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โTo be able to elevate the Philippine transport to global standards, we need an efficient mobility system that is eco-friendly, anchored on electric public transport.โ
This, according to Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime J. Bautista, who was a guest at the Regional Meeting on Accelerating the Transition to Electric Mobility for Public Transport in Asia and the Pacific held today, 24 May 2023.
โFor us at the Philippine Transportation Department, we must translate this transport electrification advocacy into the efficient movement of people and goods, which in turn would increase governmentโs competitiveness, efficiency of workers and business enterprises, while reducing the costs of moving goods and services,โ Sec. Bautista added.
The Secretary gave representatives from countries in the region an overview of the Departmentโs transport infrastructure initiatives, many of which were being implemented even before the enactment of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act or EVIDA Law, the push, according to the Secretary, needed to accelerate e-mobility in the countryโs public transport system.
Some of these projects include the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), the establishment of designated bike lanes for cyclists, personal mobility devices like electric scooters, as well as the programs that promote active transportation.
Secretary Bautista also underscored the crucial need for an efficient partnership between the government and the private sector, โOur strides at public transport electrification admittedly need the combined support of government and the private sector,โ he said.
The transportation chief further remarked, โAs with other transport projects, we encourage public-private partnerships which have historically shown high success rate of completion and efficient operation.โ
The forum, organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), in collaboration with the DOTr, provided a platform for the participants to exchange insights and expertise on electric mobility, with series of policy-oriented reports.
DOTr Undersecretary and OIC for Road Transport and Infrastructure Kim Robert De Leon joined the Secretary Bautista during the first-day activities of the event, that was attended by electric transport champions from the Asia-Pacific region, representatives of development partners and international organizations, UNESCAP, EV stakeholders from the Philippines and regional experts on electric mobility.
