SINAG, a modified electric tricycle designed specifically for delivery services, has emerged as the first Nestlé Philippines Net Zero IdeaNation grand winner.
The environment-friendly vehicles use solar-powered batteries, are cheaper compared to motorcycles and feature longer maximum distance than e-tricycles. It was pitched by the ACENV team composed of Neel Angeles, Arianne de Goma, Eljon Gerolo, Veronica Parreno, and Carmila Villaseran.
Nestlé and the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) recently signed an agreement to implement the project which seeks ideas from the youth to contribute to achieving net zero carbon emission by 2050.
At the awarding ceremony, the Trailblazer garnered second place and P10,000 for their ‘Bayan BioGas’ idea. The team was composed of Crizza Rodolfo, John Jayme, Justine Zamora, Ashley Anyayahan, and Roque Banzon.
Cris’s Angels, on the other hand, bagged third place and P5,000 for their ‘Coffee Cubes’ idea. The team was composed of Aneka Abarrientos, Mahonri Alquisalas, Justine Deverla, Angel Vi Manong, and Jhoanna Zapico.
The Nestle’s Choice Award went to AB6R: Hijo Hija Enerhiya (Step Energy). The team was composed of Abbey Jimenez, Mariellen Silab, and Leara Varzquez.
Joey Uy, Nestlé senior vice president and head of corporate affairs, said that more than just winning and coming up with solutions is the next step, which is “the course of action in the activities or ideas that you have brought, bringing it into fruition and to life,” Uy added.
The concepts were judged based on the big idea, net zero impact, delivery and presentation, and effectiveness by Patrick “Kip” Aguirre from Nestlé Corporate Communications — Digital; Olaf Miguel Bautista, Nestlé sustainability manager; Dr. Emil John Cabrera, UPLB Technology Transfer and Business Development Office director; and Dr. Ronilo Jose Flores, UPLB assistant professor of biology and planetary health advocate.
Uy added the company’s partnership with the university has served as an avenue to mold future entrepreneurs who prioritize social responsibility, critical thinking and innovations, among others.
Jose Camacho, UPLB chancellor, urges individuals to nurture and nourish the collaboration, operation, and communication as they work together toward sustainability of the environment in various communities.
Christine Ponce-Garcia, Nestlé assistant vice president for sustainability and public affairs, said the project was born out of a shared goal, purpose, and vision by the company and the university and of harnessing the youth’s potential toward climate action.
In her message on youth empowerment, Miss Earth 2017 Karen Ibasco said that the youth play an important role and that they have an impact.
“That is why young minds as those in your generation are worth investing in so they can create sustainable and innovative solutions that will benefit the planet and the future generation,” Ibasco said.
With the guidance of well-rounded, knowledgeable and competent professionals in their fields of studies like professors, and companies that share the same value as Nestle Philippines does, “you are on the right path and in great hands,” she stressed.
The results may not be immediately felt but making solutions now and taking action afterwards and continuing what has been started are essential to having a worthwhile impact, Ibasco pointed out.
Asked about the biggest enemy of the earth, Ibasco, without hesitation, said: “The real problem in the world is not climate change; it is people’s ignorance and apathy.”
“People’s minds need to be recalibrated and steps have to be redirected and taken because only together can we make a difference in the world,” she noted.
