TACLOBAN CITY — The city government of Catbalogan is partnering with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Cagayan State University (CSU) to develop electric-powered tricycles suited to the city’s roads, routes and operating conditions.
The three institutions signed a three-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) during the 2026 Regional Smart Communities Exposition and Networking Engagement (rSCENE 2026) at Tandaya Hall in Catbalogan City.
The agreement was signed by DOST Eastern Visayas Regional Director John Glenn Ocaña, CSU OIC University President Arthur Ibañez and Catbalogan City Mayor Dexter Uy.
Under the partnership, the parties will study the conversion of existing gasoline-powered tricycles into electric-powered units, taking into account the city’s tricycle design, terrain, road conditions, travel distances, routes, passenger capacity and other operational requirements.
The study will assess suitable electric motors, batteries and other components needed for the conversion and will eventually lead to the development of a C-Trike prototype for technical testing and evaluation.
Catbalogan will provide access to local tricycles, routes, operating data and other information needed for the research.
CSU will provide technical, engineering, research and development expertise, while DOST VIII will extend technical assistance, coordination and support within its mandate and available resources.
The initiative builds on CSU’s work through its Electromobility Research and Development Center (eMRDC), which focuses on developing practical and sustainable electric mobility technologies.
The C-Trike technology was developed by the CSU-Carig Campus in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Diliman through the university’s first DOST-funded Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER) program, the eMRDC. Ibañez serves as program leader.
The partnership follows discussions held in February involving DOST Samar, the Catbalogan city government and CSU on the possible introduction of converted electric tricycle technology in Samar.
The three institutions said the collaboration could pave the way for further cooperation in prototype development, testing, technology transfer, funding, deployment and possible expansion of the C-Trike initiative.
The project is also expected to provide the city with a technology-based transportation option that takes into account the actual needs of local drivers, passengers and the community.
Through the partnership, DOST, CSU and Catbalogan aim to apply science, technology and innovation in developing a more practical and sustainable transportation solution for the city.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
