In the Philippines , transport is one of the highest energy-consuming sector next to the industrial sector. The country, composed of several islands, has various modes of transport wherein the most popular and dominant mode of travel is road transport.
There exists a considerable information gap among transport users, vehicle owners, drivers, technicians, etc. on the proper operating and maintenance practices to reduce fuel consumption. To bridge the gap, there is a need to intensify information, education and training programs on road transport to address the needs of target participants.
Recognizing the fact that the transportation sector also consumes a lot of energy and contribute to the degradation of the environment, a similar information campaign known as “Road Transport Patrol” was formally launched in April 1998 through Executive Order No. 472 – institutionalizing the Committee on Fuel Conservation and Efficiency in Road Transport (CFCERT) on 25 March 1998 .
The Committee is chaired by the Department of Energy, co-chaired by the Department of Transportation and Communication and its members are composed of representatives from different government agencies and private transport organizations.
Just like the Power Patrol, it aims to disseminate information and motivation campaign to achieve the necessary widespread change in knowledge, skills, and especially in attitudes on efficient utilization of fuel in vehicles. The program targets 5% fuel reduction by road transport users.
Activities
In order to achieve the objectives of the program, the following strategies were implemented:
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Conduct program launchings to key cities of the country and to areas where vehicles are densely populated and establish local chapters through Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing for program sustainability;
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Conduct seminar/workshops, which were participated in by government employees, private and public vehicle drivers and operators; and
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Conduct planning workshops with other government agencies to discuss plans and develop programs and policies relevant to the implementation of the program in the transport sector.
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Developed information and campaign materials for airing in radio and television.
Accomplishments (as of 2001)
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Conducted 11 program launchings and MOA signings in major cities in the country; and
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Conducted 9 seminar-workshops in Luzon and Visayas regions and disseminated enercon and promotional materials