October 8, 2025 · The Philippines will see its first-ever electric ferry in November 2025 along Pasig River, which connects Pasig, Makati, Mandaluyong, Taguig, and Manila. Funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), the passenger ferry was developed by Filipino inventors from the University of the Philippines-Diliman.
The M/B Dalaray, meaning “flow of current,” was unveiled at Plaza Mexico, Intramuros, Manila. A press release from DOST stated that it can carry a weight of 5 tons, or up to 40 passengers and three crew members, with a range of 45 kilometers at eight knots. It is set to go on daily trips along Pasig River, with full charging in just two to three hours and three hours of straight sailing.
Aside from its goal to reduce congestion in Metro Manila, Science and Technology Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. also stressed how it can be also be used in disaster response and preparedness.
“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.
This initiative is part of DOST’s Smart and Sustainable Communities program, and over a decade of electric vehicle research and related technologies amounting to PHP 962.6 million.
