Last week, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), together with the Philippine National Railways (PNR) revealed the first ever Philippine-made hybrid electric train.
Led by outgoing DOST Sec. Mario Montejo, incoming DOST Sec. Fortunato Dela Peña and PNR Sec. Chairman Manuel Torres, the presentation of the hybrid electric train took place at the Tutuban Station of PNR in Manila. In a news segment, Secretary Montejo claimed that they are all very proud that a Filipino was able to build an electric train.
It took the Science and Technology Department three years to complete the train’s prototype. However, the train is not yet ready for passenger use as it is still in its final preparation process, which will take up to three to six months. The PNR chairman stated that they will provide a facility to test the train’s durability, safety, and efficiency. In its initial testing process, the vehicle ran up to 30 kilometers per hour.
Once completed, the DOST and the PNR plan to operate the train from Tutuban to Calamba. Secretary Torres anticipates that the Philippine-made train can answer to the growing needs of the Filipino commuters in the PNR.
The train starts using a diesel or an electric current, making it environment-friendly and energy efficient.
