ISSUE 1 2012
SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES
United for Sustainable Development Young people working together to address the energy challenge
Roving the ocean’s depths Explore and discover the underwater life using deep-sea robots  Safety wins customers for Shell Strengthening customer relationship with a unique value proposition
welcome Dear SWP Readers, This issue of Shell World Philippines (SWP) magazine showcases the many ways by which Shell engages the youth to become more energy conscious individuals, who are aware of today’s energy challenges and act responsibly to ensure a sustainable energy future. Recognising the importance of starting energy education among young children, we partnered with the Department of Education and the advocacy campaign group Mary Lindbert International to launch a 40-page “New Energy Future” workbook, which helps elementary students to understand energy issues such as climate change and educate them on how they can help take care of the environment. Late last year, Shell companies in the Philippines also held its first ever Sustainable Development in Action Youth Congress, organised in partnership with the Centre for Research Communication - University of Asia and the Pacific. The event brought together 300 youth leaders from various colleges and universities to talk about the twin challenge of meeting the world’s growing energy demand, while managing the carbon emissions that come from producing and using energy. It was delightful to witness how these students, who came from various academic disciplines, had such innovative ideas on how to utilise the knowledge they gained from school to solve sustainable development challenges in their communities. Apart from energy education, Shell has multi-faceted social investment programmes for the Filipino youth, ranging from our long-running arts and chess competitions that hone their creativity and sportsmanship, to vocational and academic scholarships that help them realise their full potential and become empowered members of society. We are in the business of powering people’s lives, and we are happy to share with you once again our many success stories of collaboration, partnership and capacity-building. Thank you and I hope you enjoy this issue of SWP magazine!
ISSUE 1 2012
SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES Meet the team Editorial Advisor Roberto S. Kanapi
Editor-in-Chief
Sankie G. Simbulan
COVER STORY
Managing Editor Jun Jay G. Jimenez
Copy Editor Fatima Cruz
Writers
Fatima Cruz Jocelyn Diana-Diga Jun Jay G. Jimenez
Contributors
Roger C. Borromeo Germaine Chuabio Dawn R. De Guzman Genevieve Generoso Carl V. Mamawal Rachel Manabat Angela Rebueno Tet Rivera Nimfa Villamayor To contact the SWP Team:
Mailing Address
Shell World Philippines 14/F Shell House 156 Valero St., Salcedo Village Makati City 1227
shellworldphilippines@shell.com
Website
www.shell.com.ph/shellworldphilippines
External Recognition
SANKIE G. SIMBULAN Social Performance Manager Shell Philippines Exploration, BV
Shell World Philippines is published quarterly for the employees of Shell companies in the Philippines and for interested readers outside the business. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the official views of any Shell company. The following expressions are inherent to Shell businesses in the Philippines: SciP (Shell companies in the Philippines), which encompasses its companies in the country; and Pilipinas Shell (Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation). The specific names of other Shell companies will be duly mentioned in the article. Shell World Philippines is published by the Communications Department for the Shell companies in the Philippines (SciP).
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ONLINE VERSION OF SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES MAGAZINE
Read the online version of Shell World Philippines magazine by typing the link into a web browser. Alternatively, use a smartphone with a QR reader app to scan this symbol.
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Roving the ocean’s depths
contents 14
Exploring underwater life using deep-sea robots to help energy companies to better understand the impact of their operations on marine life at the bottom of the sea.
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Putting energy into learning
Shaping the minds of the youth on their vital role in building a new energy future.
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News in brief
A mix of stories about the various business and social development activities of Shell companies in the Philippines that support the country’s quest for progress.
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Safety wins customers for Shell Growing the Shell business and strengthening customer relationships by sharing the company’s Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) best practices with customers.
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Shell Road Safety Camp for children: Making road safety a priority
Creating awareness on road safety and educating children on how to become smart road users.
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My unforgettable trip to London
An interesting account of a Filipina youth about her experience during the international public speaking competition held in London.
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Philippine ingenuity shining through Sikat II's journey harnessing solar energy
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ON SPOTLIGHT:
UNITED FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: YOUNG PEOPLE WORKING TOGETHER TO ADDRESS THE ENERGY CHALLENGE
www.shell.com/shellworldphilippines
A gathering of concerned and responsible youth who face the challenge of thinking of ways to contribute to the country’s sustainable energy future.
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Roving the ocean’s depths Water covers over two-thirds of the world’s surface, yet we have explored only a fraction of it. Scientists believe the ocean depths are home to thousands of unknown species. Now, thanks to deep-sea robots normally used by the energy industry, they are learning more about these creatures.
O
n a drilling platform in the Norwegian Sea, scientists gather around a screen showing images from the seabed. Nearly 1,500 metres below, light from a remotelycontrolled robot (ROV) equipped with a video camera illuminates the pitch black. Suddenly the scientists catch sight of a rare octopus, one of the little-known species that thrive here.
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“Deep water remains a great unknown,” says Andrew Gates, marine biologist at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, UK. “The high cost of equipment to explore at these depths restricts researchers to just a fragment of this vast habitat.” Borrowing robots Andrew and his colleagues hatched
plans for a novel scientific project that would help. After talking to ROV operators, they realised that oil and gas companies use many more ROVs in deep water than scientists had access to worldwide. These car-sized robots can operate at depths where the pressure is too great for human divers. The collaborative project, known as SERPENT, has set up research agreements that allow scientists to work with undersea robots at drilling locations when not in use. In turn, oil and gas companies learn
We are gaining a good understanding of the marine life down around exploration sites, and energy companies will learn how to better conserve it during their operations.
Andrew Gates, marine biologist at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, United Kingdom
Andrew's work is helping oil and gas companies to better understand the impact of their operations on life at the bottom of the sea. In the north-east Atlantic, for example, it is now known that steps companies have taken – such as the introduction of cleaner, water-based drilling fluids – generally limits this impact to a radius of 100 metres.
how best to limit the impact of their drilling. The SERPENT team has worked from Shell platforms in the Atlantic and the Norwegian Sea, using robots to sample organisms from the seabed. Underwater life The robots’ video and lighting systems reveal rarely seen creatures and relay the images back to the scientists on the platform. At South Uist off the coast of the Shetland Islands, for instance, Andrew saw a rarely-spotted jellyfish on screen
– the first recorded sighting since 1880. SERPENT has gathered thousands of films and photographs of species and analysed hundreds of sediment samples to help build up a picture of the ocean’s depths. Using the drilling and production platforms also gives the biologists a unique opportunity for research. “We can return to the exactly same spot in the ocean and assess natural changes over time,” says Andrew.
The information gathered could give operators further insight into how best to protect particularly sensitive habitats, such as deep-water corals and organisms that subsist on oil and gas molecules, while still accessing energy deep below. “Thanks to these partnerships we are starting to unravel some of the mysteries of the deep,” says Andrew. “We are gaining a good understanding of the marine life down around exploration sites, and energy companies will learn how to better conserve it during their operations.” SWP
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Students discover better ways in conserving energy and preserving the environment.
Putting energy into learning
F
ebruary saw the launch of the New Energy Future workbook in the Philippines – an educational tool distributed to a select number of public elementary schools in the country’s national capital region and Batangas Province. It is the result of a partnership between Shell companies in the Philippines, the country’s Department of Education and Mary Lindbert International Inc, and is part of Shell’s advocacy project dubbed the Shell Comprehensive School Programme.
and energy responsibility into the school curriculum.
