June 8, 2023
Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) President and General Manager Wick Veloso (right) and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Acting Chairman Atty. Romando Artes exchangecopies of the agreement, which allows MMDA to temporarily use GSIS’s Julia Vargas property in Pasig City for the MMDA Motorcycle Riding Academy.The signing ceremony was held at the GSIS headquarters in Pasay City on June 7.
State pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) have partnered to establish a temporary Motorcycle Riding Academy on a portion of GSIS’s Julia Vargas property in Pasig City.
The partnership aims to address the increasing number of motorcycle accidents and enhance road safety for commuters.
Based on MMDA data, an average of 40 motorcycle accidents occur daily. The Philippine National Police (PNP) also reported a total of 4,029 motorcycle crashes within the first four months of this year (January-April 2023) alone.
“These alarming figures serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to ensure the safety of both our riders and commuters. GSIS acted on MMDA's request without any hesitation, recognizing the critical importance of safeguarding lives," President and General Manager Wick Veloso said.
The Motorcycle Riding Academy is envisioned to serve as a platform for empowering riders, instilling a culture of responsible and defensive driving, and promoting safer road practices.
The academy is open to interested government employees and the courses will be free of charge per MMDA.
Under the agreement, MMDA will fund the construction of the academy, the building of training structures, and any necessary renovation to the GSIS property.
PGM Veloso underscored that the partnership “perfectly aligns with our corporate social responsibility to make a real and positive impact to the society as a whole.”
For his part, Acting MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said in a statement, "through this Motorcycle Riding Academy, we aim to further promote road safety, particularly to our motorcyclists who are very much at risk of road mishaps. It's a good opportunity for them to refresh and hone their riding skills and to provide first aid to people who will encounter unexpected road accidents."
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