DOE rolls out hybrid ‘energy efficient’ cars

In the spirit of change, the Department of Energy (DOE) is introducing the replacement of service vehicles of national government offices with hybrid cars as part of its campaign to promote energy efficiency and clean air across the country. (PNA photo)

MANILA— In the spirit of change, the Department of Energy (DOE) is introducing the replacement of service vehicles of national government offices with hybrid cars as part of its campaign to promote energy efficiency and clean air across the country.

Thus, the days of fuel-guzzling government vehicles are numbered.

The DOE is set to donate 24 Japan-made, 2017 model, Toyota Prius on Friday, May 19 at the DOE Sunken Garden to the Office of the President (OP), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Trade and Industries (DTI), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Eight hybrid cars will also be given to government offices in Region 8 including DENR, DTI, DOST, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Land Transportation Office (LTO), and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in support of the economic and social recovery of communities devastated by Super Typhoon Yolanda.

“This Japan government-aided grant will jumpstart our drive towards our call to action to our fellow public servants to increase their use or patronize energy efficient technologies, including their official vehicles. We have to be the role model in this cause, so our people can look up to us and follow our lead,” said DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi.

Officials of the DOE’s Energy Utilization Management Bureau (EUMB) and Japan’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Kazuhide Ishikawa, will turn over the hybrid Toyota cars to the said beneficiaries.

Japan’s Non-Project Grant Aid (NPGA) funded the acquisition of the Toyota Prius, which emits lower carbon emission. The hybrid car has an optimized fuel engine and electric motor to attain highest energy efficiency.