200 electric tricycles (e-trikes) units will be provided by the Department of Energy (DOE) to the island of Boracay, in the Philippines, in order to provide an efficient and pollution free conveyance to tourists and residents.
According to a recent report, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed by the Department, together with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the local government unit (LGU) of Malay.
The MOA is for this project that will donate 200 energy efficient e-trikes to the popular vacation spot.
The e-trikes are the contribution of the Department to Boracay as they embark on a more sustainable tourism development for the island.
It should be remembered that the popular resort island destination in the Philippines was closed for 6 months starting 26 April 2018 in order to rehabilitate it by fixing sewage and other environment-related problems.
Some of the reasons why the island had to close include garbage and sanitation as well as zoning and construction, among others.
The partnership with DOTr and the Malay, Aklan LGU was done in order to improve the public transport system for the tourists and most especially for the locals, as a form of livelihood for them.
Through the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force, the Department’s e-trike project will be implemented.
The shift to electronic vehicles is part of the Government’s campaign in promoting an environment-friendly pubic transport on the island once it reopens to the public on 26 October 2018.
One of the major beneficiaries of the said initiative is the Boracay Ati Tribal Organisation (BATO) in coordination with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
A total of 10 e-trikes will be given to the Organisation, which they can use for their livelihood.
Two other Departments, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the DOTr will assist the DOE in the shipment of the e-trike units to Malay, Aklan.
Because of this shift to e-trikes, around 2,000 motorised passenger tricycles will be phased out.
E-Vehicles will help reduce the vulnerability of the country on the volatility of international oil price movements and other economic impacts.
The e-trikes can be charged at home through common electrical outlets.
The Department also donated 200 e-trikes to the local government units of Marawi as part of its efforts to help rebuild the city.
The vehicles are expected to help displaced and affected residents in their livelihood and daily movement.
