By Jerome Paunan
MANILA (PIA)—The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the University of the Philippines Diliman unveiled M/B Dalaray, the country’s first locally developed electric passenger ferry, at Plaza Mexico, Intramuros, on Monday.
Powered by battery and solar energy, the e-ferry offers a cleaner, quieter and more sustainable way to travel along the Pasig River, linking Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig and Taguig. Operations will begin in November.
The inter-agency partnership formally launched the vessel as a significant step toward environmental protection, aiming to provide eco-friendly transportation while maintaining clean waterways. The initiative is expected to serve as an effective alternative transportation option to ease traffic congestion and further protect the river.
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum announced the project during an earlier event, describing it as part of efforts to reduce fossil fuel use in vehicles and cut carbon dioxide emissions.
“We have prototype for electric tricycle, we have e-jeepneys, we’re now converting bus to an electric bus, we have prototype for electric boats, soon we will launch an electric ferry in Pasig River together with UP,” Solidum said.
“As we develop, there is a looming threat for all of us, if we cannot reduce the carbon dioxide emission, then the threat of climate change will be there and it will be very difficult to undo so it’s important that all countries work towards that goal,” he added. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
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