shell world

Transcription

shell world

ISSUE 4 2008
SHELL
WORLD
PHILIPPINES
PRIN
E
U
T
L
S
B
06 Shell and Victory Liner
SC
10 Lightbulb Moments
R A MBL E
26 You Reap What You Sow
28 21st Century Einstein
THE ROUTE TO 2050:
Scenarios for the
Energy-Driven World
The future energy system and the challenges ahead
page 20
Complete SWP 4.indd 1
1/20/09 5:53:18 PM
ISSUE 4 2008
SHELL
WORLD
PHILIPPINES
SHELL
WORLD
PHILIPPINES
UEPRINTS
L
B
Editorial Advisors
Roberto S. Kanapi
Mylene M. Santos
Editor-in-Chief
Sankie G. Simbulan
Managing Editor
Jun Jay G. Jimenez
Writers
Jun Jay G. Jimenez
Jocelyn Diana-Diga
Christine R. Guison
Contributors
Ria Carina Comsti
Ma. Divina De Leon
Clara Antonette Eser
Alya Honasan
Chito Maniago
Jun Manuel
Jacky Nicolas
Erwin Orocio
Suiee Suarez
Tisha Timbang
CONTENTS
ISSUE 4 2008
SC
Scenarios for the
Energy-Driven World
The future energy system and the challenges ahead
04
INTRODUCING PETER VOSER
Know his insights on his new role as Chief
Executive and how he will lead Shell into
the future
06
SHELL AND VICTORY LINER
Decades of business partnership in the service of
Filipino commuters
To contact the SWP Team:
E-Mail
[email protected]
Website
www.shell.com.ph
Shell World Philippines is published quarterly for the employees of the
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.
2 SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES
Complete SWP 4.indd 2-3
R A MBL E
THE ROUTE
TO 2050:
SCENARIOS
FOR THE
ENERGY-DRIVEN
WORLD
The future energy system and the
challenges ahead
20
08
YOUNG HESITANT TO ACT ON
CLIMATE CHANGE
Young people are worried about the effects of
climate change but are hesitant to take action
10
LIGHTBULB MOMENTS
As energy problems become more challenging,
Shell relies increasingly on human intelligence,
bright ideas and professional discipline to secure a
responsible energy future
12, 30
COUNTRY ROUND-UP
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 and development
16
LEADING THE CHANGE AGENTS
THROUGH COMMUNICATION
Downstream-One Communications Lead Ronald
“Suiee” Suarez orchestrates his team to effectively
communicate changes taking place in the
Downstream business
18
24
CHAPTER ONE
Shell’s sustainable development gatekeeper talks
about the various social investments and
volunteerism efforts designed to uplift the lives of
people in communities
26
YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW
Small scale farming blossoms in El Nido, Palawan
where plots of land turn into models of
sustainable practice
28
21ST CENTURY
EINSTEIN
A young Pinoy
inventor explores
the world of sound
to address the
plight of fishermen
Welcome
Dear Colleagues,
As we welcome the New Year, the entire
Shell World also welcomes its new Chief
Executive, Peter Voser. Learn more about
Shell’s new leader and his insights on
navigating the company into the future on
page 4.
2009 is said to be a challenging year. It is a
time when the issues surrounding the three
hard truths of surge in energy demand,
tightening energy supply and rising CO2
emissions from energy use become
increasingly relevant. At this critical juncture,
the decisions we make today will shape our
energy landscape over the next half-century.
Find out about Shell’s energy scenarios to 2050 and what it means for all of us in our
cover feature on page 20.
THE ROUTE TO 2050:
Cover Design
Lois Albacite
Mailing Address
Shell World Philippines
14/F Shell House
156 Valero St., Salcedo Village
Makati City 1227
18
TOWARDS THE GOLDEN YEAR:
DEFINING THE GRAVITY OF
FILIPINO ARTISTRY
A salute to the winners of the 41st Shell National
Students Art Competition
New ideas and innovative thinking are essential to meet society’s present needs and the
challenges the world currently faces. Get to know the stories behind some of our Shell
scientists’ most creative energy solutions in Lightbulb Moments on page 10.
