Road safety is a responsibility we all share. The Students Today, Road Users Tomorrow (STRUT) Program is an education initiative aimed at K-12 students.
It equips young learners with knowledge and skills about safe road behavior.
The program focuses on shaping responsible road users as early as their school years.
STRUT is a partnership between the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
It integrates road safety education into the K-12 curriculum through twelve carefully designed modules.
These modules are woven into subjects such as Araling Panlipunan, Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao, English, and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM).
And the best part? Participation in STRUT is completely free for all eligible public school students.
If you’re a student in Senior High School (SHS) or an educator working within the K-12 curriculum, this program is designed for you.
Why Road Safety Education Starts in School
Every day, students travel to and from school, either as pedestrians, passengers, or cyclists.
Many will soon become drivers themselves.
Unfortunately, young people are among the most vulnerable road users.
The STRUT Program acknowledges this risk.
Its goal is simple but powerful: prepare students to be safe and responsible road users now and in the future.
This is not just about passing a test or completing a school module.
It’s about building lifelong habits that protect lives—starting early.
The program was created because road safety education is often overlooked, yet it’s essential.
When students learn about road rules and responsible behavior, they are less likely to get into accidents.
They also become ambassadors of road safety in their homes and communities.
STRUT teaches students why road safety matters, how they can contribute, and what it means to be a responsible road user.
Who Can Join the STRUT Program?
If you are a Senior High School (SHS) student in a public school, you are eligible to take part in the STRUT Program.
The program is integrated into your existing curriculum, so you won’t need to sign up or pay extra fees.
Educators delivering Araling Panlipunan, Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao, English, or DRRM are directly involved in implementing STRUT modules in the classroom.
If your school is in a pilot area, like the Bicol Region, chances are you’ve already seen these lessons in action.
And if you’re not in a pilot school yet, don’t worry.
The program’s full implementation is expanding to more areas every year.
What Are the STRUT Program Modules?
The STRUT Program consists of twelve modules.
These modules cover different aspects of road safety and responsible road use.
Here’s a brief overview of what students can expect:
- Understanding Road Signs and Markings
Students learn to identify common road signs and understand their meanings. - Rules of the Road
Covers the basics of traffic laws and road etiquette. - Safe Pedestrian Practices
Teaches students how to safely cross streets and navigate busy roads. - Cycling Safety
Introduces best practices for young cyclists, including helmet use and signaling. - Passenger Responsibilities
Encourages safe behavior when riding in vehicles, such as seat belt use. - Introduction to Driving Responsibilities
For older students, this module explores what it takes to be a responsible driver.
Each module is age-appropriate, engaging, and relevant to everyday life.
These lessons are not theoretical.
They are practical skills students can use immediately—whether walking, biking, or preparing for future driving.
How Is STRUT Taught in Schools?
STRUT isn’t a stand-alone subject.
Instead, it’s woven into existing lessons in key subjects.
For example:
- In Araling Panlipunan, students explore the history and development of transportation laws.
- In Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao, they reflect on values like discipline and respect for others on the road.
- In English, they engage in reading and writing exercises focused on road safety themes.
- In Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, they look at how road safety ties into disaster preparedness.
By linking road safety to familiar subjects, STRUT ensures the lessons are easy to understand and remember.
Educators receive special training and teaching materials from DepEd and LTO.
This helps them deliver STRUT content effectively and confidently.
The program is interactive, involving group discussions, case studies, and even role-playing scenarios.
Why STRUT Matters: Empathy for Young Road Users
Every parent, teacher, and student knows the worry that comes with traveling on busy roads.
STRUT aims to ease those worries by empowering students with knowledge.
We all want young people to arrive home safely.
But safety isn’t just about caution—it’s about understanding the rules and developing safe habits.
STRUT helps students internalize safety values like patience, respect, and accountability.
These values don’t just make better drivers.
They make better citizens.
By participating in STRUT, students learn to think beyond themselves—they become aware of how their actions impact others on the road.
What Are the Goals of STRUT?
The main goals of STRUT are simple but important:
- Lower Road Accidents
By educating students early, the program hopes to reduce the number of road accidents involving young people. - Promote a Culture of Safety
STRUT fosters a culture of safety that students bring home and share with family and friends. - Encourage Discipline and Responsibility
Road safety requires self-discipline and responsibility—qualities STRUT nurtures. - Build Stronger Partnerships
STRUT works with local governments, schools, and communities to support its mission.
By achieving these goals, STRUT makes the roads safer for everyone—students, families, and communities.
STRUT’s Impact on Students and Communities
Since its launch, STRUT has made a meaningful difference in the schools and communities where it’s been implemented.
In pilot schools, there’s been a noticeable increase in students’ awareness about road safety rules.
Teachers report improved classroom behavior during road safety discussions.
Parents share that their children are more cautious as pedestrians and passengers.
Some schools have even launched student-led road safety campaigns to spread the message beyond classrooms.
The program’s success stories show that young people are eager to take the lead in making roads safer.
And the ripple effect?
Communities become more aware, more informed, and more proactive about road safety.
How STRUT Partners Strengthen the Program
The STRUT Program is stronger because of its partnerships.
DepEd and LTO have joined forces, ensuring that the program has official backing and practical implementation support.
In addition to public schools, STRUT has collaborated with vocational education centers, like the University of the Philippines in Calabarzon.
Here, future drivers receive hands-on training based on STRUT’s modules.
Local government units (LGUs) and community organizations also play a role.
They promote STRUT events and support road safety campaigns.
These partnerships expand STRUT’s reach, ensuring more students can benefit from life-saving education.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is STRUT available in private schools?
Currently, STRUT is focused on public Senior High Schools as part of the K-12 curriculum.
Private schools may implement similar programs, but STRUT is not yet formally available in private institutions.
2. Are the STRUT modules difficult for students to understand?
No. The modules are designed to be age-appropriate and engaging.
They are easy to understand, with activities that encourage participation and reflection.
3. Can parents get involved in STRUT activities?
While the program is classroom-based, many schools encourage parents to participate in road safety campaigns and community activities that extend STRUT’s advocacy.
4. How does STRUT measure its success?
Success is measured through student feedback, teacher evaluations, and community involvement.
Pilot schools have reported increased awareness and positive behavior changes among students.
Conclusion
The Students Today, Road Users Tomorrow (STRUT) Program is about more than just road safety.
It’s about shaping responsible citizens, fostering safer communities, and protecting future generations.
As the program continues to grow, more students will be equipped with the skills and values they need—both on and off the road.
And that makes a difference for all of us.