27-28 AUGUST 2026
The Benguet State University General Services Office and the Gender and Development Office conducted a two-day training for university drivers titled “Driver Regulatory Information, Values and Professionalism, Equity, and Responsibility – DRIVER” at the Institute of Highland Farming Systems and Agroforestry.
The training brought together resource speakers from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Benguet, the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and BSU offices to discuss road safety, driver responsibilities, and gender-responsive transport service.
On the first day, Cecillio G. Gallardo, Officer in Charge of Regional Driver’s Education Center, Department of Transportation-CAR and Land Transportation Office Benguet Chief, discussed transportation and road safety regulations, including the mandates of the LTO on driver’s license issuance, vehicle registration, enforcement of transportation laws, and road safety measures such as signages and road markings.
Police Lieutenant Cable S. Codim-o, HPG Chief of Investigation, followed with a discussion on the driver’s responsibilities and obligations under current traffic and institutional policies. He tackled HPG frontline services, drivers’ primary responsibilities, legal foundations on road safety, accident prevention, proper response during vehicular accidents, and documentation of vehicle conditions.
The second day opened with Imelda G. Parcasio, Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System–Technical Working Group (GFPS-WTG) member, who discussed gender-responsive and inclusive transportation services. Parcasio explained key gender and development concepts, including the difference between sex and gender and between equality and equity. She also introduced the SAFE Driver Framework anchored on Safety, Accessibility, Fairness, and Empathy and Respect.
In the afternoon, Raymundo H. Pawid Jr., Senior Administrative Officer of the Human Resource Management Office and GFPS TWG member, discussed values, professionalism, equity, and respect in transport service. He presented BSU’s core values of Innovation, Resilience, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Stewardship, and how these guide university drivers in their work.
After the discussions, participants formed groups to engage in case-scenario activities, applying the concepts to various GAD issues during transport while sharing their personal reflections and experiences related to the topic.
“Maganda kasi nadagdagan na naman yung knowledge tungkol sa pagmamaneho ng sasakyan at sa GAD, malaki din yung magandang effect lalo kung ia-apply sa pagmamaneho,” Melchor I. Simsim said, a participant from the Bokod Campus.
BSU President Kenneth A. Laruan delivered the closing message, commending the organizers for the successful activity. He also thanked the participants for their active involvement and their commitment to safely transporting BSU stakeholders, and reminded them of the importance of driving safely and maintaining good health.