A total of 390 e-trikes were distributed to selected farmers associations in Ilocos Sur.
An earlier provision of 200 e-trikes were distributed, and the second batch included 190 more.
The distribution is part of the modernization initiatives in the province, which aims to make a shift from traditional farming practices where farmers used carabaos for agricultural activities.
"Noon, kuliglig at tractor ang ginagamit naming pambuhat ng mga produkto. Ngayon, mas tipid na dahil hindi na kailangan ng krudo at gasolina," Florante Antolin, a farmer leader from the Burgos Farmer’s Association, said.
"Hindi niyo na kailangang buhatin ang mga bigas, gamitin niyo na ang e-trike. Walang gastos sa kuryente dahil ang init ang magbibigay ng enerhiya nito," Benjamin Maggay, Sr., a member of the Committee on Agriculture in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, said.
Ilocos Sur Governor Jeremias Singson advised farmers to optimize the lifespan of the e-trike batteries.
"Para mas matagal ang life span ng baterya, hintayin niyong bumaba ang battery level bago i-charge. Ingatan niyo dahil sa inyo ito," he said.
The provincial government also distributed eight new ambulances for provincial and district hospitals, four commuter vans, and five pickup trucks for various government offices.
Other projects are also ongoing, such as solar water irrigation systems for farmers and the installation of solar lights in barangays.
