TESDA, Angkas launch Basic Motorcycle Driving program

MANILA – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and motorcycle ride-hailing firm Angkas on Wednesday launched a basic motorcycle driving program designed to professionalize motorcycle training in the country.

Jointly designed and developed by TESDA and Angkas, the five-day course will subject motorcycle riders to formal training inside a 400-square-meter facility inside TESDA, including an actual demonstration.

The program will also include pre-ride activities, monitoring, and maintenance of motorcycle performance.

"I've seen the importance of training, of education, especially in this business. Because of the lack of institutionalized training, there were many accidents (in the past)," Angkas chief executive officer George Royeca said during the launch at the TESDA Complex in Bicutan, Taguig.

Royeca acknowledged the government's observation that motorcycle ride-hailing has yet to be trusted in the country. "Because even if 'habal-habal’ has been there for many years, without TESDA or training in the equation, it spells disaster," he said.

The executive added that because Angkas has been using the TESDA training as a model. "The firm was able to prove that if you train the Filipino people and if you are really committed to training them and making them professionals, then they become productive citizens of our country," he said.

TESDA Secretary Isidro Lapeña said the launch of this program was very timely and necessary. "The training is free and even provides an allowance. We should encourage them (riders) to train because it's not just for their own safety but also the (passengers)," he said.

The TESDA chief also noted that availing of the training would help individuals get better employment opportunities, given that motorcycle-hailing and delivery services are in demand these days.

Initially, the program will be available in TESDA-Metro Manila and would accommodate an initial of 25 trainees in April. By piloting the program in Metro Manila, TESDA and Angkas aim to address the increasing number of motorcycle riders in the region.

Royeca said this program would empower and capacitate more motorcycle owners, and may help in rebuilding the economy. Angkas, according to TESDA, has 27,000 accredited riders. (PNA)