NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

For Road Crash Victims, Survivors, and their Families

BAGUIO CITY –  The Department of Transportation (DOTr-CAR) with the collaboration of Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) conducted the nationwide simultaneous Holy Mass Celebration on November 17, 2024 at the Bakakeng Central Gym, testimonials of Road Crash Family victims to remember and acknowledge the suffering affected victims their families and communities, candle lighting and prayer at the Suello Village, Bakakeng Central  and signing at the wall of remembrance.

Road Safety Seminar for Drivers and other road users and Free Theoretical Driving Course (TDC)

This is in connection with the implementation of Republic Act No. 11468 known as the National Day of Remembrance for Road Crash Victims, Survivors, and their families Act and it’s implementing Rules and Regulations.

This activity is in line with continuing commitment to promote safety and comfort in land travel and as part of its Road Safety Advocacy Program.

Also with the presence of BCPO City Director PCOL RUEL D. TAGEL and personnel. Victory Christian Fellowship of Benguet Streamed online.

DOTr-CAR Regional Director Atty. Joshua P. Pablito delivered his message, “The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is an annual international event dedicated to honoring those who have lost their lives for have been severely impacted by road crashes. It is a day that holds profound meaning for families and communities worldwide, offering a moment to reflect on the lives lost, the survivors, and the loved ones left behind. Today is a day for remembrance, advocacy, and action.

This week, we stand united in remembering the victims and the lasting trauma endured by survivors. Support and solidarity are needed more than ever, and we hold a shared wish that one day, this day will no longer be necessary. But until then, we must increase awareness to prevent these tragedies. Small, thoughtful actions can save lives – it’s making safer choices on the road, investing in safer infrastructure, or improving emergency care systems.

“Walking, cycling, and public transport are essential parts of a sustainable future, but we must ensure they are safe options for all. Recklessness can destroy the lives of others. Our goal must be to prevent any more families from enduring the pain of loss and to allow everyone to live, free from fear of road dangers,”

“As we observe this World Day of Remembrance , we are committed to implementing of initiatives that promote road safety. These efforts include organizing road safety seminars for drivers and other road users, providing free Theoretical Driving course, conducting sustained law enforcement activities, such as enhanced roadside visibility, and distributing educational materials to raise public awareness. Through these continued actions, we strive to foster a safer and more responsible road environment for all,”

“We don’t want to continue remembering victims each year, we want to continue living with our loved ones by our side. Let’s turn the memories of those lost into lessons learned and let us strive toward a vision of zero death on our roads,”  Together, we can make a difference. Remember those who died. Support those who survived and Act to save lives,”Director Pablito concluded

DOTr-CAR Legal and Technical Division  Atty. Jessie Balagot shared some points for rationale.  “The objectives of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims are to provide a platform for road traffic victims and their families to: remember all people killed and seriously injured on the roads, acknowledge the crucial work of the emergency services, draw attention to the generally trivial legal response to culpable road deaths and injuries,  advocate for better support for road traffic victims and victim families, promote evidence-based actions to prevent and eventually stop further road traffic deaths and injuries,”

The weather seems nice but actually we are expecting a super typhoon despite that the LTO continuous its task to prevent road accidents by promoting road safety,” Atty Balagot said

Ms. Vilma G. Del Rosario and Ms. Luz L. Buenafe who are employees of LTO also shared their testimony from road crash victims, survivors and their families and a testimony from rescue personnel Rafael C. Valencia – Team Leader, 911 On Call, Inc. and closing remarks by Atty. Jeffrey Buena. # Photo by Mario Oclaman // Filipino News Sentinel

Mario Oclaman