This first month of the year also signals the six-month countdown to the DownstreamOne programme’s Go-Live date in the Philippines, which happens on July 1. In this
historic change event, communication is an important tool to help prepare the
organisation for the new changes that will be taking place. Read about the
Communications Network’s role in ensuring a successful Go-Live on page 16.
New year, new beginnings. There will be new challenges, but there most certainly will
be new opportunities. Let us welcome 2009 with our trademark optimism, ingenuity
and tenacity and prepare for yet another exciting year ahead!
Sankie G. Simbulan
Business and Corporate Communications Manager
28
35
LEGAL SPEAK
AN INHERITANCE ISSUE
A tale of two embattled women fighting for their
rightful share to properties for themselves and
their children
38
2008 SNAPSHOT: THE YEAR THAT WAS
Bringing back the fun and excitement with
memorable photographs of Shell events
To help think about the
future of energy, Shell
developed two scenarios
to explore alternative
ways it may develop:
Scramble and Blueprints.
Read more about these
scenarios at www.shell.
com/scenarios.
SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES 3
1/20/09 5:53:30 PM
FEATURE
PETER VOSER –
INTRODUCING ROYAL DUTCH
SHELL’S CHIEF EXECUTIVE DESIGNATE
To lead a company like Shell is a
great honour, it’s exciting but it’s also
a great challenge.”
PETER VOSER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE DESIGNATE, SHARES HIS THOUGHTS ON TAKING ON THIS
MOST IMPORTANT ROLE, AND GIVES US AN INSIGHT INTO HOW HE INTENDS TO TAKE THE
COMPANY FORWARD INTO THE FUTURE.
O
n 29 October 2008, the Board of
Royal Dutch Shell plc announced
that Chief Financial Officer
(CFO) Peter Voser would become
the next Chief Executive (CE),
effective 1 July 2009. Peter will replace Jeroen van
der Veer who has held the post since 2004.
A Swiss national, described by the media as ‘a cool
head in troubled times’, Peter Voser is taking the
reins at a time of great economic uncertainty, and
mounting environmental and social pressure. A
time when the issues surrounding the three hard
truths become increasingly relevant: accelerating
global energy demand in the long term, the end
of easy oil, and a growth in energy use leading to
a growth in CO2.
So, what are Peter’s first thoughts about the
role he is about to undertake? It is
with a feeling of pride that he
takes on the job. “To lead a
company like Shell is a
great honour, it’s
exciting but it’s also
a great challenge.
Shell is acknowledged as a truly global,
industry-leading energy company. We also
have a global reputation for our pioneering
technologies and our successes in international
business, and I intend to build on this.”
To this end, he plans to devote a considerable
portion of time at the beginning of his role
as CE, to visiting the regions, meeting with
and listening to employees, supporting
existing business relations, building new
ones and exploring what Shell needs to do
to be a good corporate neighbour and a
partner of choice.
“I’m very keen to build up relationships with
local stakeholders. Our business is built on
natural resources in its widest form. We must
remember that these natural resources belong
to the countries in which they are found; they
belong to people and governments. It will
continue to be important for us to ensure that
we work efficiently and effectively with these
groups. We have a lot to offer, not only by
way of technological solutions. I think Shell is
recognised as being a great company in its
approach to compliance, to business
principles,
to
safety,
environment,
sustainable development, and we will
continue to live up to these principles.”
People making the difference
But for Peter, perhaps the most important
elements of Shell’s success and reputation are
its people. “We are recognised for the quality
of our people - their professionalism,
integrity, diversity and dedication. And in
order for us to remain one of the world’s top
performing energy companies, I will need
the support and cooperation of everyone
who works for Shell; working together in a
constructive and integrated way is what
continues to make the difference.”
Peter Voser’s approach to working with
people focuses openness, trust, teamwork
and the importance of giving individuals the
freedom and support to get on with the job.
