LTO-Davao Expands Free Driving Services to Barangays and Schools in 2026
The Land Transportation Office-Davao Region (LTO-Davao) is significantly expanding its outreach caravans to barangays and schools across the region. This initiative aims to bring essential transport services directly to residents who often face challenges in accessing district offices, thereby improving convenience and compliance with regulations.
Barangay Outreach & Support Services (Boss) Project Achievements
Through its Barangay Outreach & Support Services (Boss) Project, LTO-Davao made substantial progress in 2025. The agency reached 252 barangays, providing 32,868 free theoretical driving course seminars (TDCs) and issuing 30,174 student permits. Oscar Don A. Zamora, Head of the Davao City North District Office, emphasized that this initiative ensures residents can complete required TDCs and apply for student permits without costs or long travel.
"This Theoretical Driving Course is free. We go to the barangays so people don’t need to come to our district office; we bring the services to them," Zamora stated. The project also facilitated 1,766 driver’s license renewals and 4,573 motor vehicle registrations in barangays, addressing the issue of unregistered motorcycles common in rural areas.
Safe Project for Educational Institutions
In schools, the Safe Project (Strengthening Advocacy for Future Educators and Drivers) has reached 58 campuses, targeting senior high school and college students. Services include:
- Free TDCs
- Student permit issuance
- License renewals
- Vehicle registrations
In 2025 alone, this project delivered 5,858 TDCs, 5,000 student permits, 124 license renewals, and 252 registrations, promoting safe driving practices among youth.
Support for Marginalized Groups via Pasada Project
Beyond regular services, LTO-Davao extends support to marginalized groups through the Pasada Project (Promoting Accessible and Sustainable Assistance for Drivers Advancement). Outreach programs have catered to ex-convicts and tricycle drivers’ associations (Toda), providing:
- Education on driving regulations
- TDCs
- Permits to help sustain livelihoods through driving
The project recorded 4,631 TDCs, 4,384 student permits, 155 license renewals, and 182 registrations, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive community support.
Cost Savings and Accessibility Benefits
By offering free TDCs—normally costing around P1,000 in private driving schools—the program allows Dabawenyos to save money while gaining access to legal and safe driving opportunities. Zamora highlighted the impact on rural areas: "When we visit the barangays, we notice many motorcycles are completely unregistered because people don’t travel to the city. That’s why LTO goes to them to provide renewal services."
Future Goals for 2026
For 2026, LTO-Davao aims to double the number of barangays and schools visited, further strengthening access to safe and legal transport services. This expansion underscores the agency’s dedication to enhancing public service delivery and promoting road safety across Davao Region.
