Vehicle Emissions Reduction

Re-engining Philippines’ jeepneys

Cleaning up Philippines’ colourful but polluting jeepneys by providing loans for clean engines, is a move being promoted by the Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Currently, jeepneys are manufactured in small workshops and backyards using outdated diesel engines, gear boxes and other parts imported as junk metal from Japan.

The bodywork and interiors are made locally using the cheapest possible materials. Jeepney buyers are very price sensitive so keeping costs low is critical.

While particulate matter and black smoke emitted from jeepneys is high, over recent years as more modern though used, engines have been imported, emissions from a single jeepney vehicle are likely to have reduced. However, jeepney numbers have also increased.

There are over 500,000 jeepneys of all types (whether private or public) operating in Metro Manila at present.

A jeepney used for public transportation purposes is intensively used - they are basically on the road 18 hours per day and as a result have to be re-engined every two to three years.

In a move to introduce new, cleaner engines to Jeepneys, the DENR, the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEDJODAP), the Pilipinas Engine Remanufacturing and Reconditioning Corp, and Petron Corp have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) involving DENR providing a low interest loan for purchase of remanufactured engines with emission devices.

Jeepneys upgraded under the MOU will potentially allow emissions to comply with emission standards set by the Clean Air Act of 1999. The initial phase would be limited to FEDJODAP jeepneys first. Later phases will include other jeepneys and buses.

The package consists of a financing scheme with low fixed interest, flexible payment terms and grace periods. Full engine warranty, maintenance servicing and supply of special diesel fuel for one year is provided.

With affordable monthly payments most jeepney owners are likely to be able to pay off their loan within two years.

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