In the Ceremonial Signing of the Memoranda of Agreement with Local Transport Stakeholders on Sustaining the Promotion of Low Carbon Transport Systems in the Philippines held in the Marco Polo Ortigas Manila on 12 October 2023, Saint Louis University, in consortium with the University of Baguio and the University of the Cordilleras, reinforced its commitment with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the Local Government of Baguio to produce research projects on low carbon transportation (LCT).
The event was graced by the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Mr. Edwin Carrie, DOTr Secretary Hon. Jaime Bautista, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and other dignitaries and project teams from the UNDP, DOTr, transport cooperatives, and the local government units of Baguio City, General Santos City, Iloilo City, Pasig City, and the City of Sta. Rosa. The five cities are pilot cities for the implementation of the LCT project.
Several other MOAs with the UNDP and DOTr were signed to signify the continued partnership with LGUs and transport groups in the culminating event of the UNDP-DOTr LCT Project in the Philippines funded by the Global Environment Fund (GEF). Project manager Ms. Raisa Neith Salvador shared the challenges, highlights, and victories describing over more than three years of implementation of the project that saw it go through the entirety of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Mr. Carrie, expressed his gratitude to all parties involved and challenged them to keep the torch burning in the hope of the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in the modernization of Philippine mass transportation.
Hon. Bautista of the DOTr challenged the research consortium of the big three universities in Baguio to produce research projects that would serve as benchmarks for the implementation of low carbon transportation in the country. Mayor Magalong reassured that the City of Baguio is committed to pursue the LCT Project along with other advocacies on climate action. The dean of the SLU School of Engineering and Architecture represented the university in the event.
