By David Vera
In Tacloban City, where public transport plays a critical role in daily commuting, road safety has become more than just a talking point—it’s a necessity. With a rising population and growing infrastructure, ensuring that public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers adhere to the highest standards of road safety is paramount. In line with this, the ongoing Road Safety Seminar is not only timely but crucial for the city. Starting on October 14, 2024, the seminar aims to equip PUV drivers and operators with the latest safety practices, keeping commuters and drivers alike secure on Tacloban’s roads.
This seminar, held at the Tacloban New Transport Terminal in Abucay and running until October 31, is a joint initiative of the Tacloban Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TOMECO), the Tacloban City Police Office, and the Business Permits and Licensing Division. It reinforces the city’s commitment to commuter safety by ensuring that all PUV operators renew their business permits with updated knowledge on road safety protocols.
What makes this effort significant is that it’s mandatory, meaning that every PUV driver attending will leave better informed, more conscious of their responsibilities, and ready to apply their knowledge on the road. This effort is particularly essential as Tacloban prepares for the 2025 PUV permit renewals, a move that will affect thousands of commuters who rely on public transport for their daily needs.
Historically, road safety has been a challenge across the Philippines. The country’s congested urban centers, unpredictable traffic conditions, and varied road infrastructure make it a complex environment for both drivers and pedestrians. Tacloban, like many cities, has had its share of road accidents—many of which stem from driver error, poor vehicle maintenance, or a lack of understanding of basic road rules. By mandating road safety seminars, Tacloban takes a proactive stance, setting a positive example for other municipalities across the country.
Additionally, road safety isn’t just about avoiding accidents; it’s about ensuring that public transportation remains a trusted service. Public utility vehicles are vital to the economy, and any disruption—whether from accidents or unsafe practices—can have a ripple effect on the entire community. These seminars are designed to prevent those disruptions, not only by educating drivers but also by fostering a sense of responsibility and community-mindedness.
Parallel to the focus on road safety, Tacloban City has also welcomed a new leader in public safety. On October 16, 2024, Police Colonel Noelito A. Getigan officially took the helm as the new City Director of the Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO), succeeding Police Colonel Michael Palermo, who held the position for more than two years. The turnover ceremony, attended by Mayor Alfred Romualdez, marked the beginning of a new chapter in Tacloban’s public safety administration.
Colonel Getigan’s appointment comes at a crucial time, with the city gearing up to address new security challenges. His leadership promises increased police visibility and stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community. Mayor Romualdez, in his address, underscored the importance of proactive security measures, praising both Palermo’s contributions and Getigan’s fresh approach to public safety.
The shift in leadership aligns with the ongoing road safety efforts. Road safety, after all, is part of a larger framework of public security, and with Colonel Getigan’s commitment to enhancing the city’s safety, Tacloban residents can look forward to more comprehensive and cohesive measures in the months to come. Collaboration between law enforcement and the public is key, and under this new leadership, Tacloban can expect more efficient policing strategies that put public safety front and center.
The connection between road safety and public security is evident, and as Tacloban moves forward, the focus must remain on creating a safer, more responsible community. The ongoing Road Safety Seminar is a powerful reminder that safety begins with education, awareness, and a commitment to change. PUV drivers must take the lessons learned seriously, ensuring that they apply these practices daily to safeguard their passengers and fellow motorists.
As Colonel Getigan steps into his new role, the city’s leadership shows a clear commitment to both road and public safety. It’s a team effort—one that involves every driver, every law enforcement officer, and every resident of Tacloban. Whether on the roads or in the broader public sphere, safety should always come first.
Tacloban’s actions set a precedent for other cities: proactive measures, combined with strong leadership, can lay the foundation for a safer, more secure future. As citizens, let’s be active participants in this journey. Let’s support these initiatives, follow road safety protocols, and work with our police force to create the community we all deserve—safe, secure, and united in purpose.