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Cebu City needs more polio vaccines

THE CEBU City Health Office (CHO) is stepping up its routine immunization, especially for “defaulters” or children who received the first dose but missed subsequent doses, after the Butuanon River was recently found positive for polio virus by the Department of Health (DoH). Cebu City Health Officer Daisy Villa said they are now coordinating with the DoH for the purchase of more vaccines as current inventory is limited and will just focus on the more affected areas, like near the Butuanon river, which was tested positive for polio virus. She said they are now evaluating data to trace the defaulters, noting that voluntary vaccination activities dropped in several barangay health centers after the Dengvaxia vaccine controversy. “We have available (vaccines) for routine immunization. For the extra, we will be targeting it on those defaulters,” she said. The city government has committed funding support for the additional vaccine purchase. — The Freeman

Pasig mayor warns non-compliant POGOs as city gov’t shuts down Chinese restaurant without permit

THE PASIG City government on Sunday ordered the closure of a Chinese restaurant found to be operating without a business permit. “If you want to do business in our City, YOU FOLLOW OUR LAWS,” Mayor Victor “Vico” N. Sotto said in posts on his social media pages. Mr. Sotto also hinted on a crackdown on non-compliant Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) based in the city as he warned local government workers who will “use my name in negotiating” with these establishments. “To people who may try to use my name in negotiating with POGOs, consider this as fair warning. 1-strike policy for City Hall employees,” he said. Pasig is the latest local government in Metro Manila to crack down on businesses related to Chinese nationals in the country. In May last year, Las Piñas City shut down a food park that was reported to be catering only to Chinese nationals. The Quezon City government, in August, issued notices of violation against three POGOs that lacked requirements for business operations. Mr. Sotto also offered assistance to the Bureau of Immigration in “catching and deporting” illegal Chinese workers and businessmen.

Pujada, 2 others in Mati listed among world’s most beautiful bays

THREE BAYS in Mati City, Davao Oriental are now officially included in the list of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Association (MBBWA). MBBWA President Michel Bujold, in a letter received on February 20 by the provincial and city governments, confirmed the declaration of Pujada, Mayo, and Balete Bays as part of the group. “I am pleased to inform you that the Board of Directors has voted in favor of accepting Pujada Bay, but also Mayo and Balete Bays together as a new member of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Association. Congratulations and welcome,” said Mr. Bujold. The certificates will be awarded during the MBBWA’s annual congress in Morocco in October. Last month, MBBWA officials Guy Rousset and Bruno Bodard visited Mati to validate the application for Pujada Bay, and took notice of the two other bays. Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office head Dolores D. Valdesco, in a press statement Friday, said they are now awaiting the association’s recommendations for preserving the three natural sites. Mati City Mayor Michelle N. Rabat said the listing of the three bays is not only a tourism promotion boost but also serves as a challenge for the local government to do more in protection the environment. “Being included in the list is the least difficult part, staying in the list is more challenging,” she said. Davao Oriental Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang, for his part, said, “One of the reasons we applied Pujada Bay to the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club is to share its magnificent assets to the people of the world who would like to experience the natural and cultural richness of our place.” — Carmelito Q. Francisco and Maya M. Padillo

Assistance continue to pour in as Cotabato’s earthquake victims await permanent relocation

FAMILIES IN Cotabato whose homes were totally destroyed or their community declared as a no-build zone following last year’s series of earthquakes continue to get assistance through transitional shelters and support at the evacuation centers. Last week, 47 families from villages in Bulutukan town received their temporary homes built through the Diocese of Kidapawan under the provincial government’s adopt-a-home project, which is part of rehabilitation program. The provincial government, in a statement, said the diocese partnered with NASSA/CARITAS, Coca-Cola Foundation, and Aecid (Agencies Española de Cooperation International para el Desarrollo) for the construction of the shelters.

UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has also been helping those who are still in evacuation centers as well as families rebuilding their partially destroyed homes, with particular focus on hygiene, sanitation, and health. “People affected by disasters are more at risk to diseases especially diarrhoea which can be life threatening for children. We need to make sure that risks of water-borne diseases are reduced and give this high priority as part of our emergency response,” UNICEF WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, and Education) Officer Rasul Abdullah said in a statement. UNICEF, with support from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund, has set up water supply points in evacuation centers, providing daily drinking water supply to children, hygiene kits, and conducting hygiene promotion sessions. For rebuilding, the group has been distributing hardware supplies such as toilet bowls, cement, doors, steel bars and nails.

VALIDATION
The provincial government’s Cotabato Rebuilding Program was formally launched last Feb. 11, with implementation on a per-village basis while the multi-sector task force continues to conduct validation and assessment in other areas. The fully validated data is required to access the P5 billion fund allocated by the national government for the rehabilitation of earthquake-hit areas in the regions of Davao and South Cotabato-Cotabato-Sultan Kudarat-Sarangani-General Santos City (SOCCSKSARGEN). Out of the almost 260,000 people affected by the three major tremors in October, more than 162,000 are in Cotabato, according data from the national disaster management council. — Mindanao Bureau

Fury stops Wilder

LAS VEGAS — Britain’s Tyson Fury delivered a dominant performance in his heavyweight championship bout with Deontay Wilder on Saturday, overwhelming his opponent to earn a seventh round TKO victory in Las Vegas.

In the highly-anticipated super fight rematch between the two titans, Fury took control late in the first round and never relinquished it, knocking down Wilder twice and bloodying him en route to the referee stopping the fight in the seventh where Wilder’s corner threw in the towel.

“I must say the king has returned to the top of the throne,” Fury told reporters in a post-fight interview.

Fury used his reach advantage to continually beat Wilder to the punch. He took total control in the third where he landed a right hand to Wilder’s left ear to drop him to the canvas.

Wilder never regained his legs or footing after that, wobbling through the rest of the match.

Fury again dropped Wilder in the fifth with a body punch and then caught him in the corner with a flurry of punches in the seventh where it ended.

“I want to say (Wilder) came in and he manned up and really did show the heart of the champion,” Fury said. “He is a warrior, he will be back, and he will be the champion again.”

Fury (30-0-1) retained his lineal crown and now takes the WBC crown from Wilder (42-1-1) and settles the score between the two. The first fight between the boxers in December of 2018 was called a draw.

Jeo Santisima and Emanuel Navarrete (wearing silver trunks) box during their WBO super bantamweight title bout at MGM Grand Garden Arena. The referee stopped the fight as Navarrete plummeled Santisima in a corner in the eleventh round. — JOE CAMPOREALE-USA TODAY SPORTS

Wilder, known for his violent right-hand knockouts, never got the chance to truly unleash his power.

He landed a few overhand right hands early in the fight but was constantly under attack.

“Things like this happen, the best man won tonight,” Wilder said. “My side threw the towel — I would rather go out on my shield.

“Even the greatest have lost and came back, you take it for what it is. This is what big time boxing is all about. The best must fight the best.”

One of the most anticipated heavyweight fights in years, the event started with plenty of pageantry.

Former champions Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson were all introduced in the ring.

Fury made his way to the ring while sitting on a throne. Wilder was dressed in full dark armor and helmet.

Fury punctuated his win with another vocal performance, singing Don McLean’s “American Pie” to the crowd. — Reuters

All-Star Simmons injured as host Bucks rout 76ers

MILWAUKEE — Giannis Antetokounmpo collected 31 points, 17 rebounds and eight assists to lift the host Milwaukee Bucks to a wire-to-wire 119-98 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday.

Antetokounmpo shot 12 of 17 from the field for the Bucks, who have won 21 of 24 games since dropping a 121-109 decision to Philadelphia on Christmas Day. The reigning NBA MVP made eight of 27 shots for 18 points in that contest before erupting for 36 points and 20 rebounds in Milwaukee’s 112-101 victory over the 76ers on Feb. 6.

Khris Middleton added 25 points and nine rebounds as the Bucks sent road-challenged Philadelphia to its sixth straight loss away from home.

