The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said it is pushing for zero-emission vehicles, alternative fuels and sustainable transport initiatives to combat climate change.
DOTr Undersecretary for road transport and infrastructure Jesus Ferdinand Ortega said the agency had been pursuing key projects to fulfill the government’s adherence to the Paris Agreement.
These projects include the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), Active Transport Program and partnerships with local government units (LGUs) for promotion of low-carbon urban transport systems in the Philippines, he said.
“This harmonization of transport projects is crucial for shaping a more sustainable future and creating greener cities that are safe, commuter/pedestrian friendly and accessible for all,” Ortega said.
Other climate resiliency and climate mitigation efforts include electric trains, sustainable aviation fuel or SAF, crew training on use of methanol for sea vessels, solar panels for airport terminals, hybrid ferry boats along Pasig River.
The DOTr also supports the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act or EVIDA Law, which aims to promote the use of EVs and solve the problem of dependency on fuel and its increasing prices.
To encourage the use of electric vehicles as PUVs, the DOTr is studying the possibility of giving incentives to transport cooperatives and associations if they shift to EV vehicles to decarbonize the country’s road network and improve air quality.
“We are working on a roadmap to transition public transport to EVs. If our road public transport goes electric, we are on our way to sustainable green transport,” Ortega said.
Darwin G. Amojelar
Ortega cited, among others, Executive Order No. 12 to stimulate the EV market, support the transition to emerging technologies, reduce the transport system’s reliance on fossil fuels and reduce gas emissions attributed to road transport.
