A new community-based charging initiative is expected to boost the livelihoods of more than 100 electric tricycle drivers in Valenzuela City by reducing downtime and lowering operational costs.

The project, a partnership between the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the One Meralco Foundation, provides coin-operated charging units for members of the Mulawinan Centro E-Trike Operators and Drivers Association, known as MULCETRODA.

Located at the tricycle terminal on Mulawinan Street, the facility features five dual-outlet, 4.4-kilowatt charging units developed by Movem Electric Inc., the green mobility arm of Meralco.

The stations allow drivers to recharge their vehicles mid-shift instead of returning home, a practice that previously led to significant income losses.

For years, the 117 members of MULCETRODA have used battery-powered vehicles to reduce emissions and improve passenger comfort. However, drivers have struggled with high electricity costs and long charging hours that limited their daily earnings.

The new stations operate up to 15 hours daily with 10 available outlets, providing what officials described as reliable and affordable access to power.

“This project is a huge help for MULCETRODA, as this gave them the opportunity to have a modern charging station,” Valenzuela 1st District Rep. Kenneth Gatchalian said in Tagalog during the launch.

Beyond providing power, the station functions as a microenterprise for the association. After paying for electricity, the net revenues generated from the coin-operated machines will be distributed equally among the participating drivers