Empowering Valenzuela e-trike drivers through new charging stations
A new community-based sustainable transport initiative is set to significantly improve the operation and livelihood of 117 electric tricycle (e-trike) drivers in Barangay Lawang Bato, Valenzuela City.
Made possible by the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Sustainable Livelihood Program and Manuel V. Pangilinan-led One Meralco Foundation (OMF), the project covers new coin-operated e-trike chargers from Meralco’s sustainability mobility arm Movem, which members of the Mulawinan Centro E-Trike Operators and Drivers Association (MULCETRODA) can readily use.
The initiative of DSWD and OMF aims to help e-trike drivers address key operational challenges including income losses due to frequent battery swaps during operating hours, financial strain due to high charging costs, and longer charging times when using other charging sources.
In recent years, MULCETRODA members have shifted to cleaner, battery-powered tricycles that improved passenger comfort and helped reduce emissions. However, the cost and long charging hours have taken a toll on their daily earnings. The project aimed to address these challenges.
The installation of five units of dual-outlet, 4.4-kilowatt coin-operated charging unit at the tricycle terminal in Mulawinan St., allows e-trike drivers to charge their batteries in the facility instead of traveling back home mid-shift to recharge. With ten charging outlets operating up to 15 hours daily, the stations can accommodate more battery charges per day, ensuring reliable and affordable access for all association members.
Beyond cost savings, the charging station is designed as a shared microenterprise for MULCETRODA. After covering electricity charges, projected net revenues from the charging station will be distributed equally among the participating drivers.
Cong. Kenneth Gatchalian hailed the project, calling it a model solution to the challenges faced by e-tricycle drivers. "Malaking tulong na naibigay ninyo ito sa ating MULCETRODA, na mabigyan sila ng pagkakataong magkaroon ng modernong charging station,” he said.
"On top of addressing the grassroots needs of e-trike drivers, this project is proof that partnerships forged between proactive institutions and the national government can turn ambitious visions into tangible community solutions for the MULCETRODA drivers," OMF President Jeffrey O. Tarayao said.
"This project is the first of its kind and hopefully, we can also replicate this in other areas. We hope to see this thrive as a model for other charging stations as we look towards a sustainable electric transport system,” DSWD Assistant Secretary Ulysses Aguilar said.