Environmental Story #1

The Emergence and Importance
of Active Mobility as an Alternative Transportation

WORDS Anne Alejandre, Gerie Consolacion, Juaymah Ferrer, Nickolo Lungay, & Rossyvett Narvaez

PHOTOS Anne Alejandre, Gerie Consolacion, & Nickolo Lungay

“Dapat e-bike na lang ang i-phase out!”

“Mga hindi marunong tumabi, lisensyahan na yang mga e-bike na yan!”

“Mga feeling hari ng kalsada, mga kamote!”

Electric tricycles were lined up in front of SM Manila and served as their terminal.

Statements from above show the perceptions of Filipinos to the usage of electric vehicles, specifically the electric bikes that most individuals use. Though most commuters see electric vehicles as a hindrance because they are unaware of its benefits and possibilities as an alternative form of transportation.

Commuters now cannot fit in a single jeepney, bus, or any public transportation due to high demand. When the pandemic struck the country, the government urged the Filipinos to buy bicycles as an alternative transportation due to the lockdown. However, some Filipinos purchase electric bikes, electric tricycles, and now even our government urges us to ride the electric jeep and electric bus to promote conserving the environment.

For example Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is one of the populous cities in the country. It is famous for tourists and millennials and Gen Zs love to roam around this old city. These changes can be seen inside Intramuros through bicycles, tricycles and electric vehicles that are sometimes called "tuktuk".

(Left) The Manila City Hall and (Right) the mural painting at the underpass going to Liwasang Bonifacio

Have you ever rode a Tuktuk? Toktok? Whatever they call the cute vehicle, it is surely fun! Aside from bicycles, tourists would roam around Manila City especially Intramuros while riding bicycles, tricycles, and now even with electric vehicles such as the famous tuktuk.

Manila City is the home of electric vehicles, of course, we’re in favor of it!

According to the MTPB, or Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau, they are in favor of the emergence of electric transportation, but with restrictions.

According to the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau Chief of Operations, Mr. Wilson Chan, despite the issues about e-bikes that are currently circulating on social media, they still prioritize the needs and welfare of their constituents. However, drivers of e-bikes should know the traffic rules to avoid accidents, and it's for their own safety.

(From left to right) The Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau Office inside the Manila City Hall along with the photographs during the interview with Mr. Wilson Chang, the Chief of Operations

"Pabor naman kami in a sense na iregulate yan sapagkat ang atin pong pribadong mamamayan na may kakayahang bumili, para sa kanila din iyon, para mayroon sila magamit at hindi na mamasahe. Kaya lang, dapat sumunod sila [sa] batas trapiko", Chan stated.

[Of course, we’re in favor of it, our main concern is to regulate it because some private citizens are capable of purchasing it, it is their right. For them to use it and avoid commuting. It’s just that they need to obey the traffic rules.]

To show their support for the emergence of the electric vehicles, the Department of Energy donated one thousand four hundred (1,400) e-bikes to the City of Manila and the LGU decided to give it to the underprivileged as a new form of livelihood. The Manila LGU requires them to acquire their driver’s license to use and drive the donated vehicle. They do not charge them for any fees, thus, drivers should pay the charging fee from the charging points in Manila City.

Manila City has three charging points around their vicinity. There is a charging point in (1) La Loma North Cemetery, (2) San Andres, and (3) Antipolo Street near Espana and it is exclusive only for the donated e-bikes and private e-bikes were prohibited to use it.

For now, the programs and plans they're foreseeing require all e-bikes to have a mandatory registration and license. It's for them to be knowledgeable about traffic rules and regulations.

"So dapat po talaga lahat yun ay nakarehistro tapos may license ang driver para po sa ganun maturuan ano ba ang tamang paggamit ng e-tric sa kalsada, hindi po kasi pu-pwede na kung ano gusto mo masusunod, mali po yun. Isa po yan sa mga very crucial na gumagamit ng e-tric na hindi sumusunod sa batas trapiko".

[The electric tricycles roaming around our city should be registered for us to know and to teach them the basic traffic rules. They cannot do their own rules and even own the road. It is very crucial to know the basics and to obey the traffic rules.]

Furthermore, Manila wants to have more efficient, effective, and safe bike lanes for their constituents. They want it to be safe for everyone to not invade the bike lanes by other vehicles on the road.

To sum up, MTPB is favored by the emergence of e-bikes as a mode of transportation because, for them, it's still considered a mode of transportation that everyone could use privately or for livelihood. Nevertheless, e-bike drivers should have registration, license, and a course in which they will learn the traffic laws to prevent accidents on the road.

(From left to right) Electric vehicles were seen on different parts of Manila City including the ones donated by the government and the private EVs.

From bicycles to electric vehicles, MMDA is in!

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority – Bike Lane Program Office (MMDA-BLPO) offers free services not just for the traditional bikes but also for these modernized vehicles that could be conducive for the bikers.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Bike Lane Program Office (MMDA-BLPO) located at Ortigas, Mandaluyong City.