Joel Embiid scored 12 of his 17 points in the second quarter, however a porous shooting display (5 of 18) and early foul trouble prevented the 76ers’ All-Star from establishing any semblance of rhythm.

To make matters worse for Philadelphia was the early departure of fellow All-Star Ben Simmons, who aggravated a back injury on a layup midway into the first quarter. He promptly retreated to the locker room and did not return, scoring just five points in five minutes.

Two quick fouls on Embiid to begin third quarter gave him four for the evening, a predicament that allowed the Bucks to exploit the interior of the 76ers’ defense.

The Sixers collapsed in a bid to keep Antetokounmpo under wraps, allowing Wesley Matthews, Robin Lopez, Donte DiVincenzo and Middleton open looks from beyond the arc as the Bucks turned a six-point halftime lead into a 93-73 advantage after three quarters.

Antetokounmpo got in on the 3-point party, calmly sinking an uncontested shot from distance early in the fourth quarter. The crowd promptly serenaded him with “MVP” chants.

Philadelphia didn’t do itself any favors with its dismal 4-for-19 performance from 3-point range in the first half, allowing Milwaukee to seize a 56-50 lead at intermission.

Antetokounmpo scored nine points to stake the Bucks to a 31-21 advantage after the first quarter before the 76ers cut their deficit to one. Milwaukee answered with a 10-2 run to build its lead to 47-38 with 5:04 remaining in the second. — Reuters

Explosive Heat honor Wade, crush Cavaliers

The jersey of Miami Heat former player Dwyane Wade is raised to the rafters as his number is retired during halftime of a game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Heat at American Airlines Arena. — KIM KLEMENT-USA TODAY SPORTS

MIAMI — Hot-shooting Miami produced its best half in franchise history and romped over the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers 124-105 on a Saturday night when the Heat retired the jersey of iconic guard Dwyane Wade.

Playing without top scorer Jimmy Butler (personal reasons), the Heat made 14 of their first 17 shots and raced out to their best half ever by leading 82-52 at the halftime break.

In its last home game on Feb. 3 against the Philadelphia 76ers, Miami — with five-time All-Star Butler notching a season-high 38 against his former team — scored 81 points in the second half of its 137-106 victory.

Kendrick Nunn tallied 24 points and eight assists to lead seven Miami players who scored in double figures. Duncan Robinson added 19, Kelly Olynyk 17 and Goran Dragic 16. Bam Adebayo had 15, and Derrick Jones Jr. and Jae Crowder each had 13.

Miami improved to 23-3 at home but won for just the second time in seven games. The Heat shot 57 percent from the field and connected on 19 of 40 3-pointers.

At halftime, the Heat honored Wade — their 13-time All-Star — whose No. 3 jersey was retired and raised to the rafters at AmericanAirlines Arena. Wade, 38, helped Miami to three NBA championships and is the organization’s all-time leader in games, points, assists and steals.

The Cavaliers, who own the worst record in the Eastern Conference (15-41), were paced by Cedi Osman’s 19 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, while Collin Sexton added 17 points and Tristan Thompson scored 16.

Second-leading scorer Kevin Love rested his ailing Achilles on the second game of back-to-backs for Cleveland, which has dropped seven of its last nine and lost its 18th straight game in Miami. — Reuters

Four teams in the hunt for the PFF U15 Boys National Championship crown

THE SEARCH for the Stars of Tomorrow has reached its climax as the PFF U15 Boys National Championship 2019 enters its Final Round which is slated on 26–28 February 2020 at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.

The teams from National Capital Region FA, Mount Apo RFA, Davao-South RFA, and Negros Occidental FA will contest for national pride beginning in the semifinals to be played on Feb. 26, for the right to play in the final on Feb. 28.

The four remaining teams confirmed their participation in the Final Round after finishing in the top two of their respective groups in the National Championship Round held in Carmona for Group 2 from 11–19 Nov. 2019 and Davao City for Group 2 from 13-18 Dec. 2019 respectively.

