CSU SUPPORTS MOVE APAYAO PROGRAM THROUGH TRIPARTITE E-TRIKE DEPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

The implementation of the Smart Mobility for Viable, Efficient, and Cleaner Mode of Transportation in Apayao (MOVE APAYAO) program received a major boost through a tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed among Cagayan State University, Department of Science and Technology – Cordillera Administrative Region, and the Local Government Unit of Santa Marcela during the 31st Apayao Founding Anniversary celebration at the Apayao Ecotourism Sports Complex, Apayao Province, February 25, 2026.

The agreement operationalizes a key component of the MOVE APAYAO initiative by tasking CSU to design, fabricate, test, and deploy two electric tricycles (e-Trikes) and five C-Trike conversion kits that will be utilized for sustainable transport demonstration in Santa Marcela.

MOVE APAYAO is a multi-institutional collaboration among DOST-CAR, the Provincial Government of Apayao, the Local Government Unit of Luna, and Apayao State College, aimed at introducing smart, low-carbon transport systems, including e-jeepneys, e-trikes, charging infrastructure, and digital mobility solutions.

CSU, spearheaded by OIC-President Arthur G. Ibañez, will lead the technology development and fabrication through its Electromobility Research and Development Center. DOST-CAR, headed by Regional Director Nancy A. Bantog, will provide project funding amounting to ₱1.6 million under the Grants-in-Aid Program, while Mayor Evelyn B. Martinez will oversee local implementation and adoption.

The collaboration ensures that locally developed electromobility technologies are integrated into MOVE APAYAO’s broader framework, which includes route simulation, charging systems, mobile application development, and capacity-building for operators and LGU personnel.

The MOVE APAYAO program is scheduled for implementation from January to December 2026, with continued monitoring to evaluate performance, sustainability, and scalability of electric mobility solutions across the province.