MANILA: Seven teams from various schools in the Philippines shall join the 2024 Shell Eco-Marathon 2024-Asia Pacific and Middle East (APME).

The teams that will don the country's colors at the regional meet —slated July 2-6 in Lombok, Indonesia — are from Adamson University, De La Salle University-Manila, Jose Rizal University, Mapua University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), University of Mindanao, and Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan.

According to Shell Pilipinas Vice President of Corporate Relations Serge Bernal, the event serves as a “platform to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)” and offers a “unique opportunity to connect with individuals from various countries around the world.”

Since 1985, the Shell Eco-marathon has given students worldwide a platform to demonstrate their capabilities and emphasize the importance of sustainable innovation and excellence in STEM.

“The competition pushes technical boundaries and inspires students to become scientists and engineers, embodying Shell's mission of Powering Progress by providing more and cleaner energy solutions,” Shell Pilipinas said in a statement.

Aside from that, the event is also designed to promote perseverance, collaboration, and innovation — values that are crucial to the participants’ success.

“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,” PUP Hygears Team Manager Miguel Licuanan said.

Meanwhile, Cardinal One Team Manager from Mapúa University Karise Evangeline Carlos noted the ideals that they have learned in joining the event.

 “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,” she explained.

Per Shell, the Eco-marathon helps students gain experience and contribute to the country's goal of producing highly competent professionals ready to lead in STEM fields around the world.

“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," Bernal noted.

Photos from Ruben Manahan IV, Shell Pilipinas

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