Former Davao Representative and Civil Service Commission Chair Karlo Nograles on Thursday issued an early reminder to Davaoeños preparing for the Yuletide season: “Keep safe, don’t drink and drive.” He likewise emphasized the importance of using alternative transport options to ensure road safety and prevent accidents during one of the most festive times of the year.
“This should be automatic for everyone by now. But it’s worth repeating: kung iinom ka, wag kang magmaneho. You can also ask someone to pick you up or use other transport services to get home safely. Mag taxi ka, trike, o Grab. There are many ways to avoid risking your life and the lives of others,” stressed Nograles.
Acknowledging the joy and togetherness that come with the holiday season, Nograles urged the public to celebrate responsibly.
“The viability of motorcycle taxis is worth studying. Other cities have successfully integrated motorcycle taxis into their transportation environment.”
“Di natin maiwasan na magpakasaya at uminom tuwing Pasko; pero pwede natin iwasan ang aksidente.”
Nograles highlighted the wide range of public transportation options available in Davao City, including nearly 8,000 jeepneys, over 5,000 taxis, approximately 2,500 tricycles, and hundreds of buses and vans.
Despite these options, Nograles called for further improvements to make commuting safer and more efficient. According to him, “we should explore solutions that decongest our roads and enhance the overall commuting experience.”
The longtime public servant expressed openness to incorporating ride-hailing apps and motorcycle taxis into Davao’s transport system, which he said can benefit from multiple options and approaches.
“The viability of motorcycle taxis is worth studying. Other cities have successfully integrated motorcycle taxis into their transportation environment. It’s time to evaluate if these options could benefit Davaoeños by offering more convenient and diverse choices. Pagnakita natin na makakatulong ang mga ito, we can work with the LTFRB and other transportation stakeholders to make it work,” explained the lawyer.
Nograles emphasized that ensuring road safety extends beyond individual responsibility. He pointed out that local governments can take a proactive approach to commuting challenges, especially during the holidays.
“A service-oriented City Hall should be ready to act anytime—not just during peak seasons. This means having 24/7 emergency response systems for road accidents, deploying additional traffic personnel, and implementing measures to keep our roads safe and efficient year-round,” he said.
Nograles concluded by stressing the importance of responsive governance, and said that “Davaoeños deserve a local government they can see, hear, and feel—one that actively addresses their needs, especially when it comes to safety and mobility.”
