MDPPA MOUNTS FIRST ROAD SAFETY SUMMIT IN DAVAO

The Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association, Inc. (MDPPA), an association of the country's four major motorcycle manufacturers: Honda Philippines Inc., Kawasaki Motors (Phils) Corp, Suzuki Philippines Inc. and Yamaha Motor Philippines Inc., held its first road safety summit at the TESDA-KORPHIL Training Center, Tibungco in Davao City last October 19.

The Summit, which MDPPA hopes to eventually expand into an annual nationwide event, has the theme "Reinforcing Philippine Initiatives for Road Safety" and gathered together 500 motorcycle riders, mostly from the Davao region, to discuss national road safety plans.

This inaugural Summit is also in response to the growing number of motorcycle-related road incidents nationwide and the rising call from motorists from regions outside Metro Manila for a summit tackling road safety.

MDPPA joined forces with relevant government and nongovernment organizations such as the Department of Transportation (DOTR), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Philippine National Police - Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), Traffic Management Office of Davao City, World Health Organization (WHO) and Philippine Red Cross (PRC). These organizations also signed a Road Safety Commitment during the Summit.

MDPPA President Alfredo Lejano noted that on top of giving motorcycle riders a refresher on road safety tips, the Summit will enable relevant government organizations to discuss issues with riders.