BAGUIO CITY– Contrary to the usual apprehension of traffic violators, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in Cordillera took a different approach on Thursday by rewarding motorists who were wearing their seat belts.

To remind motorists of the importance of wearing seat belts for the drivers’ and passengers’ safety, traffic enforcers on Thursday flagged down motorists who were wearing seat belts to give them lunch.

“Dalawang paraan para matuto ang tao. Isa is through reward and isa is punishment. Saka kapag kasi nakita nila itong mga enforcer, ang iniisip nila manghuhuli lang, pero sa totoo lang, gusto namin silang matuto,” Atty. Jose Eduardo Natividad, Regional Director of DOTr Cordillera said.

The motorists were initially shocked.

“Iniisip ko ano kaya yung violation ko? Nagulat ako. Nun pala may regalo sila," Angelito Dela Cruz said.

Motorists praised the initiative which they believe will set as an example to traffic violators.

“Maganda ito, at least makikita ng mga pasaway na kasamahan natin," Domenge, a taxi driver, said.

Under the Republic Act 8750 or the Seat Belts Use Act of 1999, failure to use seat belts has a penalty of P1,000 to P5,000.