• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Deputy Speaker Alfredo Abelardo Benitez called for a more inclusive transition to electric mobility in Bacolod City, stressing that the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) should not only promote cleaner air and sustainability but also provide tangible benefits to drivers, transport operators, and commuters.
In his message at the Bacolod Electric Vehicle Summit on Monday, Oct. 26, Benitez said EVs could help reduce the city’s dependence on petroleum while lowering operating and maintenance costs.
“With the right infrastructure, financing, government and private sector partnerships, we can make electric mobility more accessible to our drivers and operators, while keeping fares affordable for commuters,” Benitez said.
He emphasized that transportation is more than a source of livelihood, as it connects students to schools, workers to their jobs and families to economic opportunities.
“As we build a smarter, healthier, and more sustainable Bacolod Super City, let us ensure that this transition benefits everyone— not just tomorrow, but today,” he said.
Benitez urged government agencies, private companies, EV manufacturers and suppliers, financial institutions and transport groups to work together to turn the shift toward electric mobility into concrete programs and investments.
He also highlighted the need for infrastructure and financing support to make EV adoption more accessible.
Meanwhile, Mayor Greg Gasataya, in a message delivered by his executive assistant Mona Dia Jardin, said Bacolod’s transition to sustainable transportation must be accompanied by reliable charging infrastructure, accessible financing, appropriate policies, renewable energy solutions and strong cooperation among government, industry and communities.
Gasataya said the city government has already taken steps toward integrating electric mobility into its operations, with 26 electric vehicles deployed among several city offices.
These include 10 units for the Bacolod City Police Office, four for the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office, seven for the City Engineer’s Office, and one each for the City Communications and Liaison Department and City Planning and Development Office, as well as three for the Office of the Building Official.
The city is also pursuing solar energy initiatives for the Bacolod City College and New Government Center, while a proposal for public schools is being considered.
Gasataya said the summit provides an opportunity for government, EV suppliers, financial institutions, transport groups and other stakeholders to explore viable financing arrangements, charging solutions and policies suited to Bacolod.
He stressed that the success of the transition should not be measured only by the number of EVs acquired, but also by improvements in public service, sustainability of investments, opportunities for residents and the city’s urban environment. | GPB
