Info Drive

Unlike idiotic SMS jokes, it’s regretable some pieces of actually useful information don’t spread around as quickly. Take news about the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP), for instance. Formerly known as the Philippine Motor Association, the existence of the country’s premier club for vehicle owners is still unknown to many. Despite its 72-year history, the club presently counts 15,000 members — which may seem a lot. But not if one considers the fact there are 1.5 million licensed drivers of private vehicles. Clearly, information regarding the club has got to reach more people.

Hence AAP Drive.

Officially launched on Decmber 19, 2003 was the first issue of AAP Drive, which is presently a bimonthly publication that serves as the AAP’s official newsletter. However, this 16-page paper — printed in tabloid format — is more than just any usual club newsletter. One of Drive’s purposes is to be the veritable voice of the association in matters concerning motorists, particularly AAP members. "For Motorists, By Motorists", the paper’s tagline reads.

In Drive’s editorial, AAP board member Aida Sevilla Mendoza (also a motoring columnist for the Philippine Daily Inquirer) writes that "AAP members want their national auto club to speak up for their rights as tax-paying motorists, to advocate their interests through consistent communication with pertinent government officials and agencies, to fast-track AAP’s stand on public issues and government policies directly or indirectly affecting them and to give them information and advice that would enhance their driving skills and safety on the road." Mendoza said this message from its members triggered the board’s decision to reformat the AAP’s previous newsletter, The Motorist, into Drive.

"One of the missions of the AAP is advocacy," says AAP executive director Jose Armando Eduque, who believes Drive will be an effective tool in the club’s objective. Eduque, together with Mendoza, are credited as the brains behind the publication. Meanwhile, Drive’s editorial team is composed of new and veteran journalists alike, with former STAR motoring editor Junep Ocampo at the helm.

In its premier issue, Drive promises to be quite an interesting read. The paper is packed with information that’s useful for every motorist. The first few pages are devoted to club and national news, including an interesting column by AAP president Tony Mapa on the declaration of 2004 as World Road Safety Year. A feature on AAP is also included, a look back at vehicles that were launched by manufacturers to the market last year, and a "bold, nearly baseless predictions" of what’s in store for car-buyers this year.

Meanwhile, interviews of two influential government officials give as insight on the agencies these people represent. MMDA traffic czar Angelito Vergel de Dios speaks on possible traffic solutions while a profile on new LTO chief Anneli Lontoc gives readers a glimpse on her personality and thoughts about her job. Also included in the premier issue are motorsport news and a quiz on driving traits.

Of course, an AAP application form that can be faxed to the AAP offices comes with the issue too. To get towing, registration assistance and other services — plus a free Drive subscription — simply sign up to be a member. By doing so, you also empower yourself as a motorist. Go.