CATARMAN, Northern Samar– The Land Transportation Office (LTO) underscored its community-based approach to road safety, including free driving courses for towns and deploying deputized personnel across Northern Samar to improve enforcement.
During PIA’s ‘Huruhimangraw san Panginudto’ radio program on August 15, LTO Officer-in-Charge Guy Ellison T. Zosa said the agency is bringing services closer to communities.
“We offer the Free Theoretical Driving Course to LGUs that request it as part of their student permit application process,” he said, noting that private driving schools charge between P1,200 and P1,500 for the same course.
Zosa cited San Isidro and Victoria as examples of municipalities that have availed themselves of the free program.
To improve enforcement, Zosa reported that 58 deputized police officers are now authorized to act on behalf of the LTO across the province.
“These deputized personnel are authorized to apprehend individuals and confiscate licenses. They must wear IDs marked ‘Deputized LTO’ to verify their authority,” he explained.
Zosa highlighted LTO’s outreach efforts, such as registration caravans that provide vehicle registration and smoke emission testing to municipalities. He said these initiatives aim to eliminate excuses for non-compliance and promote road safety, including helmet and seatbelt laws.
“These programs are part of a broader strategy to improve road discipline, safeguard commuters, and ensure that vehicles operating on public roads are in good condition,” Zosa said.
(TBC, PIA Northern Samar)