As he says, “I am a ‘people person’. Being
approachable, having an open mind and
good listening skills, helps you get the best
out of people. As a leader I will never be
better than the sum of my team. This is an
important point for all managers to take
onboard. To use a football example, if you are
at the front, trying to score a goal, if the other
players are not doing what they need to do to
get the ball to you, its not going to happen.
So, it’s the team that counts.”
He goes on to reinforce this: “teamwork
is absolutely essential for success, and
clarity about roles and accountabilities is
a vital part of helping to facilitate good
decision-making. I ask everyone who
works with me to take decisions and be
open and accountable regardless of the
consequences. It is essential to recognise
that we learn both from our successes
and our failures.”
Transition period, mixing the old
with the new
Peter will take over the role of CE at the
beginning of July 2009, however until then he
will continue as CFO, which as he says, given
the current economic climate, gives him more
than enough to do.
According to Peter, the bulk of the
handover will take place in June, but the
process of starting to embed himself with
global stakeholders and taking on some
aspects of the future role, will probably
start in April or May. In the meantime, he
is very clear that he is the Chief Financial
Officer and Jeroen van der Veer is the
Chief Executive.
And what of the future, will there be
continuity between what Jeroen has done
and the direction that Peter intends to take
the company? “I’m very happy to continue
to build on the excellent work Jeroen has
delivered during his time in office. As a
result of what Shell has achieved under his
guidance, we have strong foundations to
take the company forward into the next
decade. It’s been a great privilege to work
with Jeroen, and I look forward to taking
over the reins from him, and taking the
company to the next level.” SWP
Peter graduated in1982 in business administration from the
University of Applied Sciences, Zurich.
Who is
Peter Voser?
From August 1982 to March 2002 he worked for Shell in a
variety of Finance and Business roles including postings in
Switzerland (5 years), United Kingdom (8 years), Argentina
(5 years) and Chile (2 years). Peter went to work as Chief
Finance Officer for Asea Brown Boveri in Switzerland in
2002, returning to Shell in 2004.
In 2005, he was appointed Chief Financial Officer and
Executive Director of Royal Dutch Shell plc.
Peter is married and has three children. He enjoys
hiking and skiing. He describes himself as ‘footballmad’ and played professionally as a young man
for the second division Swiss club FC Wettingen.
Source: Katharina Auer - Head of Global Internal and Management Communications
Source: Bernadette Cunnane - Global Internal Communications
1/20/09 5:53:40 PM
Shell and Victory Liner: Partnership that surpasses the test of time
FEATURE
By JUN JAY G. JIMENEZ
SHELL AND VICTORY LINER
CELEBRATING VICTORIES
THROUGH THE YEARS
1960s
Through the ingenuity of Jose Hernandez, Sr., Victory Liner pioneered in the conversion of front engine buses and the use of
steel-bodied buses. In the late 1960s, the company adapted the use of diesel engines for its growing fleet.
1970s
Victory Liner provided the riding-public with air-conditioned provincial bus service, a novelty at that time. The company made
a significant move to sign up Shell as supplier of its fuel requirements. It was also the first bus company to institute a queuing
system for orderly boarding of passengers on buses.
By JUN MANUEL
and JUN JAY G. JIMENEZ
1980s
Victory Liner was the first local bus company to use automatic transmission (the GM-Allison automatic transmission) for its
buses and introduced television and video facilities on board. During this decade, the company embarked on an aggressive
training programme for its drivers, conductors, and mechanics on road safety, customer service, and bus maintenance. The
A Shell GTL
audi car atalso
a retail
site its franchise routes in the 80s.
company
started
in London, UK.
1990s
New bus terminals sprouted in strategic locations in Metro Manila. Victory Liner has maintained stability amid setbacks
brought by the devastating earthquake in 1990, the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991, the withdrawal of US Military
Bases in 1992, and other succeeding downturns that afflicted the Philippine economy.
2000 and beyond
Photos by Walter Villa and Jun Jay G. Jimenez
Victory Liner broadened its partnership with Shell by sealing a deal which covers not only its fuel requirements for its growing
fleet of buses, but also lubricants and rust-proofing chemicals.
