AT the Center for Flexible Learning of Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, representatives of BYD Philippines joined university officials for a lecture on electric mobility and sustainable energy in higher education.
The Jan. 22 event, organized by the university’s Sustainability and Futures Thinking unit, gathered faculty members, employees, students, local government officials and industry partners to discuss how electric vehicles (EVs) can help reduce campus emissions and promote cleaner transport.
Ronald Supsup of BYD La Union presented Republic Act 11697, or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (Evida), enacted in 2022. The law grants fiscal and nonfiscal incentives to EV manufacturers and buyers, mandates the rollout of charging infrastructure and sets targets for EV adoption and local manufacturing.
He also discussed battery care, charging protocols and common concerns such as driving range. Supsup outlined the company’s development from a rechargeable battery producer in the 1990s into a manufacturer of electric cars, plug-in hybrids and electric buses.
Featured models included the BYD Dolphin, BYD Seal and BYD Tang EV, which use modular battery systems designed for servicing and recycling to extend lifespan and reduce waste.
For MMSU, adopting EVs aligns with its Succeed agenda to build a sustainable and environmentally responsible campus. Officials said transportation accounts for a significant portion of on-site emissions. Integrating EVs into the university fleet could reduce fuel consumption by up to 30 percent, lower carbon emissions and improve air quality for its 15,000 students and nearby communities.
Several EV units were displayed for test drives to give students and personnel firsthand experience with the technology.
Engr. Thomas Ubiña, head of the Research and Innovation unit at the National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center (Nberic), outlined the university’s energy roadmap anchored on conservation, efficiency and renewable generation.
He cited MMSU’s Don Emilio Abello Energy Efficiency and Conservation Award in 2017 and its recognition at the 2024 Sustainable Energy Awards.
Ubiña said the university is pursuing net-zero energy buildings through passive design, efficient lighting and cooling systems, energy monitoring and on-site renewable sources such as solar photovoltaic arrays and micro-wind turbines. Planned EV charging stations will draw power from these clean energy systems.
“The goal is to produce as much clean energy as we consume,” Ubiña said.
University officials said discussions are ongoing to formalize a partnership for the construction of an EV charging facility equipped with fast-charging units compatible with various brands, a battery-swapping area for research and a data hub for students studying energy systems.
Representing MMSU President Virgilio Julius Manzano Jr., Vice President for Resource Generation and Management Bjorn Santos said the initiative reflects the university’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
“By embedding electric mobility into our operations, we demonstrate that higher education institutions can lead climate action through research, education and community engagement,” Santos said.
Batac Mayor Liza Gonzales said the program could benefit the wider community.
“If we can replicate this model across schools, hospitals and public transport, we’ll see measurable improvements in air quality and energy security,” Gonzales said.
The partnership positions MMSU as a potential regional hub for research and training in electric mobility and sustainable energy.
