License to Drive

Rica has just advised me that after 3 years of not having visited the LTO, she has finally been able to renew her license this time around.

I do not know how I would have survived 3 years without my driver's license. That's why dutifully, on the month and year when my card expires, I head over to the LTO along East Avenue to battle it out with the hundreds of others who have trooped to the same location for the same purpose.  This year, however, I did not have to do all that.  Credit this to the fact that I work beside a mall, and that here, in Park Avenue of the Robinsons Galleria, there is now a satellite outlet of the LTO.  

My first trip to the LTO here was most pleasant--it is fully air conditioned, with relaxing piped-in music, and ample, comfortable seating.  But truly, what is most encouraging is the ratio between LTO staff and clientele.  There were like 4 of us in the office with maybe 8 people attending to our needs, all accommodating, courteous and helpful--a sharp contrast to the usual scenario at East Avenue.  Everything from the eye exam to the collection of urine was a breeze.  The result?  I was able to renew my license in 45 minutes. And since I was on my lunch break, I had plenty of time to grab a sandwich still.

Because Rica has had no license for 3 years, she was compelled to take a driver's exam, or so I understand.  Now, teacher Rica is lucky to once again own student permit.  Oh well, I suppose for some, the advancement in systems and procedures of government offices isn't working yet.