Dapitan’s bet on e-trikes: A greener ride, a costly transition

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Mayor Seth Frederick Jalosjos says the initiative fits within a broader strategy to make Dapitan a 'smart' and 'sustainable' city, but the high cost of e-trikes presents a hurdle

DAPITAN, Philippines – Officials on Thursday, February 27, rolled out the first electric tricycles in this historic city in a move signaling a shift toward modern and environment-friendly transportation, and part of a nationwide push to reshape public transport.

Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. handed over the e-trikes to Mayor Seth Frederick Jalosjos, bringing Dapitan into a growing list of local governments – 91 so far – that have embraced the technology.

Davao City, which introduced e-trikes in 2011, set the precedent in Mindanao. Now, Dapitan joins the effort, aligning itself with a broader push to modernize transport while cutting down on emissions.

TEST RIDE. Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. and Dapitan City Mayor Seth Frederick Jalosjos tests an electric tricyle in Dapitan City. Gualberto Laput/Rappler

“Jose Rizal used his calling cards in Hong Kong as flash cards in teaching his students in Dapitan. It is the same spirit of innovation that is reflected in our launching of the e-trikes and two charging stations here,” Solidum said during the turnover of Dapitan’s first six e-trikes as the national government’s contribution to the initiative.

For Jalosjos, the initiative fits within his administration’s broader strategy to make Dapitan a “smart” and “sustainable” city. However, the high cost of the vehicles – pegged at P500,000 per unit – presents a hurdle for local drivers.

“That is only the initial stage,” Jalosjos told Rappler. “In the long run, the benefits will outweigh the costs. An e-trike only spends P80 in charging – enough to last the whole day.”

To assist drivers, the city government will shoulder P5,000 of the purchase cost and extend the repayment period from three to five years. Under the scheme, drivers will need to set aside P280 daily to pay off the loan. Charging will also be free for the first six months.

For drivers like Isabelo Pagacian, the transition could mean financial relief. Presently, the 43-year-old tricycle driver earns between P800 and P1,000 a day but takes home only P200 to P400 after covering rent and fuel costs.

“Igo ra gyud iginhawa (Just enough to breathe),” Pagacian said. He intends to apply for an eTrike, expecting to bring home between P520 and P720 daily while working toward ownership of the vehicle.

Aside from the financial gains, Solidum emphasized the larger benefits of e-trikes – improved air quality, quieter streets, and a substantial reduction in fossil fuel consumption.

“You will no longer smell the exhaust or endure the sound of engines, and we will greatly reduce the use of fossil fuel that contributes to air pollution and climate change,” Solidum said.

The transport sector accounts for 34.4% of the country’s total energy consumption, making it a focal point in climate change mitigation, he noted.

Dapitan has also taken the lead in digital governance, becoming the first local government in the Zamboanga Peninsula to comply with the electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS) system.

The city government received a certificate of commendation in May 2024, joining just 35 cities nationwide and six in Mindanao in meeting the system’s requirements.

“We need to protect our economic development because we are threatened by natural hazards and even conflicts. We have to protect and manage our environment to ensure that our economic development is sustained,” Solidum said. – Rappler.com