By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Valenzuela City has taken a significant step towards modernizing its law enforcement logistics by deploying a fleet of fully electric patrol vehicles, making it the first local government unit in the country to integrate electric vehicles into police patrol operations.
The city now operates the largest electric vehicle (EV) police fleet in the Philippines, with 35 EVs acquired from BYD Philippines.
The initiative is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen measures that reduce fuel consumption, conserve energy, and promote sustainable government operations.
Mayor Weslie “WES” Gatchalian emphasized that the move is a proactive step towards energy-efficient law enforcement logistics, reducing dependence on fuel while ensuring faster and more reliable police response across the city.
The new fleet is expected to significantly enhance police visibility, improve response time, and optimize operational logistics for law enforcement operations across the city’s barangays.
The shift to electric vehicles is also projected to generate substantial operational savings for the city government, with electricity being significantly cheaper and more stable than gasoline or diesel fuel.
The city expects to save around ₱14,395.00 per vehicle per month, with total annual savings of approximately ₱6,045,799.71 for the 35 EVs.
The savings will be redirected towards additional public safety initiatives, infrastructure, and community programs.
This move reinforces Valenzuela City’s reputation as one of the safest and most liveable urban centers in the region, with Mayor Gatchalian prioritizing peace and order as a cornerstone of governance.
Valenzuela City’s initiatives, including the Valenzuela City Command Center (VCC3) and digital governance through the Valenzuela City Online Services platform, have significantly improved emergency response times and strengthened disaster preparedness and crime prevention mechanisms.
The city’s efforts serve as a model for other local governments seeking to align local governance with the national agenda on sustainability and responsible energy use.
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