Emman Gabrielle Polancos (Technical Engineer), Christonie Lim (Driver)
Joe Gene Dequilla (Team Manager) Jamael Japson (Mechanic).
A new generation of Filipino innovators is set to take on the challenge of energy efficiency at the Shell Eco-marathon (SEM) Asia-Pacific and Middle East 2025, happening from February 8 to 12 in the Middle East for the first time. This prestigious competition brings together the brightest minds from across the region, pushing the limits of fuel efficiency through cutting-edge vehicle designs.
Representing the Philippines are three outstanding university teams: Team Siklab from Jose Rizal University, UMindanao Wildcats from the University of Mindanao, and XU Mekan-Eco from Xavier University – Cagayan de Oro. These teams have showcased remarkable ingenuity in developing ultra-energy-efficient vehicles, embodying the spirit of Filipino innovation and technical excellence.
Leading Team Siklab is Tim Harold Faisan, a fourth-year BS Electronics Engineering student serving as Team Lead/Manager and driver. He is supported by Wilver Georpe as Lead Technical Engineer and Arleen Hibo as Administrative Engineer, both also in their fourth year of Electronics Engineering studies.
The UMindanao Wildcats are spearheaded by Joe Gene O. Dequilla, a third-year BS Mechanical Engineering student who takes on dual roles as Team Lead/Manager and Administrative Engineer. The team also features Emman Gabrielle Polancos as Lead Technical Engineer and Christonie Lim, a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering student, as their driver.
For XU Mekan-Eco, Quennie Carl R. Cator, a fourth-year BS Mechanical Engineering student, leads the team as Team Lead/Manager. She is joined by Ryan Fahigal as Lead Technical Engineer, Alain Francis Harun as Administrative Engineer, and Seith Austin Pagud as the team’s driver.
The competition will see teams develop energy-efficient vehicles in two main categories: Prototype, which focuses on futuristic, ultra-lightweight designs, and Urban Concept, which emphasizes practical, road-ready energy-efficient vehicles. Participants will also choose from three energy sources—battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cell, or internal combustion engine.
Serge Bernal, Shell Pilipinas Vice President of Corporate Relations, expressed his enthusiasm for the teams, stating:
“We are incredibly proud of our student teams who will represent the country and showcase Filipino ingenuity on this global stage. They carry with them the pride of the Philippines.”
The Shell Eco-marathon is one of the world’s leading energy-efficiency engineering programs, challenging high school and university students to design and build ultra-energy-efficient vehicles. The competition encourages young innovators to develop solutions that address future energy challenges while promoting sustainability and smarter mobility.
