^{(from L-R Nissan Philippines Customer Experience Specialist Reyman Viadoy, Manager for External and Government Affairs Queencel Segunial, Senior Manager for Digital Customer Experience Isa Suarez, Senior Manager for Communications Czarina Brodit, General Manager for Communications Dax Avenido, DOE- TFER Chairperson Undersecretary William Felix Fuentebella, and DOE Officials during the V2L demonstration)}

Manila, Philippines — In response to the ongoing unrest at Mayon Volcano, Nissan Philippines, in collaboration with the Department of Energy (DOE), is stepping up to aid disaster relief efforts in Albay. The automotive company is lending out a LEAF unit with a Power Mover, a mobile EV energy converter, to provide emergency power to evacuation centers in the event of a power outage.

The LEAF, Nissan's flagship electric vehicle, has a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability which enables the sharing of power from the vehicle to critical facilities, including evacuation centers, ensuring the uninterrupted operation of essential services during these challenging times.

The initiative is a result of the partnership of the DOE and Nissan under the Blue Switch Initiative, which aims to build an ecosystem among like-minded organizations utilizing the capabilities of EVs beyond mobility.

Juan Manuel Hoyos, President of Nissan Philippines, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership and the company's contribution to the disaster relief efforts, stating, "At Nissan, innovation goes beyond the vehicles we produce. By maximizing our electric vehicle technology, we can make a meaningful impact during times of crisis. We stand alongside the Department of Energy in assisting the affected communities in Albay by providing emergency power solutions through our Nissan LEAF."

Undersecretary William Felix Fuentebella of the Department of Energy emphasized the importance of public-private collaborations in addressing disaster-related challenges, saying, "Partnerships like this one between the DOE and Nissan are crucial in developing sustainable solutions to protect and support our communities during emergencies. The integration of electric vehicles and emergency power equipment provides an innovative approach to disaster response. We hope to help the Albay province in their energy needs during this time of crisis."

The partnership between Nissan Philippines and the DOE is just one of many collaborations under the Blue Switch Initiative as it continues to expand after its launch in 2022. Both Nissan and the DOE remain dedicated to creating a more sustainable and resilient future, harnessing the power of advanced technology and collaboration to support communities in need.