DAGUPAN CITY, Mar. 11 (PIA) -- A total of 87 female drivers in Pangasinan, ages 16 to 54, have completed the free theoretical driving course (TDC), an initiative by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in support of the women’s month celebration from March 9-10 at the LTO San Carlos Pangasinan District Office in San Carlos City, Pangasinan.
Aileen Peteros, district head of LTO San Carlos City, said the TDC is a prerequisite for obtaining a student permit and the provision of this course free of charge aims to equip aspiring drivers with vital knowledge of traffic rules and safe driving, particularly benefiting those facing financial constraints.
Also, Peteros explained that targeting female participants this women’s month aims to eradicate gender biases, offering them proper education and training to become competent drivers.
“The notion that women are not good drivers is simply untrue. We aim to issue licenses to as many women as possible, particularly prioritizing indigents, because driving is not solely a man’s job,” she said.
Among the topics discussed during the two-day seminar include road and traffic rules; pre-driving orientation on motorcycles and tricycles; pre-driving orientation on motor vehicle (MV) basic parts, functions, and operations; defensive driving and MV maintenance; handling emergencies and breakdowns; and land transportation and related special laws.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to LTO San Carlos for providing the free TDC,” Melina Dela Cruz, a load supplier in San Carlos City, expressed, adding the opportunity – seminar for JUANA – has equipped her with essential knowledge about road safety and motor vehicle roadworthiness.
Dela Cruz and other participants who were referred to as “LTO scholars” received the TDC certificates after the final assessment on March 10.
Meanwhile, the LTO district head reassured the public of their commitment to expanding the reach of the free TDC program by collaborating with local government units (LGU) to secure bigger venues, aiming to accommodate more participants and ensure broader access to essential driver education and training.
She said mayors and congressmen from various municipalities have reached out to the LTO, acknowledging its crucial assistance to their constituents.
She stressed the free TDC is significantly beneficial, considering the fee for LTO-accredited private driving school services is quite expensive, which can be burdensome for indigent individuals.
“Even if we eye to collaborate with civic groups like Central Pangasinan Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CENPELCO) and Rotary Club, the seminars will remain free of charge. We won’t collect any registration fees from participants because it is our service to conduct free seminars,” Peteros said.
Peteros advised the public to follow LTO’s Facebook pages or visit the nearest LTO office in their area for updates on any upcoming free TDC.
The implementation of the free TDC, mandated by Republic Act (RA) No. 10930 enacted in 2019, extends the validity of driver’s licenses to 10 years, marking a pioneering effort by the district office in the province to provide such a program.
Likewise, the LTO cautioned against seeking driver’s license assistance from fixers, as they can face penalties under RA No. 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Law, which mandates imprisonment for up to six years, a fine of up to P200,000 or both. (JCR/MJTAB/JCDR/MARNP/PIA Pangasinan)
