Electric buses may soon become part of Cebu’s public transport system as the provincial government moves to support a government-backed initiative aimed at modernizing transport operations and lowering fuel costs for operators.
The program, led by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), allows transport cooperatives to acquire electric buses through a financing scheme offering low interest rates and no required down payment for qualified applicants.
Provincial Planning and Development Officer Elizar Sabinay Jr. said Cebu has been identified as one of the priority areas for the expansion of electric public transport outside Metro Manila.
“The Province of Cebu is identified as one of the priorities in terms of mass EV rollout nationwide, so outside Metro Manila, it is Metro Cebu,” Sabinay said.
Sabinay said nearly 30 transport cooperatives across the province have already submitted documentary requirements for evaluation under the program. These applications have been endorsed to the Small Business Corporation (SBCorp), the government financing arm handling loan processing for the initiative.
Under the program, qualified cooperatives may apply for up to three electric buses each, with each unit priced at around P4.5 million. Manufacturers are expected to subsidize part of the cost, leaving operators to shoulder roughly P1.5 million through government-assisted financing.
Sabinay said the structure removes the need for upfront cash payments once loans are approved, making the program more accessible compared to traditional modernization schemes.
“There is no down payment as long as the loan is approved, automatic, your order will be immediately checked in,” he said.
He added that the provincial government has been coordinating with transport cooperatives to conduct orientations and assist with loan applications ahead of the rollout.
“Ang commitment was the province to gather all those interested transport cooperatives for the orientation and onboarding of loan application,” Sabinay said.
Beyond financing support, officials also highlighted expected savings in operational costs, particularly fuel.
“If you ride EV, it will cut 50 percent of your opex (operations expense),” Sabinay said, noting reduced dependence on gasoline.
Each electric bus can accommodate up to 35 passengers, with seating for 25 and standing capacity for 10.
Charging infrastructure is also expected to be established in Cebu to support future deployment once units begin operating.
Most applicants so far are from Metro Cebu, with additional interest from transport groups in Sibonga and Danao City, according to the provincial government.
Sabinay said the program is not limited to private EV adoption but is designed to shift public transport toward cleaner and more cost-efficient systems.
Photo courtesy of Cebu Province
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