San Jorge, Samar – April 14, 2025
As part of its commitment to community development and public safety, Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) San Jorge Campus conducted an outreach activity titled “Enhancing Awareness of Habal-Habal Drivers on the Local and Transportation Code of San Jorge, Samar” on April 14, 2025, at the Barangay Guindapunan Covered Court. The initiative aimed not only to educate habal-habal drivers about essential traffic laws and public safety guidelines but also to pave the way for future collaboration with the Habal-Habal Drivers Association of San Jorge.
This first-of-its-kind activity served as a foundational step in building stronger university-community ties, particularly with local transport groups, in line with NwSSU’s mission to extend transformative and inclusive education beyond the campus and into the grassroots. The event brought together university faculty, researchers, and community members in a day-long program focused on capacity building and community empowerment. The program began with attendance checking by Ms. Jesusa L. Casuela, with support from JCAP members.
In her welcome message, Mrs. Jayrose P. Ortiz, Head of the Research Development Office, highlighted the importance of this initial engagement as a stepping stone toward sustained partnership with the habal-habal sector.
The resource speakers discussed both legal and practical aspects of local transportation in San Jorge. Mr. Neil S. Lucaban, MTEU-Designate, provided an overview of local traffic laws and their enforcement. Ms. Pearlyn D. Palada, the Project Leader, explained the legal consequences of common road violations. Ms. Jackieleilai P. Cabilogan focused on crime prevention and highlighted the risks of illegal practices in habal-habal operations. PSSG. Jayson L. Ortiz discussed professional communication and complaint management between drivers and passengers. Meanwhile, Ms. Danica Zandra Ocenar and Ms. Loiney N. Padasas emphasized the significance of proper signage and the use of clear language in promoting traffic safety. Mrs. Jayrose P. Ortiz addressed the importance of personal responsibility in public transportation, and Mrs. Marietes N. Beduya concluded with insights on the broader social impacts of habal-habal services in rural development.
The outreach concluded with an open forum and a certificate-giving ceremony. NwSSU envisions this initiative as a foundation for long-term engagement, aiming to collaborate more closely with the Habal-Habal Drivers Association of San Jorge in future programs. These future efforts may include continuous training, legal aid, community dialogues, and co-created safety programs tailored to the unique experiences of motorcycle drivers in the locality. By recognizing the vital role of habal-habal drivers in local transport and community life, NwSSU affirms its core values—Resilience, Integrity, Service, and Excellence—while working to create a culture of safety, respect, and shared responsibility on the road. This preliminary outreach marks a meaningful step toward sustainable community partnerships anchored in education and public service.
