DOE distributes 24 Toyota Prius to local government agencies

In hopes to decrease the country’s carbon dioxide emission, the Department of Energy (DOE) distributed 24 units of the 2017 Toyota Prius to selected government agencies. These hybrid vehicles are part of Japan's Non-Project Grant Aid (NPGA), which involves 500 million yen (roughly P224 million) for the procurement and delivery of next generation vehicles, such as fully-electric and hybrid vehicles.

Toyota's hybrid sedans were handed over by the Department of Energy (DOE) secretary Alfonso Cusi, together with Japan Ambassador in the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa. The energy secretary said that the half-billion yen project would help reduce the consumption of combustion fuel, which will cut the country's carbon emissions.

This program aims to promote the local use and patronage of efficient and environment-friendly alternative fuel vehicles, by deploying demo units and consequently developing familiarity with their operation, maintenance and service,” said Cusi.

Included in the national government agencies (NGA) that will receive the 24 Prius are the Office of the President, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Science and Technology, as well as the Philippine National Police (PNP). In return, and as agreed, these government agencies will help the DOE in its researches, performance testing, and promotion of alternative fuel-powered vehicles.

As part of the project, there would be an additional of 8 units that will be granted to Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) offices of the NGA involved in emergency response operations. On the other hand, Region 8 PNP, particularly in Leyte, Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar, is scheduled to receive 45 more 2017 Prius on May 25, 2017, which will be used as local patrol vehicles.