MMDA Motorcycle Riding Academy to open September 27

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday said is set to open its Motorcycle Riding Academy on September 27.

In a statement, the MMDA said the academy will provide riders formal training on both theoretical and practical aspects of motorcycle riding, as well as basic emergency response training.

"The Academy aims to provide riders with basic training on handling motorcycles, road courtesy and discipline, and following traffic rules," it said.

In 2018, the MMDA Metro Manila Accident Reporting and Analysis System (MMARAS) recorded motorcycle riders as amongst the highest road crash fatalities at around 38% or 224 fatalities from a total 590.

Fatalities increased from 2020 and 2021, recorded at 253 and 295, respectively.

According to the 2018 Global Status Report on Road Safety by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Philippines ranked 11th out of 175th countries with the reported number of road traffic deaths at 10,012 of which 4.7% are drivers/passengers of 2- or 3- wheelers.

Angara donation

Also on Friday, the MMDA received 10 motorcycle units as donation from Senator Sonny Angara.

"I would like to extend my earnest gratitude to Sen. Angara for his generous donation to the agency," said MMDA acting chairman Atty. Don Artes during the turnover ceremony.

Angara, who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, assured the MMDA that he will continuously support the agency's budget.

Angara's other donations to the MMDA include 50-seater air-conditioned ferry boats to supplement the current fleet of the Pasig River Ferry Service, CCTV cameras, garbage traps and adequate funding for the expansion of the agency's Communications and Command Center in support of MMDA’s other projects. —Jiselle Casucian/KBK, GMA Integrated News