Personnel from the Department of Energy (DoE), through its Energy Utilization Management Bureau (EUMB) and support offices, conducted first inspection of donated hybrid vehicles in Philippine National Police (PNP)-Region 8 in Palo, Leyte last June 5 to 6.

A total of 45 units of hybrid vehicles were given to the PNP-Region 8 for use as patrol cars.

The donation forms part of the Japanese government’s support for the economic and social development of communities devastated by supertyphoon “Yolanda.”

The donation supports the DoE’s program to promote the use of efficient and environment-friendly Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) such as the electric vehicles.

Eight hybrid cars were also given to the local government offices: the departments of Environment and Natural Resources, Trade and Industry, Science and Technology, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Information Agency, Land Transportation Office, and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The inspection revealed that all the hybrid vehicles are in good condition. A follow-up assessment will be done semi-annually for five years to monitor the performance of the electric vehicles in the Philippine setting.

The hybrid car donation is under the 500-million yen Japan Non-Project Grant Aid to the Philippines for the procurement and delivery of next generation vehicles (i.e. hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and electric vehicles). The beneficiaries will be assisting the DoE in research, performance testing and promotion activities for the local adoption of alternative fuel vehicles.

Based on the 2017 Fuel Economy Run conducted by the DoE-EUMB, the Toyota Prius hybrid has a fuel economy rating of 26.13 km/l, leading to fuel and monetary savings to the beneficiaries.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi has called for the promotion of efficient and environment-friendly alternative fuel vehicles to encourage energy diversification and the transition from oil to cleaner energy sources.

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