Traffic Safety Education Act

Offite of the scecetary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 26 JAN 13 P6:19 SENATE RECEIVED BY: Senate Bill No. 1664 Introduced by Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING ROAD SAFETY AND TRAFFIC EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE The World Health Organization (WHO) has long recognized road traffic injuries as a leading cause of death among children and young people worldwide. In the Philippines, the situation is just as alarming: pedestrian and commuter safety continues to be a growing concern, especially in urban and densely populated areas. Children are often the most vulnerable road users, yet traffic education is neither standardized nor consistently implemented in our schools and communities. In response to this pressing concern, this proposed measure seeks to institutionalize Road Safety and Traffic Education for children and youth across the country. This measure embeds traffic rules into the formal basic education curriculum. In doing so, we also instill road discipline and pedestrian awareness among our young people. At the same time, we empower the younger generation to become road users who are informed, alert, and responsible. More than just teaching them how to cross the street or obey traffic signs, the measure aims to cultivate a culture of safety and accountability on the road. The bill also mandates community-based interventions for out-of-school youth, and strengthens the capacities of teachers and trainers by ensuring that they are equipped to deliver road safety concepts effectively and engagingly. With the cooperation of key agencies such as the Department of Education (DepEd),

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and other traffic enforcement agencies, this measure envisions a whole-of- society approach to traffic safety. If we are to address the staggering toll of road accidents, we must begin where it matters most: education. By starting young and engaging the community, we lay down the foundations of safer roads, informed citizens, and a more disciplined society. In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. RONALD "BATO' DELA ROSA

senate Office of the Secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 26 JAN 13 P6:19 First Regular Session RECEIVED BY: SENATE Senate Bill No. 1664 Introduced by Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING ROAD SAFETY AND TRAFFIC EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. This Act shall be known as the "Traffic Safety Education Act."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to

promote the safety, protection, and welfare of Filipino children and youth. Towards this end, the State shall integrate traffic rules, road discipline, and pedestrian safety in the educational system and community programs to prevent road accidents and promote responsible citizenship.

Sec. 3. Integration in the Basic Education Curriculum. - The Department of

Education (DepEd) shall develop and integrate Road Safety and Traffic Education into the curriculum for kindergarten, elementary, and secondary levels, covering topics such as, but not limited to: 1. Understanding traffic signals and road signs; 2. Pedestrian and commuter safety; 3. Bicycle and motorcycle safety; 4. Passenger responsibilities and behavior; 5. Rights and responsibilities under traffic laws; and 6. Emergency response and reporting.

Sec. 4. Community-Based Traffic Education. - The Department of the Interior

and Local Government (DILG), in coordination with the Land Transportation Office 3 (LTO), local government units (LGUs), and the National Youth Commission (NYC), shall conduct community-based Traffic Awareness Seminars targeting out-of-school 5 youth and young community members.

Sec. 5. Teacher and Trainer Capability Building. - The DepEd, in partnership

7 with the LTO, MMDA, and PNP-HPG, shall provide training for public and private school 8 teachers to effectively teach traffic safety concepts and simulate road safety scenarios.

Sec. 6. Monitoring and Evaluation. - The DepEd shall design a system to

monitor the implementation and effectiveness of traffic education modules. The Secretary of Education shall submit an annual report to Congress on the outcomes 12 and impact of the program.

Sec. 7. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial implementation

of this Act shall be charged against the current appropriations of the concerned agencies. Thereafter, such amounts as may be necessary for its continued implementation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DepEd, in consultation with

18 DILG, DOTT, LTO, MMDA, and relevant stakeholders, shall within ninety (90) days 19 from the effectivity of this Act, promulgate the rules and regulations to effectively 20 implement the provisions of this Act.

Sec. 9. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared

unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

Sec. 10. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive

order, letter of instruction, rule or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

2 complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation. Approved,