The 40–page Future Energy Workbook is the latest development in this scheme. “The workbook tackles important issues on climate change and various ways of taking care of the environment,” said Shell Philippines NGO and Stakeholder Relations Manager Ronald Suarez. “It has been designed to help students appreciate their important role in building a new energy future as well as make them aware This initiative, launched in 2010, is of their contributions at an early an educational campaign that aims age.” To prepare for the launch to integrate energy consciousness of the workbook, public school 6 SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES
teachers attended an orientation and demonstration session, which featured an interactive mobile exhibit ‘The Energy Down Below’ about the Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power project, the first undertaking of its kind in the Philippines employing state-of-theart deepwater technology to draw natural gas, the cleanest fossil fuel in terms of CO2 emissions, from deep beneath Philippine waters. As Shell aims to meet the world’s future energy needs, its work in promoting responsible energy starts with today’s young generation. SWP
How a recently launched educational tool helps children in the Philippines learn about a better energy future Shell’s Social Investment We support community development projects indirectly through the Shell Foundation, an independent charity that focuses on poverty and environmental charities. We also work directly through national programmes, working with others on community projects linked to our business. These include education and skills
development, health and safety, the environment, and social cohesion. The projects we choose must be sustainable, delivering lasting benefits and be self-supporting when our participation ends. They must also involve local support and have a measurable positive impact in meeting community needs. We make sure they are transparent and that they can be shared and replicated.
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news in brief Shell scholar places 6th in Engineering Licensure Exam Placing 6th in the September 2011 Mechanical Engineering Licensure Examination, proud Batangueño Engr. Michael Panopio is on his way to achieving his dreams. But before becoming a licensed engineer, Panopio was a Shell scholar under the Science and Technology Education Programme (STEP), which aims to make a lasting contribution towards the improvement of higher education, particularly engineering, in the Philippines. Panopio is a graduate of the Lyceum of the Philippines University Batangas with a degree on BS Mechanical Engineering. He is one of the pioneer scholars when Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (Shell), particularly the Shell Refinery, launched STEP in Batangas.
“I feel very happy and proud for passing the Mechanical Engineer Licensure Examination. Moreover, I feel so blessed that God has given me an early Christmas gift, which is placing 6th in the examination,” said Panopio. As a STEP scholar, Michael had a taste of refinery operations during his stay in the refinery for about six months. He shared that the refinery has contributed to his growth as a person, saying, “Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation is a vital factor for me in achieving this milestone in my life. I have gained more knowledge and enhanced my skills during the course of the Refinery Operations Training Programme as much as I have developed my attitude and mindset after participating in the LEAD Workshop”. One of the benefits of being a STEP scholar is having the chance to
Batangas STEP Scholars gear up
Former Shell Tabangao Refinery General Manager Arnel Santos engages with STEP Batch 2 scholars.
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Engr. Michael Panopio
participate and engage one’s self in activities that will help in developing his/her leadership skills and attitude. “STEP helped me to grow as an individual in a way that I learned to always give importance to God and my family. It also taught me that being smart and experienced is not enough to succeed in one’s career. Success is also having the right attitude and maintaining good relationship with others.” [Dawn R. De Guzman, Batangas Communications Assistant] With the aim of promoting science and technology through scholarship grants and refinery operations training, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation and the Shell Tabangao Refinery welcomed the new batch of STEP (Science and Technology Education Programme) scholars, taking up engineering courses at the two top-performing schools in Batangas. The second batch of scholars is composed of 14 engineering students from Batangas State University and Lyceum of the Philippines University - Batangas (LPU-B). They had recently completed
Shell Pasacao depot distributes school supplies On November 16, 2011, the Local Government of Pasacao, in partnership with Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) and Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (Shell), distributed 1,164 packs schools supplies to the students of Pasacao Elementary School. Pasacao Central School Principal Mrs. Cecilia Bismonte, Pasacao Installation Terminal Manager Bernardo Marco and Pasacao Municipal Mayor Asuncion V. Arceño each delivered a message to the pupils of Pasacao Central School and their parents. The distribution of school supplies, which include notebooks, bond papers, pad paper, pens, ballpens, ruler, and crayons to Grades 1 – 3 pupils of Pasacao Central School ensued after the programme. The teachers were also given teaching materials such as a world map, globe, chalk and board eraser.
the Leadership Enhancement and Attitude Development (LEAD) Workshop, facilitated by the Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc., (PSFI) headed by PSFI Programme Officer Edwin Reyes. The Shell STEP scholars underwent refinery operations training until March 2012. One of the scholars is Mark Gil Macatangay, a Mechanical Engineering student from BatState-U. He is from Balete, Batangas City, and the fourth child in his family, where he has eight (8) other siblings. Growing up, Mark’s family faced financial struggles and vowed to find ways to alleviate their plight. As
In photo are (l-r) Mayor Arceño, Mrs Felicis of Pasacao Central, Bernie Marco and Roger Borromeo during the distribution of school supplies to elementary students.
Mayor Arceño thanked Shell and other partners for supporting the municipal’s programme and appealed for an earlier distribution of supplies in time for the opening of classes in 2012. The project is being done to increase the number of enrollees in public elementary schools where the majority of students belongs to underprivileged families who cannot afford to buy school supplies. [Roger C. Borromeo]
a kid, he would not ask for school allowance from his parents but instead sold mangoes and poultry eggs to support his school needs. At present, he works as a jeepney barker earning Php150.00 a day to help finance his studies. The STEP scholarship provided by the Shell Tabangao Refinery gave him new hope and opportunity to continue his studies. Minerva Alcantara, also a Mechanical Engineering student from LPU-B from Dumantay, Batangas City, is the eldest child in her family. When the family lost their father at an early age, her aunt had been
supporting her and her siblings financially and by sending them to school. While there are challenges and conflicts within the family, Minerva is aiming high to reach her goal – of someday buying their own property, travelling the world, and give back to her aunt who has been supporting them for over a decade. Aside from their intelligence and good attitude, these scholars have their own motivation and dreams that inspire them to be successful and make it big someday. Dreams that include not just their own self, but include the welfare of their families and the others. [Dawn R. De Guzman]
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news in brief Shell hailed as Most Outstanding Corporation in the CSR Practice
SciP Country Chairman Edgar Chua (2nd from right) receives the award from (l-r) FPI Director Dr Ernie Ordonez, FPI Chairman Jesus Lim Aranza, and FPI President Commodore George Chua.
The Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) awarded Shell companies in the Philippines (SciP) as the Most Outstanding Corporation in the Practice of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the 2011 “FPI Recognition Awards for Outstanding Practices and Initiatives in Sustainable Development” held on November 24, 2011 at the Hotel Intercontinental Manila in Makati City. The awarding ceremony was held during FPI’s “First Philippine Manufacturers and Producers Summit”, where industry representatives, policy makers, economists, private and labor sector groups, convened to raise public awareness on the strategic importance of the manufacturing and producing sectors in creating inclusive and sustainable economic growth for the Philippines. FPI is the umbrella organisation of manufacturers and producers in the Philippines, composed of 41 industry associations and 90 corporate members from various industries. "We are truly honoured to be recognised by the Federation 10 SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES
of Philippine Industries for our CSR initiatives. This affirms our strong commitment to Sustainable Development through our products, services and operations, as we constantly implement new and innovative ways to improve our operational efficiency, minimise our impact to the environment and help our customers do the same. We strive to keep looking for creative solutions to help meet the challenges of the new energy future and build strong partnerships to implement our CSR programmes for nationbuilding,” said Chua. Among the CSR programmes Shell implements are those in the areas of education, health, capacitybuilding/livelihood, environment and safety. These programmes include the “Gas Mo, Bukas Ko” scholarship programme for Shell forecourt attendants and transport sector dependents; Sanayan sa Kakayahang Industriyal (SKIL), which provides technical skills training for the youth; Sanayan sa Kakayahang Agrikultural (SAKA), which provides agricultural skills training and scholarships for youth in Palawan,
site of the Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power project operated by Shell and its joint venture partners; Movement Against Malaria nationwide malaria prevention and control programme that has helped to reduce malaria mortality by 90% and morbidity by over 60% all over the country; Panahiang Pangkabuhayan sa Pandacan (Triple P) and Bridging Employment through Skills Training (BEST) livelihood programmes; Shell Eco-marathon smarter mobility programme to promote the message of fuel-efficiency; Shell Green Scholars environmental scholarship programme to help establish Clean (Pasig) River Zone warriors; Shell Tabangao Refinery biodiversity programmes to protect coastal ecosystems; Waste management programmes such as the Shell Effluent Quality Improvement Project (EQUIP) to manage effluent from Shell operations; Bawas Basura sa Barangay (Triple B) solid waste management programme that also provides livelihood opportunities for communities; and safety programmes such as the Neighbourhood Emergency Services Team (NEST) disaster preparedness programme, regular Road Safety Camps and Workshops for Children and the Road Safety Flash Cards project for elementary schoolchildren implemented in partnership with the Philippine Global Road Safety Partnership (PGRSP), among others. As a responsible energy company, Shell contributes to sustainable development by helping to meet the world’s growing energy needs in economically, environmentally and socially responsible ways. [Jo DianaDiga]
Shell Bacolod Terminal responds to community fire contractors who responded were Joselito Galas, Marcelo Jamangal and Jerlen Abellar.
Contractors and security guards of Shell Bacolod Terminal were the first on-site response team that extinguished the fire that broke out in the terminal’s neighbouring community along San Juan Road, Brgy. 2, Sto Niño last December 15, 2011. With a strong HSSE mandate to assist in emergency situations in
the community and deliver quick decision-making, the contractors and security guards immediately responded to the situation. After a quick confirmation from the terminal management, Resty Aburido of the local GenCon team and Julius Caesar Gonzales of a project team promptly laid out fire hoses. They were assisted by security guards Leonilo Montalvo, Richelo Llavore and Daniel Calipayan. Other
By 11:30pm, respondents from the Bureau of Fire Protection [BFP] and Bacolod Amity Fire volunteer response teams arrived at the site. At 11:40 pm, fire out was declared. “Buti na lang nandito kayo! [It’s good you’re here to put out the fire!]”, said one of the BFP officials. Officials from the BFP and Barangays 1 and 2 extended their gratitude and commendation for the terminal’s swift and efficient response that helped avert the spread of the fire in the community. The valuable help of the project contractors and guards were recognised in a simple awarding ceremony held at the terminal. [James A. Gonzales, Terminal Operations Supervisor – Bacolod]
Three fishermen rescued by SPEX vessel off Palawan
Three fishermen were rescued by the Shell Philippines Exploration, B.V. (SPEX) Logistics Platform Supply Vessel (PSV) the AHT (Anchor Handling Tug) Lewek Ruby on November 22, 2011 near the Matinloc Platform in El Nido, Palawan. A total of five fishermen were in a boat that capsized due to large waves in the area, and
although two of them were able to swim to the platform and get onboard, three fishermen were still in the water at the time of the rescue. The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 1974 dictates that rescue efforts should be provided to any vessel in distress.
The Lewek Ruby was conducting water testing for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) near the platform area at the time of the incident. Lewek Ruby was immediately instructed to proceed to the site of the incident to locate and retrieve the people in the water. The crew of the vessel conducted a successful rescue operation, retrieved the three fisherman and were given dry clothes and food on board the vessel, before they were turned over to local officials at the El Nido port for further assistance. The rescue was a success through the joint efforts of the SPEX Logistics Team, in co-ordination with the SPEX HSSE Team and Joint Task Force Malampaya. [SPEX Communications]
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news in brief Triple P receives grant from DOLE
On October 14, 2011, the Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) awarded a Php300,000 project grant to Panahiang Pangkabuhayan sa Pandacan (Triple P), and at the same time launched the project at Brgy. 830 covered court in Pandacan, Manila. According to Kaye Rosario, Programme Officer of the Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), the grant was used in purchasing equipment and skills enhancement training of Triple P members. This is the second DOLE grant awarded to Triple P.
PSFI organised and financed various trainings of the beneficiaries such as skill-based training, capacity building, among others.
First Grant
Current Grant
In 2008, DOLE, through its ‘Tulong Pangkabuhayan para sa Mahihirap’ programme, partnered with PSFI’s Suporta sa Buhay (SUHAY) programme to establish the Scrap Fabric-based Production project. DOLE provided machines and raw materials for sewing. As counterpart,
According to Enrique Nalus, Director of DOLE-Manila Field Office, the grant which is under DOLE-Integrated Livelihood Programme-Community Enterprise Development Project, aims to transform existing livelihood projects in the Barangay into a community enterprise.
A people’s organisation called Panahiang Pangkabuhayan sa Pandacan (Triple P) was formed and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in October 2008. Because of PSFI’s successful implementation of the programme, DOLE awarded additional fund for Triple P’s further development.
Apart from PSFI, DOLE partnered with public and private organisations to implement the programmes. During the project launch, Rosenda Ann Ocampo, Congressman of District VI-Manila, and Rosalinda Baldoz, DOLE Secretary, also expressed their best wishes to Triple P and PSFI, and hoped for the full realisation of the project. Meanwhile, Chairman Emma Albasin of Brgy. 830, and Chairman Blandino Bujatin of Brgy. 833 believed that with PSFI as part of the support system, the grant will go a long way in improving Triple P and the lives of their constituents who are Triple P members. After the programme launch, the memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed led by Edgardo Veron Cruz, Executive Director of PSFI, Rosenda Ann Ocampo, representative of District VI-Manila, Alfredo Lim, Mayor of Manila, Louisita Dela Cruz, Director of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Emma Asusano, Director of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Manila, Emma Albasin, chairman of Brgy. 830, Blandino Bujatin, chairman of Brgy 833, Orlando Reyes, chairman of Brgy 833, and Raymundo Agravante, Director of DOLE-NCR. [Genevieve Generoso, PSFI Programme Officer]
PDSI receives SMILE Award from DOLE BWC For the sixth consecutive year, Pandacan Depot Services Inc. (PDSI) received the Safety Milestone Award from the Department of Labor and Employment-Bureau of Working Conditions (DOLE-BWC) for attaining No Lost Time Accident (LTA) from January to December 2010. The Leadership Team, together with our Safety Practitioners Arlene Atienza and Florencio Santoyo Jr., received the award last December 12, 2011 at the Bayleaf Hotel in Manila. [Nimfa Villamayor, PDSI Communications] 12 SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES
Shell supports IT Learning in Taysan, Batangas
Mayor Portugal and Ma. Divina De Leon (right) lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony while Mel Aguilera looks on.
The first phase of the “Unlad-Aral Para sa Taysan” Project, supported by Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (Pilipinas Shell), was inaugurated last December 13, 2011 at Taysan, Batangas with the presence of Taysan Mayor Victor Portugal Jr., former Batangas Communications Manager Ma. Divina De Leon, Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. (SPEX) External Advisor Mel Aguilera, and Sangguniang Kabataan Chairmen and councilors. Taysan belongs to the 2nd class municipalities in the province of Batangas, which has
20 barangays and is part of the 4th district of Batangas province. The two-phase project is a support to the information technology education of the students of Taysan, Batangas whose population is about 34,000 as of 2007. Pilipinas Shell donated six (6) sets of computers to the municipality which has 19 public elementary schools, two private elementary schools, four public high schools and two private high schools. [Dawn R. De Guzman, Batangas Communications]
Safety Man for a safe Shell workplace and corresponding controls were identified, and recurring observations were assessed to determine best practice controls and mitigating measures to improve safety awareness among the workers.
