AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION PHILIPPINES

Transcription

1 B3-1 FLATOUT RACE SERIES WINNERS last August 5 at the Batangas Racing Circuit were AAP Motor Sport Development Program finalists. AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION PHILIPPINES COUNTRIES SHARE BEST PRACTICES AT 10TH ANNUAL ROAD SAFETY IN ASIA CONFERENCE The Automobile Association Philippines (AAP), Philippine Global Road Safety Partnership (PGRSP), Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP) and International Road Assessment Program (irap) held the Road Safety in Asia 2017 Conference on August 22-23, 2017, attended by over 200 participants from different countries in the region. Seven hundred seventy seven thousand road traffic deaths or more than half of the road crash fatalities that were reported worldwide in 2010 came from the Asia Pacific region alone. This number was among the alarming statistics highlighted during this year s Road Safety in Asia conference which was held last August 22 and 23 at The Heritage Hotel in Pasay City. More than 200 participants from over a dozen Asian countries attended the 10th annual event organized by the Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP), the International Road Assessment Program (irap), the Philippine Global Road Safety Partnership (PGRSP) and the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) to share ideas, experiences and best practices and explore ways to scale up efforts to advance road safety in the region. The bulk of the road traffic deaths came from our region or exactly 62 percent of the 1.2 million global road deaths are from GRSP Chief Executive Officer Dave Cliff and PGRSP Chair concurently AAP President Gus Lagman Asia Pacific, reported AAP president and PGRSP Chair Gus Lagman as he presented the findings of the World Health Organization published in the Global Status Report on Road Safety The most vulnerable road users are those who are riding motorized 2-3 wheeled vehicles and pedestrians, Lagman elaborated. Speeding, drunk-driving, non-wearing of motorcycle helmets, non-wearing of seat belts and non-use of child restraints in vehicles are the common risk factors for these vulnerable road users in Asia. Legislation to Promote Road Safety in PH Among the important guests ooob3-2

2 B3-2 AAP MAKING MOTORING FUN Multiple solutions to the traffic problem By Gus Lagman AAP President Since time immemorial, the government has always been focused on looking for ways by which it can move more vehicles and at higher speeds. To attain this, it has built more roads, bridges, and skyways where it could, allocating the necessary budget for them, or bidding out some of the projects for the private sector to develop. However, the problem today, at least in the Metro Manila area, is that we have reached the saturation point for that approach. There s just no more space to build more roads on. And so, the government started building down well, a little bit by constructing tunnels under major intersections (Shaw Blvd., Cubao, Ayala Ave.) and building up, by constructing flyovers over the other major intersections (Tramo, Magallanes, Buendia Ave., Ortigas Ave., Crame, Kamias, Quezon Ave.). Finally, realizing that it should focus more on moving people than on moving vehicles, the government built the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and later, with the private sector, the Metro Rail Transit (MRT). But those are definitely not enough, as evidenced by the long queues of commuters at the stations, every working day. The main reason is that this overhead, light rail, mass transit systems, as the word light implies, have very limited capacity. But lo and behold! The government recently announced the long-awaited plan to build a subway system in the metropolis. This heavy rail system is, without a doubt, the best solution to our traffic problems. If they do a good job of it, there will be less reasons for commuters to buy cars, or for car owners to use them. Using the subway system is a much better alternative to driving through heavy traffic around the city. A quick comment on this plan though: The first subway line should not be the rumored Makati-to-Global City alignment; rather, it should be an alignment parallel to the EDSA route for the simple reason that the latter would have a much bigger impact on today s commuting public. The traffic problem in Metro-Manila is a complex one and will therefore require the implementation of a combination of many solutions. Effective as it will be, the subway system will take many years to build. Even as we should start building it now, we should also simultaneously start implementing the other solutions. 