|
Shell expressed its full support to the teams representing the Philippines at the inaugural Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2010 by handing over Php 300,000 to each of the three participating schools as financial assistance in a ceremony held recently at the Makati Sports Club.
Don Bosco Technical College, Mapua Institute of Technology and University of Santo Tomas students, professors and deans were present to receive the grant.
During the event, an additional Php150, 000 subsidy was given to the winner of the Facebook Fan Competition. The UST Engineering Eco-marathon Team was conferred with this award for being the first group to gather 5,000 fans in their Facebook fan page. To date, UST leads the pack with 9,870 fans, while Mapua and Don Bosco are yet to reach 5,000 fans with 4,730 and 3,767 fans respectively.
The event also became the perfect venue to introduce and meet with the team’s respective godfathers - former Shell executives who have volunteered to lend support and guidance for their alma mater. The Shell Eco-Marathon godfathers are the following: former Shell companies in the Philippines Country Chairman Eli Santiago for Team Philippines Mapua, former Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (PSPC) Health, Safety Security and Environment Manager Nards Ablaza for Team Philippines Don Bosco and former PSPC Vice President for Manufacturing Rico Bersamin for Team Philippines UST.
In his message to the students, Don Bosco godfather Nards Ablaza said, “The Shell Eco-marathon (SEM) Asia is a challenge that will entail us to work together. Rest assured that we are here, as your godfathers, to help you. I wish everyone success in SEM Asia.”
On the other hand, UST godfather Rico Bersamin said, “I am glad that UST, Don Bosco and Mapua have joined this very noble project. The country needs heroes, accomplishments and accolades because when we have these, our countrymen will regain their confidence and pull through these difficult times. I am also honoured to be selected as the godfather for UST. I promise to help you in any way I can. May God be with you as you tackle this worthwhile endeavour.”
In a separate engagement with Team Philippines Mapua, godfather Eli Santiago advises them that “the practical approach to engineering, beyond theoretical, will help them win the contest,” adding that the Filipino students are coming from a strong position.
The three student teams are among the 107 teams from all over Asia who are set to compete at the inaugural Shell Eco-Marathon (SEM) Asia in July 8-10 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. SEM is Shell’s flagship event championing fuel economy. It is about distance, not speed. The competition challenges student teams to design and build energy-efficient vehicles that travel the farthest distance using the least amount of fuel.
|