(Photo courtesy of uplb.edu.ph)
The roll-out of electric microbuses at the University of the Philippines-Los Baños was held Nov. 27 at the Rural Economic Development and Renewable Energy Center. This event was held in conjunction with the nationwide celebration of the 17th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week (CCC Week).
Organized in partnership with the Climate Change Commission (CCC), the event was graced by CCC Secretary Robert EA Borje who delivered an engaging message to more than 200 students of the UP Rural High School. In his keynote address, he emphasized the role of youth in protecting the future of the planet, and in building a safer, healthier, and more resilient Philippines.
“Remember that the fight against climate change is everybody’s responsibility and your actions matter. We, the older generation, are responsible to help the young and make sure that you are prepared for the challenges of your future. But I think you have the opportunity to change things around, because you can tell us ‘you know you did your part, but we think we can do better,” Borje said.
UPLB and CCC officials, together with event guests, joined the inaugural ride on board the electric microbuses labeled as “eLBeep,” which stands for Electric Light Bus for the Environment and Economy Partnership. As part of the UPLB Green Mobility Initiative, eLBeep aims to modernize campus transportation by forging partnerships and adopting environment-friendly and sustainable mobility solutions.
The microbuses, acquired by the Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Drivers at Operators ng Los Baños (Snodlob) Transport Service and Multi-purpose Cooperative from a Laguna-based vehicle assembler, represent UPLB’s commitment to zero-emission transportation and green energy systems.
Powered by solar energy, same as the current fleet of Tipaklong e-bikes and e-scooters in the campus, the eLBeep units will service the UPLB Loop and the UPLB-UPRHS-Jubileeville routes.
In his message, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs Roberto P. Cereno highlighted that the approval of the said routes and deployment of public utility vehicles was a result of extensive coordination by the UPLB Office of the Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Snodlob, and the Los Baños local government.
Cereno further noted that the eLBeep and Tipaklong mobility projects, and the promotion of commuter services between UPLB and UPD campuses, are vital steps in UPLB’s vision to future-proof its campus and champion sustainability for the wider community.
Meanwhile, Chancellor Jose V. Camacho Jr underscored that this joint initiative reflects UPLB’s commitment to addressing global climate issues proactively. By advancing sustainable transportation and responsible climate actions, UPLB aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) number 11, which focuses on sustainable cities and communities through safe, affordable, and eco-friendly transport solutions; and SDG 13, which emphasizes climate action through reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy systems.
Gracing the event were Laguna Provincial Administrator Atty. Dulce H. Rebanal, Los Baños Vice Mayor Josephine Sumangil-Evangelista, and Assemblepoint Philippines Inc founder and chief executive officer Takashi Miyashita. Joining them were representatives from the LTFRB Region IV-A and Snodlob. (Story courtesy of UPLB Office of the Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs/Roi Mojado)