TO set an example for environment-friendly practices, Silliman University recently launched the tartanilya (horse-drawn cart) project with Smart Communications Inc.
Silliman University president Ben S. Malayang III, who conceptualized the project, said it is an opportunity to show city officials “that there is a possibility for a more sustainable, environment friendly alternative transportation for the city.”
“It is a great tradition in Silliman to be advocating for things as well as innovating on things,” said Malayang.
“Tartanilya is our advocacy for sustainable transport systems in Dumaguete City,” he said.
He, however, emphasized that the role of the university is just to show an idea, but adapting the idea depends on the community.
James Bernas, Smart’s Community Solutions department head, expressed his gratitude to Silliman for the opportunity of partnering on the project of providing transportation “powered by grass.”
“We are very proud to be a partner of Silliman who continues to lead by example in creating a better environment,” he said.
Smart has been a partner of Silliman for its environmental projects.
Malayang said that even though the tartanilya mode of transport is a step back into the past, the “romantic aspect” of it would attract the tourists.
“It can contribute to Dumaguete’s tourism growth. But the local government should consider having special roads for the tartanilya,” Bernas said.
Malayang plans to introduce the idea as a source of livelihood, especially to university’s staff and faculty who are already retired.
“We will help design and manufacture the tartanilya, either for transporting school visitors or for private use,” Malayang added.
He said the university would also develop a horse farm where the animals could rest. He said no horse would work for more than four hours.
He also said that some alumni organizations of the university may also want to have a unit of their own, which they can use especially during the Founders’ Week celebration.
For the meantime, the prototype unit will be used as a mode of transportation for the university’s visitors.
In addition to their support for the tartanilya project, Smart has also initiated and partnered with other schools in the city for another eco-friendly service, the Smart Infoboard Service, which is a “web-based solution offering various SMS facilities with different functions and capabilities.”
Bernas revealed that Silliman University has been offering this service to the community for three years already.
Bernas said Silliman is now focusing on reducing its carbon footprint.