BORACAY – Typhoon Ursula’s extensive damage has prompted the local government unit of Malay, Aklan to postpone the planned phaseout of gasoline-powered tricycles in this world-famous island.
Malay mayor Frolibar Bautista announced this move, saying the entire province is still reeling from the impact of the typhoon that wrought havoc on Dec. 25 last year.
“Nahirapan ang ating mga electronic tricycles (e-trikes) na maka-recharge dahil may mga lugar sa isla na wala pang kuryente,” said Bautista.
According to Bautista, power restoration and rebuilding efforts are still underway in the barangays of Manoc-Manoc, Balabag and Yapak.
He said thousands of residents and establishments were left without electricity due to Ursula’s onslaught.
Bautista earlier issued an executive order enjoining the Malay Transportation Office to enforce the guidelines on e-trike modernization program on Nov. 11, 2019.
However, few groups appealed to Bautista and to the Sangguniang Bayan to defer the modernization program as this will result to massive displacement of motorcycle drivers.
Bautista said the shift from old tricycles to environment-friendly e-trikes will promote fuel efficiency and clean air.
“Nag-allowed din tayo ng mga single motorcycles maka-biyahe. Kahit may problema tayo dahil sa Ursula, marami pa ring turista ang dumarating sa Boracay. Keeping thisn island a safe place to live is also our priority,” Bautista added.
Meanwhile, at least 40 mini-buses of Boracay Land Transport Multi-purpose Cooperative are on standby to augment e-trikes operating in the fame-island resort. (With a report from Akean Forum/PN)
