DOST USEC. GUEVARA JOINS THE HYBRID ELECTRIC TRAIN PROJECT TEAM IN ITS CRUSH LOAD TESTING

Usec. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, DOST Undersecretary for Research and Development, visits the Hybrid Electric Train (HET) project team at the Philippine National Railways’ (PNR) Mamatid Station on Tuesday morning, 09 January 2018.  Usec. Guevara was joined by officials and personnel of the DOST-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) led by its Executive Director, Engr. Robert O. Dizon, and some representatives from the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) and the DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII).    

Walking towards the first passenger coach of the HET are DOST-MIRDC Executive Director Robert O. Dizon (L), Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, DOST USec for Research and Development (center), and HET project leader, Engr. Pablo Q. Acuin (R).

Walking towards the first passenger coach of the HET are DOST-MIRDC Executive Director Robert O. Dizon (L), Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, DOST USec for Research and Development (center), and HET project leader, Engr. Pablo Q. Acuin (R). 

USec. Guevara alights from the HET after joining the train's crush load testing.

It's a wrap! Team DOST-MIRDC joins USec. Guevara after a successful demo ride/crush load test.

The HET was launched to the media and the public in June 2016.  Implemented with the goal of augmenting the number of trainsets currently being used by the PNR, the HET project is envisioned to come up with an R&D output that will serve as a long-term solution to heavy traffic congestions in many parts of the country, particularly in Luzon.  Moreover, adoption and wide-scale commercialization of the HET technology will open doors of limitless opportunities for the local manufacturing industry.  With the HET, the country will build capabilities, enhance manufacturing productivity and competitiveness, and enjoy optimum economic benefits.  Truly win-win for every Filipino citizen. 

A series of tests is still scheduled to be conducted for the HET.   Repair and modification activities will be done this year.  This is to complete project deliverables, as well as to address recommendations from the value engineering/value analysis conducted by the Systra Philippines, Inc. on the HET.  All these are in the pipeline as the HET is being prepared for the necessary certification.