Honda Philippines Inc. (HPI) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on promoting traffic safety at the MMDA building in Pasig City.

HPI President Ms. Sayaka Arai-Hattori, HPI executives, and MMDA acting Chairman Atty. Romando Artes and MMDA officials were in attendance.

The goal of this partnership is to mitigate the number of fatal road crashes in Metro Manila through a “train the trainer” program. Honda Safety Driving Center has agreed to conduct comprehensive motorcycle skills training programs for the MMDA’s Motorcycle Riding Academy instructors as well as provide support in developing training modules aligned with Honda’s global safety direction and local traffic rules and regulations.

Alarming statistics

This is in light of the Philippines' 11th rank out of 175 countries in road traffic deaths, with motorcycles contributing significantly to the numbers.

According to the Metro Manila Accident Reporting and Analysis System (MMARAS) 2018 database, motorcycles contributed to the highest number of road fatalities at around 38 percent or 224. Statistics showed motorcycle fatalities were still alarming from 2020 to 2022, with 275 deaths or an increase of 23 percent from the 2018 data.

According to Arai-Hattori, the partnership between HPI and the MMDA is crucial in significantly reducing the number of traffic-related road crashes in Metro Manila. The Honda chief executive emphasized the importance of collaboration between the private sector and the government in mitigating the rising traffic-related road crashes.

“Road safety is one of the greatest challenges that our nation is currently facing that requires a strong sense of urgency and collaboration among stakeholders and by becoming the industry's main driver in terms of safety, quality, and innovation,” said Aria-Hattori.

“This represents a shared duty to make our roads safer and to protect the livelihood of our family. HPI through Honda Safety Driving Center (HSDC), agreed to conduct comprehensive training programs for the MMDA’s traffic enforcers/instructors over a period of time focused on reinforcing safe and responsible road user behavior,” she added.

A global effort

Arai-Hattori has also stated that as part of Honda’s global worldwide direction, a comprehensive road safety strategy through close collaborations with the government is essential to achieve the company’s goal of reducing the number of traffic accidents involving Honda’s motorcycles and automobiles to zero traffic collision fatalities by 2050.

In addition, HPI will donate an initial batch of 21 motorcycle units to be used in MMDA’s motorcycle riding academy practical training program. Honda will donate a total of 50 motorcycle units to MMDA.

Artes expressed his gratitude to HPI for their valuable contribution and support in developing the MMDA Motorcycle Riding Academy.

“This collaboration will enhance the agency’s Motorcycle Training Modules. The HPI will likewise conduct an assessment on the competency of MMDA’s instructors to improve their knowledge and skills in mentoring and coaching the participants for Motorcycle Riding Academy,” said Artes.

Meanwhile, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) President and General Manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso supported the MMDA-HPI partnership. The GSIS has allowed the MMDA to use their vacant property to be utilized by the Motorcycle Riding Academy.

"We are aligned with the vision of having a unified country with disciplined drivers. We believe that partnering with MMDA will hopefully reduce and resolve motorcycle-related accidents," said Veloso.

Come one, come all!

The Motorcycle Riding Academy welcomes all interested individuals free of charge. Participants who complete the necessary training will receive certificates of attendance and completion, recognizing their commitment to enhancing road safety and responsible riding.

HSDC’s stringent standards form the backbone of the training course, and it’s free; we see no reason why we shouldn’t sign up. Do you?