The foundation of Filipino-American musician Apl,de,Ap and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have committed to establish the Philippines’ first electric vehicle (EV) center of excellence, starting with a comprehensive study on the country’s
“Our vision for the EV center of excellence extends beyond merely introducing new technology; it’s about empowering people,” said Apl.de.Ap in a news release from his Apl.de.Ap Foundation International (APLFI).
“By upskilling our existing workforce and creating new educational opportunities, we can ensure that the benefits of electrification reach every corner of the Philippines—creating jobs, improving public health, and driving sustainable economic growth,” said the member of the Black Eyed Peas.
Scheduled for completion by the fourth quarter of this year, the study will evaluate the Philippines’ readiness for electrification, focusing on key areas such as the capabilities of the technical workforce, the adequacy of the current grid, and the feasibility of expanding charging infrastructure nationwide, according to the news release.
Additionally, it will include an assessment of existing laws and regulations, identifying any gaps or the need for new legislation to support a robust and sustainable EV ecosystem, it added.
A core objective of the center is to ensure that the country introduces new vehicles, and creates a sustainable ecosystem that includes a skilled workforce, resilient infrastructure, and informed decision-making, the foundation said.
The EV Center of Excellence will be at the heart of building this ecosystem, ensuring that the transition to electric vehicles is comprehensive, inclusive, and sustainable, it added.
“This center is not just a hub for innovation; it is a catalyst for nationwide transformation,” said James Leather, Chief of the Transport Sector Group at ADB. “By equipping the Philippines with the tools and knowledge needed for electrification, we are laying the groundwork for a cleaner, more resilient transport sector.”
In launching the study later this year, the center will also play a crucial role in guiding decision-makers—ranging from local government units (LGUs) to private enterprises—through the complexities of electrifying their communities.
This adds to the center’s mission of translating electrification into real, tangible outcomes in the places where people live, work, and travel, ensuring that all elements of the ecosystem are addressed holistically.
In March, APLFI and ADB signed a memorandum of understanding on this transformative collaborative initiative, of which the ongoing study is a direct outcome and the first of many projects to build a future-ready transport system in the country.
“The insights from this study will be pivotal in charting the course for the EV Center of Excellence,” said Audie Vergara, APLFI executive director. “Our goal is to ensure that this center not only drives technological advancement but also delivers real, lasting benefits to communities throughout the Philippines.”
APLFI said the EV center of excellence will serve as a critical bridge between the government, private sector, and academia, accelerating the adoption of EV technology and creating a sustainable transportation future for the Philippines.