1. Strictly enforce traffic laws. This single move will approximately halve the number of buses plying EDSA (out with the colorums). Choke points will be reduced as buses can only stay at the loading/unloading zone for the time limit (maybe just for the few seconds needed to unload and load passengers), thus there won t be a need to overtake non-moving buses, which causes one or two lanes to be blocked. 2. Implement the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT), or some similar variation, that has proven successful in several South American countries. To increase the chances of success, a suggestion from a transportation consultant, is to have motorcycle-riding cops escort and clear the way for each group of buses. 3. Rationalize our public transport system. In many countries, bus companies are either run by the government or by a monopoly. In our country, there are far too many companies competing against each other. Mergers should be encouraged and exclusive lines or routes, bid out. Poor performance should mean loss of franchise. 4. Relocate bus terminals of provincial buses outside Metro-Manila. Most of them, if not all, are inside the metropolis. This situation results in the build-up of traffic in the areas where they are located. These are but a few of the solutions that can be implemented, even while the subway system is being constructed. But what is most important, is to ACT NOW! Fluctuating fuel prices afflict motorists every week. Aiming to lighten the expenses of motorists especially during the Christmas holidays, the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) and Chevron Philippines launched last September 15 the AAP-Caltex SAVE ONE OR TWO PESOS PER LITER WITH THE AAP- CALTEX DISCOUNT CARD PROMO SavePlus Discount Card Promo. We are very glad to partner with Caltex to give our members another major membership benefit, AAP Membership manager Necy Zornosa said. The discount card is exclusively for AAP members in good standing (membership not expired.) AAP members can save P2.00 per liter of Caltex Silver or Platinum Techron gasoline and P1.00 per liter of Caltex Techron D diesel. The discount is valid for a maximum of 60 liters per day and/or a maximum of two (2) transactions per day, whichever comes first. It is valid for cash or credit card transactions only. AAP members can utilize the discount card at all card-accepting Caltex stations except for Caltex service stations located at Landers Superstores and stations in Mindanao. It also cannot be used with other discounting schemes offered by Caltex stations. The AAP-Caltex SavePlus Discount Card is valid for one year from the day of enrollment of a new AAP member or from the date of the card holder s renewal COUNTRIES SHARE BEST PRACTICES AT 10TH ANNUAL ROAD SAFETY IN ASIA CONFERENCE FROM B3-1 during the event was Senator JV Ejercito who chairs the Senate Committee on Health and Demography. Ejercito cited several bills that he is actively pushing in the Senate, including The Anti-Overloading Act of 2017, the Dash Cam Law and the Child Safety in Motor Vehicle Act of The senator campaigned for the creation of a National Transportation Safety Board that shall investigate and determine the probable cause of road crashes involving all types of vehicles. Representative Cesar Sarmiento, who chairs the Philippine Congress Committee on Transportation, talked about the various laws that the House of Representatives recently passed which are now implemented to make roads safer in the Philippines. The Mandatory Installation of Speed Limiters, Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving, and Anti- Distracted Driving were the legislative initiatives he highlighted. In our country, 34 people die on the roads daily. But 34 is not just a number. They are people with names, Sarmiento said. of AAP membership. The AAP-Caltex SavePlus Discount Card is different from the AAP membership card, Zornosa said. Please make sure you present the AAP-Caltex SavePlus Discount Card which has a magnetic strip and a Caltex logo at the back to avail of the discount. AAP members can purchase the discount