DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – In support of the government’s National Renewable Energy Program, the SM Supermall launched on Saturday its first electronic-vehicle (e-vehicle) charging station in this city.
SM Center Dagupan manager Eileen Delos Santos said the e-vehicle charging station, located at the mall’s second-level parking area, is the second charging station in Pangasinan that aims to encourage society to shift to renewable sources of energy to protect the well-being of the people from pollution and the greenhouse effect.
“This initiative is also part of the SM Green Movement, which commits to helping make the planet greener,” said Delos Santos.
She said the e-vehicle charging station will provide free-of-charge service to e-vehicle owners in Dagupan City and in nearby towns.
Ma. Angelica Esteban, ecosystem management specialist II and protected area superintendent of the Community Environment and National Resources Office (CENRO) in Dagupan City, commended this initiative of SM Center Dagupan that displays their support in helping the environment through fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
“This project could indeed contribute to the improvement of the status of our air quality towards the environmental sustainability of Dagupan City and an answered prayer to those e-vehicle users who are in dire need of charging stations that could provide them additional convenience and comfort,” Esteban said.
According to Esteban, the event served as a symbol of unity in observance of Zero Waste Month this January, which is anchored on the theme: “Sustainable Waste Management in Livable Communities.”
She said statistics show that the Philippines ranked 69th in the world's most polluted air and first among countries with the highest plastic waste emissions into the ocean per person each year.
“While the Philippines is one of the contributors to this global problem, we also have the unfortunate distinction of being one of the most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change,” she said.
She said the use of electric cars contributes to the achievement of cleaner and safer air because they emit no greenhouse gases.
Likewise, Esteban encouraged the community and other business owners to support and join the government in the implementation of ecological solid waste management programs to curb oil use and combat climate change.
“The solution is in our hands to achieve a stable, comfortable, and secure life. Let us all work together and make this vision a reality, not only for the present but most especially for future generations,” Esteban said. (JCR/AMB/EMSA/PIA Pangasinan)
