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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Mindanao devider Cotabato to operate hybrid electric road train this year

Cotabato to operate hybrid electric road train this year

Published Mar 18, 2026 05:23 pm
HERT (Photo via Keith Bacongco)
HERT (Photo via Keith Bacongco)
DAVAO CITY – The provincial government of Cotabato gearing up for the deployment of the Hybrid Electric Road Train (HERT) in select routes in the towns of Carmen, Kabacan, M’lang, Makilala, and the City of Kidapawan before the year ends.
Once it becomes operational, Cotabato will be the first province in Mindanao to adopt HERT developed by Filipino engineers from the Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza said that she is looking forward to the operationalization of HERT as it could complement existing transportation options in the province.
Mendoza said the provincial government has allocated P6.5 million as a counterpart fund to cover operational expenses, including salaries and training for drivers and operators, helpers, maintenance, transfer, fuel, and policy formulation.
According to the briefer from the provincial government, the DOST-MIRDC has identified and inspected initial the proposed routes for HERT with a starting point at the provincial capitol in Barangay Amas in Kidapawan City and loading and unloading stations at Paco Kilometer 114, proposed JS Gaisano (near Saint Mary's Academy in Kidapawan City), and Matalam Rotonda. These have met all required standards set by the DOST-MIRDC, it added.
On March 10, an inspection of the proposed additional routes, Kabacan-Carmen and Mlang-Makilala, was conducted.
The inspection was led by a team headed by Engr. Pablo Acuin of MIRDC-DOST, Department of Public Works and Highways 3rd District Engineering representatives, and HERT Technical Working Group (TWG) headed by Cromwell Victoria.
The inspection was done to verify compliance with road safety standards, the briefer from the provincial government added.
“HERT offers a safer, more visually appealing, and highly convenient mode of public transit. Beyond its functional benefits, the train itself is envisioned as a destination, a new attraction that is expected to draw tourists and visitors alike,” the briefer noted.
Plans to deploy the HERT in the province started after the provincial government and the DOST signed a memorandum of agreement in 2023.
HERT, designed as an alternative to mass transport systems, is a joined bus with a total length of 45 meters and can carry up to 240 passengers.
According to DOST, it is powered by a combination of diesel fuel and electric-powered batteries, a feature that results in the reduction of emissions.
HERT also features a regenerative brake system, which makes this technology environment friendly.
With ongoing modifications, the HERT is scheduled to be handed over to the province by the third quarter of the year. Launched in 2014, HERT was first tested at Clark Freeport Parade Ground in Pampanga.
In 2015 to 2016, HERT was also tested at Clark Development Corp., serving employees of 1,000 business locators at the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone.

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