ILOILO City — More than 200 Western Visayans now have a potential ticket to employment in the transport and logistics industries after completing a government-funded driving scholarship that removed the financial barriers to securing a driver’s license.
A total of 212 beneficiaries formally received their driver’s licenses and certificates of completion on September 24, under the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 6’s Scholarship and Livelihood Upscaling Program for the Transport Sector.
The milestone marked the culmination of what LTO-6 described as a first-of-its-kind nationwide program that combines driver education, licensing and livelihood opportunities while promoting safer and more disciplined driving.
The scholars came from different parts of Western Visayas, including remote communities whose beneficiaries had to overcome financial and geographical difficulties to complete the required training in Iloilo City.
Some participants from far-flung areas, including island and river-bound communities in Aklan, reportedly left their homes before dawn and traversed difficult terrain to attend the mandatory sessions.
LTO-6 director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II said the licenses could provide the graduates with an entry point into formal employment, particularly in public transportation, logistics and delivery services.
“Today is more than just a ceremony. It is a celebration of hard work, perseverance, and new beginnings,” Director Geduspan stated in his key address.
“This first-of-its-kind nationwide program covers everything,” he added.
Operating under the theme “Empowering Drivers, Ensuring Safer Roads,” the program provided an end-to-end scholarship intended to eliminate the financial burden associated with driver training and licensing.
Before receiving their licenses, the 212 scholars underwent on-site qualifying examinations administered by LTO traffic safety personnel.
They also completed the mandatory two-day Theoretical Driving Course, which covered transportation laws, road signs and defensive driving principles, followed by a Practical Driving Course involving behind-the-wheel instruction and evaluation of vehicle control and compliance with road rules.
Geduspan said the regional program evolved from an earlier initiative that catered to indigenous communities, including Aeta beneficiaries in Boracay.
The graduation ceremony at the University of the Philippines Visayas Little Theatre also underscored the program’s road safety component, with LTO-6 reminding the new license holders that their driving privileges come with responsibilities.
LTO-6 assistant regional director Jeck D. Conlu urged the graduates to maintain discipline behind the wheel and recognize their continuing responsibility to help prevent road crashes and protect lives.
UPV vice chancellor for administration Dr. Farisal U. Bigsat, meanwhile, delivered a message of support highlighting collaboration between government and academic institutions in advancing community development.
Scholar representative Raezil L. Abada expressed the graduates’ gratitude and emphasized the scholarship’s potential to change the lives of beneficiaries and their families.
The event also featured a cultural presentation by Grupo Ilonggo de Saltatores and a road safety presentation by Grey “Gaboy” Prescott-Gonzales, LTO-6’s youngest Road Safety Advocate.
Volunteer physicians and medical personnel also provided free health consultations and basic medical services to participants during the activity.
Funding and national administrative support for the scholarship program were authorized under LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao./PN
