The first-ever Philippine made amphibios vehicle known as the “Tactical Operative Amphibious Drive (TOAD) which was designed by a research team in Batangas State University, was formally launched by the educational institutions alongside DOST-PCIEERD on February 4, 2016.
According to Batangas State University president Dr. Tirso Ronquillo, the amphibious vehicle TOAD is durable and rust resistant and maneuverable in open water navigation with up to six person capacity. The vehicle is powered by two four-stroke engines and be tracked electronically.
Based upon the reports of the state university and the Department of Science and Technology, the development of TOAD amounted to P1.4 million. The DOST-PCIEERD (Philippine Technology Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development) provided a P500,000 grant while the BSU shouldered the P900,000 cost of the amphibious vehicle.
The development of TOAD started during August 2014 and was completed in December 2015. The project is intended for use of local government units (LGUs) and other other organization in responding to calamities such as floodings and typhoons.
According to DOST-PCIEERD Chief Senior Science Specialist Engr. Alberto Mariño the “DOST-PCIEERD will continue to support research projects like TOAD to capacitate emerging research progress of SUCs in the region,” DOST-PCIEERD Chief stated.