Lawmaker urges LGUs to partner with state universities in EV production
Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos has urged local government units (LGUs) to partner with state universities and colleges (SUCs) to develop electric vehicles (EVs) for public transportation, citing high fuel prices and the need to reduce the country’s dependence on oil.
Bernos said Thursday that local governments could tap the technical capabilities of academic institutions to produce market-ready EVs while supporting the transition to cleaner 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 said working with local EV designers and manufacturers could also stimulate economic activity by creating opportunities in manufacturing and green employment.
Under Republic Act 11697, or the Electric Vehicles Industry Development Act (EVIDA Law), LGUs are required to transition at least 5% of their official vehicle fleets to EVs.
The law also requires LGUs to establish dedicated EV lanes and streamline permitting for EV charging stations.
Bernos said shifting to electric vehicles could reduce fuel expenses and greenhouse gas emissions while improving air quality.
Beyond electrifying government fleets, he also advocates for LGUs to adopt solar energy to lower their operating costs.
His House Bill 3126, or the On-Grid Solar Energy Systems bill, seeks to require the installation of on-grid solar energy systems in all national and local government-owned buildings and offices to reduce electricity expenses.
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