The Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association (MDPPA) and the UP National Center for Transportation Studies (UP NCTS) through its Traffic Engineering and Management (TEM) Group – Road Safety and Research Laboratory joined forces to organize and conduct the 2nd MDPPA Road Safety Summit 2023. Held at the TESDA Women Center, Tandang Sora Hall in Taguig City on October 7, 2023, the event aimed to emphasize the importance of responsible riding. Under the theme “MDPPA RIDERS UNITED – Riding Roads Responsibly for 50 Years“, the summit brought together key stakeholders to tackle vital issues concerning motorcycle safety and riders’ responsibilities.
Morning Session Highlights:
The event commenced with the registration of the participants, invocation, and singing of the National Anthem by the UP-Engineering Choir. MDPPA President, Mr. Norminio Mojica, Dr. Sandy Mae Gaspay (On behalf of NCTS’ Dir. Jun Castro), and Mr. Edwin Go, the Motorsiklo Xclusivo Host and Motorcycle Dealer Association president, provided warm welcome messages. The summit’s general overview set the stage for a day of impactful discussions.
Following were key messages delivered by MMDA’s Atty. Romando Artes, who was represented by Mr. Antonio Pagulayan, program breakdowns, acknowledgments, and opportunities for group photos as everyone prepared for the talk proper segment. VIPs were given plaques of appreciation, recognizing their invaluable contributions to road safety.
The MDPPA board of directors also presented its significant programs, including its ADOPT A SCHOOL, SOCIAL MEDIA, and FEDERATION/RIDERS Program, illustrating the association’s tireless efforts in promoting responsible riding and making the roads safer. Additional insights into the programs and activities of the Road Safety Committee further underlined the association’s commitment to motorcycle safety.
Talk Proper – Part 1:
The morning session delved into Policies and Regulations for Motorcycle Safety, with invited speakers sharing their expertise:
Mr. Charlie Apolinario A. Del Rosario, Chief of DOTr-IACt and Chief of the Field Enforcement Division at LTO, introduced the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan 2023-2028 in relation to the use of motorcycles on highways.
Mr. Antonio B. Pagulayan, Jr., elaborated on Road Crash Data/MMARAS involving motorcycles, Motorcycle issues in Metro Manila, and MMDA’s initiative to improve motorcycle safety.
Mr. Danilo J. Encela, Acting Chief for the Traffic Safety Division, highlighted updates on motor vehicle registration, driver’s license, and traffic rules and regulations.
In-depth panel discussions and question-and-answer sessions, moderated by Dr. Sandy Mae Gaspay (Head of the Traffic Engineering and Management Group of the UP National Center for Transportation Studies), followed these insightful presentations.
Presentation of certificates to resource speakers rounded off this informative morning session.
Talk Proper – Part 2:
For this part, the program then shifted its focus to Emergency Response and Safer Roads, with presentations made by:
Ms. Anna Marie Jusay from the Philippine Red Cross covered Crash Response (First Aid) and SOP when witnessing a Road Crash incident.
Mr. Sahid A. Kamid of the UP-NCTS Traffic Engineering and Management (TEM) – Road Safety Research Laboratory presented the Center’s Road Safety Research.
Afternoon Session:
The session in the afternoon featured Best Practices and Special Programs on Road Safety. It was graced by the talks given by Mr. Erick Lazarte, Founding President of Philippine Advocates for Road Safety (PARS) and Arch. Alfred Carandang, Chairman of the International Fellowship of Motorcycle Rotarians (IFMR).
One of the highlights of the afternoon session was the workshop. Participants were divided into five groups to engage them in discussions related to motorcycle rider safety, particularly on safety gear and equipment, riding techniques and training, technology and innovation, legislation, advocacy, community, and rider awareness. The discussion was fruitful, followed by a quick presentation during which they shared their key takeaways.
Afterward, the MDPPA announced its 2024 activities for the Riders Group/Club and launched the “Generation Road Safety” (GRS) Tips. This was followed by the Delivery Rider of the Year testimony and the announcement of the 2024 Search for the Best Delivery Rider.
Indeed, the 2nd MDPPA Road Safety Summit was a success. The conference encouraged riders to make a difference on the road by addressing critical concerns and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. It was a true testament to MDPPA and UP NCTS’s commitment to enhancing motorcycle safety and road awareness to create a safer future.
The flow of the entire program was handled by the Masters of Ceremonies, Mr. Glenn Latonero and Mr. Martin Victoria.