C
ustomer focused, innovative, safe
and reliable. These are some of
the qualities that catapulted
Victory Liner, Inc. (VLI) from a
mere bus company in the 1940s
to an institution in the Philippine public
transport industry.
VLI’s success is the handiwork of its founder and
patriarch, Jose I. Hernandez, Sr., a visionary who
combined hard work and ingenuity in
overcoming the difficulties of doing business in
the post World War II era.
His life long passion for service, love of people
and value for family ties laid a strong foundation
to the system of values that has continued to
energise VLI’s operations through the years and
contributed to its past and present triumphs.
VLI Maintenance Manager Bernabe “Anjing”
Hernandez, Jr., grandson of the late Jose, Sr.,
recounts, “Right after the end of the Second
World War, my grandfather thought of resuming
their business of trading patis (fish sauce),
bagoong (fish paste), vegetables and rice. But
they were hard up on cash.”
Using parts taken from abandoned M-38
jeeps, ammunition carrying Chevy trucks and
other relics that were left behind by the US
Forces in the Far East (USAFE), Jose, Sr.
together with his brothers-in-law Eugenio and
Leonardo rebuilt their dilapidated truck for
the transport of goods plying the BatangasPier-Olongapo route.
has in his hands the challenging task of taking
the company to greater heights.
While transporting goods to and from
Olongapo, Jose, Sr. thought of fetching
passengers along the way and found that
transporting people had a potential of being a
lucrative business. He followed his instincts
and the rest is history.
Johnny shared that his responsibilities as
president and general manager of VLI increased
exponentially compared to the time when he
first joined the company as one of its apprentices
more than three decades ago. “VLI’s fleet of buses
was only around 300 units and the business
environment was not as competitive as it is
today,” he explains.
In keeping with the winning tradition
VLI’s stories of triumphs, which include the
company’s rise from the ashes of the Second
World War, continue to inspire the next
generations of the Hernandez family to bring
VLI at the forefront of the public transport
business in the country.
VLI is currently headed by its President and
General Manager Johnny T. Hernandez. Tito
Johnny, as he is fondly called by VLI employees,
Managing a company that employs some 3,000
people and operates nearly 1,000 buses is not an
easy task for him, especially in light of the current
economic crunch and a host of other challenges
pounding the public transport industry.
He shared that aside from operational issues,
there are other huge obstacles facing the public
transport industry.
“Our industry is very regulated. There is only so
much we can do with our top line. If we cannot
control our costs, we can be in the red any time.
That fast! See how other public transport
companies have folded up one after the other,”
With the transport industry entering an era of intense competition, Victory Liner and Shell continuously work together by
improving the bus liner’s facilities which include establishing a lube clinic, a facility that analyses the reusability of lubricants,
in support of the on-going bus fleet modernisation.
Jose I. Hernandez, Sr., a pre-war
mechanic, founded Victory Liner. With his
enterprising nature, he collected bits and
pieces of machinery, metals and spare parts
from abandoned U.S. Military vehicles.
With all the materials he had collected, Jose
built a delivery truck for his family’s buy and
sell business of rice, corn, vegetables and
their home-produced laundry soap. What he
had envisioned to be a delivery truck turned
out to be more like a bus.
Jose named his bus line
Victory Liner, which he
adapted from “Victory Joe”,
a popular phrase then which
was reminiscent of America’s
victory in World War II. Since
his first name is Jose, which
means “Joe” in English, he
thought that Victory Liner
would be a catchy name for
his bus company.
Victory Liner’s first bus plied
the Manila-Olongapo-Manila
route on October 15, 1945,
only two months after the end
of World War II. Jose, Sr.
drove the bus with his brotherin-law, Leonardo D. Trinidad,
as his conductor.
the transport mogul shares. He emphasised,
however, that a crucial factor that contributes to
one’s staying power in the transport business is
the choice of business partners.
to our company. This shows that Shell is not just
after signing us up for supply deals but committed
to maintain a good, long term business
relationship with us.”
