The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) has taken a significant step towards sustainable government operations by becoming the first state agency within the Clark Freeport to officially integrate electric vehicles (EVs) into its corporate fleet.
A Concrete Step Towards National EV Goals
CIAC President and CEO Jojit Alcazar announced the acquisition of five new EV units, framing the move as a direct response to the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA). This law requires the gradual shift of government vehicle fleets to electric power, aiming to bolster the local EV industry, reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, and cut carbon emissions from transportation.
"CIAC's acquisition of electric vehicles is our concrete contribution to the EVIDA law and the national drive toward cleaner and more sustainable mobility," Alcazar stated. The corporation has already phased out several old, non-operational vehicles, replacing them with these new electric models.
Policy Synergy: EOs and Long-Term Roadmaps
This initiative dovetails with recent national policy. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s Executive Order No. 62, issued on June 20, 2024, extends zero import duties on EVs and their parts until 2028. This policy, effective since July 2024, covers a wide range of vehicles from battery-electric cars to e-trikes, making them more affordable. Its target is for EVs to comprise 10% of government fleets.
The broader national ambition is substantial. The government aims to have 2.45 million electric vehicles—including public utility vehicles, buses, and motorcycles—on Philippine roads by 2028. The Department of Energy's Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI) sets an even longer-term goal: a 50% EV share in the country's vehicle fleet by 2040.
Broader Impacts: Energy Security and Climate Action
Alcazar emphasized that this transition is part of a global movement towards green technology and climate-resilient development. "We have integrated EVs into our corporate operations to promote innovation in clean, sustainable, and energy-efficient solutions while reducing greenhouse gas emissions," he explained.
He also highlighted a critical co-benefit: enhancing the nation's energy security by decreasing the transport sector's dependence on imported fuel. This shift not only cleans the air but also strengthens the country's economic and strategic footing.
CIAC's pioneering move in Clark sets a tangible example for other government agencies, demonstrating a practical commitment to the laws and executive orders shaping a cleaner, more self-reliant future for Philippine transport.