Adhering to the strong safety culture of Shell, Shell contractor AECOM implemented the Safety Man Award programme with their subcontractor Waste Solutions and Management Services, Inc. (WSMSI) at their remediation site in Pandacan, Manila. The initiative proved to be a crucial factor in Global Retail’s Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) management programme at the site, which posted 22,228 man-hours in five months without any incidents.
The programme was conceptualised to promote and instill behaviour-based safety among the site workers. All workers were encouraged to submit HSSE observations, interventions, and near miss reports. Each week, the best HSSE report is selected and the author receives a gift cheque and is recognised as the Safety Man of the week. During daily toolbox meetings, all submitted reports were discussed to the workers to ensure that all reported observations and interventions were shared to the team. These daily discussions ensured that encountered hazards
“We recognise your efforts in developing and implementing the Safety Man Awards, which is a commendable example of great safety delivery in the Shell community. We in the Global Retail Leadership believe that your programme is very practical but an effective way for all people working on a site to be aware of risks involved in operations by upholding safety practices at all times,” said Shell International Petroleum Company Vice President for Finance – Retail and Alternative Energies Russell O’Brien. [Jun Jay G. Jimenez]
A staff submits his report in the drop box SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES 13
cover story
Youth delegates, speakers and panelists of the 1st Shell Sustainable Development in Action Congress.
United for Sustainable Development: Young people working together to address the energy challenge By Tet Rivera
A
growing population in a progressing world poses one of the biggest problems now and in the future: How do we provide sufficient energy despite the perpetual rise in the demand for it? This was the subject tackled in Shell companies in the Philippines' (Shell) first Sustainable Development (SD) in Action Youth Congress held at the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) last November 12, 2011. Experts from government, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), the private sector, and the academe challenged over 200 youths from various universities in the Philippines to come up with
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proposals on how to power progress in sustainable ways. Addressing the 9 billion challenge In his keynote address, Shell companies in the Philippines Country Chairman Edgar Chua described how the world will look like in 2050 and the future energy challenges the world will be facing,considering that the world population is expected to grow to 9 billion, which is like adding another China or India to the planet today. “In 2011, the 7th billion person was born. By 2050, the world will be experiencing a triple dilemma
wherein we will have to balance the demand for energy, food and water. We will need to look at the impact of energy in the economy and the environment, and look at its availability, accessibility and affordability.” By 2050, more people will be shaking off energy poverty, buying their first fridge, computer or car. With progress and development, global energy demand could double, yet CO2 emissions will need to be halved to avoid serious climate change. “There is a significant increase in the demand for energy because of economic growth. The west is an
various organisations that empower the youth, protect and conserve the environment, and build capacity among its neighbouring communities. Chua enjoined the participants of the Shell SD Youth Congress to think of ways to contribute to the country’s sustainable energy future.
Shell Country Chairman Edgar Chua with panel reactors at the Youth Congress (l-r) Director of the Centre for Research and Communication Dr. Bernardo Villegas, Vice Chairman of the Centre for Social Responsibility of the UA&P Colin Hubo, Gawad Kalinga Founder Tony Meloto, Department of Energy Undersecretary Atty. Jose M. Layug, Jr., 5th term President of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Hubert d'Aboville, and President of UA&P's Business Economics Association Jorenz Perez.
area where energy demand has already matured, while in the east, energy demand is growing; and economic growth is significant,” said Chua. To address the 9 billion challenge, Chua said there will be a need to deliver more, cleaner and smarter energy. As a responsible energy company, Shell is delivering more energy by developing new sources of oil and gas and investing billions on research and development more than any other international oil company. Shell is also delivering cleaner energy through the production of cleanerburning natural gas, the cleanest fossil fuel, emitting 50% to 70% less carbon dioxide than coal in electricity generation. By 2012, more than half of Shell’s production will be natural gas. Shell is also delivering smarter energy by offering more efficient fuels and lubricants, as well as offering smarter driving tips and programmes to improve fuel-efficiency. Shell is one of the largest suppliers of biofuels, having moved into the production of biofuel from Brazilian sugarcane. “In the Philippines, we believe that we need to power progress through responsible energy. One of the projects that we are most proud of is the Malampaya Deep Water
Gas-to-Power project, which heralded the country’s natural gas industry. It provides close to half of the power generation needs of Luzon. We are also helping our customers emit less by teaching fuel efficient driving and offering breakthrough fuel products such as Shell FuelSave Unleaded and Shell FuelSave Diesel that help customers save on fuel with every tank fill. Shell was likewise the first oil company to comply with the country’s Biofuels Law, offering ethanol-blended gasoline and diesel with Coco Methyl Ester (CME) component. Likewise, we are reducing our own emissions by implementing energy efficiency programmes in our operations, reducing flaring, and implementing Project Greensite to make Shell retail stations more energy-efficient. Moreover, Chua cited numerous social investment programmes of Shell such as the ‘Gas Mo, Bukas Ko’ (Your Gas, My Future) scholarship programme for Shell station staff and transport sector dependents, and sustainable partnerships with
“We recognise that the youth are an important stakeholder group and that in order to achieve genuine sustainable development for the country, we must do what we can to empower the Filipino youth – the country’s future planners, leaders and decision makers,” said Chua. Powering Progress Together Dr Bernardo Villegas, Director of Centre for Research and Communication (CRC) in UA&P, lived to his reputation as “the prophet of boom” and gave a forecast of 7 to 9% economic growth for the next 10 to 20 years. Moreover, he emphasised that this generation will experience not only inclusive growth but also sustainable growth. He recognised Shell’s contributions toward this development,
Youth delegates work together to come up with proposals to address the energy challenge.
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cover story as it delivers cleaner energy while managing impacts, carbon emissions, and striving to be a good neighbour to the surrounding communities where it operates. However, Dr Villegas underscored the importance of working together in securing a sustainable energy future and emphasised that the youth, holders of the future, are important stakeholders to achieve this development.
that our country is blessed with natural sources of energy. He discussed the projects ECCP is involved in to fulfill this endeavour and commended Shell for prioritising sustainable development initiatives. He says that today, SD goals should be more than just a marketing tool but a motivation for good governance and social responsibility – shown by treating sustainability as a major part of development.
Department of Energy (DoE) Undersecretary Jose M. Layug, Jr outlined DoE’s programmes that aim to meet the Philippines’ demands for energy and to improve operations. He discussed the energy reform agenda, which is the government’s new major policy that involves finding potential alternative energy resources in the country as well as providing fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to developers. They are also working on strengthening communication with transport groups and aid the workers by providing fuel subsidy in times of increasing fuel prices. Their long-term project includes exploration of new sources and the monitoring of world prices.
Meloto expressed his appreciation for Shell’s assistance and support for Gawad Kalinga’s programmes for nation-building, citing that Shell has helped build 34 farms for typhoon victims, set up disaster centres in Baseco and supported the building of GK sustainable communities. “This is the best time to be a Filipino,” he said as he roused the youth to be patriots of the country that would help their countrymen rise from poverty.
