The University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) and the Land Transportation Office Region XI (LTO RXI) formalized their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) and the launching of the Strengthening Advocacy for Future Educators and Drivers (SAFE) School Initiative Project, a road safety advocacy program held on August 20, 2025, at the University Hostel Dining Hall, USeP Obrero Campus.
The partnership was signed by USeP President Dr. Bonifacio G. Gabales, Jr., and LTO Region XI Director Atty. Ernesto Raphael V. Robillo. Serving as witnesses from USeP were Dr. Tamara Cher R. Mercado, Vice President for Planning and Quality Assurance, and Dr. Jeneifer C. Nueva, Vice President for Academic Affairs. Also present was Dr. Jose Alther M. Rivera, Director of the Office of Student Affairs and Services.
Witnessing for LTO were Mr. Melencio I. Diaz, Jr., Chief Transportation Regulation Officer and District Head of Davao City South District Office; Mr. Oscar Don A. Zamora, Supervising Transportation Regional Officer and District Head of Davao City North District Office; Mr. Marco S. Teofilo, Transportation Regulation Officer II and Officer-in-Charge of E-Patrol Davao (LTO on Wheels); and other LTO RXI officials.
Under the MoA, the LTO RXI, through its DOs, will conduct Outreach Service Caravans across all USeP campuses, offering free theoretical driving courses, issuance of student permits, driver’s license renewals, and motor vehicle registration renewals. USeP, in turn, is committed to ensuring community engagement by including interested applicants from nearby communities, providing logistical support, establishing digitalized systems to monitor attendance and collect data during outreach activities, and conducting research and innovations on compliance with land transportation laws to enhance road safety implementation in the Davao Region.
In his message, Atty. Robillo emphasized that road safety is not only a government responsibility but also a moral obligation, stating, “Road safety is more than a legal mandate; it is a moral imperative.” He further stressed that education is key to reducing preventable road accidents, noting that awareness and proper training can save countless lives.
Dr. Gabales echoed this commitment by aligning the partnership with USeP’s mission, emphasizing that excellence must be demonstrated in all aspects of life, including adherence to rules and regulations. “How can we claim excellence if even simple rules cannot be followed? This partnership allows us to contribute to road safety and help erase negative stereotypes about the LTO. Basta Dabawenyo—even beyond Davao City—is disiplinado,” he remarked.
The program began with welcome remarks from Dr. Mercado, followed by a presentation of the MoA terms by Atty. Maria Lourdes M. Lopena, Attorney II of LTO RXI. Dr. Nueva closed the ceremony, underscoring the significance of the collaboration for both institutions and the wider community.
The MoA signing and project launching reaffirm the shared commitment of USeP and LTO Region XI to advancing road safety and discipline, equipping future drivers and educators with the knowledge and values necessary to foster safer communities across the Davao Region.
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