Agusan Sur implements fuel conservation measures, boosts mobility with free e-trike service
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — As the provincial government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS), under Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr., enforces fuel conservation measures, one alternative solution the local government unit (LGU) has introduced is the provision of free electric tricycles (e-trikes) as a shuttle service within the provincial government center.
These e-trikes provide convenient transportation for clients and government employees, reducing fuel consumption and easing transportation costs.
“Our e-trike is free for everyone, especially clients seeking government assistance, as well as PGAS employees. We transport passengers to any office within the government center, and it can accommodate up to eight passengers at a time,” said Alfredo Nobleza Canciller Jr., an e-trike operator.
“This e-trike is fully charged for about 3–4 hours and can be used for one to two days, depending on the distance traveled and the number of passengers,” he added.
Residents and clients visiting the government center have expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting its practical benefits amid rising transportation costs and its contribution to more accessible public services.
“The surge in fuel prices has affected our mobility. Before, it was easier and cheaper to take a tricycle to the Capitol Building. Now, fares have increased, which really worries me. Sometimes I would opt to walk just to save money, but when I see the free e-trike approaching, I always take the chance to utilize it,” said Rose Genite, a 35-year-old resident of Purok 5, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
“I am grateful to the provincial government for the free e-trike service in the government center because I can save money on fare and use it for my family’s essential needs. It also makes it easier for me to go to different offices because e-trikes are readily available,” she added.
Pursuant to the call of President Bongbong Marcos (PBBM) to implement austerity measures in government offices, Governor Cane also issued Memorandum Order No. 89, instituting strict conservation measures as well as administrative and operational protocols across all provincial offices.
The order aims to minimize the effects of increasing fuel costs while promoting energy-saving practices in provincial operations and services.
The memorandum includes operation guidelines for government vehicles. PGAS vehicles shall not be dispatched for a single passenger, except in justified operational circumstances. Offices traveling to the same destination or along the same route (e.g., San Francisco, Bayugan, or Butuan City) are encouraged to coordinate schedules and share vehicles whenever possible.
Office vehicles are also limited to a maximum weekly fuel consumption of 30 liters, except the ones used for essential services, emergency response, or other critical government functions, subject to justification and approval by department heads.
Travel has also been limited to activities directly related to official operations, essential service delivery, fieldwork, or other urgent government functions. A no-idling policy is also enforced, requiring drivers to turn off engines when waiting for passengers for more than three minutes. In addition, virtual meetings are encouraged to reduce travel expenses, and air conditioning use is limited from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Our projects are implemented province-wide, including far-flung areas such as Loreto, Veruela, Sta. Josefa and Trento. Project engineers of the second district share one vehicle to save on fuel; the first district also adopts the practice. Sometimes, within the government center, we would just walk—especially when the path to another office is shaded,” said Engineer Linda Buquir of the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO), Agusan del Sur.
With the implementation of fuel conservation measures and the introduction of free e-trike services, the provincial government of Agusan del Sur continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing efficient, accessible, and sustainable public services. These initiatives not only address the challenges brought about by rising fuel prices but also promote environmentally friendly transport solutions that benefit both government workers and the general public. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur, with the report from PTV Agusan del Sur)