Aside from panelists Dr Villegas and Usec Layug, the other panelists, composed of Hubert d’Aboville, fifth-term president of ECCP and representative from the business sector; Tony Meloto, Founder of Gawad Kalinga and representative from the private sector; Professor Colin Hubo, Vice Chairman of CRC, UA&P Professor, Elected Stakeholder Council Member of the Global Reporting Initiative (Amsterdam) and representative from the academe; and 5th year Industrial Economics student in UA&P, President of the UA&P Business Economics Association (BEA) and youth representative Jorenz Perez, each expressed their views on sustainable development. D’Aboville highlighted the importance of improving the Philippines’ energy security and environment competitiveness—given
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Colin Hubo, on the other hand, praised Shell for setting the benchmark in voluntary sustainable development that has been adopted even by the United Nations. He commented that it is useful in improving the company’s transparency as well as furthering the solutions to social and environmental concerns through the blending of best practices, new knowledge and effective policies. He called on Shell to align their SD in Action reports with the Philippine commitment to the Millennium Development Goals.
Youth in Action It is not an easy venture to make the youth understand the gravity of the need to address the growing energy challenge. Jorenz Perez, UA&P student leader, gave the audience the necessary push to mobilise the audience to take action. He encouraged his fellow students to bank on their idealism
and creativity in contributing to the solutions to the challenge. He added that sincerity in pledging for any cause starts with understanding the issue and being truely commitment. Thus, he encouraged his fellow students to communicate with one another and learn from experts to have the right mindset.
Youth delegates pledge their commitment.
Former Shell Downstream Communications Manager Mylene Santos gives her closing remarks before youth delegates.
The afternoon session was spent for a workshop that enjoined each youth group, composed of 15 to 25 members from different universities, to come up with creative and patriotic proposals that address what they consider as the main obstacles to sustainable development. As important stakeholders of government and business, their solutions should
facilitate the active participation of the rest of the group, in collaboration with Shell and other partners. The panel of judges for the best Sustainable Development (SD) Idea was composed of DoE Director for the Oil Industry Management Bureau
Youth leader Jorenz Perez
DoE Director Zenaida Monsada
Zenaida Monsada, UA&P School of Economics Dean Dr Peter Lee U, and former Shell Downstream Communications Manager Mylene Santos. The best SD Idea award was bagged by the group that presented the proposal of establishing a
youth organisation that will lead the creation of a learning facility to conduct workshops on proper waste segregation. The participants responded positively to the Youth Congress’ call for working towards a sustainable energy future. Jemima Landong, a senior Political Economy student from UA&P, said that she “was surprised that this just-one-day conference of Shell is enough to motivate students on how to responsibly use energy”. Students were particularly appreciative of having had the opportunity to interact with like-minded students from other universities. Rea De La Torre, also from UA&P, reacts, “What I appreciated in the Shell Youth Congress was the diversity of fields the participants came from. All ideas, may it be from young economists, environmentalists, political scientists, engineers, among others, were well incorporated. This only proves that science cannot stand alone, and that unity is needed to attain true sustainable development.” This insight is shared by Raymon de Asis of Ateneo de Manila University, who said that “the top universities do not hold all the talent in the Philippines. Universities and colleges specialising in different fields can work together by providing their best talents to help address big issues such as sustainable development.” Justiene Ortega, from AIESEC San Beda, said that “sharing the SD advocacy with the youth sector is a great step towards its realisation. I am hoping that our ideas would really help Shell in their advocacy and also in effectively involving the youth in the campaign for energy conservation that energy competitiveness may be strongly imbibed in the next generations to come.”
Jorenz Perez brought the event to a close by leading the student audience in the pledge to uphold the principles of sustainable development to other youths by actively making effective contributions in their respective fields of expertise—all done in the spirit of patriotic decisionmaking. Mylene Santos, former Shell Downstream Communications Manager, emphasised the important role of the youth in sustainable development. “In Shell, we recognise that we cannot do without partners and we recognise your important contributions. This event is a plea for all on the importance of our individual contribution to ensure our sustainable future.” The challenge, however, stands tall for the participants—for knowing the youth’s role and what they can contribute in sustainable development is only half the battle. Through the event, not only were the youth brought to the same page in terms of dealing with the energy challenge, but the importance of action and cooperation were also underscored. These are the main ingredients for transforming a shared vision of a progressive future into reality, and still with an energy reservoir enough to power progress for generations to come. Shell partnered with the UA&P’s Centre for Research and Communication (CRC) in organising Shell’s SD in Action Youth Congress. The Youth Congress is the official launch of Shell’s Sustainable Development (SD) in Action report – an annual publication outlining Shell’s contributions to sustainable development in the Philippines.SWP
(www.shell.com.ph/sdinaction)
SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES 17
Safety wins customers for Shell Can we grow the business and strengthen customer relationships by offering our customers safety advice and technical knowledge? The Philippine experience demonstrates how an integrated HSSE and technical training gained positive feedback from business partners and reinforced Shell’s position as the ‘partner of choice’ for Commercial Fuels (CF) customers. By Rachel Manabat, Pilipinas Shell Commercial Fuels Account Manager
S
afety is topmost priority for Shell. Shell takes the lead in promoting safety as a “licence to operate”. In all of its operations, no activity begins without talking about matters of safety. Employees have embedded the safety culture by demonstrating a commitment to make Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) an integral part of everyone’s daily routine. Being more than just lip service, Shell’s HSSE standards have evolved to be a driving
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force for Shell to earn the confidence of its customers and stakeholders. Shell demonstrates a commitment to make HSSE inherent in the way our customers do business. Recognised for its strong HSSE culture, Shell takes the lead in making its operations in all of Shell facilities worldwide a showcase of safety excellence. We consider HSSE as an essential part of our operations. We believe that sharing our HSSE best practices are equally important and beneficial to our customers. We have long embarked on a journey that aims to influence our business partners to embrace HSSE as an integral part of their operations. It all started during my customer visit at Carmen Copper Corporation’s mine site. The site personnel discussed the need to have a HSSE refresher course on site. They recalled various modules that were critical to their operations and beneficial to old and new employees. I took note of those modules and travelled back to our regional office. The very next day, I called my colleague Carla Torre and discussed what had transpired. Interestingly, Carla narrated her recent customer interaction
experience and highlighted the need for technical training. We both realised that having an integrated course may be beneficial to our Shell Commercial Fuels customers. Establishing the need Our team seized the opportunity to provide HSSE training for the entire Central Eastern Visayas (CEV) region with its significant number of existing and potential customers. Our objective was to strengthen HSSE awareness among our existing customers and compare existing procedures within customer-specific sites in various industries. In fact, our customers had site personnel who had only been with their respective companies for less than a year and possessed very limited knowledge on HSSE. We also gave potential customers a venue to validate their current HSSE practices and compare the type of trainings they receive from their current suppliers. Prospects for Shell The programme was open to all identified current customers that needed an HSSE refresher course and all identified potential customers in our active pipeline list whom we felt would be encouraged to partner with
Shell after going through HSSE training. Targeting decision-makers in the companies we have identified, we had provided training which had the potential to encourage Safety Officers, Materials/Fuels Managers, Purchasing Focals and Fuels Receivers to recommend to top management of their respective organisations to sign-up with Shell for their energy requirements. The attendees, classified according to industry sectors, were from Wholesale (PhilAsia Resources, J&P Asia, Inc.), Hotel (Shangrila), Construction (Geo Transport), Manufacturing (CEMEX, Atlas Fertiliser, Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc., Petrochemical (Concrete Solutions, Linde Philippines South, Inc.), Mining (Carmen Copper Corporation, Adlaon Energy), and Power (Toledo Power Corporation, Cebu Energy Development Corporation, National Power Corporation-Cebu, Cebu Power).
respective industries. It also aimed to have an open discussion to share best practices inherent within the various industries that everyone can leverage on. There were a lot of efforts put into organising this event and coordinating with the relevant people to make it happen. An essential part of the course was to create and modify presentations according to the needs of our customers. The training sessions were held in the latter part of 2011 at Diamond Suites in Cebu City, Carmen Copper Site in Toledo City, and Shell Southern Islands Regional Office in Mandaue City. Present from Shell’s team were HSSE Manager Leo Lloren, Engineering Consultant Greg Sarmiento, Mandaue Terminal Manager Joan Tan, Marine Adviser Rhoel Alba, and Field Based Account Managers Rachel Manabat and Carla Torre.
