Davao City is accelerating its journey toward sustainability as a proposed Electric Vehicle (EV) Ordinance prepares for its second reading this coming Tuesday.
Authored by Councilor Temujin “Tek” Ocampo, head of the Committee on Environment, the legislation is designed to tackle both rising fuel costs and urban pollution by incentivizing a shift away from traditional combustion engines.
A central pillar of the ordinance is the dramatic reduction in daily travel expenses. Councilor Ocampo pointed to data showing that electric vehicles can be operated for a mere P1 to P2 per kilometer, a fraction of the cost required to run gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles. This shift is framed not just as an environmental necessity, but as a strategic move to provide Dabawenyos with long-term financial relief from the unpredictable global oil market.
To support this transition, the city plans to offer a robust suite of incentives aimed at the battery industry. Facilities specializing in the recycling and repurposing of EV batteries would receive a total exemption from local business taxes and lease fees for their first three years. This support remains significant in the following years, providing a 75% discount in the fourth year and a 50% discount in the fifth. Additionally, these businesses would be eligible for a 50% reduction in real property taxes during that same period.
The proposed measure exclusively champions “full” electric vehicles to ensure the city achieves zero tailpipe emissions. Beyond just promoting the vehicles themselves, the ordinance mandates the construction of essential infrastructure, including a network of charging stations designed to serve both private users and public utility vehicles. By supporting manufacturers, dealers, and transport operators, Davao City aims to create a practical, accessible, and eco-friendly transportation ecosystem for all its residents.
