Sikat, tough amid bruises in the journey, stops over in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro

The Sikat trailer started from the MSU-IIT campus and drove around the city leading a motorcade in which about 100 students and faculty from MSU-IIT participated. It then stopped by La Salle Academy on its way, opening Sikat to elementary and high school students with the hope of planting the seed of renewable energy in their young minds.

Despite the efforts that Team Sikat poured into repairing Sikat all night, it was not able to perform a demo run for the crowd. This was because of the damage to the front wheel suspension sustained from bad road conditions on the way to Iligan City from Malaybalay, Bukidnon. However, this did not dampen the students’ curiosity but made them more eager to find out how bad the damage was to the solar car and how the team ably tackled the problem.

There was a strong showing of support from local schools in the Sikat exhibit:
 

1. La Salle University-Ozamis, with Engr. Grace Dulloso, Dean of LSU-Ozamiz’s College of Engineering leading the more than 150 students that came with them;
2. Andres Bonifacio College led by Engr. Torres, who with 19 students travelled all the way from Dipolog City, a 7- hour drive from Iligan City;
3. Esperidion F. Encabo-1 Memorial High Scholl from Puga-an, Iligan City, who brought the whole school with them, from first year to fourth year high school students numbering a whopping 500;
4. Tomas Cabili National High School led by Mrs. Chuchie Mondejes with around 200 students;
5. Maria Cristina National High School with 150 students, with Ms. Lilibeth Padayhag in charge.

Giving the invocation and opening address was Dr. Marcelo Salazar, Chancellor of the Mindanao State University. Engr. Jac Catalan then delivered the keynote address, emphasising the need to heed Mother Nature’s call for help. He further emphasised that the aim of Sikat is not to produce commercially viable solar cars but to create awareness on solar power and other renewable energy among Filipinos. Engr. Catalan, together with the MSU-IIT Chancellor, then proceeded to the ceremonial patching of the MSU-IIT logo to the Sikat Logo Wall, officially signifying that MSU-IIT is now part of the Sikat Solar Car Journey. Afterwards, Dr. Alagao awarded a plaque of appreciation to the Philippine Solar Challenge Society, represented by Engr. Catalan.

After the ceremonies, the students watched the audio-visual presentation of Shell of Shell, Sunpower and also Sikat’s music video. They also learned about the local effects of climate change with the documentary “Panahon Na!” They also learned more about climate change through the booth of First Gen, a power company that focuses on clean renewable energy. First Gen, Shell and Sunpower, together with Motolite, Ford and De La Salle University, comprise the Philippine Solar Challenge Society.

After lunch, a forum was held at MSU-IIT’s mini-theatre where students got to know more about Sikat; from its design, construction and down to its electrical wiring. Suiee Suarez, Shell Sustainable Development Manager, also talked about Shell’s Energy Scenarios, opening the eyes of the students to the possible outcomes of climate change and how we should respond to it. Sherwin and Darius from the World Wide Fund for Nature also enlightened the students about renewable energy.

Overall, the Sikat Exhibit, that coincided with the MSU-IIT College of Engineering’s 33rd Foundation Week Celebration, was a huge success. Not only did the students learn about renewable energy and climate change, it also instilled in the youth the importance of taking care of Mother Nature. [Zette Gabinete, Infinit 1]