Learning HSSE A three-day training event on HSSE was organised for selected Commercial Fuels lorry-delivered and vessel-delivered customers, including potential customers. The training covered the following topics: Product Knowledge, Hazards & Controls, Product Receiving, Basic Engineering Design, Maintenance of Fuel Tanks, Dispensing Facilities, and Ship-toShore Safety Procedures. The session primarily aimed to guide customers in identifying hazards and managing associated fuels related risks in their
Value to Shell We aimed to use HSSE as a valid Customer Value Proposition in strengthening our relationship with existing customers and attracting identified potential customers. It is important to understand our customers’ needs, capitalise on our strengths/ resources, and eventually increase value to our potential and current customers. Such activities distinguish us from competition that would ultimately help us grow the business
and truly differentiate us from being just a fuels supplier to a preferred business partner. Examples of partnerships that we have showcased through the HSSE training course were Carmen Copper Corporation and Linde Philippines South, Inc. Value to our customers These were just few of the feedbacks shared by our training participants. “The training was a good avenue for our company to review our current operations and apply the necessary improvements. We truly appreciate Shell’s dedication to share best practices,” said Carmen Copper Corporation’s Materials Manager Aries Labadan. “When is the next session similar to this?” asked Nora Visarra Viardo from National Power Corporation – Naga Division, who expressed interest to undertake more learning sessions. The attendees did not only gain new knowledge about best practices in HSSE, but were reassured that they have partnered with the right supplier that is capable of delivering the best products and services which can help them achieve their operational objectives. A testament to the success of the HSSE training, we now have customers’ staff with improved HSSE awareness and process improvements in place within our customers’ premises. SWP
SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES 19
Shell Road Safety Camp for Children: Making Road Safety a Priority
By Angela Rebueno
A
ccording to the World Health Organisation (WHO), road traffic injury is one of the top ten leading causes of death, killing 1.3 million people each year. With the aim of reducing global road deaths by 2020, the United Nations launched in 2011 the Decade of Action for Road Safety. In support of this campaign, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (Shell) and Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) held a Road Safety Camp for 350 public elementary school students in the cities of Bacolod, Mandaue and Cebu. The modules covered Road Signs and Signals, Bicycle and Motorcycle Safety, Pedestrian Safety and General Road Conduct and Commuter Safety. The Road Safety Camp for Children is an activity that brings together students of participating schools in one venue with the objective of creating awareness on road safety and at the same time educating children on how to become smart road users.
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Road Safety Camp Bacolod “Red means stop, green means go, and yellow means slow down!” the 150 grades 5 and 6 students of Andres Bonifacio Elementary School (ABES) 1 and 2 chanted in unison during the Road Safety Camp for Children held last October 28, 2011 at the SM City Bacolod Event Centre. The event was bustling with the enthusiasm shown by the road safety campers along with their teachers. “This activity looks interesting. It is my first time to attend a road safety camp, that’s why I’m very excited,” said Asherah Bobiles, a grade 5 pupil of ABES 1. RSC hosts and mentors Shell Bacolod Terminal Operations Supervisor James Gonzales and Shell Mandaue Terminal Manager Joan Tan thrilled everyone with a galore of prizes. “Road safety is everyone’s responsibility and as road users, we should all comply with road traffic rules and intervene when you see unsafe acts or conditions,” said Ronald
Suarez, Shell Philippines NGO and Stakeholder Relations Manager, during the opening ceremonies of the Road Safety Camp. Joining Gonzales and Tan as RSC mentors were Edwin Reyes of PSFI Batangas, Conrad Parizal of Shell Tabangao Refinery - Batangas and Joseph Oyco of Vallacar Transit, Inc. “When crossing the street, it is very important to wait until it is safe to cross. Look to your left, then to your right, then to your left again before crossing,” Edwin Reyes reminded the campers during the booth discussions. “You must ride and get off a vehicle only at the correct loading and unloading zones,” Joseph Oyco told the campers as he lectured on commuter safety. “When riding a bicycle or motorcycle, don’t forget to wear the right kind of helmet. This will protect your head from injuries,” said Conrad Parizal during the Bicycle and Motorcycle
safety lecture. At the end of the camp, Safety, Pedestrian Safety and General Road Conduct, Road Signs and 6th grader Carmina Tilad and 5th Symbols and Commuter Safety. grader John Fred Acuna of ABES I were chosen as outstanding Road Safety Campers. A Road Safety Jingle Making Contest added sparkle to the activity, with students singing and dancing to “I believe that this Road Safety songs about road safety. The campers Camp is a good start to make from Tejero Elementary School won roads safer and develop smarter the contest. pedestrians in Bacolod City,” said Amando “Boyet” Lacsamana III, Shell Bacolod Terminal Manager. Present during the Road Safety Camp were Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Dr Eleanor Salgado and Road Safety Camp Mandaue Dr Luz Jandayan of DepEd, LTO Some 200 grades 5 and 6 students Director Raul Aguilos, PNP Director from Looc Elementary School, Melvin Ramon Buenafe, Atty. Jamal Mandaue Central School, Tejero James Calipayan of the Mandaue Central School and Cebu City City Mayor’s office, Shell Social Central School participated in Performance Head for Distribution the Road Safety Camp held on Janot Barretto, Shell Mandaue November 5, 2011 at The Trade Terminal Manager Joan Tan and Hall of SM City Cebu. Shell Road Safety Manager for Downstream Ronald Pacio. “Children have to learn the importance of road safety at an early age. We believe that this Road Safety Camp is a good project which will benefit our children,” said Land Transportation Office (LTO) Director Raul Aguilos. LTO and Cebu City Traffic Operations Management officials acted as road safety mentors and discussed topics such as The Good Driver, Bicycle and Motorcycle
Road Safety Camp Pandacan A total of 194 students from St. Joseph Parish School, Mariano Marcos High School, J. Zamora Elementary School, EARIST High School, Carlos P. Garcia High School, Beata Elementary School, Bagong Diwa Elementary School, Bagong Barangay Elementary School participated in the
Road Safety Camp for Children organised by PSFI Pandacan team on November 18, 2011 at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Sta. Mesa gym. Narciso Dioko and Michael Bernardo of the Manila Traffic Police Bureau (MTPB), Antonio Pagulayan of Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Olivia Mamisay and Diane Closa of PSFI-Batangas, Gil Padua of Maintpro Consultancy Inc and Cynthia Reyes of the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) served as road safety mentors. Aside from the usual Road Safety Camp booths that showcased different modules on road safety, Bachelor of Transport Management students from PUP Sta. Mesa conducted different games related to road safety. “I now have a better understanding why our roads are dangerous,” said Queenie Mae Bania of CP Garcia High School. “I learned a lot about traffic rules and regulations. I hope that another road safety camp similar to this one will be conducted next year so that other students will learn as well,” said Clarence Amores of Bagong Barangay Elementary School. SWP
SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES 21
My Unforgettable By Germaine Chuabio, Philippine representative to the International Public Speaking Competition of the English Speaking Union
Germaine delivers her piece before the judges and audience at the International Public Speaking Competition in London.
