DOST launches very first Pinoy-made hybrid train

The Department of Science and Technology on Saturday launched the very first Filipino-made hybrid electric train.

DOST Secretary Mario Montejo, incoming DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña, and PNR Chairman Manuel Torres led the launching held at the Philippine National Railways' (PNR) Tutuban station.

"Very proud tayo...very proud na kaya naman talaga ng Pilipino na gumawa ng train," said Montejo in a report by Katrina Son on "Balitanghali."

DOST spent three years in developing the prototype of the hybrid electric train, which it says is environment friendly and energy efficient as it uses both diesel and electricity, the report said.

Since the hybrid train is still in a commissioning stage, commuters may still have to wait three to six months before they can avail of the new trains.

"Magpo-provide kami ng mga facility para ma-test pa itong mga trains na ito. Titignan natin yung durability, safety, at saka, yung efficiency nung mga train, "PNR Chair Torres noted.

In its initial testing, the hybrid train ran for one kilometer at a speed of 30 Km/hour.

After the testing stage, the train will run from PNR's Tutuban to Calamba stations.

If the prototype passes several tests, DOST will request for additional funding to make more hybrid trains, the report added.

Chairman Torres, meanwhile, said the hybrid train can be a big help to the country's railway transportation system as it can increase the number of trains to cope with growing number of passengers. — John Ted Cordero/LBG, GMA News