Group 1 winner, the team from National Capital Region FA will face Group 2 runner-up Mount Apo RFA, while Group 2 winner Davao-South RFA will face Group 1 runner-up Negros Occidental FA. The semi-final losers will face-off in the 3rd/4th place play-off while the winners of the two semi-final ties will face off in the final.

THE TEAMS:
Team from NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION FA (Group 1 winner)

The best attacking team in the tournament showed why by scoring 74 goals: 42 from their unbeaten campaign in Luzon Group B, and 32 from their Group 1 campaign.

They have gone 10 matches unbeaten, winning their first eight convincingly before drawing with Negros Occidental FA in a 3-3 draw last 17 Nov. 2019, finishing on top of the group with a superior goal differential.

Armed with international experience, the boys of coach Richard Leyble is looking to extend their streak as they lean on the dynamic duo of skipper Dominic Tom and Matthias Xavier Lozano who led the team with combined total of 28 goals, with the former scoring 7 goals in the National Championship Round.

Team from NEGROS OCCIDENTAL FA (Group 1 runner-up)

Coming from the Visayas Group of Death, Ronald Treyes’ men showed their resolve as they secured qualification by placing second each time.

Despite an absence of a go-to-guy, NOFA showed how make the team work by having 16 different goalscorers. Dominic Dreyfus, Leoven Gatungay, Kent Bacolocos and Ryan Monares all netted four goals apiece.

Apart from their goal-scoring, their defence is one of their assets, picking up all but one clean sheet out of their four fixtures in the National Championship Round.

Their six-goal thriller against the team from NCR last 17 November showed their poise in big matches when they lost their half-time lead, before Syreal Magbanua’s equalizer have them share the spoils.

Team from DAVAO-SOUTH RFA (Group 2 winner)

Davao will face its biggest test as they take on the team from Negros Occidental FA in the semifinal, with them qualifying as the top team in a tough Group 2 where it was a four-horse race for the coveted two spots on the final day.

A 2-2 draw with the team from Mount Apo RFA sealed their qualification as they ended up with seven points, eliminating the teams from Panay FA and Zamboanga Del Norte-Dipolog FA who were a point behind.

Midfielder Uriel Dalapo woke up from his slump in the Regional Group Stage to be instrumental to their run to the final round after scoring four goals in the Group 2.

Team from MOUNT APO RFA (Group 2 runner-up)

The boys from North Cotabato rounded up the quartet of the qualified teams, and it will be a challenge to recover from their slump in the National Championship Round having scored only six goals after trailblazing the Regional Group Stage with 61 goals.

However, they claimed huge results down the stretch despite losing to Panay FA, winning against Zamboanga Del Norte-Dipolog and drawing with Davao-South to book their place in the semifinal, where NCR awaits them on the horizon.

This is a perfect chance for Harold Calandria to return to the spotlight after struggling in Group 2, where his goalscoring exploits saw him top the charts in the Regional Group Stages with 22 goals.

Transportation of mass destruction

In the last week alone, we’ve seen eight high school children, mostly aged 14, get mowed down on a pedestrian crossing in Makati by an unlicensed, drugged-out jeepney driver who was on the wrong side of the road. We saw a seven-month-old baby and his mother run over and killed by another runaway truck, leaving another 10 people seriously injured. There was a motorcycle rider killed instantly by a car driven against the flow of traffic — and countless other incidents that may or may not have ended up on your newsfeed.

If this was a virus we were talking about, the whole country would be on lockdown and we would run out of face masks. But it’s not; it’s worse. It’s behavioral, extremely avoidable, and yet we just keep on handing out licenses like they were flyers for pre-selling condos. And that needs to change; we cannot keep blaming the kamote drivers if our authorities are the ones planting them.

Accidents kill more Filipinos than terrorism and the coronavirus put together. And the irony here is, we will adjust our lives, sacrifice our privacy, wear masks, hold Senate hearings for network franchises, and spend billions on cosmetic security all around the country to wage a full-on war against something that statistically has less chance of happening than a Makati-to-Cubao trip in five minutes. But when it comes to something that is officially one of the leading causes of death (according to the DoH) nothing happens. Zilch. Nada. Maybe a couple of grandstanding politicians giving a sound bite but, basically, after all is said and done, a lot more is said than done.

