SPARK CHANGE: The 12th Philippine Electronic Vehicle Summit

Went to the 12th Philippine Electronic Vehicle Summit this morning at the SMX Convention Center. Things may have looked like distant future 12 years ago, but today, electric vehicles are a norm. Government passed laws, and an electrified Philippines is here.

The DOT, BYD, EV Corp, Hyundai, Nissan, Vinfast, AC Mobility, MG, Seres, Meralco, Honda, NWOW, Toyota, Vapor, Toyo, Chery, Lynx, and a whole lot more joined the event and made things possible. They called the event SPARK CHANGE which makes sense because people haven't been as adaptive (though sales are aggressively up), hence the need for more people to plug in, and make travel environmentally friendly. There are a lot more players from China and locally, so the options for different kinds of vehicles are still growing. They were all eager to showcase their latest ones, from Trucks, Jeeps, SUV's, sedans and bikes, so you should definitely go give them a visit because they'll be there til the 28th this month.

Edmun Araga of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines says "We are 15 years old today, but rolling out this event for 12. This will be bigger than last year to push for the electric vehicle use. We still have a long way to go, but plan to grow more in the coming years. We want to have transformative shift, and invite to make the change for an electrified future, not just 4 wheels, but boats, buses, trucks, even airplanes too. We are starting to target students, and reaching the ASEAN region to introduce on EV Technology and build careers in this industry. There will be challenges, but there are experiences to learn to debunk myths, have a panel discuss more about policies here and globally."

VP of Meralco Ronnie Aberrocho also sent their message about sustainable mobility and how it could impact the future. They are powering structures, to hopefully have 25 percent be in clean reliable energy. From zero emissions, it would drive the Philippines into the future.

DOE Undersecretary Felix Fuentabella says "We are fastracking technology in the country and LGU's anticipating the need for it in other parts of the country. Usually we find difficulty in making policies as with our ASEAN neighbors. The procurement of vehicles is a must, for government to pursue that, there will be unconditional things we have to do. The climate commission approves incentives for green jobs, like in this industry. To the EVAP, thank you for opening your doors 24/7, we see this as a community. This is a great opportunity for us to gather individuals who see this as a simpler technology. The incentives, lower taxes, are already happening. We have to look into our targets, try to look into the data of other countries doing it. This will enable the Philippines to compete, and encourage more to invest. We need to have 50 percent penetration of EV's, that's our target. Congrats EVAP and more power!"

VP and Executive Director for the Climate Change Commission Secretary Robert Borje adds "Today's event shapes the future we desire. This requires change, and when we were appointed, we immediately set a talk with DOE to understand it fully. We now see concrete changes, and the future is bright. There are challenges, but it is an issue that affects everyone. Renewable energy is one aspect, to increase capacity and lessen emissions. We want to have 10 percent adoption by 2040. Decarbonizing is part of it, of a broader climate strategy because lives are at stake. Our role is vital and we are working closely with other government units to make this a reality. We need to approach it with a multi mode manner, not only cars but mass transportation. We need an integrated plan for green transportation and see the need how public and private partnerships ensure this be done by more green jobs and implementation. Investing in the skills of the workforce, build infrastructure and define the world for the next generation. We need to decide, to be responsive to the needs of our economy."

Let's all push for greener energy, spark change and see the possibilities of how you can drive electric. Visit the event at SMX Convention Center today til the 26th.