We have all felt the pressure of rising fuel prices, across the Philippines due to the crisis in the Middle East, and it has been relentless. Every increase in global oil prices is felt immediately on our roads, in our homes, and in the daily decisions of millions of Filipinos.

As mayors, we govern cities that do not operate in isolation. Our roads move not just our own residents, but workers, students, and families crossing city boundaries every day. Mobility here is constant and essential, and when fuel prices rise, the impact is immediate: higher prices of basic commodities, reduced driver income, and a heavier cost of living for our people.

In San Juan, this reality is unmistakable. Despite its size, it serves as a vital transit point as it is located at the very heart of Metro Manila. Short, frequent trips by jeepneys and tricycles keep the city moving. But these same routes are highly sensitive to fuel price changes. Even small increases quickly cascade into higher daily expenses for commuters and reduced take-home pay for drivers. Multiply this across the entire country and what you will see is not just a local inconvenience, but a systemic urban challenge.

This is exactly the gap that the Iwas-Taas Pamasahe E-Transport Solution Program seeks to address. This program is the brainchild of Basic Energy Corporation (BEC), led by Mr. Raffy Villavicencio, which aims to provide a practical and scalable solution to rising transport costs.

Under this initiative, BEC offers a transition pathway for jeepney cooperatives that wish to shift from traditional fuel-based vehicles to electric buses—without requiring any upfront cash out. Instead, cooperatives can adopt an operate-and-own model, wherein a portion of their daily earnings is allocated toward gradually paying for the unit. This approach removes one of the biggest barriers to modernization: the high initial capital required from operators and drivers.

This initiative was formally launched this April, with the support of key national leaders. Senator Pia Cayetano, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Energy, and Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin both expressed strong support for the program, backed by the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) and the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI), recognizing it as a timely and necessary response to rising fuel prices and the need for energy security in the transport sector.

As National President of the League of Cities of the Philippines, President of the Metro Manila Council and Mayor of the City of San Juan, I attended the launch and expressed my support by way of helping introduce this program to our fellow mayors in the country. I emphasized that this initiative can be replicated across LCP member cities and even in municipalities to help address rising transport costs, opening opportunities for wider adoption that will directly benefit both commuters and transport operators.

The advantages of electric transport are clear and immediate. First, it significantly reduces operating costs. Unlike fuel, which is subject to volatile global pricing, electricity costs are more stable and largely influenced by domestic factors. This translates to more predictable expenses and less pressure to increase fares.

Second, electric vehicles have lower maintenance requirements. With simpler and less complex engines compared to traditional internal combustion vehicles, operators can expect fewer breakdowns and reduced maintenance costs over time, further improving their daily earnings.

Third, the shift to electric transport is environmentally responsible. By reducing dependence on fossil fuels, we also reduce emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a more sustainable urban environment for our people.

At its core, the Iwas-Taas Pamasahe Program is not just about modernization, it is about making transport more affordable, more sustainable, and more resilient. It provides a realistic path forward for drivers and operators, while protecting commuters from the constant cycle of fare increases driven by fuel price hikes.

As local leaders, we must recognize that this is no longer optional. The pressures of rising fuel costs will not disappear, but our response can evolve. By supporting initiatives like this, we take a decisive step toward a transport system that works better for our cities, municipalities, and for every Filipino who relies on it every day.