Power Wheels Magazine A Notch Above
While crowds were gathered at several points around the country to protest against corruption in government, a separate smaller but more focused crowd gathered in Quezon City to observe the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims or WDR 2025 on November 16, 2025. Spearheaded by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and the Motorcycle Philippines Federation (MCPF), the event serves as the world’s collective moment to honor the lives lost and forever changed by road crashes.
Candles were lit in honor of the road traffic victims, the survivors and their families.
WDR began in 1993 through RoadPeace and was declared by the United Nations in 2005 as a global day of observance every third Sunday of November. Since then, governments and international groups such as the European Federation of Road Traffic Victims (FEVR), International Road Victim’s Partnership (IRVP), Global Alliance of NGOs for Road Safety, World Health Organization (WHO) and UN Road Safety Collaboration, have worked together to make this day a platform for remembrance and urgent action. Through Republic Act 11468, the WDR is officially dedicated as a day for Filipinos to come together – “Mga pamilyang nawalan, mga nakaligtas, at mga patuloy na lumalaban (Families who lost a loved one, survivors, and those who continue to fight)” – to share their stories and remind the public that every life on the road matters.
WDR is observed around the world to remember those who died, to those who survived, and to act to prevent more road traffic fatalities and save lives.
Changes Caused by Natural Calamities & Recent Events
This year’s WDR was supposed to be held at The Waltz Convention Center in Calasiao, Pangasinan but because of the recent typhoons, floods, earthquakes and government scandals, the organizers decided to adopt austerity measures and moved the event to the LTO Central Office in East Avenue, Quezon City. The event started with a Solidarity Walk where representatives from concerned government agencies and participating institutions marched from the Quezon City Memorial Circle to the LTO Central Office as a symbol of unity and commitment to safer roads. A Holy Mass Celebration and candle-lighting ceremony was held in honor of the victims and in support of their grieving families.
Solidarity Walk: Representatives from concerned government agencies and participating institutions marched from the Quezon City Memorial Circle to the LTO Central Office for unity and for safer roads.
During the commemoration activities, a Blood Letting Program was conducted by the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) with Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Dr. Teodoro “Teddy” Herbosa acting as one of the first donors, which encouraged other volunteers to donate blood as an act of compassion and community service. Representatives from various government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), private sector partners, academic institutions, stakeholders, civil society groups, and other road safety advocates also joined the event to promote road safety, strengthen preventive measures, and continuously advocate for safer and more responsible road use for all.
DOH Sec. Dr. Teodoro “Teddy” Herbosa stated the connection between health services, especially the trauma units, and the immediate treatment of road traffic victims.
LTO Chief Asec. Markus Lacanilao emphasized the role of the LTO and traffic enforcers in helping prevent road traffic incidents.
Platform for Remembrance and Urgent Action
LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao stated that the annual WDR is held not only to honor the road victims but to also call for meaningful change. The LTO Chief vowed to enhance traffic education and ensure stricter, fair, and consistent enforcement of road rules, especially since road safety is everyone’s responsibility – from the policymakers in government to each and every road user including drivers, riders, bicyclists, commuters and pedestrians. Meanwhile, MCPF Director Arturo “Atoy” Sta. Cruz dedicated the day to the memory of motorcyclists and pillion riders who lost lives or limbs, especially since the number of motorcycle riders around the Philippines has exponentially grown.
MCPF Director Arturo “Atoy” Sta. Cruz urged motorcyclists to always practice safety riding habits to avoid becoming a statistic in the tally of road traffic victims.
MCPF Director Engr. Joel Donato, who was the former LTO MVIS Head, enjoined drivers riders and cyclists to properly inspect their vehicles before going on the road.
While the MCPF Director supports the initiatives of the LTO, Sta. Cruz also advocates for enhanced rider training, with emphasis on road courtesy, safe driving and riding habits, and the avoidance of road rage, which are simple acts that can save countless lives. As the entire world commemorates WDR 2025, the participants pledged to continue to honor the memories of those who left too soon, support families who carry the pain, and work together to prevent further tragedies on Philippine roads. WDR 2025 is supported by Maxxis tires, CST tires, Tri Motors, Square One, Smart Driving School, Blade, KYT helmets, Suzuki Philippines, and Motorworld.
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LTO Chief Asec. Markus Lacanilao receives a commemorative WDR 2025 shirt from MCPF Directors Atoy Sta. Cruz and Engr. Joel Donato.