In a concerted effort to enhance road safety and compliance, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 6 successfully conducted an enforcement operation on Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan. The operation, which took place from January 15-18, centered on the strict implementation of the “No Registration, No Travel” policy, a key directive from LTO Chief and Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II.
The program, spearheaded by Regional Director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II, Assistant Regional Director Jeck Conlu, and Atty. Tanya Diestro, aimed to address the rising number of unregistered motor vehicles on the island. With the vibrant tourism sector bringing increased traffic to Boracay, warranting that all vehicles are roadworthy and compliant has become a top priority for local authorities.
Targeting Unregistered Vehicles
The growing presence of unregistered vehicles, despite previous efforts to address the issue, posed a risk to road safety on the island. LTO Region 6, under the guidance of its Regional Law Enforcement Section led by Ms. Relin Reyes, tackled this concern head-on.
The enforcement operation sought to:
- Register unregistered vehicles operating on the island.
- Verify compliance with emission standards to minimize environmental impact.
- Educate motorists about the importance of adhering to transportation regulations.
The collaboration also involved Ms. Eva Mae Tabella, whose earlier outreach programs promoted mobile emission testing and registration, laying the groundwork for the operation’s success.
How the Operation Unfolded
During the four-day operation, the LTO team conducted thorough inspections of motor vehicles, focusing on registration validity and emission compliance. Vehicles found lacking the necessary documentation were immediately flagged, with owners required to register and meet standards before continuing operations.
The team also carried out awareness campaigns, engaging motorists and emphasizing the importance of road safety for both residents and tourists. Educational materials were distributed, and on-site guidance was provided to help vehicle owners understand the registration process and emission requirements.
Strengthening Boracay’s Commitment to Safety
As Boracay continues to draw local and international tourists, maintaining safe and efficient roadways is critical. The operation showcased the LTO’s dedication to fostering an environment where both residents and visitors can navigate the island with confidence.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring road safety and compliance on Boracay Island,” said Atty. Geduspan. “Through collaboration and proactive measures, we aim to create a safer environment for everyone.”
For tourists, this move reinforces Boracay’s reputation as a safe and organized destination. For residents, it provides reassurance that local authorities are actively addressing potential road hazards.
A Collaborative Effort
The success of the operation highlights the importance of collaboration among various LTO officials and departments. The leadership of Atty. Geduspan, Atty. Conlu, and Atty. Diestro, coupled with the efforts of Ms. Reyes and her team, ensured a seamless and impactful enforcement drive.
By tackling both compliance and education, the initiative not only addressed immediate concerns but also laid the foundation for sustained improvement in road safety practices on the island.
Moving Forward
The operation serves as a reminder that compliance is non-negotiable when it comes to road safety. The LTO Region 6 has reiterated its commitment to upholding these standards, ensuring that Boracay’s roads remain safe and efficient for all.
For vehicle owners, the message is clear: register your vehicles and adhere to emission standards to avoid penalties and contribute to a safer community.
With this successful operation, the LTO has set a precedent for future enforcement drives, showcasing how proactive measures can lead to tangible improvements in public safety and compliance.