It’s time for real action. I know I’m not the only one sick to death of seeing yet another driver weeping on TV asking for dispensa (forgiveness) and crying that he is poor, yet as soon he gets back behind the wheel, he drives like he has the Sultan of Brunei signing checks for him. It’s time to get tough — no matter what your socioeconomic profile is. And it all starts with raising the standards through better education, stricter testing, even stricter penalties, and placing a higher value on the privilege of driving.

We need to elevate the profession. Enough of this entry-level job nonsense. Let’s give it the respect and seriousness it deserves. By keeping it as a minimum-wage job with no substantial costs or barriers to get a license, our authorities are the ones assigning a value to it, which in this case is zero. We need to create more value around driving so we attract a better caliber of driver because, I guarantee you, it will claim far more lives than any of the other things we react so impulsively to.

In the wrong hands, a vehicle is our biggest weapon of mass destruction.

Move fast

Ask those who have gone far in the National Basketball Association, and they’ll tell you to a man that camaraderie counts as one of the most important factors to success. Talent is still at the top, of course, but esprit de corps counts as 1B on the list, and figures to be far more elusive. The annals of pro hoops are littered with examples of superstar-laden lineups that ended up being spectacular busts. In this regard, the job of the general manager is never-ending, fraught with obstacle after obstacle through a continual search for improvement.

Which, in a nutshell, is why the Lakers are hard-pressed to tinker with their roster. They’re compelled to tread lightly, and not just because of salary cap constraints. Not for nothing are they ruling the West two-thirds into the season: They have learned to be collectively better than the sum of their individual selves. From one to 15, they genuinely like — and pull for — each other, even off the court, as much a reflection on the leadership of LeBron James and Anthony Davis as on the willingness of the rest to subscribe to common goals.

True, the Lakers have evident weaknesses they need to address if they truly plan to meet their championship expectations. And even as they’re trying to do so, they have seemingly been thwarted by circumstances beyond their control. They were spurned by Nick Collison, who decided to stay retired. They flamed out on Reggie Jackson and Marcus Morris. Meanwhile, they have kept winning, and GM Rob Pelinka has kept looking. The buyout market is open until March 1, so he has a little more time left to convince potential cogs to don purple and gold.

If plans turn to reality, the Lakers are about to get a vital three-and-D veteran who can complement a small-ball lineup with Davis at the five spot. Markieff Morris may not be the better of the twins, but his capacity to ball isn’t the question. However, his fit with the tightly knit group is. And it isn’t simply because he will be disrupting the status quo; it’s that Pelinka will have to bid goodbye to DeMarcus Cousins — hitherto unable to suit up because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament, but nonetheless a popular presence who brings countless intangibles to the equation — in order to make room for him.

Ideally, Morris’ acquisition should be a plus. And, for all the right reasons, the Lakers should have little to no trouble adjusting on the floor. They’ll have to deal with Cousins’ departure off it, though. Never mind his nonexistent stat line. Forget about his once-familiar sight at the end of the bench. He won’t be easy to replace. They hope to move on soonest, and how fast they do may well determine how far they ultimately go.

 

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and Human Resources management, corporate communications, and business development.

PSALM to run after nearly P34B bad accounts in power sector

STATE-LED Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) will “vigorously” go after independent power producer administrators (IPPAs) with delinquent accounts amounting to P33.62 billion, the Finance department said on Sunday.

DoF Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Bayani H. Agabin said in a press release that Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III, who chairs PSALM, had ordered the agency to initiate collection cases versus former IPPAs that have existing unpaid dues.

In 2019, PSALM collected a total of P70.41 billion from IPPAs, or private entities that manage the output from the energy conversion the power purchase agreements that National Power Corp. (Napocor) entered into with the independent power producers.

