As the country continues to grapple with high fuel prices, Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos on Thursday called on local government units (LGUs) to partner with the academe in producing electric vehicles (EVs) for public transport.
“Shifting to EVs is a long-term solution that will decrease our dependency on oil and protect our transport sector and the riding public from volatilities that are outside our control,” Bernos said in a statement.
“I believe our state universities and colleges (SUCs) are perfectly capable of producing market-ready EVs. Ang kailangan ngayon ay mabigyan ng pagkakataon na maitanghal ang kakayahang ito sa tulong ng mga LGU (What is needed now is to be given an opportunity to showcase this capability with the help of LGUs).”
The lawmaker also said LGUs can tap the academe to help fulfill a law mandating that they transition their official fleet of vehicles to EVs.
Under Republic Act 11697, or the Electric Vehicles Industry Development Act (EVIDA Law), LGUs are mandated to transition at least 5 percent of their fleet to EVs.
LGUs are also required to establish dedicated EV lanes and streamline permitting for EV charging stations.
Bernos said tapping local EV designers and producers would spur the local economy, creating avenues for manufacturing and green employment.
Besides reduced fuel costs, the solon also touted other benefits from shifting to EVs, such as lower greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality.