I
've been a Jane Austen fan for as long as I can remember. Having read my copy of Pride and Prejudice until the pages were yellowish and brittle like parchment, I had daydreamed about visiting England and meeting modern-day Miss Elizabeth Bennets and Mr Darcys over delectable cups of afternoon tea. If someone had told me that I would've done exactly that before 2011 ended, I wouldn't have believed him/her. But I guess things took a pleasantly different turn for me. It all started in February 2011 when I was online on Facebook and stumbled upon an interesting poster of a national public speaking competition. Open to all sixteen to twenty-yearold students in the Philippines, the competition aimed to search for a representative to the annual English Speaking Union (ESU)
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Trip to London International Public Speaking Competition (IPSC) in London. Since 2011 was my last year of eligibility in the competition due to my age, I figured I could give things a try. With a five-minute prepared speech on the theme "Lessons for the Future," almost fifty students from across the country, myself included, competed in three rigorous elimination rounds to win the coveted championship. I was humbled to be among such articulate speakers so I was certainly surprised when English Speaking Union Philippines officers chose me to be the winner from among six finalists. Indeed, it was a blessing when Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (Shell) agreed to sponsor my roundtrip airfare to the UK. A couple of weeks before my flight, I personally met with Shell companies in the Philippines Country Chairman Edgar Chua
and the other officers of English Speaking Union Philippines to thank them for their support and promise to do my best in the international competition. The sights and sounds of London were delightful. My parents and I decided to arrive in the city a few days before the competition week to tour the city and the countryside. We visited famous landmarks in London such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. Inside the Tower of London, an old castle surrounded by a moat and fortress, we viewed the mesmerising Crown Jewels used during the coronation of England’s monarchs. A visit to Bath, where we appreciated the rolling hills of the peaceful English countryside and where Jane Austen herself used to live, completed our trip.
A strong contingent of competitors from different universities all over the world.
The English Speaking Union arranged public speaking workshops and tours to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre a couple of days before the competition dates. Together with my roommate Jill Xu from China, I made friends with more than eighty young people from 48 countries like Russia, Ukraine, France, Lebanon, Ghana and India. Our group was like a microcosm of the world as people of different races and creed came together for an event. But one thing common stood out – everyone was so articulate in English it seemed to be their first language. I had no doubt a tough competition was ahead. On the morning of May 26, 2011, the first round of the competition divided the eighty-one contestants into eight heats where they delivered their five-minute prepared speeches on the theme “Words Are Not Enough.” I wrote a speech entitled “A Mother’s Love” about my twin sister Gillian, a special child, who has had difficulty learning words since we were children. Because of her condition, my mother decided to finish a master’s degree in special education and eventually put up a school for special children where my sister currently studies. In the bigger scheme of things, my sister is the lucky one as she is fortunate to receive proper educational intervention. Sadly, because of the lack of special education teachers in public schools, many of the special children in our country are not accommodated. Nevertheless, these special children are loved by their mothers. After all, not everything that counts in life can be counted with words. A mother’s
SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES 23
Germaine enjoys the company of her new colleagues during the competition.
hug, kiss, and love may mean so much more to a special child. The following day, three contestants from each heat advanced to the semifinals. As my name was called, my happiness was almost immediately replaced by my jittery nerves as the semi-finals posed the daunting task of delivering an impromptu speech. The twenty-four semi-finalists were each given a different topic to think about fifteen minutes before speaking. Given the topic “The best things in life are free,” I talked about the importance of family and the values of love, respect, and understanding that we learn. Being a Filipino, I know that the best things in life are at home, close to my heart. As twenty-four semi-finalists were further slimmed down to six, a tense silence pervaded the room. When my name was announced, I could almost jump for joy as I joined the other five finalists from Malta, India, Ghana, South Korea and China. The final round was held in the headquarters of HSBC at Canary Wharf where an audience of two hundred people listened to the finalists deliver their prepared speeches without a microphone. The finalists also had the challenge of answering the audience’s questions about their speeches. A panel of adjudicators, including BBC journalist Lucy Hockings, judged the final round based on reasoning, delivery, credibility and ability to answer questions. I wouldn’t necessarily be telling the truth if I say I did not want to win the championship and receive an award from His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, at Buckingham Palace. In the end, Jeon Wong, an Ivy-league student from South Korea, took home the trophy with his speech on job satisfaction. I was saddened
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by the thought of disappointing my country, for failing to rank first. I believe I did the best I could. All the finalists were good in their own way. Nevertheless, I am happy and contented. To just be among the top six finalists is already an honour. And to have the opportunity of sharing my story to more than two hundred people from all over the world in the final round is already a prize in itself. At the end of the day, I think the most important part of the IPSC is not competing per se, but the learning experience of the entire journey. Because of this trip, I learned to be more confident about meeting people from around the world. It was amazing to witness how bright young minds from 48 different countries could gain global understanding through the sharing of insights and experiences. Indeed, though I do not have a silver trophy from ESU, I believe I took home the best trophy of all -- the eighty new friends that I have gained. Until now, we keep in touch through Facebook and e-mail, and we will probably do so for years to come. I would like to thank Pilipinas Shell for giving me such a wonderful
opportunity to see the world and be heard. Shell’s support for youth development and excellence is truly admirable. With their continued support for youth programmes, Shell will surely help produce the future’s brilliant young leaders. My unforgettable trip to London has really made a positive impact in my life. I only hope that subsequent Philippine representatives will perform even better, while enjoying the entire journey at the same time. SWP
Philippine Ingenuity Shining Through By Carl Vincenzo Mamawal, Pandacan Terminal Operations Supervisor
and FirstGen Corporation, and with additional support from minor sponsors Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (PSPC), First Philippine Industrial Park and Gocherman.
Team Solar Philippines and Sikat II arriving at the Adelaide finish line
I
last wrote an article entitled “Sikat: RP’s 2nd Solar Powered Car Shines Doubly Brighter,” published on the 2010 fourth quarter issue of Shell World Philippines. It was about a group of students who travelled across the Philippine archipelago and taught about renewable energy and sustainable development with the use of Sikat, the 2nd solar race car built in the Philippines. This time, I would like to share with you the continuation of that story, which was a dream realised for a group of Filipinos who competed in a world-class race where cars were powered by energy from the sun. Go for World Solar Challenge 2011 Instead of racing Sikat in the 2009 World Solar Challenge (WSC) in Australia, a biennial 3000km solar
car race from Darwin to Adelaide, the Philippines Solar Car Challenge Society, Inc. (PSCCSI) decided it was better for Team Solar Philippines, composed of Electronics and Communications, Mechanical and Computer engineering faculty and students from De La Salle University (DLSU), to tour the car early 2010 around the Philippines and showcase renewable energy and sustainable development. In the latter part of 2010, however, with the economy looking brighter, PSCCSI gave Team Solar Philippines the go signal to compete in the 2011 WSC race. PSCCSI’s confidence in joining the competition was due to the support of new major sponsors Energy Development Corporation and First Philec Solar Corporation, retaining major sponsors SunPower
Unfortunately, a new car had to be built for the race because Sikat did not comply with the new rules set for the competition. This gave Team Solar Philippines the chance to improve on the limitations observed from Sikat and Sinag, the 1st Philippine solar car that competed in the 2007 WSC. The new car dubbed Sikat II, had to be lighter, faster, more aerodynamic and most importantly, more efficient for Team Solar Philippines to win in WSC. After eight long months of designing and building the solar car, the public got a glimpse of Sikat II when it was paraded on August 8, 2011 at the North Luzon Express Way. Team Solar Philippines successfully reduced Sikat II’s aerodynamic drag coefficient to 0.12 from Sikat’s 0.18. Overall weight was reduced from 200kg down only to 180 kg using new materials like honeycomb sandwich material and Kevlar composites, and manufacturing techniques like vacuum bagging and molded chassis design. These new materials and techniques also made the car more rigid with lesser tendencies to flex on rough terrains and more stable at high speeds. Solar panel efficiency increased from 21% to 23% due to the new SunPower cells, regarded as the most efficient in the world. The team also reverted to using two front wheels and one rear (2F1R) compared to Sikat’s 1F2R
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out in a recreational park where we encountered crocodiles, insects, peacocks, wallabies, and even snakes.
