Capitol launches traffic education campaign

CEBU, Philippines —  A Cebu provincial legislator is urging the Department of Education (DepEd) to mandate schools to talk about traffic rules and regulations for 10 to 15 minutes a day particularly those in the urban areas.

Provincial Board Member Christopher' "Dong" Baricuatro raised the proposal during the launching of Sugbo Likay Disgrasya or SULID.

Baricuatro added that even schools in the rural areas are also encouraged to do their own share of traffic education. He explained that there will come a time that traffic rules will become relevant in their lives.

SULID organizers hope that the students will familiarize themselves with traffic safety rules and policies to lessen road-related accidents.

The first run of the program was held yesterday at Lipata Elementary School in Minglanilla town. It was participated in by around five hundred students.

An original jingle written in Cebuano was also introduced. In order to increase the retention of traffic-related lessons, the song is accompanied with dance steps which feature gestures used by traffic enforcers.

Focal Person for Traffic Jonathan Tumulak said that the Capitol chose to start with Minglanilla town as it is one of the local government units which face daily traffic-related issues particularly pedestrian safety. He said that it is an area where many schools are located along highly utilized roads. 

He stressed that being informed on traffic rules is not just for drivers, but also for commuters and pedestrians to prevent accidents that is also one of the factors that add up to traffic congestion.    Mandaue City is the next LGU where the provincial government will launch SULID.

The said initiative is spearheaded by the Capitol through the provincial government's Traffic Management Office, Provincial Information Office (PIO), Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) and the Provincial School Board.

In her speech, Vice Governor Agnes Magpale encouraged the youth to take to their heart what they have learned in the campaign and to pass it on to others so they can also help spread awareness on road safety.

The SULID campaign will continue to go around the different cities and towns. — MBG (FREEMAN)