Motorcycle capital of the Philippines

Dumaguete City is very known to be the city with the most number of motorcycles in the Philippines. You get to question, why is this so? It is because of two major advantages: First, a motorcycle is very convenient to use. Going somewhere in the city won’t be that difficult because of the ease in finding a parking space. You don’t have the hassle in looking for a parking space because it only occupies less space unlike in a four-wheel vehicle. Also, you can avoid the traffic by overtaking vehicles easily. Second, a motorcycle is fuel efficient. A full tank of gasoline for a normal motorcycle would cost around 150 pesos and that will go for a week (driving around the city). Compared to a four-wheel vehicle, a full tank would cost around 1,500-1800 pesos and will go for a week. You can really see the big difference. However, there are also disadvantages in using a motorcycle.

One disadvantage of using a motorcycle is the driver and its passengers are very prone to accidents. Despite of using a protective gear such as a helmet, a simple careless maneuver of the vehicle can injure you. How much more when you have an accident that involves another vehicle. This is a big disadvantage. Another major disadvantage is that you are very exposed to rain, heat of the sun and pollution. This could cause cough and colds as well as other allergic reactions due to the exposure to such elements. When going out with your family and friends, you cannot bring them all at once. A standard motorcycle can only carry 2 adult passengers. Compared to a 4-wheel vehicle, you can have 4-5 or even 6 passengers.

Regardless of the disadvantages of using a motorcycle, many Dumagueteňos still prefer to use this vehicle for day to day activities because of the convenience and the cost they spend for the maintenance of this type of vehicle

I don't have the statistics but I have to agree that DUMAGUETE CITY has indeed a lot of motorbike riders. I was in Buglasan 2005 where I saw a sea of single motorbike parked along Real St. starting from the corner of Perdices St to as far as my eyes can see.

But I also noticed that only a few wears a protective helmet. I wonder if it is still same today despite the following provision is in place:

Section 1 (h) of AO AHS: 2008-015 provides that the standard helmet is approved by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) with PNS-UN ECE 22 marking-Non-wearing of "standard helmet" will be penalized by P1,500 per violation.

Keep cool but stay safe guys!

Unfortunately most drivers still don't wear helmets. As a matter of fact, high incidents of vehicular accidents involve motorcycles.. and the severity of the injury is high due to the disregard of wearing the helmet..