Davao Oriental — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region XI and the Municipality of Caraga signed a Memorandum of Agreement on July 8, 2026, to roll out the Barangay Outreach and Support Services (B.O.S.S.) Project. The initiative promises safer highways for visitors exploring the province’s scenic destinations.
Bringing Government Services Closer to the Barangays
Under the B.O.S.S. Project, LTO XI will bring essential frontline services directly to rural communities. Residents can now access free Theoretical Driving Courses, student permits, driver’s license renewal, and motor vehicle registration renewal without traveling to district offices. This eliminates long queues and costly trips that deter many from becoming licensed, law‑abiding drivers.
The MOA was signed by LTO XI OIC‑Assistant Regional Director Joel T. Mandaya, representing Regional Director Atty. Ernesto Raphael V. Robillo, and Caraga Mayor Ronie S. Osnan. The partnership aligns with the provincial government’s “Nindot ug Luwas nga Dalan: Biyaheng Kalambuan” agenda, championed by Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang. It ensures that the province’s improving road network is matched by motorists who are fully compliant with transportation laws.
Safer Roads for the Adventurous Traveler
For tourists, the B.O.S.S. Project translates directly into a safer driving environment. The free Theoretical Driving Courses will produce knowledgeable drivers who understand road rules, right‑of‑way, and defensive driving. With more licensed drivers and registered vehicles, the risk of accidents involving tourists on unfamiliar mountain and coastal roads drops significantly.
Visitors renting motorcycles or cars to explore spots like Dahican Beach, Mount Hamiguitan, and Aliwagwag Falls can expect a better‑regulated transport ecosystem. The initiative also helps ensure that public utility vehicles and tourist vans are operated by properly licensed personnel. This proactive approach to road safety enhances Davao Oriental’s image as a responsible and welcoming destination.
Supporting the Local Tourism Economy
Accessible LTO services empower rural communities to participate in the tourism value chain. Farmers and fisherfolk who want to offer transport services, such as habal‑habal or tricycle tours, can now secure their licenses and register their vehicles conveniently. This opens up income opportunities while ensuring that tourists enjoy safe, professional rides.
The streamlined registration process also encourages locals to maintain their vehicles in good condition, which is crucial for community‑based tourism experiences. When visitors feel secure moving between barangays, they are more likely to linger, spend, and recommend the destination to others. The B.O.S.S. Project thus becomes a quiet engine for inclusive tourism growth.
A Model for Regional Tourism Development
LTO XI’s outreach model has already proven successful, having served 252 barangays region‑wide and dispensed over 32,800 free Theoretical Driving Courses in a single year. By bringing services directly to the people, the agency also disrupts illegal “fixer” operations that prey on rural drivers. This legitimate, cost‑free access to licensing builds a culture of compliance from the ground up.
For Caraga municipality, the partnership is a strategic investment in its tourism future. The town serves as a gateway to Davao Oriental’s coastal wonders and agricultural landscapes. With safer drivers and better‑maintained vehicles, the travel experience becomes smoother, encouraging more domestic and international visitors to explore this part of Mindanao.
