Contributed photo

VALENZUELA CITY — A new community-based charging facility is giving electric tricycle (e-trike) drivers in Barangay Lawang Bato a much-needed boost—helping them save time, cut costs, and keep their daily earnings steady.

The initiative, led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through its Sustainable Livelihood Program and the Manuel V. Pangilinan-led One Meralco Foundation (OMF), aims to improve operations for 117 members of the Mulawinan Centro E-Trike Operators and Drivers Association (MULCETRODA). The project introduces coin-operated charging stations developed by Movem Electric Inc., Meralco’s sustainable mobility arm.

Local and national leaders joined the launch, including DSWD Assistant Secretary Ulysses Aguilar, OMF President Jeffrey Tarayao, Valenzuela First District Representative Kenneth Gatchalian, Barangay Lawang Bato Chairman Oristes Tolentino, and MULCETRODA President Editho Advincula.

For years, drivers who shifted to cleaner, battery-powered tricycles enjoyed improved passenger comfort and reduced emissions—but rising charging costs and long downtime for battery swaps also affected their income. The newly installed charging facility aims to solve those challenges by offering a more accessible and affordable way to recharge.

Located at the tricycle terminal along Mulawinan Street, the facility features five dual-outlet, 4.4-kilowatt coin-operated charging units. With ten charging outlets operating up to 15 hours daily, drivers can now charge on-site instead of heading home mid-shift, allowing them to maximize working hours and serve more passengers.

A member of MULCETRODA even demonstrated to officials how the new charging station works, highlighting its convenience and potential impact on daily operations.

First District of Valenzuela Representative Kenneth Gatchalian hailed the project as a practical solution for local drivers. "This project is a huge help for our MULCETRODA, as this gave them the opportunity to have a modern charging station,” he said in Tagalog.

Beyond operational efficiency, the facility also functions as a shared microenterprise. After electricity expenses are covered, projected net revenues from the charging stations will be equally distributed among participating drivers—adding another layer of financial support for the group.

"On top of addressing the grassroots needs of e-trike drivers, this project is proof that partnerships forged between proactive institutions and the national government can turn ambitious visions into tangible community solutions for the MULCETRODA drivers," OMF President Jeffrey O. Tarayao said.

DSWD Assistant Secretary Ulysses Aguilar also emphasized the broader impact of the initiative. "This project is the first of its kind and hopefully, we can also replicate this in other areas. We hope to see this thrive as a model for other charging stations as we look towards a sustainable electric transport system.”

The project reflects a growing push toward sustainable transportation solutions that also strengthen grassroots livelihoods—offering a model that could soon be replicated in other communities across the country.