President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo lead the launching today of RP's first LPG-diesel hybrid vehicle. This is the latest innovation in the search for an effective fuel alternative. The launch was conducted at the MGE Terminal in a simple ceremony which coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

The ceremony was started with a ribbon-cutting ceremony which officially opened the MGE-Macro Auto LPG refilling station which is one of numerous LPG-refilling stations around Metro Manila. After the ribbon- cutting ceremony, the President was lead to a tour of the refilling facility which includes a ceremonial fill-up of the first LPG-deisel hybrid vehicle.

The sensational vehicle is a simple passenger jeepney which is fitted and converted to burn a mixture of 30% LPG and 70% diesel as its fuel. The conversion costs an astounding amount of 70,000.00 PhP but considered as a good investment when compared to its benefits like less diesel consumption, more torque and a smoother running engine.

In cooperation with the Automobile Association of the Philippines, Toyota Philippines and the LTFRB, the first batch of "World Class Public Utility Drivers" was also presented to the President. The drivers undertook a five-day training course at the National Center for Transportation Studies at the University of the Philippines in Diliman.