Mandaue City is advancing its sustainability efforts by setting up the first electric vehicle charging station in the province. The city government, under Mayor Glenn Bercede, has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Energy to install the station, offering free charging for EVs.
According to Architect Marlon Ocleasa, head of Mandaue City’s Planning and Development Office, the initiative supports clean energy and sustainable transport by promoting EV use and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Ocleasa acknowledged the challenges of developing the infrastructure, with funding details still being settled. He also expects the station to promote EV adoption, benefiting both private and public transport, including taxis and passenger vehicles using the facility.
The EV charging station will be set up at the Mandaue City Hall parking building, with construction starting in March and completion expected by year-end.
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E-buses in Mandaue City
In 2023, Mandaue City became the first local government partner of GET Philippines in the Visayas, signing a memorandum of agreement for the Comet (City Optimized Managed Electric Transport) project.
This transport system features a fleet of eco-friendly, air-conditioned Comet electric buses, designed by EV manufacturer GET Philippines. The Comet is a six-meter shuttle that seats 20 passengers and allows 10 more to stand comfortably. It also features a designated space for wheelchair users.
Cebu City is also looking to adopt electric buses, with one recently spotted on its streets. Mayor Raymond Garcia has been actively advocating for their integration into the public transport system.
The city plans to replace aging buses with EVs, in line with Republic Act 11697, which mandates that at least 10% of government fleets, including those of LGUs, transition to electric vehicles.
(Also read: Providing Electricity to “Last-Mile” Schools)
National government reveals plans for EV charging stations
Last December, the DOE announced that the Philippines is making steady progress toward meeting its goal for EV charging station installations.
The DOE reports over 800 charging stations spread across 120 sites nationwide. Undersecretary Wimpy Fuentebella stated that the government plans to expand this network by 100 stations annually.
He noted, “We’re confident that we will have more electric vehicle users and that will help a lot in the strategy of the Philippines in pushing for more greenhouse gas emissions reduction.”
Official records show that only 0.01% of the 40 million vehicles in the Philippines are electric. However, Undersecretary Fuentebella noted that this figure is underestimated since light EVs are exempt from Land Transportation Office (LTO) registration.
While EV associations reported nearly 20,000 units sold in 2023, the LTO recorded just 7,515. The DOE is collaborating with agencies like the LTO, Department of Transportation, and Department of Trade and Industry to bridge this data gap.
Sources:
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/mandaue-doe-to-set-up-ev-charging-station
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/mandaue-city-to-deploy-e-buses