“Mayroon kaming motorcycle bike repair, which is sila ang tumutugon sa mga nasisiraang mga motorcycle at bicycle — ‘yung mga nasiraan, na-flat-an, mayroon kaming vulcanizing do’n,” Manuel Barredo, head of the MMDA-BLPO said during the interview. Alongside with this is the free e-bike charging that started last 2020, located at their main office. It is for all who have e-motors.

[We have motorcycle bike repair who responds for those motorcycles and bicycles that have some defects — those who have flattened wheels, we provide vulcanizing.]

The office’s main function is to regulate the maintenance of bike lanes and Metro Manila routes. They aim for the safety of the motorists by advising the drivers to always wear helmets because road dangers are not foreseeable. “Ina-apprehend din namin ‘yung mga motorsiklo na ‘yan kasi inaangkin ‘yung mga bike lane na hindi naman sa kanila,” Barredo stressed.

[Our employees are apprehending the motorcycle users as well because they seem to own the bike lanes even though they are not meant to cross that specific roadway.]

The MMDA-BLPO added that most of the riders do not obey traffic signal lights. Consequently, they are having a hard time supervising the highway resulting in the prevalence of accidents.

When asked about other plans and programs regarding e-transportations, Barredo replied that they are not the ones who are responsible for these decisions but rather the Department of Transportation (DOTr) provides the actions because the funds are allocated to them.

A photograph of the group interviewing Mr. Manuel Manny Barredo, the Head of Bikelane Program Office

For now, the agency is coordinating with DOTr in constructing more bike lanes. “Almost nasa 4,396 km na ang nagagawa na bike lane ng gobyerno within Metro Manila,” the Deputy Officer of MMDA-BLPO, Roldan Aban emphasized. The continuous growth of these paths has a simultaneous effect with the doubling number of e-bikes because they are given a proper lane in maneuvering their vehicles. And with that, they do not contribute to carbon emissions, one of the primary reasons for air pollution.

[The government budget was used for bike lane construction in Metro Manila, and now, it is almost 4,396 km.]

In relation to this, Aban suggested that Local Government Units (LGUs) in National Capital Region (NCR) should establish bike lanes following the Senate Bill 1698 or the Bicycle Act that pushes a framework for a bicycle law on a national level for Filipino commuters to find a cheaper alternative to get to their destination while saving the environment from carbon footprint.

MMDA-BLPO mentioned that they are in discussion with the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR), and other concerned agencies and LGUs in connection with bike lane construction.

Talking about participation, the office partakes with some initiatives of Bikers’ Group. “’Yung Bike for a cause, ‘yan ang isa sa mga programa na sinasamahan ng MMDA Bike Lane [Office]. Kapag mayroong mga NGO na nag-request na mag-provide ng assistance sa kanila, pinagbibigyan namin,” they said. Aban also shared how many people had fun from last year’s National Bike Day since the majority has only rode bikes and four-wheel cars stopped from its operations.

[One project that MMDA Bike Lane [Office] gladly welcomes is the Bike for a cause. If there are Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) who request for our assistance, we are granting it.]

Another objective from the office is their “Bike Lending, Bike Sharing.” This is for those who are not capable of buying bicycles but it can also be borrowed by their employees through presenting a government-issued ID. If the person has failed to return the bike, the ID will not be returned as well.

The Bike Lending, Bike Sharing Station at Ortigas, Mandaluyong City near the MMDA BLPO.

Furthermore, Barredo considers lack of discipline as one of the factors on why environmental projects are hard to implement in the country. The head officer iterated that people are full of complaints instead of abiding by the ordinances. “Kung madidisiplina mo ‘yung tao, lahat susunod. Balewala ang policies ng gobyerno kung walang disiplina ang tao, walang mangyayari.”

[If you can just only discipline the people, everything will go well. Government policies are nothing if people have no discipline.]

Meanwhile, they assured that they are doing their best to reduce air pollution and noise pollution by isolating and organizing all the vehicles on the main road. In the interview, MMDA-BLPO said that the environment is one of their mandates and whenever they see cars or any other modes of transportation practicing smoke belching, they are always trying to reprimand them along with LTO, DOTr, and DENR.

For MMDA-BLPO, e-bikes and e-trikes are still means of transportation and a good addition in keeping a healthy environment; it only needs proper monitoring for a successful run. They are also hoping that these vehicles will be licensed as soon as possible so that it would be fair for all the drivers — promoting safe, inclusive, and active mobility.

COMMUTERS: In favor or not?

As commuters navigate the hustle of daily life, the emergence of electric vehicles (EVs) brings forth a paradigm shift in their transportation experience. From reduced emissions to enhanced cost efficiency, EVs are revolutionizing the way commuters perceive and engage with their daily journeys.

