President Marcos Pushes for Locally Manufactured Electric Vehicles in Philippines
Manila, The Gulf Observer: Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has renewed the government’s efforts to develop a domestic electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing industry, with the immediate objective of producing an all-Filipino electric tricycle before eventually expanding production to electric jeepneys.
Marcos made the remarks during a visit to automotive parts manufacturer MD Juan Enterprises, Inc. in Caloocan City, where he inspected the company’s facilities and assessed the additional equipment and support required to enable local EV production.
MD Juan Enterprises, a beneficiary of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) e-mobility programme, specializes in manufacturing machine-pressed metal parts and restoration kits for vintage, military and civilian jeepneys.
The President said the government is assessing the company’s existing capabilities and identifying gaps that need to be addressed, with the DOST and other national government agencies expected to provide the necessary technical and equipment support.
Marcos said strengthening domestic EV manufacturing would help the Philippines reduce its dependence on imported petroleum products while contributing to a more sustainable and resilient transportation sector.
He also emphasized that locally produced electric vehicles could create more sustainable livelihood opportunities for transport workers and support the development of domestic manufacturing capabilities.
The President said the immediate priority is to provide the equipment and technical assistance needed to begin manufacturing electric tricycles locally. He expressed confidence that the initiative could eventually lead to the development of locally manufactured electric jeepneys.
The administration has been promoting e-mobility as part of its broader transportation modernization efforts, aimed at reducing fossil fuel dependence, encouraging cleaner transportation and strengthening the country’s domestic automotive manufacturing industry.
The initiative is expected to support the development of Filipino-made EV technology while contributing to the country’s transition toward a more sustainable transportation system.
