EV SUMMIT: Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella delivers the message of Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi at the 6th Philippine Electric Vehicles (EV) Summit held on 10 July in Pasay City. Usec. Fuentebella emphasized the DOE's support in championing the use of electric vehicles as well as hybrids as the future of the Philippine transport system.
PASAY CITY – The Department of Energy (DOE) underlines its Alternative Fuels and Energy Technology Roadmap during the opening ceremony of the 6th Philippine Electric Vehicles Summit on Tuesday at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.
The roadmap is meant to support the government’s aggressive “Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program."
In the message of Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi that was delivered by Undersecretary Felix William "Wimpy" B. Fuentebella, he encouraged stakeholders to scale up the use of alternative fuels and energy efficient technologies.
Among others, Sec. Cusi emphasized the need to reduce the country’s oil dependence in accordance with the E-Diskarte principle under the E-Power Mo campaign that promotes a smart energy lifestyle.
He further added that the heavy dependence of the Philippines on imported fuels makes the country vulnerable to energy supply disruptions and global price fluctuations.
He also pointed out that the current annual motor vehicle growth rate of about 6% will likely increase road transport emissions. This will result in the further deterioration of the country’s air-quality, and an increase in carbon footprint.
“A low-carbon path in the transport sector is an essential part of the Philippines’ strategic priority and we will pursue cleaner, indigenous and optimized energy and transport,” Sec. Cusi said.
On the issue of having a broader range of sustainable energy choices, USec. Fuentebella assured summit participants, "We support the development of alternative technology and fuel options that demonstrate energy efficiency such as hybrid and electric vehicles in the transport sector."
He stressed that a holistic approach must be adopted for alternative fuel technology to grow. This includes the construction of support structures (i.e. charging stations) and the need to establish strong after-sales services to address issues on the availability of service centers and replacement parts, as well as the sustainability of e-vehicle operations.
The DOE assures the public that it is committed to provide energy that would power industries, homes and even more electric vehicles into the future.
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