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Manila Bulletin devider Drive devider Study urges stronger training systems to support Philippine EV sector

Study urges stronger training systems to support Philippine EV sector

Published Sep 8, 2025 11:05 pm

At A Glance

  • APLFI-led study warns that up to 138,000 ICE-related jobs in the Philippines may be affected by the transition to EVs.
  • Current EV training programs cover only basic skills, with advanced workforce development urgently needed.
  • APLFI and ADB propose creating a national EV Center of Excellence to align industry, government, and education.
A recent study has raised concerns over the Philippines’ readiness to transition to electric mobility, pointing to a significant skills gap that could slow down the sector’s growth if left unaddressed.
The research, titled 'Driving a Just Transition to E-Mobility in the Philippines,' was led by the Apl.de.Ap Foundation International (APLFI) in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the William Davidson Institute (WDI). It estimates that as many as 138,000 Filipino workers employed in internal combustion engine-related jobs, including mechanics, auto parts suppliers, and retail staff, may be directly affected by the country’s shift to electric vehicles (EVs).
Currently, EV-related training programs in the Philippines cover only basic competencies such as battery handling and charger installation. The study emphasizes that the industry requires far more advanced technical expertise if it is to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving mobility sector. It calls for a stronger, coordinated approach to workforce development and closer alignment among stakeholders.
In response, APLFI and ADB are proposing the creation of a national EV Center of Excellence that would serve as a platform to bring together industry, government, and educational institutions. This initiative aims to prepare the workforce with skills relevant to future demands and ensure that the benefits of e-mobility are shared more broadly across communities.
From left: Dana Gorodetsky, WDI; Octavio Jiménez, CEA Institute in Costa Rica; Tilso Castro, CEA Institute Costa Rica; Genevieve Jopanda, APLFI; Diana Páez, WDI; and Audie Vergara, Omtse at the WDI Institute.
From left: Dana Gorodetsky, WDI; Octavio Jiménez, CEA Institute in Costa Rica; Tilso Castro, CEA Institute Costa Rica; Genevieve Jopanda, APLFI; Diana Páez, WDI; and Audie Vergara, Omtse at the WDI Institute.
“For us at APLFI, it has always been about people first,” said Apl.de.Ap, founder of the Apl.de.Ap Foundation International. “We wanted to make sure that the shift to e-mobility does not just benefit a few, but truly creates opportunities for workers, communities, and young people across the Philippines.”
APLFI Executive Director Audie Vergara highlighted that the proposed center could close gaps between policy and practice, adding that it would foster collaboration across public and private sectors and accelerate the development of a skilled and inclusive workforce.
The study also underlined the importance of retraining and social protections for workers in transition. Diana Páez, WDI’s Senior Director of Energy and Mobility, stressed the need to ensure that “no one is left behind” as the shift unfolds. Meanwhile, James Leather, ADB’s Transport Sector Office Director, underscored that workforce development is a crucial factor in achieving wider EV adoption. “This shift is underway, and we are working with relevant stakeholders to support policy development and investments that can help drive the uptake,” he said.
APLFI, which operates in both the United States and the Philippines, has been focused on education, healthcare, and sustainable innovation. Its planned EV Center of Excellence is positioned as a long-term measure to align national mobility goals with inclusive workforce development.

Related Tags

APLFI battery electric vehicle (BEV)
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