IPPAs are appointed through public bidding conducted by PSALM, a corporation created by law to privatize the power generation assets of Napocor that were built during the crippling energy crisis in the 1990s.

The Department of Finance (DoF) identified a unit of San Miguel Corp., South Premiere Power Corp. (SPPC), as having the highest unpaid account at P23.94 billion as of Dec. 31, 2019. SPPC administers the capacity of the Ilijan gas-fired power plant in Batangas City.

In a pending case before the Regional Trial Court of Mandaluyong City, SPPC is asserting another formula for computing its payables to PSALM. The case has been pending since September 2015.

Other companies with existing delinquent accounts include Unified Leyte Strips of Energy’s IPPAs with Good Friends Hydro Resources Corp., which got its contract terminated in August 2017, and has unpaid dues of P1.21 billion, as well as the Waterfront Mactan Casino Hotel, Inc. that had its contract terminated in October last year, owing PSALM P87.74 million.

The DoF quoted PSALM President Irene Joy Besido-Garcia as saying that if the agency is not able to collect the “hefty financial obligations” from delinquent accounts, it will be forced to contract new borrowings to liquidate Napocor’s maturing debts.

She described the new borrowings as a “vicious cycle that will result in PSALM absorbing additional interests and other finance charges.”

The other IPPAs that PSALM is calling out to pay are Filinvest Development Corp. (FDC) Utilities, Inc. for the Unified Leyte Strips of Energy contract and FDC Misamis Power Corp. for the capacity of Mindanao I and II Geothermal Power Plants, by P1.17 billion and P2.63 billion, respectively.

Vivant-Sta. Clara Northern Renewables Generation Corp. (Northern Renewables), administering the IPPA agreement for the Bakun Hydroelectric Power Plant in Ilocos Sur, also has an unpaid obligation of P4.19 billion,according to the DoF.

“PSALM expects to collect additional payments from Northern Renewables this 2020 in view of a settlement agreement they had submitted to the court,” it added.

According to its report, PSALM’s average cost of borrowing for last year was 5.07%, with total revenues collected reaching P98.3 billion, leaving P422.2 billion worth of remaining debt from Napocor that PSALM needs to raise money for.

The DoF said a failure to meet the P33.62-billion collection target this year would translate into an annual borrowing cost of P1.7 billion, which could have been used to fund government programs.

The delinquent accounts are part of the P95 billion that IPPAs and other industry players such as electric cooperatives owe to PSALM, including the receivables it inherited from Napocor, according to Ms. Garcia. — Beatrice M. Laforga

The PH electric vehicle industry: fully charged and ready to go

NO DOUBT about it, the electric vehicle (EV) is the vehicle of the future. And in the Philippines, the missing pieces of the puzzle are falling into place one by one.

Edmund Araga, president of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), reveals that the domestic EV industry is seeing the fruits of what EVAP has painstakingly labored on through the years. “We now have products from two to four wheels serving primarily the transport sector, charging stations are being put in place, government support through incentives are in the works, product standards and vehicle registration protocols are being laid out, and partnerships with major EV players in the ASEAN region are being forged.”

The optimism of EVAP is bolstered by a study conducted last year by the Edison Electric Institute revealing that global EV sales totaled about 2.1 million for 2018, an increase of 64% compared to the total sold in 2017. In 2018, EV sales increased by 79% in the US, 78% in China, and 34% in Europe compared to 2017.

In the US market alone, EV sales represented approximately 17% of global EV sales in 2018. More than 1.18 million EVs were on the road in the US as of March 31, 2019. Its market share grew to 1.8% in March 2019, up from 1.6% in March 2018.

“At the domestic front, local electric tricycle manufacturer BEMAC has produced 3,000 e-trikes under the Tricycle Replacement Program of the Department of Energy (DoE). These are now being deployed in various local government units nationwide,” says EVAP Chairman Rommel Juan. “In the four-wheel transport sector, electric jeepneys are now included in the PUV Modernization Program of the Department of Transportation. Some units are already operating in General Santos City. We are happy that EVs have gained public acceptance and have now achieved a foothold in the domestic mass transport industry.”

