Jeepneys are the mainstay of public transport in the Philippines.
The Philippines Department of Energy (DOE) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with large transport groups, for an eco-jeepney program which will promote the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas LPG) engines. As part of a Green Transport initiative the program will aim to convert as many diesel-run jeepneys as possible, helping to reduce the nation’s dependence on oil, and has been given priority status says Senator Edgardo J. Angara, Chair of the Congressional Commission on Science Technology and Engineering.
Angara, author of the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, said that, “we are at the mercy of constant world oil price fluctuations and consequently by the oil companies operating in the business. Each year, we import 94% of all our crude oil needs while our oil consumption is projected to rise by more than 10% in the next decade,” said Angara.
“The Philippines is one of the most oil-dependent countries in Asia. This puts us in a vulnerable position as the country’s demand for energy can only be expected to grow as households, transport and factories multiply,” he added.
The Renewable Energy Act of 2008 encourages local entrepreneurs to develop the country’s vast renewable energy resources and decrease dependence on imported fossil fuel.
This article compiled using information from a Senate of the Philippines press release.
