(Photo courtesy of PNA)
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – A 66-year-old tricycle driver in Apayao has returned to earning a living after his old motorcycle was converted into an electric vehicle through a technology project funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Freddie Peralta had stopped using his motorcycle for two years after it became unserviceable due to age. Unable to afford expensive repairs, he left the vehicle idle in his family’s yard.
His situation changed in July when a DOST employee invited him to participate in a pilot program that converts conventional motorcycles into electric-powered vehicles at no cost to selected beneficiaries.
Peralta accepted the offer and received his converted motorcycle on September 5, allowing him to resume operating his tricycle.
“I am thankful that I was included among the beneficiaries whose conventional motorcycles were converted into e-motorcycles. I am very thankful to God that people with good hearts found me and included me in the program,” Peralta said in Ilocano.
The conversion significantly reduced his daily operating expenses, particularly fuel costs.
Before joining the program, Peralta spent between Php 200 and Php 300 daily on gasoline. With his electric motorcycle, he now spends only an additional Php 250 to Php 300 on electricity for an entire month.
“I charge the motorcycle at home, and the only additional cost on our electricity bill is PHP250 to PHP300 for the entire month, compared with the PHP200 to PHP300 I used to spend on fuel daily,” he said.
Peralta earns approximately Php 400 to Php 600 daily from driving his tricycle. With fuel expenses eliminated, a larger portion of his earnings now goes toward his family’s needs.
He also received a spare battery for the converted motorcycle.
His income supplements his wife’s earnings as a municipal government employee and helps support their daughter, who is pursuing a nursing degree in Region 2.
DOST eyes wider adoption of electric motorcycle technology
During a recent visit to Apayao, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said the motorcycle conversion technology currently costs approximately Php 120,000.
However, he expressed optimism that the price could decline as the technology becomes commercially available and demand increases.
“The technology was funded by DOST through a research and development project of Cagayan State College. We wanted to pilot it in the community, which is why we identified beneficiaries who wanted to test the technology,” Solidum said.
He explained that the initiative forms part of the department’s efforts to develop practical technologies that address everyday challenges, particularly those affecting transportation and livelihoods.
The pilot program also seeks to demonstrate how electric vehicle technology can help reduce dependence on gasoline and lower operating expenses for public transport drivers.
Local government welcomes initiative
Luna, Apayao Mayor Januario Garde welcomed the project, saying residents and tricycle drivers had responded positively to the technology.
“This is a big help to our people. They are happy and are encouraging their fellow tricycle drivers to adopt the technology,” Garde said in Filipino.
He said the municipal government remained open to adopting innovations that could improve residents’ livelihoods and reduce transportation expenses.
“Just imagine the savings they can make on fuel. It is something that others will surely appreciate as they see the benefits,” he added.
Aside from financial savings, Garde cited the environmental advantages of electric motorcycles, including reduced noise and air pollution.
“It is also a big help to have quiet roads aside from reducing the pollution caused by conventional motorcycles. We are happy that this was piloted in Apayao,” he said.
With fuel prices continuing to affect transport operators, local officials see the conversion program as a potential alternative for tricycle drivers seeking to reduce costs.
DOST hopes the pilot initiative will encourage broader adoption of locally developed electric vehicle technologies as commercialization efforts progress.
