By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is pushing for the development of fully Filipino-made electric tricycles and jeepneys, saying stronger government support for local manufacturers could help the country build its own electric vehicle industry.
Marcos made the statement Tuesday after inspecting the facilities of automotive parts manufacturer MD Juan Enterprises Inc. in Caloocan City, where he was accompanied by Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum.
The President said the government was assessing what the company already has and what additional equipment, technology, and technical assistance it would need to manufacture electric vehicles using locally developed capabilities.
“Kaya tayo nandito, tinitingnan natin kung ano yung mga kailangang gawin para kaya na nila na makapag-fabricate ng all-Filipino na electric na tricycle at electric na jeepney kung sakali dumating sa ganun,” Marcos said.
He said the government’s goal was to help local manufacturers move toward producing electric vehicles while reducing the country’s dependence on imported fuel.
“So, the next step is to put in some of the new equipment that is still necessary for the production of the electric vehicle,” Marcos said.
MD Juan, which was established in 1967, manufactures jeepney replacement body tubs, body panels, chassis and other automotive components for local and international markets. It is among the enterprises benefiting from DOST programs aimed at developing smart, innovative and globally competitive Filipino industries.
Solidum said the DOST had already provided the company with powder-coating technology and was preparing additional assistance to improve its production capabilities.
“Meron tayong mga experts na balik-scientist na tutulong sa kanilang pag-a-automate at masolusyonan ang problema,” Solidum said.
Marcos said technical experts and consultants would help accelerate the company’s transition toward electric vehicle manufacturing.
“I believe that we will soon be seeing a Filipino electric vehicle tricycle,” Marcos said, adding that the country could eventually reach the point where it could also manufacture an electric jeepney.
The President had earlier identified electric vehicles as a priority, including their potential use in government fleets, as part of efforts to advance cleaner transportation and strengthen domestic manufacturing.
ia/xf
