BALBALAN, Kalinga (PIA) - -More than 500 motorists aged 17 years old and above underwent a free two-day safety seminar from September 15-16 at the Balantoy Gymnasium, here.
 
The seminar on Theoretical Driving Course was requested by Mayor Almar Malannag and facilitated by personnel of the Department of Transportation-Land Transportation Office - Cordillera Administrative Region.
 
Malannag said he requested the seminar to be held at his hometown in order to have more participants and save on cost.

“This is one way of bringing closer public service to our constituents. It’s easier and convenient for the few lecturers from LTO to come at Balbalan than the 500 to go to Tabuk City or elsewhere. Or few might have attended if it was held outside,” Malannag said. 
 
According to LTO Kalinga Head Jennelyn Angog, Balbalan is the only municipality to request their office for the conduct of this kind of seminar.
 
Many from the participants are motorbike riders who have not secured yet their driver’s permit/licenses. Road safety seminar is a basic requirement in securing the issuance after passing the exam of Student Driver’s Permit from LTO before any other driver’s license can be issued.
 
After the seminar, around 400 attendees took the exam and those who passed the test were immediately documented on site for the issuance of Student Driver’s Permit. However, Processing of said permit may take one month to process. (JDP/PAB-PIA CAR, Kalinga)