Long a center for the Philippines' automotive industry - a distinction that has earned the province the appellation "Detroit of the Philippines" - Laguna province is positioning itself to become a leader in the production of electric vehicles in the country.
Last October 29, the Sazgar Philippines, Inc. (SPI) Manufacturing and Assembly Plant was inaugurated in Biñan City, Laguna, opening not only new job opportunities but also a new market for electric tricycles.
Sazgar Philippines, Inc. is the local subsidiary of Pakistani automotive manufacturer Sazgar, which has been producing cars and tricycles for the local market since 1991. In 2024, the company became the first automotive firm in Pakistan to obtain a license to produce electric three-wheeled vehicles.
According to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr., who personally attended the inauguration ceremonies, the facility represents an important step in strengthening the country’s manufacturing sector and advancing the transition to a more sustainable transportation system.
The national government is now banking on the plant to provide the Philippines' transport industry with reliable and affordable tricycles that could help lower drivers' and operators' operating expenses, particularly amid rising fuel prices.
Sazgar's electric three-wheelers can travel between 100 and 210 kilometers on a single charge, depending on the battery configuration, potentially covering a driver’s daily trips without consuming gasoline.
Savings
Regino Cabrera, president of the Mamplasan Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA), welcomed the introduction of electric tricycles, saying these could ease the financial burden on drivers who regularly spend on gasoline.
"Wala nang gasolina na kailangan, kasi ngayon mahal po ang gasolina. Eh ngayon, E-trike na, i-charge, eh malaking tulong na ho. Wala na pong kakargahin na gasolina. I-cha-charge na lang po,” Cabrera said.
Cabrera said tricycle drivers currently earn around ₱500 a day, although their actual take-home income depends on their operating expenses.
He expressed hope that switching to electric tricycles could increase their earnings, particularly if charging services were made available at little or no cost.
“Siguro madadagdagan o maaaring madoble, mga ₱800 ganoon. Kasi wala naman pong babayaran. Kung libre po ang charge, ay lalong mas maganda,” he said.
Cabrera added that eliminating gasoline expenses would be a significant help to drivers struggling with fuel costs.
The government is pursuing the development of the local electric vehicle industry under Republic Act No. 11697, or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), which establishes the policy framework for promoting EV adoption, developing charging infrastructure, and supporting the growth of the country’s EV industry.
(With report from PNA/OpinYon News Team)
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