In a sector dominated by profit-driven ventures, the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) stands out—not for the billions it makes, but for the billions it might one day save.

At the center of this nonprofit powerhouse is Edmund Araga, who is now serving his fourth term as EVAP President. “This is a nonprofit organization, but we only rely on our programs on the summit,” Araga said. 

The organization, run largely by volunteers and members from the industry, has taken on responsibilities that one might expect from government agencies: lobbying for policy, coordinating technical working groups, managing academic partnerships, and promoting public education. “If you have the wisdom and knowledge of how to make this work, that’s where the appreciation comes in… and in exchange of that you have the network and the capacity to talk with them [the government] directly,” Araga explained.

EVAP doesn’t just advocate—it builds. It organizes working groups that collect monthly data on EV sales and charging station development. It facilitates knowledge exchange through its academic chapters in schools like Mapua and Don Bosco. It even proposes long-term curricular reforms to embed EV technologies into the education system.

Despite the massive task list, resources remain limited. “We (will) never stop on our advocacy. We see that we contribute to society and to the government,” Araga said. He underscores the organization’s drive to provide students and government sectors valuable input on the future of electronic vehicles.

The stakes are high. A missed opportunity with BYD—a major EV manufacturer that opted to build in Cambodia—highlights the critical role that organizations like EVAP must play in keeping the Philippines competitive. “Two weeks ago, we just lost our opportunity. BYD will set their manufacturing tech in Cambodia. Not here,” Araga said.

Yet Araga is not discouraged. His motivation is rooted not in short-term wins but in generational impact. “This one is… dedicated for our future leaders and my kids.”

In a nation still grasping the realities of transport modernization and climate responsibility, EVAP is proving that leadership doesn’t always come from the top—it sometimes comes from the ground up.

Do nonprofit organizations like EVAP get the recognition and support they deserve? How can private-sector advocacy groups better partner with the government to advance national priorities like clean transportation? Tell us what you think.
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