DOE donates hybrid vehicles

MANILA, Philippines -  The Department of Energy (DOE) is donating 24 Toyota Prius to select government agencies as it pushes the replacement of government service vehicles with hybrid cars.

This as the agency continues to promote energy efficiency and clean air across the country.

The DOE said the Toyota Prius — which emits lower carbon emission — were acquired through funding from Japan’s Non-Project Grant Aid (NPGA).

“This Japan government-aided grant will jumpstart our drive towards our call to action to our fellow public servants to increase their use or patronize energy efficient technologies, including their official vehicles. We have to be the role model in this cause, so our people can look up to us and follow our lead,” DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi said.

The hybrid car has a fuel engine and electric motor to attain highest energy efficiency.

The DOE will donate the vehicles to the Office of the President, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Finance, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Transportation, Department of Tourism, Department of Trade and Industries, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Economic Development Authority, Department of Science and Technology and the Philippine National Police.