Choosing Shell
VLI commenced its business relationship with
Shell in the 70s when the second generation of
the Hernandez family became involved in the
business. Back then, the company’s supply
agreement with Shell only covered fuels and
chemicals. The ensuing decades of VLI
operations showed resiliency to the challenges
of the times and achieved a stature of
competence and good service in the public
transport sector.
Johnny says what he appreciates in particular are
the regular visits and dialogues with Shell
executives, who invest their time to ensure that
the customer’s needs are provided. In addition,
the good fuel price of Shell helps to ensure the
cost-effectiveness of their operations. It is a winwin relationship.
The growth of VLI also blossomed into a fruitful
partnership with Shell. In year 2000, VLI signed
an accord with Shell for supply of lubricants
through the efforts of former Commercial
Account Manager Gari Tiongco.
Just recently, VLI also purchased a significant
volume of Shell Rustguard for the undercoating
and underbody protection of its fleet of buses
and has agreed to a long-term rust-proofing
programme with Shell.
On why VLI chose Shell over others, Johnny has
this to say, “We are very pleased with the
infrastructure, equipment, discounts, and
sponsorships that Shell has been offering, which
in many ways contributed to the growth of our
business. Most of all, we are happy with the
service of Shell’s account executives. Through the
years, all of them rendered commendable support
VLI hopes that the coming years will bring an
even stronger and more fruitful partnership with
Shell. The bus company currently plans to
introduce innovative measures that optimise the
use of Information Technology (IT) for increased
operational efficiency and looks to partnering
with Shell in carrying out this endeavour. Shell
and VLI have already collaborated in promoting
innovative solutions to ensure efficient, longterm operations through such projects as the
Shell Lube Clinic, which helps to analyse oil
quality to prolong the usability of VLI’s bus fleet,
and the Drivers Academy, which imbibes best
practices in road safety to help VLI drivers to
safely transport thousands of passengers to their
destinations daily.
The partnership of Shell and Victory Liner has
withstood the test of time. Looking forward
into the future, this alliance shall continue to
make leaps and bounds by introducing
breakthrough technologies that can help shape
the future of the public transport industry in
the country. SWP
1/20/09 5:54:52 PM
WH
FEATURE
YOUNG HESITANT
TO ACT ON
CLIMATE CHANGE
Young people are worried about the effects of
climate change but are hesitant to take action. In
fact they want to have it all, from wealth to renewable
energy, says an international survey.
B
y 2050 people will travel in flying cars, get much of
their power from renewable energy and live a life of
luxury in a world without borders.
That optimistic image of the future emerged from
a survey of young adults in 27 countries worldwide. And
while survey respondents believe their generation will have
to adapt to rising sea levels and other effects of global
warming, they are reluctant to make personal sacrifices that
could help address the problem.
The poll of 17- to 24-year-olds by market researcher TNS,
which was supported by Shell, gives a fascinating insight into
their view of the future. Their answers to 24 questions about
hopes and fears show they are largely optimistic about their
own welfare. Most expect to be better off than their parents by
2050. More young adults in Nigeria, India, Mexico and Russia
think so than in any other surveyed country. On the other
hand, Dutch and Japanese respondents were the most
pessimistic, expecting to earn less than their parents.
Down-to-earth hopes
Most young people expressed down-to-earth hopes about
the future. Job satisfaction and raising a family were the top
two aspirations in most countries. In China, however, threequarters of respondents aspired to focusing on spirituality,
while in Indonesia 63% — four times the global average —
hoped to become famous.
In the eyes of young people transport will look very different
by 2050, although there is little agreement on where it is
headed. Brazilians believe their country’s two-million-strong
fleet of biofuel-powered cars will grow further, while Canadians
say electric vehicles will be more widespread. For the Chinese
it will be magnetic monorails and solar-powered cars.
Bruneians expect to get around in personal flying machines.
Americans expect to see more hybrid vehicles on the road, but
Nigeria’s young adults see little change and expect petrolfuelled cars will remain the most common mode of personal
transport. Meanwhile the Dutch forecast more hydrogenpowered cars, and — ironically for a nation where bicycles
already outnumber people — even more bicycles.
