THE Land Transportation Office in Gingoog City will conduct a series of road safety seminars for drivers and operators of utility and private vehicles, along with vehicle inspections, as part of its Holy Week 2025 activities from April 11 to April 25, according to Richie Caingles, local LTO head.
The initiative is supported by Gingoog Bay Area Chairman and Talisayan Mayor Rico Taray, who emphasized the importance of continuing education for drivers and strict enforcement of traffic rules to ensure the safety of both motorists and passengers.
Caingles said the purpose of the seminars is to remind drivers of their responsibilities on the road and promote safer driving practices.
According to the Public Safety Indicator from the Provincial Police Office of Misamis Oriental, there were 390 traffic incidents, or 44.27%, recorded from January to March 2024.
In the same period in 2025, incidents decreased by 127, or 32.56%, with a total of 263 cases, or 40%, said Police Capt. Geraldine J. Botanas, chief of the Provincial Public Information Office.
Capt. Botanas noted that most of the traffic incidents involved motorcycles.
The LTO scheduled the activities during Holy Week, when road traffic typically increases due to travel, often resulting in a spike in accidents. In April 2024 alone, 106 traffic incidents were recorded.
Caingles urged the public to drive calmly and respectfully to avoid road conflicts and reminded parents not to allow minors to operate vehicles.
Vehicle inspections will be conducted at bus and jeepney terminals in Gingoog during the Holy Week period.
Caingles, who was recently appointed as head of the Gingoog LTO office, also announced that plastic driver’s licenses are now available.
