The Apl.de.Ap Foundation International (APLFI), in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the William Davidson Institute (WDI), has released a study revealing a growing skills gap that could hinder the Philippines’ electric vehicle (EV) goals.
The report, “Driving a Just Transition to E-Mobility in the Philippines,” warns that up to 138,000 workers in internal combustion engine-related jobs may be displaced by the EV shift. These include mechanics, auto parts suppliers, and retail staff in industries tied to traditional vehicles.
Current EV training in the country is limited to basic skills like battery handling and charger installation. The study calls for capacity-building in advanced technical roles to meet future industry demands.
To address the challenge, APLFI and ADB are proposing a national EV Center of Excellence to connect government, industry, and education. The center aims to bridge policy and practice, foster public-private collaboration, and speed up workforce development.
“For us at APLFI, it has always been about people first,” said Apl.de.Ap, founder of APLFI. “We want the EV transition to create opportunities for workers, communities, and young people.”
APLFI Executive Director Audie Vergara stressed the center’s role in building an inclusive workforce, while WDI’s Diana Páez underscored the need for retraining and social protection. ADB’s James Leather highlighted workforce development as key to accelerating EV adoption.
APLFI’s plan positions the proposed EV Center of Excellence as a cornerstone for aligning the country’s e-mobility ambitions with sustainable and inclusive growth.
