Trudeau inspects PWD-friendly Philippine electric jeep

MANILA, Philippines — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday afternoon viewed the prototype electric jeepney accessible to persons with disabilities.

Trudeau’s meeting with the Filipino and Canadian innovators of the new e-jeepney vehicles COMET, Valsch Dynamic Mechatronics and Global Electric Transport, is part of his itinerary for his second day in Manila.

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The prime minister conducted the e-jeepney inspection with Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade, Undersecretary Tim Orbos and transport official Robert Martin. He was also joined by Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines John Holmes during his visit.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. DOTr/Released

The e-jeepney is being eyed as a replacement for traditional jeepneys in Metro Manila. COMET, or the City Optimized Managed Electric Transport, was designed with a ramp to pave way for PWDs.

Trudeau reportedly expressed appreciation in the vehicle for its “personality.”

In 2014, former US President Barack Obama also checked out the first generation model of COMET which is developed as “zero-emission jeepney to create a greener and cleaner metropolis.”

Trudeau is in the country to attend the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations Summit and related summits.

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On his first day in Manila on Sunday, Trudeau visited a on-government women's health advocacy group called Likhaan, a fast food chain at North Harbor Manila, and attended the gala celebration for the 50th anniversary of ASEAN.  — Rosette Adel