KIDAPAWAN CITY – Governor Nancy Catamco of North Cotabato has ordered the creation of a Technical Working Group (TWG) to delve into the proposal of the Department of Science and Technology- Regional Office No. 12 (DOST XII) to adopt the DOST- Hybrid Electric Road Train (HERT) in the province.

Presentation of the DOST-HERT to the Governor by Provincial Director Michael Mayo as authorized by the new DOST XII OIC Regional Director Engr. Sammy Malawan, CESE took place this afternoon of October 15, 2020, at the Capitol.

Crafted and designed locally by Filipino Engineers from the DOST-MIRDC or Metals Industry Research and Development Council, HERT is the first Philippine-made trackless train. It is eco-friendly and can accommodate 240 passengers. Demonstration of the said mass transportation facility, particularly on its applicability on existing roads, was well done in General Santos City. The same unit worth 45M is eyed to be relocated to North Cotabato Province in the form of donation, once feasibility is guaranteed.

“Naisipan po namin na ialok ito sa provincial government lalo magkakaroon na dito ng airport,” PD Mayo said, referring to the Airport in M’lang with capability for commercial flights expected to be opened next year.

He added that one of the challenges includes the completion of four-lane roadways with the designated route for HERT. Fortunately, this can easily be addressed since Matalam- Mlang road widening is about to be completed, along with other thoroughfare projects in the province per Ms. Cynthia Ortega of the Provincial Planning and Development.

One of the HERT’s light version model (160 seaters) is currently in operation at the City of Cauayan in Isabela. Adoption of the said technology was made through a partnership with DOST II and Cauayan City LGU. The facility is used to ferry passengers from morning until the afternoon to selected locations within the city, which also includes the city’s own airport.