Manila: The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is celebrating the 2026 National Women's Month by launching a series of programs specifically designed for female employees and motorists. These initiatives include free theoretical driving courses (TDC) and various health services aimed at promoting gender sensitivity and employee well-being.
According to Philippines News Agency, LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao announced that the programs will feature a wellness week for employees from March 9 to 13, special lanes for female clients at LTO offices, and complimentary TDCs for qualified women. Lacanilao emphasized the LTO's dedication to fostering an environment of gender awareness and support within the organization.
Female drivers interested in the free TDC, a 15-hour prerequisite program for obtaining a student driver's permit, can register by visiting their respective LTO regional social media pages or by joining the LTO official Viber community. In the National Capital Region, the free TDC will be available at the Para±aque Licensing Branch. Additionally, female student drivers in areas like Pili, Camarines Sur, and Legazpi City, Albay, can submit their requirements at local LTO offices during specified hours.
For those residing in Ragay, Camarines Sur, registration involves sending personal details to the official LTO Facebook page before visiting the local office with necessary documents. In Baguio City, applicants can forward their requirements to the LTO Cordillera Administrative Region Office.
Eligible applicants, aged 16 and above, must bring a Philippine Statistics Authority birth certificate, a national ID (if available), a marriage certificate (if married), notarized parental consent for minors, and a certificate of indigency from their barangay. Attendance in proper attire is mandatory for the seminars to secure the free TDC.
In addition to the wellness week, the LTO will offer a free general health checkup and obstetrics and gynecology consultation for female employees from March 17 to 19, along with a bloodletting activity on the 19th. Successful donors will receive a one-day compensatory time-off valid until April 30. The LTO also encourages participation in 'Purple Fridays' throughout March to show support for women's empowerment.
The LTO's Women's Month activities are themed 'Lead like the Babaylans, Filipinas!' and are organized under the guidance of the Philippine Commission on Women, LTO's Gender and Development Focal Point System, and Technical Working Group.
