THE c-trike in Dipolog City. (Photo via Liezle Inigo)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Dipolog City’s first-ever converted tricycle was unveiled recently by the Department of Science and Technology Smart and Sustainable Communities Program and the Dipolog School of Fisheries (DSF).
In June 2025, a conversion kit was given to Arvin Almirol, a tricycle driver for 10 years.
Almirol converted his gasoline tricycle into an electric tricycle and it enabled him to save hundreds of pesos a day. The c-trike only consumed P27 in power for a day’s operation last year.
When fuel prices soared after the Middle East conflict last February, power consumption cost only P40, an amount way below what Almirol would have spent for fuel. His tricycle was operating efficiently nearly a year after conversion.
Because of the project, DSF, an institution recognized by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), is slated to become the first ever certified conversion tricycle kit developer in Mindanao.
Called a game changer in the tricycle industry, it is expected to help operators and drivers in maneuvering hardships from increased fuel costs.
The program can be availed through the DOST.