Sikat II in 32nd grid position overlooked by Australia-based Filipinos
The third week was spent at the Hidden Valley raceway, where we were loaned a garage to make final preparations for the inspection and the race. Joining us at the raceway were teams from Australia, Japan, Netherlands, United States of America, Turkey, Taiwan,
made BO-GT, a yellow four-wheel solar car which had two in-wheel motors powering the rear. After WSC, they travelled to New Zealand, the next stop to their 14-month World tour planned for BO-GT. Apollo Solar Car Team from Taiwan designed their own tires. Aurora Vehicle Association from Melbourne, Australia used the same vehicle that competed in 2007 and 2009. Although their car was old, they were still able to clinch a spot in the top 10, showing that solar cars are reliable machines.
configuration because the 2F1R configuration was inherently more stable than the 1F2R. Team Solar Philippines in the Land Down Under Team Solar Philippines was composed of Team Manager Ramon Agustines, Over-all Technical Team lead and Electrical Team head Jose Antonio Catalan, Chief Mechanical Engineer Isidro Marfori III, Safety Officer Martin Ernesto Kalaw, Electrical team members Leo Ambata, Airam Ramos, Narib Dela Cruz, Edward Castro and Charleson Meridores, Mechanical team members Danver Panganiban, Caroline Janairo, Tristan Guanlao, Andrew Gatmaitan, Charles Tan and yours truly. Bro. Ricky Laguda, current DLSU president, Rossini Conwi, World Wildlife Fund for Nature representative, and Harold Geronimo, public relations officer of the team, tagged along to support the team. Jeremy Banks, a Melbournebased mechanical engineer and supplier to the team, also joined the line-up for the WSC race. With the race slated on Oct. 16-22, 2011, some of the team members flew three weeks earlier to Darwin, Northern Territory to prepare for the race. We spent a week to clear the car from customs and quarantine, and another week to test Sikat II’s reliability on a road in the outskirts of the city. During this time, we camped
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Batteries of Sikat II being extinguished by local fire men at the end of race day 3.
Belgium, Singapore, Switzerland, Iran, Canada, Italy, Chile, United Kingdom, Germany, Saudi Arabia, India, Malaysia and South Korea. It was during this week that we met other Filipinos in the other teams. Stanford had a Filipina driver, while Calgary had a Filipino driver. Eclipse 7 from Toronto, Canada had a Filipina mechanical engineer. International Competition, World Class Camaraderie
Despite the stiff competition to win the prestigious race, teams were not reluctant in helping each other or talking about the features of their cars. Often times, teams would visit our garage, look at Sikat II and comment or ask about the car. When Massachusetts Institute of Technology had problems with their battery, the University of Michigan Solar Car team gladly loaned theirs. Sharing was part of the WSC experience.
Thirty-seven teams from 19 different countries converged in a continent to promote the promising solar and transportation technology. No two cars were alike. All the teams had different technologies employed to make the most efficient solar car. Stanford was the only team to use glass encapsulation for their solar cells and yet their car is still light weight. Team Bochum from Germany
The camaraderie was not only present among the competing teams but in the Filipino communities as well. During our month long stay in Australia, we were overwhelmed by the support we received from the different towns along the stretch of Stuart Highway, the public road where solar cars had to travel from Darwin to Adelaide. The Filipino communities in Darwin, Katherine,
Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Coober Pedy, Ti Tree and Adelaide exhibited the Bayanihan spirit. We were offered food, cold drinks and a place to stay even if we never asked and they were always there to greet us as we entered their town or cheer us on as we continued with the race. When our pick-up truck conked out, a group of Filipino technicians in Darwin helped us. Both consuls from Darwin and Adelaide visited the team, even bringing with them more Filipinos to cheer us on. Their support and joy in seeing the Philippine solar car made the team more energised to do better each day. One Week on the Stuart Highway We targeted to finish the race in five days and rank among the top teams despite our 32 out of 37 starting grid position. However, we were bogged down by a series of unfortunate events. Instead of racing during the
the Tennant Creek control stop, we were required to stop there for four hours due to forest fires and dense smoke covering the road ahead. This gave us enough time to fully charge our batteries. After two hours of charging, our batteries overheated and started to burn instantly. Team Bochum reacted quickly to the fire, sprayed our battery box with a fire extinguisher and covered it with sand. A few minutes later, the fire department arrived to fully extinguish the fire. We thought it was the end of the race for us, but Sikat II’s body was spared from the heat with only minor damage to the paint and carbon fiber shell. We worked all night to re-assemble a new battery pack and prepared the car for the next day’s race. We dropped two notches in the rankings at the start of the 4th race day. On days five and six of the race, the weather turned against the solar cars. Clouds rolled in and the rain started
After the officials checked the team records, we landed 19th place. We celebrated the WSC way by jumping in the fountain in the middle of Victory Square. We displayed the Philippine flag proudly while shivering from the cold water, a victorious day for the team and for the Philippines. Shell supports Solar Energy and other energy sources Team Solar Philippines was not the only team sponsored by Shell, the University of Calgary too. Among the energy companies in the world, Shell was well-represented at the WSC. Shell believes that we need a mix of energy sources to power societies in the future, that is why the company actively invests in energy development projects. Just recently, Shell launched the world’s first floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) platform designed to extract, treat, liquefy and transport raw natural gas in Perth, Australia. Race for the World
Sikat II in one of the campsites of Team Solar Philippines during the race.
latter part of first day of the race, we were on the roadside figuring out what was slowing down Sikat II, and eventually found out the wires went short circuit. Our biggest problem came in on day three of the race after overtaking 13 other teams and poised to overtake even more. After reaching
to pour in South Australia which made it difficult for the teams to travel on Stuart Highway. Inevitably, the teams on the road were forced to travel going to Adelaide with the solar cars on their trailers, and run the cars only when the weather had cleared up. We crossed the finish line in Victoria Square, Adelaide on the last race day with a provisional ranking of 17th place.
Indeed, the WSC is a world-class race, joined by top universities and groups all over the world to promote solar and transportation technology. For the Philippines, it was more than just a race. We went there to show that Filipinos can compete against more advanced countries and to show our countrymen that solar technology is a viable energy source in our homeland. I didn’t think I would ever get the chance to compete in the WSC. But thanks to Pilipinas Shell, I was given the chance to represent the country in a world-class competition. Although we were unable to top the race, we showcased the fighting spirit of the Filipino, ever refusing to give up despite the challenges that came our way. To the team, that constitutes a win. Next time, we will be better prepared to take on the challenges of Australia and Stuart Highway. Onward Team Solar Philippines to WSC 2013! SWP
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