President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday pushed anew the expansion of manufacturing and eventually the use of local electric vehicles in the country including tricycles which would help not just the drivers, but also the country in saving fuel expenses and reducing dependence on fossil fuel.
The President visited the Sazgar Philippines Inc. in Biñan, Laguna where he inspected and observed how some electric tricycles are built. It can run up to 90 kilometers a day in urban areas and 110 to 120 kilometers in the provinces.
Marcos said the shift to electric models, which takes six to eight hours to fully charge, could help drivers reduce their dependence on gasoline, allowing them to retain more of their earnings to support their families.
The Sazgar facility, which is 60 percent Filipino-owned and the first manufacturing facility outside Pakistan, has an annual assembly capacity of approximately 12,000 three-wheeled vehicles, including electric and internal combustion engine models.
The President, during the visit urged the company to source more components from local manufacturers to expand opportunities for Filipino businesses and workers.
Among those the accompanied Marcos were Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, Pakistani Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Asima Rabbani, Sazgar Philippines President Muhammad Fahim and other government and company officials.