks, and protect government assets.
Recognizing that a properly maintained vehicle and a knowledgeable operator are key to minimizing downtime, costly repairs, and potential loss of property, the province underscores the value of continuous training as part of responsible fleet management. When vehicles are kept roadworthy, the delivery of government services becomes uninterrupted, efficient, and safe for both employees and the public.
To further strengthen this commitment, the provincial government, through the Provincial Human Resource Management Office-Learning and Development Division, in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Agusan del Norte, conducted a training on “Periodic Vehicle Maintenance Leading to Automotive Servicing NC I” from Nov. 17 to 18, with the support of Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante.
Governor Amante emphasized that ensuring safe and roadworthy vehicles remains a top priority under her administration. “Ensuring that our government vehicles are safe and roadworthy is part of our responsibility to our employees and the people we serve. When our drivers are trained and our vehicles are well-maintained, we prevent accidents and ensure continuous, efficient service,” the governor said.
Throughout the two-day training, participants learned workshop safety procedures, proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), identification and handling of automotive tools, foundational vehicle maintenance tasks, and practical inspection techniques, including engine bay checking, undercarriage inspection, and exterior assessment. A detailed discussion on the vehicle drivetrain system further prepared them for the hands-on demonstration.
The training was facilitated by TESDA Trainer Jerson Toro, TESD specialist II, who provided step-by-step demonstrations and practical insights to enhance participants’ confidence in performing essential automotive servicing tasks.
For many participants, the training was both timely and necessary. Government vehicle operator Gringo Alaba shared how the program will improve their daily operations. “Dako kaayo’g tabang ang training kay mas masabtan namo unsaon pag-maintain ug pag-check sa sakyanan. Kung kahibalo ang drayber ug limpyo ang unit, mas malikayan ang problema ug disgrasya. Mas kampante mi nga luwas among pagbiyahe (The training is a big help because we now better understand how to maintain and check the vehicle. When the driver is knowledgeable and the unit is well-maintained, problems and accidents are avoided. We can travel with more confidence and safety),” Alaba said.
By enhancing the technical readiness and competency of its personnel, the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte continues to strengthen its workforce, safeguard government vehicles, and ensure safe, dependable transport, contributing to accident prevention and supporting efficient, high-quality public service delivery for all its constituents. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte with a report from HRMO Agusan del Norte)
