Climate commission, DOE to promote hybrid, e-vehicles

MANILA, Philippines — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) and the Department of Energy (DOE) are partnering toward promoting and mainstreaming the use of hybrid and electric vehicles in pursuit of a low-carbon, sustainable and climate-resilient development in the country.

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) was turned over to the CCC by the DOE last May 30 at the energy department’s office in Bonifacio Global City.

The transfer is in line with DOE’s “Alternative Fuels Program for Transportation and Other Purposes,” which promotes the use of cleaner alternative fuels and energy technologies for transportation.

The initiative is timely, especially with the recent enactment of Republic Act 11697, otherwise known as the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA).

EVIDA provides for a national policy framework to develop the electric vehicle industry in the Philippines.

“The endeavor is one step towards reducing the transportation sector’s direct dependence on oil and gasoline, especially amidst rising fuel prices affecting consumers. It is also a move towards reducing air pollution levels, as it aligns with the climate change mitigation actions being articulated by the commission,” Climate Commission Secretary Robert Borje said.

Borje expressed gratitude to the DOE and reaffirmed the CCC’s commitment to working with DOE and other national government agencies on sustainable energy and transport initiatives and other mutually beneficial initiatives.