Solidum says PH’s first e-ferry embodies DOST’s vision of Smart and Sustainable Communities program

From the DOST public archive. Original source publication date: 2025-10-08. Captured 2026-09-04. Read the original DOST source.

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Science and Technology Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. said that the newly launched first-ever electric passenger ferry strengthens Smart and Sustainable Communities Program (SSCP) and is a perfect example of how this initiative can be brought to life, showing that sustainable transportation can be part of a city’s community experience.

The SSCP is a nationwide initiative that equips LGUs harnessing science and technology to build resilient, data-driven, and inclusive communities. It promotes digital growth, environmental stewardship, energy innovation, and climate-smart governance.

Developed by Filipino inventors from the University of the Philippines-Diliman, the M/B Dalaray, which means “flow of current” was introduced and demonstrated recently, at Plaza Mexico, Intramuros, Manila and will be fully operational this November 2025.

The solar powered ferry can carry a weight of 5 tons or up to 40 passengers and three crew, with a range of 45 kilometers at eight knots. It can be recharged in just 2-3 hours and can sail for up to 3 hours straight, which is perfect for daily trips along the Pasig River.

“The M/B Dalaray is the Philippines’ first locally designed and fabricated battery electric ferry, a product of Filipino ingenuity and collaboration. Funded by the DOST and monitored by the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), this project symbolizes our move toward a greener, cleaner, and smarter mode of transportation,” Solidum said.

Aside from its potential to help reduce congestion in Metro Manila, Solidum said the M/B Dalaray can also be used in disaster response and preparedness. Hence, the Science chief personally pushed for this project as a disaster and resilience advocate.

“With the frequent earthquake events happening in the Philippines, and the possibility of a major earthquake affecting Manila, our roads can be severely affected if the West Valley Fault moves. And one of our suggestions in Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study is to develop a transport system along Pasig River and across Laguna Lake,” Solidum said.

The Pasig River connects five major cities like Pasig, Makati, Mandaluyong, Taguig, and Manila. It could also connect Marikina, as well as several towns around Laguna Lake, covering Rizal and Laguna. Along its route are numerous schools, business districts, and tourist spots.

Aside from that, Solidum said it would be easier to transport assistance to affected areas across its routes if roads were not passable in times of disaster such as earthquakes.

DOST has invested over P962.6 million in electric vehicle research and related technologies since 2014, which is a testament to the department’s commitment to sustainable mobility.

The Smart and Sustainable Communities program (SSCP) is one of the many initiatives of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions and Opportunities for All. For more information, visit www.dost.gov.ph

The country’s first-ever battery electric passenger ferry, M/B Dalaray, sails along the Pasig River, near Jones Bridge, during its launch on October 06, 2025. The ferry is expected to be fully operational in November this year. (Photo from DOSTv)

DOST Secretary Soldium during the launch of the battery electric passenger ferry. (Photo from Karen Vivien Conducto, DOST-CO)

(By Claire Bernadette A. Mondares, DOST-STII)