ESPRESSO MORNINGS
By Joe Zaldarriaga
He was the architect behind Meralco’s most celebrated milestones in the field of communications— steering the company to five-time Company of the Year honors at the Philippine Quill Awards and leading the only PR team ever named Team of the Year in the history of the Anvil Awards.
Manong Joe’s leadership also extends as a respected member of the Board of Trustees for the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), concurrent with his role as Chairman of the International Association of Business Communicators Philippines (IABC Philippines) where he also served as its President.
Manong Joe is a distinguished awardee of the medallion of honor and scroll of commendation from the University of Manila, owing to his years in public service as a communications professional. He shares his insights through columns in renowned publications, including The Philippine Star’s The Z Factor, and Philippine News Agency’s ESPRESSO MORNINGS.
One of the most interesting panels at the Solar & Storage Live Philippines last week was the discussion about the country’s electric vehicle (EV) adoption — a timely topic given rising fuel costs and the growing push for sustainability.
During the panel, experts discussed how crucial public-private collaboration is in developing the EV industry in the Philippines. The private sector brings capital, technical expertise and operational experience, while the government ensures standard and fair regulation, incentives and the ability to coordinate across industries. Each has a role, and success depends on clear roles, aligned incentives and transparent metrics for progress.
With increasing public interest in EV adoption coupled with aggressive private sector innovation, it seems that current conditions are aligning to accelerate the country’s EV adoption.
News reports showed that as the National Energy Emergency persists, total EV sales —including e-bikes and other forms of electric transport — surged 288 percent to 5,855 units in April alone, from 1,509 units sold in the same month last year. This surge in EV sales is the result of soaring fuel prices brought about by the ongoing Middle East conflict.
We see it on our roads on a daily basis. Aside from private EVs, more EVs are being used in the public transport sector, such as taxis and ride-hailing services. More households are also buying e-bikes, becoming a popular alternative to tricycles.
But accelerating the country’s EV adoption requires more than interest. It demands standard policy, targeted incentives, infrastructure investments and private sector innovation that together make EVs practical, affordable and reliable for the people who depend on transport for their livelihoods.
During the panel on EVs last week, Ralph Menchavez, president and CEO of Movem Electric Inc. — the electric mobility solutions provider of Meralco — highlighted the role of reliable and accessible charging infrastructure in building consumer confidence and supporting long-term growth of electric mobility in the Philippines.
As he emphasized: “This infrastructure rollout must be complemented by strong public-private collaboration and targeted incentives to accelerate investment and improve utilization.”
First, policy must be standardized and equitable. Tax incentives and subsidies should prioritize public transport fleets and delivery trucks of basic goods rather than private cars. Incentives and programs should be designed to support small operators in upgrading their fleets. This way, the benefits of electric mobility are shared by more people — motorists and commuters alike.
Second, to encourage public transport operators to adopt EVs, financing models must reflect the realities of the Philippine market for an inclusive transition. This can include subsidies and public concession loans, among others, to allow for easier entry of small and medium enterprises in the EV space.
Third, infrastructure deployment must be pragmatic and user-centered. Charging networks should be planned around routes, depots and high utilization hubs, not only retail locations. For public transport and delivery fleets, depot chargers and fast turnaround solutions are more valuable than scattered public chargers. For urban commuters, accessible workplace and residential charging will be important.
Finally, we must train and empower a dedicated workforce for the development of the EV industry. Developing the EV industry will require more technicians trained in EV maintenance, battery diagnostics and charger installation. Cultivating local talents will also create new jobs in the country.
Accelerating the country’s EV adoption must be inclusive and sustainable. The benefits of electrification should be felt by communities through better air quality, tangible economic gains and reduced noise pollution.
The Philippines can build an EV sector that is resilient, equitable and aligned with national sustainability targets, but only if the public and private sectors work together to ensure that the industry is truly sustainable and beneficial for all.
