Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso Cusi said on Saturday electric tricycles (e-trikes) are now being utilized by local government units (LGUs) amid the against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

During the Laging Handa public briefing, Cusi said the e-trikes distributed by the DOE to LGUs are now helping them to transport healthcare workers and other front-liners for free as the public transportation is suspended during the enhanced community quarantine.

He said 3,000 e-trikes were distributed by DOE to LGUs in 2019.

Based on reported data of DOE, more than 1,640 e-trikes are currently operating to serve the front-liners.

In Metro Manila, the cities that are using e-trikes to transport front-liners include the cities of Mandaluyong with 170 units, Pasig with 200 units, Malabon with 175 units, Pasay with 101 units, and Valenzuela with 250 units.

In Valenzuela, the e-trikes were also used as market-on-wheels.

LGUs in Laguna, such as Bay, Biñan, and Los Baños have rolled out a total of 120 e-trikes as free service for front-liners.

A total of 200 e-trikes in Carmona City were deployed to help the LGUs serve the front-liners, while 120 e-trikes are now utilized by Echague, Isabela, and 20 e-trikes in Tuguegarao City.

Aside from the reported data of DOE, the Manila City government is one of the first LGUs to deploy e-trikes to transport healthcare workers and front-liners. (PNA)