The Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) has launched its Helmet for Kids programme.

Helmet for Kids serves to promote safe and effective helmet-wearing for children, a critical issue in the Philippines, where many children travel to school on motorcycles without wearing helmets.  

The Club carried out helmet-wearing teaching sessions, and distributed 800 helmets at a launch event at Lahug Elementary. The programme was officially presented to FIA Member Clubs at the FIA Region II Roundtable in Cebu on Wednesday.

AAP Advocacy Head Cynthia Reyes has led the initiative. She said: “We've observed a clear need for the Helmet for Kids intervention. We chose Lahug Elementary School for its proximity to a busy highway where road crashes are frequent.” 

Helmets for Kids builds upon a 2023 initiative, which was created in partnership with Cebu City Traffic Office Assistant Head, Atty. Kent Jongoy. The 2023 initiative focused on helmet-sizing for students and training teachers on helmet-wearing. 

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem attended the Helmet for Kids presentation at the FIA Region II Roundtable. He said: “I am pleased to see that AAP have successfully launched their helmet safety programme. Here at the FIA, we are committed to improving road safety outcomes worldwide – and projects like this one play a key role in our success.” 

 Lahug Elementary School Principal Dr. Lily Ann Go said: “We really appreciate this because this is one way of ensuring their safety once they travel from their house to the school and back. We are going to conduct road safety education and strict enforcement for those operating motorcycles with children at the back, riding with no helmets.” 

The Helmets for Kids programme is supported by the FIA Foundation.