Apl.de.Ap teams up with ADB for PH e-mobility training
Filipino-American singer Apl.de.Ap has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Asian Development Bank (ADB) and EV solutions provider Legacy EV. LLC (Legacy EV) to promote programs, particularly clean mobility and electric vehicle (EV) training, by tapping local schools in the Philippines.
The MOU formalizes a non-exclusive framework of cooperation and facilitates collaboration between the parties to create programs and projects for the promotion of clean mobility and e-vehicle training programs across ADB’s borrowing member countries.
Apl.de.Ap, founder of Apl.de.Ap Foundation International (“APLFI”), ADB Vice President for Market Solutions Bhargav Dasgupta; and Mavrick Knoles, president and co-founder of Legacy EV signed the MOU on Monday, March 11. The MOU was formalized during the visit of US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to the country.
In an interview, the singer said they will start EV education in the country in partnership with universities and colleges. The number of beneficiaries will depend on the schools.
They will train kids on how to convert gas to electric, use its battery to something else to power a home, to harness energy or connect to a new car.
“Right now, we’re focused on asking ADB to redirect us to the proper schools or private sector to work with,” he said. In terms of financing, the partners are going to put some financing together.
The Filipino-American musician, who is also a founding member of the hip hop group Black Eyed Peas, had done scholarship programs to building schools, but e-mobility is a first time for his foundation.
“Now, we’re going to electric future and Philippines is starting to have electric cars. We gotta learn to fix them, as well as turn the jeepneys into electric cars,” he added.
Audie Vergara, APFL executive director, said they are still developing a curriculum for the Philippines in the next few weeks.
“Our interest is to create a program that we can maybe deploy in many places to really upskill the country. But it will start in one place as a pilot first,” said Vergara.