Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong signed an amended memorandum of agreement with the Department of Transportation to enhance research activities on low carbon urban transport (LCT) systems by using tools and equipment procured by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The signing of the amended MOA was held in Pasig City on Oct. 13 with DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista.
In October last year, the city government of Baguio with the DOTr entered a MOA with the Saint Louis University, the University of the Cordilleras, and the University of Baguio – collectively called “Dalan Ni Taltallak” – for the conduct of research and innovations towards the development and implementation of low carbon and alternative transport networks in support of resilient and sustainable communities.
The MOA also provides for research-based guidance for the development of local policies and guidelines on sustainable transportation and mobility.
In the amended MOA, the city government agrees to use the tools and equipment procured by the UNDP and assigned by the DOTr to further execute all research activities relative to the LCT system.
Research to be conducted by the city government includes innovation endeavors for safe, resilient, and sustainable cities as part of the LCT systems.
The MOA specifies the conduct of a feasibility study on low-carbon vehicles and electric vehicle charging stations as well as designing and developing a reliable and resilient infrastructure to support economic development.
The MOA also provides for the promotion of non-motorized transport in the city through data-driven policymaking; and proposals for systematic solutions to lowering greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-based vehicles to one that operates with renewable energy.
As early as 2019, the city government of Baguio has signified its interest to be a pilot city for the promotion of LCT system in the country by supporting test activities of electric and hybrid vehicles prior to its release in the market. – Jessa Mardy P. Samidan
