By Atty. Roland Collado
Cagayan de Oro — To minimize environmental impact, a comprehensive shift towards alternative fuels is the call of the hour in ending the skyrocketing of oil prices on a global scale.
In my earlier article, I mentioned about the entry of e-vehicles as the key to ending oil price hikes. In this second episode, I would like to add the adoption of biofuels and hydrogen fuel cells, which offer cleaner and more sustainable energy sources that would further mitigate the problem of pollution which has been here in our midst since time immemorial.
That said, our government should — and must — provide tax incentives, grants, and subsidies to encourage businesses to invest in green projects with particular focus in finding ways to provide our transport sector the means to improve its services to become environmentally compliant.
The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) for our transport sector can significantly reduce operational costs for businesses. As EVs become more popular, it is becoming more accessible and cost-effective for the transport cooperatives to incorporate into their fleets, which contribute to the reduction of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
In line with this initiative to reduce carbon emissions, the Mindanao Daily Express Transport Cooperative (MINDEX) has been working overtime to secure fully-charged electric vehicles into its fleet in partnership with E-Future Motors, makers of electric vehicles based in China and Korea.
These vehicles run on electricity alone, significantly reducing the carbon footprint and setting a benchmark for sustainable transport in Cagayan de Oro in particular and in Mindanao in general.
Cagayan de Oro’s transport sector plays a pivotal role in the economic development of the region. Efficient transport systems enable a seamless flow of goods and services, enhance market accessibility, and reduce operational costs. When goods can travel smoothly from producers to consumers, businesses can expand their reach, generate employment opportunities, and stimulate local economies.
However, the transportation sector faces several challenges that hinder its potential to support economic growth. Traffic jams, air pollution, and inadequate infrastructure for public transport are some of the significant challenges that continue to plague the sector. This puts a strain on businesses, threatening their efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
It is therefore crucial to implement sustainable solutions to transport challenges in the Philippines. After all, a robust supply chain and transportation system connect people, markets, and opportunities — all of which are needed to drive inclusive growth.
With over 7,000 islands, the Philippines has complex and diverse transportation needs. The challenges that plague the Philippine transport sector make it more difficult to provide safe, efficient, and reliable transportation services.
The Philippines is an archipelago with a total land area of 30 million hectares, composed of both coastal plains and steep upland areas. Its archipelagic nature, coupled with a complex and challenging topography, requires multi-modal transport services covering land, sea, and air. Coordinating these modes of transportation and infrastructure development is a challenge, especially in remote areas with limited resources and access.
One of the long-running challenges of our transport sector, particularly in urban areas like Cagayan de Oro, is severe traffic congestion. Our traffic problem not only delays deliveries but also increases fuel costs and vehicle wear and tear, leading to higher operational expenses for businesses.
Factors like outdated infrastructure, like jeepneys, poor route planning, and a rapidly growing population. Frankly, we struggle to maintain an efficient system of public transportation. Due to a lack of regulation and control, passengers can expect long waits, frequent transfers, and traffic delays.
Our public transport system is also suffering from inadequate infrastructure. The lack of road networks and poorly maintained facilities hinder the efficient movement of goods and services and increase risks for potential damage to goods in transit. It also affects the overall accessibility and mobility of people, limiting their opportunities to participate in economic activities.
The growing number of vehicles on the roads also contributes to air pollution, which has detrimental effects on public health and the environment
Also among the challenges faced by the Philippine transport sector are safety and security risks such as road accidents and reckless driving, which endanger motorists, pedestrians, and goods in transit. Other factors such as driver fatigue, distracted driving, and poor road conditions further exacerbate these risks.