card for only P100 at AAP branches in Quezon City, Makati, Alabang, San Fernando, Pampanga, Lipa, Batangas and Cebu. A no card, no discount policy is strictly implemented. Zornosa stressed that AAP has a limited number of the discount cards. We encourage AAP members to take advantage of this benefit while supplies last. Availing of the AAP-Caltex SavePlus Discount Card will surely help save money. The P1-P2 per liter of fuel per day that members get to save for a whole year will definitely go a long way. For inquiries, those interested can call See posters and flyers or visit and the AAP Facebook page for terms and conditions. Senator JV Ejercito (right), chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography and Rep. Cesar Sarmiento (left) chair of the Congress Committee on Transportation. PGRSP Secretary General Alberto Suansing, GRSP CEO Dave Cliff, GRSP Communications Manager Michael Chippendale and PGRSP Executive Assistant Cynthia Reyes Working towards Better Road Safety in Asia Six workshops were conducted throughout the two-day conference where various projects, best practices and proven interventions were presented to help improve road safety in the region. Representatives from irap shared case studies on projects that turned into successful programs and policies. GRSP talked about the importance of standards in helmets and child restraints as well as effective implementation of policies and advocacies. PGRSP Secretary General Alberto Suansing shared the various initiatives of the organization as part of the discussion on the role of the private sector and civil society in road safety. PGRSP and AAP have opened opportunities for the McInerney shares insights on how to establish road assessment programs during the From Projects to Upgraded Roads: Ensuring we Save Lives workshop. government sector including inviting them to international conferences on road safety, Suansing said. We have continuously partnered with government agencies, private companies, universities, and the media to spread road safety education and coordinate activities to prevent duplication of efforts. In closing, GRSP Chief Executive Officer Dave Cliff noted the importance of sharing knowledge and successful experiences to achieve the sustainable developmental goals and save more lives on the road. The thing with road safety is, we know what works. We know that 5-star rated vehicles are infinitely safer than 0-star rated cars. We know the benefits of good road safety legislation which deters people from committing actions that lead to road trauma. We know the enormous benefits of a safe road infrastructure and safe road signs and the difference it can make when things go wrong in a road crash. Our work isn t done. Let us move with purpose and consider the appropriate next steps.

3 AAP B3-3 AAP MSDP BATCH 2 FINALISTS PREP FOR PHILIPPINE ENDURANCE CHALLENGE It s almost graduation time for the Batch 2 finalists of the AAP Motor Sport Development Program (MSDP) but the six would have to compete first in the Philippine Endurance Challenge (PEC) on December 2-3. The Clark International Speedway will once again become the battle ground for the country s longest endurance race where Andre Delos Santos, Armand Marcaida, Bien Madriaga, Carlos Marzo, Hazel and Miguel Reyes will be contending against seasoned race car drivers just like what their predecessors did last year. These kids have been working really hard, said MSDP head and AAP Motorsport Department operations manager Mark Desales. They re getting better with their driving, executing the scientific methods More young drivers are joining the AAP Motor Sport Development Program (MSDP) as it continues to expand its reach to various key cities in the country, which now includes Tagum City, Davao del Norte. The round of MSDP lectures for this year started with Cebu City where the race skills lecture was conducted as early as April. In May, MSDP lead instructor Vip Isada and his formidable team of topnotch local motor sport experts conducted Module 1 to about 50 eager young participants in Tagum City, Davao for the first time. In the same month, MSDP was in Cagayan de Oro City to complete the Module 2 lecture we ve taught them and consequently improving on their track times. Last October 14, the group joined the 8th round of the Flat Out Race Series held at Clark. According to Desales, the Batch 2 MSDP finalists will have one