Navotas earmarks P1M for LPG conversion program for trikes

MANILA, Philippines – In a bid to boost the income of tricycle drivers, officials from Navotas City on Thursday said they allocated P1 million for a program where regular tricycle units are converted to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-powered ones. Navotas City Mayor Tobias Tiangco said the program will help the tricycle drivers reduce their fuel costs. "At present, LPG price is lower than the usual gasoline products which automatically reduce the fuel expenses that translate to bigger take home earnings," Tiangco said. Tiangco said the program has gained the support of the Federation of Navotas Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (FENTODA). The mayor, however, clarified that only members of the FENTODA can avail of the P15,000 loan which will be used to acquire the LPG conversion kits. "Tricycle drivers here in Navotas has a very nice chance now to convert their units into an LPG-powered motorcycle through minimum amount of P50 per day until such time that the P15,000 loan for the conversion unit is fully paid without interest," Tiangco said. The new program is an alternative to an earlier proposal to phase out tricycle units that failed to comply with smoke emission standards. "Instead of phasing out (the) two-strokes engine tricycle, why not convert it into an environment-friendly and fuel-efficient LPG powered motorcycle?" Tiangco said. - Sophia Dedace, GMANews.TV