Arroyo tells DOTC to allot P1B to alternative fuels projects
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 16:39:00 03/27/2008
MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today directed Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro R. Mendoza to allocate P1 billion from the Special Vehicle Pollution Control Fund (SVPCF) to finance environmentally sustainable transport projects.
Among the projects intended to be funded are the use of alternative fuel like the compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for public transport.
The SVPCF is collected under the Motor Vehicle User's Charge (MVUC) imposed on owners of all types of motor vehicles and deposited as a special trust account in the National Treasury. It is earmarked solely and used exclusively for air pollution control.
Mendoza said that one of the government's action programs in addressing transport-related issues is to encourage the use of alternative fuel resources, which would help road transport groups earn higher income in the face of spiraling fuel prices.
At the same time, alternative fuels such as biofuel are expected to reduce green house gas emission and promote a clean and healthy environment.
"The use of CNG and LPG as alternative fuels is much cheaper than petroleum fuels. So, we can now expect operators of public utility vehicles to earn higher income. Moreover, alternative fuels are cleaner, has less emission and environment-friendly," said Mendoza.
Mendoza also said that the use of alternative fuels will benefit the country because it can be sourced locally, improve air quality, and reduce pollution.
In order to boost the implementation of the President's directive, the DOTC is seeking the help of local units of government, including cities and municipalities, to encourage local transport operators to shift to alternative fuels.
Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward S. Hagedorn pioneered the effort when he unveiled the environment-friendly and economical electric-powered "Trikebayan" (which does not emit any noise or carbon monoxide) at the Kapihan sa Sulo forum, Sulo Hotel, Quezon City, recently.
The Trikebayan costs only P48 or $1.20 per day to operate, while a gasoline-powered tricycle operation would cost P200. Rolly Concepcion, who conceptualized the Trikebayan, said that converting a tricycle engine to electricity would cost P68,000. The 36-watt rechargeable battery under the passenger seat can run for 12 hours.
Mendoza urged other local leaders to follow the example of Mayor Hagedorn by encouraging local tricycle operators to shift to less expensive fuels.
To further save on gasoline consumption, the DOTC is pushing the construction and extension of railway lines with Metro Manila as the hub in order to improve commuter and freight transport services as part of the Philippines' economic modernization effort. Railway lines are more economical as mass transport utilities.
Mendoza reported to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo that seven railway projects are currently being pursued by DOTC as part of the integrated transportation and communications service network of the country.
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