At the Mober World EV Day Forum.

MOBER, a logistics company known for its commitment to green solutions, led the Philippines’ observance of World Electric Vehicle (EV) Day last September 9, hosting a forum titled “Leading the Way in Green Logistics: A Forum on Moving Together for a Carbon-Free Philippines.”

The event centered on advancing the use of commercial EVs in the country as a critical measure in reducing carbon emissions within the logistics sector.

The forum brought together key stakeholders from government, the private sector, and various organizations, all aligned in their goal of accelerating the adoption of EVs in logistics—a sector recognized globally for its significant contribution to carbon dioxide emissions.

“World EV Day is more than just a celebration—it’s a call to unite and collaborate in accelerating the adoption of commercial EVs,” Mober CEO Dennis Ng said. “The transition to sustainable logistics requires the collective efforts of the government, the private sector, and consumers. At Mober, we believe that green logistics is essential to achieving a carbon-free future, and this forum is a testament to our commitment.”

World EV Day, which was first observed in 2020, seeks to bring together policymakers, companies, and thought leaders to promote the global shift toward electric vehicles. This year marks the fifth year of the event.

The forum’s keynote address was delivered by Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure at the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Jesus Ferdinand “Andy” Ortega, who reaffirmed the government’s support for the transition to electric vehicles in the Philippines.

“We must fast-track the transition to EVs. By promoting the use of EVs and active transport, the Philippines is making strides toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with our commitments under the Paris Agreement and national development goals,” said Ortega.

He reiterated the government’s endorsement of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), a legislative measure aimed at boosting EV adoption to decrease fuel dependency and mitigate rising energy costs. Ortega also highlighted Executive Order No. 12, which is designed to encourage the EV market, support technological transitions, and reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels in transport.

The event featured panel discussions focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by the transition to commercial EVs. The first panel, moderated by Guillermo “Bill” Luz, Chairman of Liveable Cities Philippines, included participants from various government and private sector entities. Among the panelists were Usec. Ortega, Zion Yuson of DOTr, Anton Mauricio of the National Development Company (NDC), Rachel Santiago-Sacro of Clime Capital, and Wai Chew Chia, Chief Commercial Officer at Mober.

Mauricio, speaking on the need for strategic investments, said, “Our role at NDC is to signal confidence in emerging industries. By strategically investing in energy storage, renewable energy, and EVs, we aim to attract more capital and drive innovation for a sustainable future.”

The panel agreed that while infrastructure and cost remain significant hurdles, the potential to reduce emissions and improve efficiency in supply chains makes the shift to EVs an appealing investment opportunity.

The second panel featured representatives from leading brands, including IKEA Philippines, Kuehne+Nagel, Nestlé Philippines, and Rustan Coffee Corporation (Starbucks). These companies discussed their efforts to achieve sustainability goals through the integration of EVs in their logistics operations.

The event was held in partnership with local media outlets, including BusinessMirror, BusinessWorld, Malaya Business Insight, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, and The Manila Times.