What began as a single electric tricycle research project has grown into one of the country's most comprehensive university-led electric mobility programs.

This was the message delivered by Cagayan State University Officer-in-Charge President Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez as he presented the university's homegrown electric vehicle technologies during the Technology Pitching session of SUSTEX 2026 held on August 5, 2026, at SM Aura, Bonifacio Global City.

Addressing participants from government agencies, industries, academic institutions, and sustainability organizations, Dr. Ibañez showcased how Cagayan State University's Electromobility Research and Development Center (EMRDC) is helping shape the country's transition toward cleaner and smarter transportation.

Established in 2021 through the Department of Science and Technology's NICER Program, EMRDC has expanded its research portfolio from a single electric tricycle into a complete electric mobility ecosystem.

The technologies presented included Cagayan State University's locally engineered electric tricycle, electric public utility bus, electric tourist trams, battery-swapping system, electric golf cart, eBuggy, and conversion technologies that transform existing gasoline-powered public utility vehicles into electric-powered alternatives.

Rather than replacing millions of aging tricycles and buses operating across the country, Dr. Ibañez explained that Cagayan State University's conversion technologies provide a more practical pathway toward decarbonizing public transportation by retrofitting existing vehicles with electric battery systems.

He likewise shared the university's vision of combining electric transportation with renewable energy through solar-powered charging stations and localized microgrids, enabling communities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving energy efficiency.

During the discussion, Dr. Ibañez acknowledged that infrastructure investment and regulatory reforms remain among the biggest challenges facing the country's electric vehicle transition. Charging facilities require substantial investments from both local governments and the national government, while registration policies for converted electric vehicles continue to grow.

Despite these challenges, he emphasized that locally developed technologies can help strengthen Philippine manufacturing capabilities while providing affordable, sustainable, and community-based transportation solutions.

"Our journey does not end with innovation, it continues through our technology adopters, bringing Filipino innovations from the laboratory to communities across the country," Dr. Ibañez said.

SUSTEX 2026, jointly organized by the Department of Science and Technology, SM Prime Holdings Inc., and ARISE Philippines, gathered leaders from government, industry, academia, and local communities to advance science, technology, and innovation under the theme "Bayanihan Innovation for a Green and Resilient Philippines."