Consul (a.h.) Thelmo Cunanan Jr will soon be bringing the Philippine-made, electric-powered Comet e-jeepney to Georgia. The vehicle is manufactured by Global Electronic Transport Ltd and runs fifty kilometres on a single charge. Each Comet has a CCTV camera for security, GPS tracking, and a computerized cashless payment system. Already running in several parts of Metro Manila, the Comet is ideal for eco-friendly, clean, and economical public transport in urban areas.

Consul Cunanan, together with the Georgian delegation—the first local government delegation from that country to the Philippines and Asia—led by Rustavi City Council Deputy Chairman Gocha Shavadze and joined by Teona Galogra, Head of Rustavi Economics Department and  Rustavi Councilors Merab Sulaberidze and Davit Skhirtladze, met with officials of Global Electric, represented by President Sigfrido Tinga and Managing Director Anthony Dy. The group held discussions at the company’s headquarters in Makati City, Metro Manila.

Mr. Tinga briefed the group about the history of the Comet, the technology employed, current developments, and the many advantages it offers as an alternate public transport vehicle. For their part, the Georgians asked many questions regarding the viability of such a vehicle for widespread use in their country, in particular Rustavi City. Most of the questions centered on customization for Georgia, maintenance issues, and cost-benefit analyses. After the presentation, the delegation was taken on a short ride around the area, to experience the actual ride in a Comet.

Consul Cunanan is currently working on a project to bring one Comet vehicle to Rustavi as a pilot project for possible future, widespread deployment in Georgia, including the capital Tbilisi. The vehicle will be a symbol of Georgia-Philippines relations, the friendship between the three cities (Cauayan, Santiago, Rustavi), and the coming sister-province relationship between Isabela and Kvermo Kartli.