Securing Marilaque: A Collaborative Effort to enhance Road Safety
The scenic marilaque Highway, a popular route for motorcycle enthusiasts, has recently become a hotspot for hazardous stunts adn high-speed racing, leading to a spike in accidents and fatalities. In response, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has joined forces with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and several rider groups to improve safety along this critical stretch of road.
The initiative was sparked by the tragic death of a rider on January 26, 2025, in Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal, marking the 13th accident on the highway this year. “It is indeed unfortunate that it took one person to pass away in order to awaken all of us. But we will take advantage of this momentum to promote road safety not only here along Marilaque but also in all parts of the country,” said LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II.
The partnership is part of the LTO’s broader ‘Stop Road Crash’ campaign, which aims to address the alarming rise in road accidents nationwide. According to data from the PNP-Highway Patrol Group (HPG), there were 31,000 road accidents in 2024, resulting in 2,747 fatalities. These incidents involved 47,206 vehicles, including over 15,000 motorcycles and 17,000 four-wheeled vehicles.
“One death due to a road accident is too many. that is why, we have been aggressively advocating for road safety.Our objective this year is to reduce at least by half the number of road accidents that occurred in 2024,” Mendoza emphasized.
The campaign has garnered widespread support from motorcycle groups, public personalities, and corporate entities. “The private sector is very active, and even the corporate groups, so we will take advantage of this momentum to push for our goal of making our roads safe,” Mendoza added.
On February 2, 2025, Mendoza and Senator JV Ejercito, a known motorcycle enthusiast, led a motorcade along a portion of the Marilaque highway to promote the ‘Make Marilaque Road Safe Again’ initiative.Hundreds of riders participated, urging their peers to obey traffic laws and refrain from racing or performing stunts.
| Key Statistics (2024) |
|—————————|
| Road Accidents: 31,000 |
| Fatalities: 2,747 |
| Vehicles Involved: 47,206 |
| Motorcycles: 15,000+ |
| Four-Wheeled Vehicles: 17,000+ |
The collaborative effort underscores the importance of discipline and adherence to traffic rules. As Mendoza aptly put it, “Our roads should be safe for everyone, and it starts with each of us taking responsibility.”
With increased patrols, public awareness campaigns, and community involvement, the goal of transforming Marilaque Highway into a safer route for all users is within reach. The journey to safer roads continues, and every step counts.
Securing Marilaque: A Discussion on Enhancing Road Safety
The scenic Marilaque Highway, a beloved route for motorcycle enthusiasts, has recently witnessed a surge in accidents and fatalities due to hazardous stunts and high-speed racing. In response, the Land Transportation Office (LTO), in collaboration with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and several rider groups, has launched initiatives to improve safety on this critical road. we sat down with Dr. marco Santos, a renowned road safety expert, to discuss the challenges and solutions in making Marilaque Highway safer for all.
The Urgency of the Issue
Senior Editor: Dr. Santos, the recent fatality on January 26, 2025, marked the 13th accident on Marilaque Highway this year. Why do you think this stretch of road has become so dangerous?
Dr. Marco Santos: Marilaque Highway is a challenging route, with winding roads and steep inclines that attract thrill-seekers. Regrettably, this has led to reckless behavior such as racing and stunts. The lack of strict enforcement and public awareness has exacerbated the issue. The tragic death on January 26 was a wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need for collective action.
the ‘Stop Road Crash’ Campaign
Senior Editor: The LTO’s ‘Stop Road Crash’ campaign aims to reduce road accidents nationwide. How effective do you think this initiative will be in addressing the problem on Marilaque Highway?
Dr.Marco Santos: The campaign is a step in the right direction. By focusing on public awareness, stricter law enforcement, and community involvement, it addresses the root causes of road accidents. The partnership between the LTO, PNP, and rider groups is notably promising, as it combines resources and expertise to create a safer habitat. However, sustained efforts and continuous monitoring will be crucial to achieving long-term success.
Key Statistics and Their Implications
Senior Editor: According to the PNP-Highway Patrol Group (HPG), there were 31,000 road accidents in 2024, with 2,747 fatalities. What do these numbers reveal about the state of road safety in the Philippines?
Dr. Marco Santos: These statistics are alarming. They highlight a systemic issue that goes beyond Marilaque Highway.the fact that over 15,000 motorcycles and 17,000 four-wheeled vehicles were involved underscores the need for thorough solutions, including better driver education, improved road infrastructure, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws. Every death is a tragedy, and these numbers should serve as a call to action for all stakeholders.
The Role of Community and Private Sector
Senior Editor: The campaign has received support from motorcycle groups,public personalities,and corporate entities. How vital is this collaboration in achieving the goal of safer roads?
Dr. Marco Santos: Collaboration is absolutely essential. Road safety is not just a goverment responsibility; it requires the active participation of the community and private sector. Motorcycle groups, for instance, can influence their members to adopt safer practices. Public personalities can amplify the message, while corporate entities can provide resources and expertise. Together, these efforts can create a culture of safety that extends beyond Marilaque Highway.
The ‘Make Marilaque Road Safe Again’ Initiative
Senior Editor: On February 2, 2025, LTO Chief Vigor Mendoza II and Senator JV Ejercito led a motorcade to promote the ‘Make Marilaque Road Safe Again’ initiative. what impact do you think such events have on raising awareness?
Dr.Marco Santos: Events like these are incredibly impactful. They bring visibility to the issue and engage the community directly. By involving key figures like Senator Ejercito, who is a well-known motorcycle enthusiast, the initiative resonates with riders and encourages them to take responsibility.The participation of hundreds of riders also sends a powerful message about the importance of adhering to traffic laws and avoiding reckless behavior.
Conclusion
Senior Editor: Thank you, dr. santos, for your insights. As we wrap up, what would you say are the key takeaways for ensuring road safety on Marilaque Highway and beyond?
Dr. Marco Santos: The key takeaways are clear: road safety requires a multi-faceted approach involving education, enforcement, and community engagement. Initiatives like the ‘Stop Road Crash’ campaign and the ‘Make Marilaque Road Safe Again’ motorcade are vital steps, but they must be sustained over time. Every individual has a role to play in making our roads safer. As Assistant Secretary Mendoza aptly said, “Our roads should be safe for everyone, and it starts with each of us taking responsibility.”
