In contrast to other developing countries, the Philippines transportation industry is still in its infant steps when it comes to eco-friendly mobility. The primary mode of transportation in the Philippines is the jeepney, which is a type of bus that is known for its crowded seatings and decorations that show the uniqueness of each vehicle. It is also a transport that is symbolic of the Philippines culture. 

According to recent reports from the Department of Transportation, the public buses and jeepneys serve 67% of demand in the country and dominate public transportation when it comes to the roads. The Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board states that there are 180,000 jeepneys nationwide, with 90% of all jeepneys being older than 15 years. The GIZ Jeepney Market Transformation Programme has found that 17% of ambient air pollution in Metro Manila, the capital of Philippines, is due to jeepneys and jeepneys' contribution rises in other cities by up to 80%. 

To tackle the growing air pollution from public transport, the Department of Transportation's PUV Modernization Program has begun organizing new initiatives. In 2018, the program has mandated a requirement for all modern vehicles to have a new Euro 4 compliant diesel engine or an electric motor to reduce harmful emissions. However, some have criticized how Euro 4 engines are not sufficient to control the growing air pollution. Due to this, the Department of Transportation has devised a new plan to introduce EJeepneys, which would be the electric equivalent of jeepneys. The officials hope that this will help reduce the traffic noise from the jeepneys as well as providing clean air to its citizens.

Transportation is crucial to the livelihood of many across the nation. While it is important to have a fast and convenient mode of transportation, it is important to consider the environmental impacts of transportation. The electric vehicle industry is still an infant industry in the Philippines and it has just started to introduce eco-friendly alternatives to the nation's transport. This is the new beginning of reimagining the Philippines transport and we hope that this new wave of sustainability will continue to change the landscape of transportation in the Philippines. 

Works Cited

Delgra, Atty Martin B. “State of Public Transport System in the Philippines.” Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board.

Siy, Robert. “Will We Ever Have Clean Air?” The Manila Times, The Manila Times, 13 July 2019, www.manilatimes.net/2019/07/13/business/columnists-business/will-we-ever-have-clean-air/583314/.

Standard, Manila. “Eco-Friendly Transport: PUV Upgrade Gets a Boost.” Manila Standard, 2018, manilastandard.net/mobile/article/257194.