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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOST's Hybrid Electric Road Train set to ply Cotabato province roads by 2024

DOST's Hybrid Electric Road Train set to ply Cotabato province roads by 2024

Published Jul 6, 2023 11:42 am
A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) has been signed between the provincial government of Cotabato, as well as the Department of Science and Technology-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) and the DOST Regional Office XII for the adoption of the Hybrid Electric Road Train (HERT). According to DOST-MIRDC, they expect that the home-grown mass transportation technology after the completion of the dry run, training, and technology transfer will be adopted for use by the provincial government of Cotabato by 2024. The MOA was signed last July 3 at Tuburan Hall, Amas, Kidapawan City. "As a prelude to Cotabato’s adoption and utilization of the HERT, the provincial government, DOST XII, and DOST-MIRDC will conduct test runs of the HERT along the roads of Cotabato, with options to re-engineer or modify existing roads to ensure its smooth operation in the area," DOST-MIRDC said. The agency added that it will train identified personnel from the province to ensure the sustainability of operating and maintaining the HERT. HERT is specially designed as an alternative to mass transport systems - its joined buses with a total length of 45 meters can carry 240 passengers. It is powered by a combination of diesel fuel and electric-powered batteries, a feature that results in the reduction of emissions.  It also features a regenerative brake system, which makes this technology all the more environmentally friendly. In addition, a task Force will be created to research the socio-economic impact of the adoption of the HERT in the province of Cotabato. "DOST-MIRDC shares with the metals industry a vision of enhanced productivity and competitiveness," the agency said. "HERT and its adoption by the provincial government of Cotabato is a testament to the vital role of the metals industry in addressing pressing issues and boosting the economy through science, technology, and innovation," it added. For quite some time, DOST has been calling for the adoption of locally-developed mass transport technologies such as the hybrid electric train (HET) and HERT. The agency said that aside from addressing the problem of mobility which is critical, it added that the adoption of these technologies will boost the metals, engineering, and allied industries and offer jobs, sources of income, and an opportunity to upgrade the skills of Filipinos.

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Cotabato Hybrid Electric Road Train DOST Department of Science and Technology (DOST) department of science and technology (DOST)
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