For private use, the EV industry is abuzz with news of the forthcoming launch of the electric version of the Mitsubishi Outlander SUV by April 2020 and the Nissan Leaf car later. The Chinese manufacturers will not be left behind with the introduction of their own EVs by BYD, Levdeo, Geely, and MG Motors.

EVAP Executive Director Dr. Manny Biona discloses that the industry players are moving fast to put the technical muscle and much-needed infrastructure to the EV industry. “A charging station program is now on the drawing boards of the DoE and MMPC has followed suit by establishing charging stations at select dealerships. Automotive battery manufacturer Motolite will soon locally produce and supply lithium ion batteries as a pioneering enterprise.”

Biona adds that product standards for EV parts and components have been approved by the Bureau of Philippine Standards of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) based on international standards. “As a matter of fact, BPS has created Sub-committee 21 under Technical Committee 44 for Road Transport to focus on standards for EVs. This shows the importance the government has given to the EV industry.”

Araga says that in terms of vehicle registration, the Land Transportation Office has drafted an Administrative Order on the recording, registration and operation of EVs. “Because of the rapid developments in the EV industry, it has made current prescribed specifications of light EVs and low-speed vehicles no longer applicable. LTO needs to cope with these advancements, thus the need to consolidate and update the current issuances and guidelines in recording, registration and, operation of EVs.”

There is also a bill in the Senate and other programs in the works that will give the EV industry a clear direction then give incentives to its implementation. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has sponsored Senate Bill 174 that will provide the national energy policy and regulatory framework for the use of EVs and the establishment of EV charging stations.

Araga explains that this mandates seven government institutions plus the local government units to work together. “The bill proposes dedicated parking slots in public and private establishments and even in gasoline stations. It also grants fiscal incentives for local manufacturing, importation and utilization. Non-fiscal incentives will also be granted such as prioritization in vehicle registration and granting of franchises and exemption from the number-coding scheme.”

But the best part says Araga is that industrial and commercial companies, public transport operations, NGAs, GICCs, and LGUs must ensure that initially, at least five percent of their fleets shall be EVs with a timeline for the gradual increase of such percentage until the entire fleet is electrified.

Juan says that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has commissioned and funded a program on the promotion of low-carbon urban transport system in the Philippines. “It aims to create an enabling environment for the commercialization of low-carbon urban transport systems. This will be done through effective enforcement of policies, support for promotional activities, adoption and implementation of low carbon transport plans in major cities and increasing private sector participation and investments in the deployment process. Three major cities have been approved for this while four other major cities are being evaluated.”

Juan also adds that the entire automotive industry is eagerly awaiting the much-needed Executive Order to implement the eco-PUV program of the DTI that will give incentives to both vehicle platform suppliers and body builders for the local manufacturing of PUVs under the government’s PUV Modernization Program. “This will be a much-needed shot in the arm not only for the EV industry but for the entire automotive industry,” Juan says.

To keep pace with EV growth in the ASEAN region and share best practices, EVAP recently spearheaded the formation of the ASEAN Federation of Electric Vehicle Associations (AFEVA). Charter members are the EVAs of Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines. EVAP chairman emeritus Ferdi Raquelsantos says that this was the result of the almost annual hosting of EVAP of the Philippine EV Summit. This brings together under one roof all the major EV industry players not only in the Philippines but in the region as well. “We see AFEVA as our vehicle to a harmonious unification of best industry and manufacturing practices in the region, of research and development initiatives, of continuous improvements in both products and processes and of improving our network that has already resulted in some joint venture projects.”

EVAP is very optimistic about these recent developments. The domestic EV industry is fully charged and raring to go.

 

Established in 2009, the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) espouses the idea of “a nation wherein the use of electric vehicles is highly promoted, encouraged and supported by its government and the society in order to develop a transportation landscape that is one with the environment ecologically and economically.” It, today, boasts more than 500 industry partners and 54 active member organizations. EVAP annually organizes the Electric Vehicle Summit.

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