Shell welcomes Philippine delegates to Eco-Marathon Asia

At the SEM Asia Team Philippines launch held at the National Sports Grill in Makati City on November 18, 2009, Pilipinas Shell introduced the Philippine delegation that will be participating in the SEM, Shell’s flagship event championing fuel economy.

SEM is an educational project that challenges student teams to design, build, and drive the most fuel-efficient vehicle which produces the least emissions. It encourages innovation, reinforces conservation and fosters development of leading technology for greater efficiency. The competition is not about speed but distance. The vehicle that travels the farthest distance using the least amount of fuel will be declared the winner of the competition. Last year’s champion produced a vehicle capable of travelling 2,102 miles on the equivalent of one litre of fuel.

“The Shell Eco-marathon is Shell’s contribution in encouraging the creativity and passion of the youth to help meet the energy challenge,” said Shell Vice President for Communications Roberto Kanapi.

The start of something big

SEM began in 1939 as the “Shell Mileage Marathon” after a group of Shell engineers of Shell Oil’s Research Laboratory in the United States challenged one another as to whose car gave the best mileage. Today, it has grown to include more than 200 teams, gathering thousands of spectators and media attention.

Having gained popularity in Europe for over two decades, SEM was brought to the Americas in 2007 with much success. Next year, it is Asia’s turn to showcase its energy ingenuity in this global competition. To-date, over 100 educational institutions from Indonesia, Pakistan, Singapore, India, Malaysia, China, Iran, Taiwan, Thailand and the Philippines have signed up for participation in next year’s Shell Eco-marathon Asia debut.

Young energy advocates

The annual competition is divided into two categories namely: futuristic prototypes focused on streamlined vehicles where the primary design consideration is reducing drag and maximising efficiency, and Urban Concept vehicles, which are focused on more conventional four-wheel roadworthy criteria. All three Philippine teams are entering the futuristic prototype category.

Shell companies in the Philippines Country Chairman Edgar Chua welcomed the Philippine team from the top three technical universities composed of engineering students, who were accompanied by their respective deans and professors, to the launch of Team Philippines who will be waving the Philippine flag in the 2010 Shell Eco-marathon Asia.

“We are very happy to launch the Shell Eco-marathon Asia and for the Philippines to be represented by three teams who belong to the top technical schools in the country. Through this competition, we can showcase that the Filipinos can rank among top schools in the world,” said Chua. Further, he said that their good performance in the international arena will inspire other youths to take on technical courses that are instrumental to the growth and development of the country.

“On your shoulders rest the country’s hope and inspiration for the youth. Through this endeavour, we can demonstrate that we are among the best in the world and that we can excel,” Chua added.

Team Grigio of the Don Bosco College is represented by Mark Lester S. Arrieta (Team Leader), Angelo Blanco, Derrick Ferdinand Figueroa, Mark Liwell Lontok, Omega John Ruiz, Armin Lester Tan, Edmund Angels, Jason De Guzman, John Elvin Jimena, Janus Mangat, Geraldo Sadian and Erica Vicera.

Team Atalanta of the MAPUA Institute of Technology is comprised of Jericho Paulo Rivera (Team Leader), Kenneth John Caraig, Willor Garcia, Jeferson Nanao, Charles Alviar, Albert Jarwin Celera Cudal, Karl Anthny Go, and Richard Saul Turalba.

The UST Engineering Eco-Marathon Team is led by Tim Mervin Pasoquen Orille (Team Leader) together with Rizfer John Azares Cruz, Richard Ching Lao, Ricardo Martin Camara, Audric Colbert Lao, and Keith Russel Pilares See.

The Team that will achieve the farthest distance with the least amount of fuel, in both the prototype and urban concept categories of the Shell Eco-marathon Asia, will win a grand prize of US$1,500. Other prizes include the Solar Grand Prize, CO2 Award, Gasoline Fuel Award, Diesel Fuel Award, Alternative Gasoline Fuel Award, and Alternative Diesel Fuel Award. Special prizes are awarded for safety, technical innovation, design, eco-friendliness, communications and marketing, best team spirit, hospitality, and perseverance in the face of adversity.  [Jo Diana-Diga]