more training session in the 11th Leg of the National Slalom Series, this time at the Tarlac Racing Circuit. Compared to their first seat time during one of the local slalom events, we ve seen quite a significant improvement in their driving and how they handle their race car, Desales noted. Proving their mettle in the eight-hour endurance race is the culmination of all the things that we ve taught them. Lessons on Balance, Proper Mindset and Safe Driving Almost a year into their MS- DP journey, Delos Santos, Madriaga, Marzo, Ramirez and Reyes talked about how they have learned a lot of things, from really helpful racing tips to even simple life hacks. All agreed that the lessons on balance, proper mindset and safe driving have helped them become better AAP MSDP EXPANDS TO TAGUM, DAVAO, GAINS THREE NEW PARTNERS to participants who participated in the MSDP Module 1: Race Skills in It was followed in July with Module 1 lectures in Cebu and Cagayan de Oro while in September the same lecture was conducted in Bacolod. We re very happy see that we re attracting more young people get into motor sport the right way. We re getting good feedback about the program and we re hoping to expand more to other cities in the county, said AAP motor sport department operations manager and MSDP program head Mark Desales. Meanwhile, MSDP Gymkhana also attracted a lot of participants in the provinces after a successful launch in March. Cheenee Ang Jimenez, Carlos Marzo, Mike Santos and Armand Marcaida took home trophies from the FORS at the Batangas Racing Circuuit on Aug. 5. The MSDP participants of Tagum, Davao cheer after completing Module 1: Race Skills. The MSDP Class Champions from the five main cities were invited to compete at the first-ever Gymkhana finals. Over 20 of them will be competing for the title on November 5, Desales said. MSDP finalists competed during Round 7 of FORS at the Batangas Racing Circuit last September 9. (L-R): Hazel Ramirez, Gabbie Desales, Cheenee Ang Jiminez, Polo Bautista, MSDP coach Ivan Isada, Paulo Santos, Jero Consing, Carlos Marzo, Mike Santos, Armand Marcaida, Andre Delos Santos, MSDP lead instructor Vip Isada and MSDP program head and AAP Motor Department operations manager Mark Desales. With them are the banners of new MSDP partners Blue Chem and Bendix Brakes. New MSDP Partners As the number of MSPD students increases and the provinces it reaches expands, so do the partners who believe in the program. Last September 9, the MSDP had a meet and greet with its newest partners Bendix drivers. Coach Vip always talks about balance apart from teaching us about the right driving position, braking and turning, Marzo said. Balance is needed in the proper application of gas and brake to help a driver enter and exit corners aggressively, echoed Delos Santos. To Madriaga, it s all about having presence of mind: You really need to be focused especially when you re making quick decisions out there. These lessons helped me lower my times in slalom, autocross and circuit driving. MSDP has also taught us that whenever we re behind the wheel, we should always be responsible for our actions, Reyes added. At the end of every lesson and training, we drive safer and faster. Brakes, BlueChem and NWB Wipers. During 7th Leg of the FlatOut Race Series (FORS) at the Batangas Racing Circuit, Bendix Brakes Director for Sales and Marketing Tim Chua and Bendix Brakes representative Arby Andaya came to support the MSPD finalists who were training for the upcoming Philippine Endurance Challenge. Bendix Brakes is the best known OE alternative brand in brake systems. It is the only brand that offers different types to match different vehicles applications. Its product range includes pads, shoes, rotors, cleaners, and lubricants. BlueChem offers a line of TUV certified additives designed to optimize the performance of vehicles through simple periodic applications. NWB Wipers is the most widely used OEM wiper brand of most Japanese vehicles. Founded in 1965, NWB has long been recognized all over the world for its craftsmanship and quality. The MSDP s major partners are Mazda Philippines and Seaoil. Other partners include Dynamics Suspension, Autoperformance PH, Aeromed Ambulance Transport, Walter Light and Sounds, Time Attack Manila, Rota Wheels, Hazardboy Performance, TS Tuning, FORS, Race Motorsports Club, SpeedLab, HotPipes, K&N Performance, Dynapack and GR Tuning.

