Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has pledged five units of the next-generation Tamaraw which will converted into ambulances as it presented to President Marcos the prototypes of the newest iteration of the iconic vehicle that once ruled Philippine roads.

The five units will be turned over to the government in 2025. The units, converted into ambulances, will be used to support the government's health programs.

In a speech on Friday, Oct. 25, President Marcos welcomed Toyota's donation, saying these will aid First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos' LAB for All initiative which brings medical services to different parts of the country.

"Undoubtedly, this contribution will improve our ability to deliver essential medical services to our citizens," he said.

He likewise expressed his appreciation for Toyota's continued investment in the Philippines, particularly its P5.5-billion investment to produce the next-generation Tamaraw which will be locally manufactured.

"With Toyota's P5.5-billion initiative, a new chapter in the transformation of the Tamaraw has arrived," Marcos said.

"Engineered for versatility and affordability, the new-generation Tamaraw is designed for Filipinos. Our micro, small, and medium enterprises and proprietors have a reliable partner now in Tamaraw, empowering our people in their daily journeys," he added.

Marcos said that the new version of the iconic Tamaraw is designed for the modern Philippine environment and contains "all of the new technologies that Toyota has developed."

Going green

Aside from the next-generation Tamaraw, President Marcos was also presented with the Corolla Cross H2 Concept vehicle powered by hydrogen. This Hydrogen internal Combustion Engine Vehicle utilized hydrogen gas supplied by a local producer and filled through a Hydrogen Refueling Station exclusively imported from an end-use application provider in Malaysia.

"That is as green as we can get," Marcos said.

"That's why it is important that Toyota continues its work in that field and they have led the field in terms of bringing that kind of technology down to the grassroots level not only in the Philippines but throughout the world," he added.

With this, President Marcos lauded Toyota's "Beyond Zero" initiative which aims to achieve zero emissions while enhancing societal value through its mobility ecosystem.

According to the President, this was vital especially as the country confronts the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, exacerbated by the Philippines' position in the typhoon belt. He cited the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine which has now impacted many parts of the country through relentless rains and flooding.

"As we strive towards a carbon-neutral future, we are dedicated to implementing more inclusive, adaptable, and technologically-driven strategies for emissions reduction across all sectors and all industries," he said.

"With the use of hydrogen technology in vehicle electrification, we are presented with sustainable transport solutions that intensify our call for environmental stewardship," he added.

Marcos likewise said that Toyota's "Beyond Zero" initiative harmonizes with his government's commitment to developing more renewable and clean energy sources.