The creativity of Filipinos is not just in the arts; sometimes it’s innovating what’s available and pushing through with it. One great example is using scraps from motorcycles and e-bikes, and upgrading them into an electric public-utility vehicle, like the one Mulawinan Centro E-Trike Operators and Drivers Association (MULCETRODA) uses.

Electric tricycles became the main source of income for the 117 members of MULCETRODA. It wasn’t without any challenges. The members were replenishing the batteries at their houses, having to go back home and then proceed to their station, wasting electricity.

A turnover ceremony for an e-trike microenterprise was held on January 10, 2026. It was headed by One Meralco Foundation and the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Sustainable Livelihood Program, with the support of the local government of Valenzuela City.

It started as a simple request for a plug to help energize the batteries of MULCETRODA members. The persistence of the members and their president, Editho Advincula, turned the inquiry into an e-trike charging station and a retail outlet for e-tricycle parts and other goods.

One Meralco Foundation president Jeffrey Tarayao says that it is the first of its kind that the foundation has put up, and he hopes that more partnerships for e-trike charging stations will materialize.

The drivers can pay using coins. The revenue gained through the charging station, the outlet, and other goods will be equally divided among MULCETRODA members.

If you’re curious and want to try it yourself, this is publicly available. You can check out the charging station at the Tricycle Terminal, 3S Center Building, Mulawinan Street, Lawang Bato, Valenzuela City.

This branded article was produced in partnership with Meralco.