4 AAP B3-5 AAP Partnership Program Reaches Cebu, Occidental Mindoro and Batanes Establishments in Cebu, Occidental Mindoro and Batanes have joined the growing list of restaurants, hotels, auto service centers, and spas that are part of the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) partnership program. Down in Cebu, AAP members can avail of a 10% discount on all driving courses at the A1 Driving School. They have three training courses: premium, executive and rush for manual and automatic driving. Their modules include classroom orientation, one-on-one hands-on practicum as well as road safety lectures. A1 Driving School offers a variety of motor vehicles for training: a sedan, an AUV, a pickup, compact SUV, midsize SUV and van. AAP members can drop by any A1 Driving School branch at SM City Cebu, Ayala Cebu, Escario, Talisay and ACT Cebu. For inquiries, please call or If your car s registration is up for renewal, drop by JPV Emission Testing Center Corporation. The emission center is offering 50% discount for every vehicle that an AAP member brings in for testing. You can contact them at or JPV Emission Testing Center Corp. is located at Barangay Calamba V. Rama Avenue, Cebu City. Meanwhile, for AAP members who love to travel and are heading out to the MI- MAROPA region for some aquatic fun and nautical adventure, specifically to the Marine Wonderland of Occidental Mindoro, book your stay at the G-Star Hotel. They are offering up to 15% discount on their room rates. For singles, couples or small groups, guests can choose from their Ordinary, Standard, and Twin rooms. For bigger groups, they have the Kapamilya Room and the Kabarkada Room. For guests checking in with their children, G-Star Hotel has a Hello Kitty Room where the walls, bed covers and other things have a Hello Kitty design. G-Star Hotel provides free wi-fi and parking space for guests. Services and amenities available include laundry service, pressing of clothes, a salon and spa, and a restaurant within the vicinity. For bookings and inquiries, call and look for Ms. Nicka Monique Gener. You can visit G-Star Hotel at Libero St., San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. If you are venturing out to Batanes, the country s northernmost province, Marfel s Lodge offers 10% discount on any room at their Main Lodge, Annex Lodge, Triple MP Homestay and Mac Homestay. Moreover, Marfel s Lodge also offers 10% discount on their tours of North Batan, South Batan and Sabtang Island. Among the famous spots in Batanes are the Vulgan Boulder Beach, Racuh A Payaman or Marlboro Country and Sabtang Lighthouse. Visit Marfel s Lodge at Reyes St., Barangay Kayvaluganan, Basco, Batanes. You can contact Ms. Felomena Fitero at or to book a room.

5 B3-6 AAP Disiplina! Disiplina! Disiplina! chanted elementary school students as they imitated Philippine Global Road Safety Partnership (PGRSP) Secretary General Alberto Suansing during a road safety program that the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) conducted on September 21, Chevron Philippines Inc. partnered with AAP to bring road safety education to over 30 students from grades 3 to 6 of San Pascual Central School in Batangas. AAP assisted Chevron employees in conducting the lecture and the fun activities for the students as part of Chevron s Volunteer Week. School Principal Bernarda Reyes expressed her delight, STARTING THEM YOUNG: BATANGAS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT TRAFFIC DISCIPLINE Above, AAP Chevron Philippines and San Pascual Central School, Batangas students. Top right, The Safe Cross Code dance helped students remember to STOP, LOOK AND LISTEN before crossing a street. Bottom right, Students show off the stamp on their passports after completing one of the three Road Safety Olympics stations. saying: The safety of our students is something that we really value and we are grateful that Chevron and AAP have visited us today to teach us important lessons on road safety. The program proceeded with students wiggling and jumping to the tune of the Safe Cross Code dance that AAP and Chevron employees taught them. The short, lively routine was a reminder for the kids to STOP, LOOK AND LISTEN before crossing the street. Energized, the kids then listened to Suansing who taught them all about road signs, especially those that they see near their school such as the school zone sign, stop sign and pedestrian crossing. Small children like you may not always be visible to drivers of huge vehicles such as trucks, Suansing said. This is why you should avoid wearing anything dark or else you should wear something bright on your clothes. You can also wave your hand to signify to oncoming drivers that you are crossing the street. Most of all, have the discipline to walk at the appropriate pedestrian crossing and don t play around. After the short lecture, the students enjoyed a fun Road Safety Olympics facilitated by AAP and Chevron. On the first station, they were asked whether a particular road safety tip was true or false. On the second station, they were asked to identify the road signs and signals that were discussed earlier in the lecture. On the last station, the students were asked what the appropriate response was for a given a situation on the street. In closing, Chevron Manager for Policy, Government and Public Affairs Raisa Bautista said: Chevron is truly happy to share very important lessons on road safety with the students of San Pascual Central School and we are thankful to AAP for assisting us in this advocacy. A student reading the flash cards on how to properly cross a street. A Chevron employee holds up the School Zone sign as PGRSP Secretary General Alberto Suansing explains that when motorists see this sign, they should slow down.