THE Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) is reinforcing a message that has become increasingly important as the country’s transport sector grows more complex: safer roads cannot be achieved through regulations and infrastructure alone.
The organization recently partnered with government agencies and transport stakeholders to bring road safety education directly to drivers, operators, and mechanics while also reaffirming the commercial vehicle industry’s role in promoting responsible transport practices.
The initiative formed part of activities held during National Road Safety Month.
One of the key activities was a road safety training program conducted for members of the Lungsod Silangan Transport Service and Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LSTSMPC) in Antipolo, Rizal.
Organized in partnership with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and German development agency Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the program focused on practical skills that participants could immediately apply in their daily operations.
The sessions covered modern public utility vehicle standards, vehicle safety systems, preventive maintenance, basic troubleshooting, pre-trip inspections, and fuel-efficient driving practices.
Rather than concentrating solely on technology, the training emphasized the importance of proper vehicle preparation and disciplined driving habits in reducing road incidents.
TMA President Robert Carlos said improving road safety requires participation from every sector involved in the transport industry.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility. Every driver, operator, manufacturer, and stakeholder has a role in creating safer roads and more reliable transport services. Through initiatives like this, we hope to empower transport communities with practical knowledge that can help improve both vehicle readiness and driving discipline in everyday operations,” he said.
LTFRB Executive Director Sherwin Vizconde, who also attended the training, highlighted the value of extending road safety education directly to transport cooperatives and drivers.
“We are thankful to TMA for taking part in this year’s National Road Safety Campaign and for helping extend road safety education directly to transport cooperatives and drivers. Programs like this demonstrate how collaboration between government and the private sector can create meaningful outcomes for the transport sector and contribute to building a stronger culture of safety on our roads,” he said.
TMA also participated in the National Road Safety Summit, the culminating activity of the nationwide campaign led by the DOTr.
The summit brought together representatives from government agencies, transport groups, automotive organizations, private companies, and road safety advocates to discuss strategies aimed at reducing road crashes and improving transport safety.
During the event, TMA highlighted the role commercial vehicle manufacturers can play beyond simply supplying trucks and buses.
The association stressed the importance of continuous driver training, regular vehicle maintenance, and stronger collaboration between industry and government agencies.
The exhibit also served as a reminder that road safety extends well beyond advanced vehicle technology.
Even as commercial vehicles become increasingly sophisticated, many of the fundamentals remain unchanged. Proper inspections, preventive maintenance, and disciplined driving habits continue to be among the most effective tools in reducing accidents and improving transport reliability.