Despite calls for a deadline extension from transport groups, the government remains on track to establish a modernized and carbon-free public transportation system.

This was assured by Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon in his message to the Hyundai Truck and Bus Mobility Expo 2025 in Alabang on Friday.

Dizon’s message was delivered by Reymundo de Guzman Jr. from the Office of Transportation Cooperatives.

“Our direction under the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program is clear: a transition towards a low-emission, safe, efficient, and people-centric public transport. The Department of Transportation is actively pursuing several initiatives to realize this vision, particularly by scaling up electric PUV development nationwide,” Dizon said.

Dizon highlighted a key development: the fast-tracking of support to local government units to finalize and update their public transport route plans.

“Without coherent and responsive route networks, the viability of modern and electric vehicle units is at risk. We are determined to complete route plans across all regions this year,” he said.

Dizon highlighted a key development: the fast-tracking of support to local government units to finalize and update their public transport route plans.

He revealed continuing efforts to accelerate the accreditation of high-quality and cost-effective modern electric PUV models.

Drivers and operators had opposed the modernization plan due to, among other things, the high cost of new transport units.

“The DoTr, Land Transportation Office, and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (are currently streamlining the approval process for PUV models,” he said.

Dizon also underscored the DoTr’s push for stronger subsidy support for PUV operators to ease their transition to modern transportation.

This includes supporting the Department of Trade and Industry’s Board of Investments (BoI) in offering incentives to both local and foreign electric vehicle manufacturers.

The BoI, the lead agency for the Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS), set the following targets last year: producing 6.3 million EVs by 2040 under a clean energy scenario (CES) or 1.7 million units under a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario.

The agency is currently finalizing EVIS for submission to the Fiscal Incentive Review Board (FIRB) for its approval. EVIS will offer incentives to manufacturers meeting specific performance criteria, such as local content requirements and the localization of critical technologies like batteries and software development systems.

The expo also served as the launchpad for Hariphil Asia Resources Inc. (HARI), the official distributor of Hyundai trucks and buses in the Philippines, to unveil its Hyundai Mighty Electric truck.

The light-duty electric truck boasts a 120-kW permanent magnet synchronous motor, delivering 163 PS and 32.6 kg-m of torque.

Powered by a Euro 4 D4CC diesel engine, it delivers 160 PS at 3,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 40 kg-m at 1,250-2,800 rpm. With a 2,891-cc displacement and a 100-liter fuel tank, the vehicle offers robust performance while supporting local jobs and enhancing transport efficiency in both urban and rural areas.

HARI vice chairman, president, and CEO Maria Fe Perez-Agudo emphasized the company’s goal to become a key driver of smart businesses through smart mobility.

“We are here not just to see what’s new, but to shape what comes next, harnessing our drive, ingenuity, and ambition to push the boundaries of mobility and business,” she said.