THE Philippines has proudly and consistently showcased its ingenuity and commitment to sustainability through its participation in the Shell Eco-marathon. Over the years, numerous universities have taken up the challenge, designing and building ultra-energy-efficient vehicles to compete on the global stage.
“By providing a platform for these bright minds to shine, Shell is paving the way for a future where technology and sustainability go hand in hand,” Serge Bernal, Shell Pilipinas Vice President of Corporate Relations said about the 2024 edition of the Shell Eco-marathon. “It is a platform to promote STEM. It also offers a unique opportunity to connect with individuals from various countries around the world.”
In recent years, teams like the University of Perpetual Help System-DALTA and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) have represented the country in the SEM Asia-Pacific and Middle East, demonstrating their technical prowess and dedication to eco-friendly innovation. Even earlier teams like UP-Dagisik from the University of the Philippines made a significant mark by winning the Urban Concept Battery Electric Category in the Shell Eco-marathon Philippines, achieving an impressive mileage of 110 km/kWh. This achievement not only brought recognition to the university but also inspired other institutions to participate and push the boundaries of energy efficiency.
As Shell Pilipinas marks its 110th anniversary, a new generation of Filipino engineers is gearing up to make their mark on the global stage of sustainable innovation. Seven teams from leading universities across the Philippines are set to compete in the Shell Eco-marathon 2024 Asia Pacific and Middle East (APME), a testament to the country’s growing commitment to cleaner energy and transportation solutions.
The 2024 SEM in Lombok, Indonesia, will see an impressive lineup of seven Philippine universities, including Mapua University, Adamson University, and De La Salle University Manila, among others. This highlights the growing interest in sustainable mobility within the academic community and the increasing recognition of the Shell Eco-marathon as a platform for showcasing engineering talent.
Miguel Licuanan, Hygears Team Manager from Polytechnic University of the Philippines, said, “When we encounter challenges along the way, people become the most powerful tool. We solve problems and can find solutions in various ways, allowing us to see the potential in each situation.”
Karise Evangeline Carlos, Cardinal One Team Manager from Mapúa University, said, “As engineers, we are problem-solvers. Sometimes we fail, sometimes we succeed. Here at Shell Eco-marathon, we developed soft skills and hard skills that we can apply in our engineering fields and future careers.”
The Shell Eco-marathon, a global academic program since 1985, challenges students to design and build ultra-efficient vehicles, pushing the boundaries of energy conservation. It is dedicated to promoting the values of perseverance, collaboration, and innovation, which are essential for the success of participating teams as they strive to achieve breakthroughs in energy efficiency and sustainable technology, while showcasing the technical prowess of young Filipino engineers but also fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation within the academic community.
The participation of Philippine universities in the Shell Eco-marathon aligns with the government’s science and technology roadmap, nurturing competitive STEM talents who can contribute to the country’s development and global leadership in sustainability. The competition provides a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience, apply theoretical knowledge, and develop critical skills that will prepare them for future careers in engineering and related fields.
However, the involvement of a fossil fuel company in promoting sustainable mobility raises questions about the sincerity of its commitment to decarbonization. Shell globally however positions all its actions—installation of EV chargers in its gas stations, the Eco-marathon, and other sustainability activities as part of their commitment to “Powering Progress” a corporate thrust to achieve net-zero by 2050, by providing more and cleaner energy solutions. They emphasize that the program focuses on energy optimization and inspires young people to become leaders in developing sustainable energy solutions.
Critics argue that such initiatives may be mere “greenwashing,” aimed at improving the company’s image rather than genuinely addressing environmental concerns.
Nonetheless, the Shell Eco-marathon provides a valuable opportunity for students to explore and develop innovative solutions for a lower-carbon future, regardless of the sponsor’s motives. The Eco-marathon serves as a platform to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and sustainability, while also fostering the next generation of engineers who will lead the charge in developing alternative energy sources.
By participating in this global event, Filipino students gain valuable hands-on experience in engineering, design, and project management, while contributing to the development of sustainable transportation solutions.
