Senator Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara donated 10 motorcycle units to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority in support of the agency's Motorcycle Riding Academy which is set to open on 27 September.

Formal training will be provided by the Motorcycle Riding Academy on both theoretical and practical aspects of motorcycle riding, as well as basic emergency response training.

The Academy aims to provide riders with basic training on handling motorcycles, road courtesy and discipline, and following traffic rules.

MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes and Senator Angara signed a deed of donation and acceptance held at the MMDA Head Office in Pasig City.  It was witnessed by MMDA Deputy Chairman Undersecretary Frisco San Juan Jr. and General Manager Procopio Lipana.

Artes said that he is grateful for the donated motorcycle units.

"I would like to extend my earnest gratitude to Senator Angara for his generous donation to the agency," Artes said during the turnover ceremony and signing of the deed of donation and acceptance.

Artes acknowledged the contributions of Senator Angara for several projects of the agency which include the purchase of 50-seater air-conditioned ferry boats to supplement the current fleet of the Pasig River Ferry Service; procurement of CCTV cameras and garbage traps; and enable the necessary funding for the expansion of the agency's Communications and Command Center.

For his part, Senator Angara, who chairs the Senate Committee on Finance, assured that he will continuously support the MMDA's budget.

"Every year, your budget will not be slashed instead it will be increased. Rest assured that as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance we will make sure to support the agency because we recognize the additional comfort and benefits your agency is giving in Metro Manila," Angara said in Filipino.