As commuters increasingly prioritize sustainable choices, electric vehicles have gained popularity due to their lower environmental impact. EVs represent a crucial step towards reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change. Unlike conventional cars that rely on fossil fuels, EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions when charged with renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power. This reduction in air pollution can lead to improvements in respiratory health and overall air quality, especially in urban areas where traffic congestion is common. As mentioned by the commuter from Manila, "Kung tutuusin, isa itong domino effect dahil giginhawa rin ang buhay ng mga tao sa paraan na mas malinis na hangin ang malalanghap nila at iwas pa sa paglala ng sakit gaya ng asthma."

[After all, it is a domino effect because people's lives are also relieved in a way that they can breathe cleaner air and avoid the worsening of diseases such as asthma.]

Moreover, EVs have fewer moving parts and require less maintenance compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, resulting in lower servicing costs over the vehicle's lifetime. "Syempre mas tipid ang e-vehicle, sa gasolina sa maintenance ganun, tsaka diba mas konti ang parts ng mga materyales or parts nga ng sasakyang electric kumpara sa hindi electric," said by commuter from Antipolo.

[Of course, the e-vehicle is more economical, in terms of fuel and maintenance as well, besides, there are fewer parts of materials or parts of an electric vehicle compared to a non-electric one.]

Tuktuk park near the Central Terminal Station

Despite the good benefits of electric vehicles, some commuters opposed the emergence of EVs. As electric vehicles become more commonplace on our roads, licensing considerations take center stage. Licensing for EVs mirrors that of traditional vehicles in many aspects, with a focus on ensuring drivers are competent and responsible. "Kahit pa marami ang benepisyo ng pag gamit ng e-bike di pa rin ako sang ayon dahil alam ko na marami ang hindi susunod sa batas tungkol sa pag gamit nito lalo pa at hindi rin nir require na may lisensya ang magmamaneho neto. Maaaring dumami ang kaso ng aksidente o ano pa mang krimen," a commuter from Antipolo declared.

[Even though there are many benefits of using an e-bike, I still do not agree because I know that there are many people who do not follow the law regarding its use, and it is not even required that the driver has a license. Cases of accidents or other crimes may increase.]

EVs present both significant advantages and challenges. As technology continues to advance and infrastructure improves, electric vehicles have the potential to play a significant role in shaping the future of transportation, but addressing the challenges will be crucial in realizing their full potential.

What is the opinion of environment experts with this?

MNL Moves is not an environment expert or even a Non-Governmental Organization, it is a cause that started with a simple vlogging while biking. It’s just that, from one viewer to hundreds, to thousands, and now they are not just viewers, they’re also part of the movement or the cause to promote active mobility in the country.

MNL Moves holds the Mobility Award the most because they started it and some LGU’s want to receive the mobility award because for them it is a recognition as part of conserving the environment.

Meanwhile, 350 Pilipinas is an organization focused on climate action. When asked about their opinion on the emergence of electric vehicles, they shared different angles that most people didn’t see.

According to Chuck Baclagon, Fread de Mesa, and Ara Alejo people should not end praising the government for urging us to use electric vehicles because despite decreasing the carbon emissions, it is still a threat to the environment.

The materials, batteries, and even how people charge their electric vehicles came from non-renewable energy such as coal. Coal is a big threat to the environment and what we really need is to change the system and urge the private vehicles to try commuting to decrease the carbon emissions.

A sample photo of the battery of an electric vehicle

Thus, using electric vehicles, the government should provide charging points that do not require the use of coals to charge, rather, solar panels as an alternative for electricity and to use it for chagrin of e-bikes.

According to Alejo, the Quezon City Government has this project that reflects how the LGU wants to conserve the environment and protect from harmful effects of chemicals and materials that are usually used in creating vehicles.

They urge to see everything in a bigger view and not focus on the alternative solution, rather to change the system.

In the heart of Manila City, where congestion once reigned supreme, the advent of electric bikes and trikes breathes new life into the urban landscape. Despite initial skepticism and resistance, the city's embrace of EVs reflects a shifting mindset towards active mobility and environmental stewardship.

As commuters weave through the fabric of daily life, the emergence of electric vehicles (EVs) provides a pathway toward sustainable transportation practices. From bustling city streets to serene countryside roads, the hum of EVs signals a departure from traditional modes of transit towards a greener, more environmentally conscious future.

However, amidst the enthusiasm for electric vehicles, challenges and criticisms persist. Environmental advocates caution against complacency, urging a deeper examination of the ecological footprint of EV production and charging infrastructure. The call for sustainable energy sources, such as solar power, echoes across the landscape, challenging policymakers and citizens alike to rethink the foundations of transportation.

In the words of Chuck Baclagon, Fread de Mesa, and Ara Alejo, the journey towards sustainability requires systemic change, not merely technological innovation. As the wheels of progress continue to turn, we must navigate with a keen eye toward holistic solutions that encompass both environmental preservation and societal well-being.