Manila  - The Philippine government has given the go signal for electric jeepneys or mini-buses to ply the country's public roads in a move that environmentalists hailed Monday as a "milestone" in efforts to ease global warming.

According to environmental watchdog Greenpeace, the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) issued guidelines for the classification of the "E-Jeepney" as a "utility vehicle for private and public use" on April 30.

The electric version of the Philippines' emblematic converted jeeps, or jeepneys, can be used for "non-commercial or commercial purposes or be hired to transport goods and passengers," the guidelines added.

Athena Ballesteros, head of Green Renewable Independent Power Producer, which oversees the E-Jeepney project, said the DOTC's go-signal would pave the way for the use of electric vehicles throughout the country.

"GRIPP welcomes this much-anticipated set of guidelines for electric vehicles as a major milestone," she said.

"The DOTC's go signal also means that we can now proceed with scaling up E-Jeepney fleets in various host cities, giving the Philippines the opportunity to leapfrog into climate-friendly sustainable transport," she added.

The E-Jeepney, which runs on batteries that are recharged using power derived from biodegradable wastes, was first launched in the financial district of Makati City in July
2007 as part of an initiative called the Climate Friendly Cities Project.

"The project demonstrates how cities can help mitigate the problem of climate change through implementing measures that would avoid the use of climate change-inducing fossil fuels," Greenpeace said in a statement.

"Through the project, a fleet of electric-powered jeepneys will derive energy from biodegradable wastes from the city's wet markets, food establishments and households," it added.

The Philippine cities of Makati, Baguio and Puerto Princesa are supporting the Climate Friendly Cities Project and has used the electric technology to power other vehicles. The Dutch Doen Foundation is also sponsoring the project. (dpa)