QUEZON CITY, (PIA) --The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is set to open its Motorcycle Riding Academy located in Pasig City in the third quarter of this year.

During the recent inspection at the ongoing construction site along Meralco Avenue (near corner Julia Vargas), MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes said that the Academy is already 80% completed.

“Facilities for the Motorcycle Riding Academy are ready. There are just a few things that need to be fixed and until then, it will be in full swing and open to the public,” Artes said.

The MMDA Chair also said that the container vans then used as COVID-19 quarantine facilities will be converted as classrooms for the academy.

The academy will also be equipped with clinic, comfort and shower rooms, and dining areas for the convenience of those interested to avail of the two-day training for free. The academy can accommodate 100 participants per batch.

Also to be provided by the agency for those who will enroll in the academy are the motorcycles and its gasoline. Riders only need to bring their own helmets and personal protective gears.

Artes thanked the MMDA partners in conceptualizing the motorcycle riding academy such as the Government Service Insurance System for allowing the MMDA to utilize the vacant property, Honda Motors Philippines for assisting in the technical aspect of the curriculum, and Mr. Dashi Watanabe for the refresher training course of MMDA personnel who will serve as trainers for the academy.

The agency is already coordinating with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for the accreditation of the motorcycle riding course, as well as ride-hailing firms to give course completers priority employment.

“Hopefully, we can change the mindset of motorcycle rider-graduates of this academy and make them disciplined motorists,” Artes said. (mmda/pia-ncr)