Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista. FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday said it would continue to promote green transport and electric vehicles throughout the country as calls for climate justice continue to persist.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said that the department would ensure its transport policies and projects are focused on preserving the environment and compliant with international environmental standards to alleviate the impact of the carbon footprint from the transport sector.
Bautista emphasized former President Rodrigo Duterte’s transport programs like the heavily criticized Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.
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“The Department of Transportation launched programs geared at improving transportation efficiency and reducing emissions and pollutants from the public transportation sector,” he said during Megaworld Lifestyle Malls’ launching of the first mall-based free charging stations for electric vehicles.
The establishment of the national development plan for the electric vehicle industry will be a big push for promoting electric vehicles in the country, Bautista said.
The secretary also said that the agency would support and assist in advancing the Republic Act 11697 or the Development of Electric Vehicle Industry in the Philippines to provide sustainable transport alternatives to Filipinos.
Meanwhile, the Megaworld Lifestyle Malls’ free charging stations, located at Uptown Bonifacio in BGC, Taguig City, will service electric bikes, scooters, vehicles, and public utility vehicles, according to DOTr.
The free charging for electric automobiles is in partnership with DOTr, Department of Energy, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Xander Dave Ceballos, INQUIRER.net intern
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