President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored the administration’s strong commitment to boosting the country’s domestic manufacturing industry and accelerating electric vehicle (EV) production during an inspection of MD Juan Enterprises Inc.
The visit focused on evaluating the 60-year-old manufacturer’s capacity and readiness to fabricate all-Filipino electric tricycles, with future plans to expand into electric jeepneys. The initiative is bolstered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and other national agencies.
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Building Local EV Capabilities: President Marcos inspected existing plant capabilities to identify equipment, technology, and national government support required to transition into full-scale local EV fabrication.
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DOST Technological Support: The company has integrated modern manufacturing technologies, automation, and robotics through programs like the DOST Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). Upgrades include an advanced powder coating facility, with future plans to adopt automated electrodeposition (ED) coating.
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Preserving Heritage & Driving Exports: Founded by Maximino Dionisio Juan, MD Juan Enterprises has a rich history of supplying restoration and replacement parts for military and civilian jeeps to global markets, including the United States and Europe.
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Economic Stability & Energy Independence: Transitioning to locally manufactured EVs aligns with national goals to curb reliance on imported petroleum, stabilize the domestic economy, and secure sustainable livelihoods for public transport drivers.
“Kaya tinitingnan namin ang mga facilities, ano ‘yung nandito na, ano na ‘yung mga kulang, ano pa ‘yung mga kulang na susuportahan ng ating DOST, ng national government para makapaggawa na tayo ng electric vehicle dito sa Pilipinas,” said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“Pilipinas lang ang gumagawa ng mga ganitong produkto worldwide. We’re very proud of that, we’re very proud to be dollar producers for the country,” said Romel T. Juan, Chief Executive Officer, MD Juan Enterprises Inc.
Following the assessment, the administration plans to collaborate with technical consultants to integrate the necessary specialized machinery. With robust public-private coordination, the government remains optimistic that the country will soon roll out its first homegrown electric tricycles, paving the way for sustainable public transport innovation nationwide.
