President Marcos Jr. Orders Development of Electric Vehicle Industry in the Philippines
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued directives to the Department of Energy (DOE) and other concerned government agencies to prioritize the development of the electric vehicle (EV) industry in the Philippines. During a sectoral meeting in Malacañang on Tuesday, President Marcos emphasized the need to focus on lowering the cost of production for the EV industry.
Transitioning to EVs to Improve Energy Security and Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The government is studying the process of transitioning to EVs in compliance with the EV Industry Development Act. The aim is to accelerate the development and utilization of EVs to improve energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. President Marcos stated that the goal is to achieve cleaner, greener cities with 50 percent of public transportation fleets using electric vehicles by 2040.
Expediting the Implementation of Action Plans and Strategies
Malacañang press briefer Daphne Paez confirmed that President Marcos has directed the DOE and other concerned agencies to expedite the implementation of action plans and strategies for developing the electric vehicle industry, with a particular focus on the public transportation sector. The president also instructed the agencies to work together to study the integration of the EV industry, strengthening local manufacturing and supporting battery charging mechanisms to encourage the electrification of the public transportation sector.
Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla has been tasked with supporting the acquisition of electric vehicles by commercial fleets, including government or private company cars and public transportation fleets. President Marcos also ordered the consolidation of financial schemes to make it easier for EV fleets to be acquired.
The Importance of Infrastructure and Charging Stations
Energy Undersecretary Felix Fuentebella highlighted the need to address concerns related to infrastructure and the placement of electric vehicle charging stations. He emphasized that developing the EV industry requires focusing on four pillars: electric vehicle demand generation, manufacturing, research and development utilizing natural resources, and human resource development.
Commitment to the Paris Agreement
The push for electric vehicles in the Philippines is aligned with the government’s commitment under the Paris Agreement. President Marcos stated that the Philippines pledged to reduce and avoid greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent from 2020 to 2030 in agriculture, waste, industry, transport, and energy sectors. To fulfill this pledge, the share of electric vehicles in the total projected vehicle fleet nationwide needs to be boosted.
Fuentebella also mentioned that the government plans to purchase electric vehicles to replace 10 percent of the fleet used by government agencies.
Overall, President Marcos Jr.’s directives aim to drive the development of the electric vehicle industry in the Philippines, with a focus on reducing production costs, strengthening local manufacturing, and supporting the electrification of the public transportation sector. These efforts align with the country’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and its goals of improving energy security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Source: The Manila Times
