Surging oil prices have made Catbalogan City, Samar's "trisikads" (pedicabs) a popular alternative transportation mode.
With this in mind, the Department of Science and Technology in Eastern Visayas (DOST-8) is set to pilot upgraded trisikads in a bid to make them more sustainable and secure for commuters.
DOST Eastern Visayas Regional Director John Glenn Ocaña said the upgraded trisikad will remain fully human-powered, offering a zero-fuel alternative for commuters.
“The driver will continue pedaling, which is good, especially if fuel runs out. This can serve as an alternative transportation that uses little or no fuel,” Ocaña said.
The updated design features solar-powered lights for nighttime use and signal lights to improve visibility on busy roads.
Beyond lighting, the trisikad’s overall structure will also be upgraded to enhance safety and comfort for both passengers and drivers.
The project is being developed in collaboration with Eastern Visayas State University, through its Metals and Engineering Innovation Center, and in coordination with the Catbalogan City government, which recognized the need to enhance local transportation.
“The Catbalogan City government will adopt it. The demand and need came from them, so we are trying to address that,” Ocaña said.
The initiative also takes into account existing transportation laws, including the DILG Memorandum Circular 2020-036, which bans pedicabs and similar vehicles from operating on national highways.
Four upgraded units are currently being prepared for a pilot launch during the Regional Smart Communities Exposition in June, though the timeline may change depending on prevailing conditions.
(With report from PNA)
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonNews #DOST