The Department of Energy (DOE) officially turned over a state-of-the-art Solar-Assisted Electric Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS) to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) on Monday, marking a significant stride in the government’s commitment to sustainable transport and energy solutions across the nation.
This new facility, strategically located within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, is a model for integrating renewable energy into electric mobility infrastructure. It directly supports national efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions and expand access to clean transport options.
The project was collaboratively developed by the DOE and the Philippine National Oil Company Renewables Corporation (PNOC-RC) under the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP).
The formal turnover ceremony saw high-ranking officials from both agencies:
-
Representing the DOE: Undersecretary Mario C. Marasigan, on behalf of Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin, was joined by Director Patrick T. Aquino, CESO III, of the DOE’s Energy Utilization Management Bureau (EUMB).
-
Representing the SBMA: Engr. Marco A. Estabillo, Deputy Administrator for the Public Works and Technical Services Group, and Engr. Jomel M. Libut, Officer-in-Charge of the Maintenance and Transportation Department, accepted the facility.
-
Witnessing the Event: Mr. Ronald R. Estilles, President and CEO of PNOC-RC, was also present.
In her message, delivered by Undersecretary Marasigan, Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin emphasized the importance of this joint endeavor: “This initiative is a testament to progress driven by partnership, innovation, and our shared commitment to a low-carbon and energy-secure future,” said Secretary Garin. “It demonstrates what we can achieve when government, industry, and communities work together toward cleaner, sustainable transport for the Filipino people.”
The Solar-Assisted EVCS aligns precisely with key national policies, including the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) and the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI).
-
Objective: The facility underscores the government’s drive to strengthen electric mobility and seamlessly integrate renewable energy into the transport system, forming a just and forward-looking energy transition.
The successful implementation of this EVCS at Subic Bay is expected to encourage wider adoption of electric vehicles and serve as a blueprint for similar installations in other strategic locations nationwide.
