By MA. THERESA LADIAO

Around 100 women participated in the free theoretical driving course (TDC) launched by the Land Transportation Office in Western Visayas (LTO-6) in celebration of National Women’s Month.

The program aims to empower women by making driver education more accessible while promoting road safety across the region.

The two-day course, which runs from March 11 to 12 and from March 13 to 14 at the LTO-6 office, covers essential topics, such as traffic laws, road safety and responsible driving practices — requirements for first-time driver’s license applicants.

“This program is vital in creating safer roads by making driver education accessible to all, especially to women,” LTO-6 Regional Director Gaudioso Geduspan II said.

He highlighted the alarming statistics on road crash fatalities in the Philippines, which average 12,000 annually, with around 500 deaths occurring in Western Visayas alone.

Geduspan emphasized that education is key to reducing these incidents and ensuring safer roads.

The free TDC initiative allows participants to save up to P1,000 — the usual cost of the course in private driving schools — and provides complimentary TDC certificates, easing the financial burden of obtaining a student permit.

LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II said the program is part of the agency’s broader efforts to recognize the important role of women in society, particularly in road safety.

Mendoza added that the initiative aligns with the directive of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista to honor women during National Women’s Month.

With a strong turnout on the first day, LTO-6 continues to champion community-focused driver education, reinforcing its commitment to road safety and gender inclusivity./MTL, WDJ