13 lady bus drivers graduate from training

At least 13 female bus drivers will now start plying major Metro Manila roads after graduating from a driving course facilitated by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Monday. According to a radio dzBB report, the 13 immediately gained employment in bus companies after their graduation. As graduates, they are now qualified to drive bus, straight trucks and trailer trucks. MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said he expects the female drivers to show their male counterparts how to ply their routes without getting hotheaded. The driving course facilitated by the MMDA was conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). In a news release, the MMDA identified the 13 successful graduates as Ma. Fresa Repomanta, 44; Salve Canita, 46; Olivia Pabriga, 52; Edbeth Gan, 35; Leonila Bathan, 43; Rosemarie Iligan, 50; Janet Mendez, 40; Yolanda Blanco, 51; Jennifer Javier, 26; Luzviminda Dumalag, 46; Ferry Anne Alberto, 37; Kathleen Anne Mabagos, 28; and Blessy Palisoc, 24.

The 13 came from an initial batch of 31 applicants pre-screened by the MMDA. Of these, 21 underwent grueling skills assessment tests conducted by TESDA driving instructors on February 23 at the Mall of Asia complex in Pasay City. The tests include written examination, skills demonstration, and oral questioning, and also involved crash course on maintenance and servicing of vehicles, pre- and post-operation procedures on vehicles, observance of traffic rules and regulations; coordination of accident emergency procedures; and actual driving test of a passenger bus or straight truck. As an incentive to bus companies, the units to be driven by the TESDA-qualified lady bus drivers will be exempted from the number coding scheme, Tolentino said. — KBK, GMA News