Victory Liner drivers get TESDA accreditation
MANILA, Philippines - As Victory Liner celebrates its 67th year of bringing travelers to various North Luzon routes, the country’s all-time bus companion continues to get better when its drivers received accreditation from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
As of September this year, 825 bus drivers of Victory Liner had received their Driving NC (National Certificate) III accreditation from TESDA.
Under the directive of the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), public utility bus drivers are required to pass an assessment program conducted by TESDA.
The program is part of the commitment of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to professionalize the trade of public utility vehicles and safeguard the safety of commuters.
MARRIOTT BUILDING GRAND BALLROOM: With Marriott Manila’s third year of successful operations, the hotel is now taking its service and facilities to greater heights by building the country’s first hotel-managed multi-purpose venue with a capacity of 5,000 to be developed by Megaworld. Another project of Travellers International, the owning company of Marriott Manila and Resorts World Manila, the Grand Ballroom is targeted for completion by the third quarter of 2014. With the goal of hosting all types of big events, the facility boasts four ballrooms with a combined area of 2,980.28 square meters, clear ceiling height of 12 meters, a large kitchen, six levels of basement parking, two multi-function rooms, and the most updated lighting and AV system. Since it’s located outside the hotel, a covered bridge will conveniently connect the hotel to the ballroom. Shown in photo during the official contract signing are (from left) Empire East Holding’s SVP Ricky Libago, Resorts World Manila EVP Steve Riley and president Kingson Sian, Marriott Asia Pacific VP for hotel development James Doolan, Marriott Manila general manager Scott Sibley, and Megaworld’s senior EVP Lourdes Gutierrez, and first VP for corporate management Monica Salomon. The training evaluates drivers’ capabilities regarding their duties and responsibilities like understanding traffic rules, road health and safety practices, and coordination during accidents and emergencies.
The DOTC has required that all PUV drivers be NC III certified by January 2013. Buses whose drivers are not NC III certified will not be able to ply their routes.
“We are proud to say that 80 percent of our bus drivers have already received their Driving NC III accreditation from TESDA,” said Orlando Dahonog, training supervisor at Victory Liner.
“The accreditation is a way of ensuring our riding public that Victory Liner drivers are competent to take the wheel,” he said.
Obtaining NC III accreditation requires a three-day training that tests the proficiencies of PUV drivers. Aside from the oral and written competency assessment, drivers are also required to undergo a hands-on exam given on the last day of the training.
Drivers of public utility buses and heavy trucks are certified by TESDA with Driving NC III, while drivers of other modes of public transportation are certified with Driving NC II.
DIAMOND OPENS LOBBY LOUNGE: Diamond Hotel Philippines recently opened its Lobby Lounge (below), which will heighten luxury with its contemporary look that is modern and inviting with a delectable selection of culinary offers to match. Diamond Hotel’s signature cakes, ice creams, pastries and a la carte menu specialties will be offered at the outlet along with Hediard Tea, Nespresso, Kohikan coffee, and a selection of fine wines. Present during the opening are Raymond Toledo, director for socials-protocol division, Department of Foreign Affairs; Cecile Ang, president of Diamond Hotel Philippines; Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Vu Tu; and Diamond Hotel’s Patricia Lao, account manager; Winada Effendi, chief financial officer; and Sunshine Robles, director of sales and marketing. 