War and climate change
When it comes to fears about the future, young adults
most often cited war and terrorism, followed by climate
change. The vast majority of respondents believe human
behaviour causes climate change and are certain it will
affect them personally. One-fifth of Russian respondents
While survey respondents believe their
generation will have to adapt to rising sea levels
and other effects of global warming, they are
reluctant to make personal sacrifices that could
help address the problem.”
even said life on earth will be extinct by 2050. At the other
extreme, one-third of Nigerians did not expect any real
change to the environment.
In general, young people in developing countries are far
more concerned about climate change than those in
developed countries. Higher awareness about climate
change roughly correlates with less worry about it, the
survey shows. Some 80% of German youths, for instance,
say they have heard of the term “carbon footprint”, while
just 18% are very concerned about the environment. In
China, on the other hand, 21% have heard of carbon
footprints and 64% are concerned.
Unfettered economic ambitions
Although they fear climate change, very few young people
say they are prepared to rein in their economic ambitions to
help protect the environment. Over 80% of those surveyed
want to live in a big house and to travel the world. Although
two-thirds are ready to make small changes in their lives to
help the environment, such as composting or recycling, they
are less willing when it comes to tougher lifestyle choices
that could have the largest impact on climate change. Only
one-fifth of respondents are prepared to take fewer longdistance holiday trips and just a third will change their diet
to eat only locally grown food.
“This could create a global flashpoint well before 2050 if these
attitudes do not alter,” Professor Lord Anthony Giddens, a
former director of the London School of Economics and
Political Science, says in his introduction to the survey.
Respondents remained optimistic, however, with 94%
confident that “something” will be done to avoid the dangers
of climate change. Most young people said that governments
— especially in industrialised countries — were responsible
for trying to avert environmental damage. SWP
1/20/09 5:55:13 PM
FEATURE
LIGHTBULB
MOMENTS
It is the small ideas, the series of ‘lightbulb’
moments at an individual level, that are
providing the technologies in our industry that
are changing the way we provide energy.”
GREAT SOLUTIONS START
WITH GREAT IDEAS
People have them every day – bright ideas big and small. But as one American entrepreneur put
it: Everyone who has ever taken a shower has had an idea. It’s the person who gets out of the
shower, dries off, and does something about it that makes a difference.
S
hell Chief Technology Officer Jan van
der Eijk says, new technologies start
with a kernel of an idea that is brought
to fruition. Sometimes they will work,
sometimes they won’t.
focused on meeting rising energy demand and
curbing emissions.
What is most important, says Van der Eijk, is
that innovation is driven by a deep understanding
of society’s needs and of the challenges the
world faces today – for example, meeting the
world’s growing demand for energy while
reducing CO2 emissions.
According to Van der Eijk, the world-scale
projects the company is able to undertake are
often down to the thousands of smaller
technology solutions pursued, developed and
combined every day: “It is the small ideas, the
series of ‘lightbulb’ moments at an individual
level, that are providing the technologies in
our industry that are changing the way we
provide energy.”
And Shell is ‘walking the talk.’ It is the largest
investor in R&D of any of the international oil
companies (spending $1.2bn in 2007), and the
scope of its technical portfolio is squarely
People have them every day – bright ideas big
and small. But as one American entrepreneur
put it: “Everyone who has ever taken a shower
has had an idea. It’s the person who gets out of
the shower, dries off, and does something about
it that makes a difference.” In this article Shell
shares some of those ‘smaller’stories.
A swellable toy dinosaur
Work wasn’t on the mind of scientist Eric
Cornelissen when he entered a San Francisco
toy shop to find gifts for his nephew. But
bright ideas can occur in the most unlikely of
places, and Cornelissen’s came when he
stumbled upon a box full of swellable toy
dinosaurs that grew to five times their original
size when immersed in water.
The swelling rubber concept kicked off a train
of thought in Cornelissen’s head that made
him think of a use for this material that could
help solve a growing problem for the oil
industry: water seeping in to the well and
mixing with the oil. This slows down
production and causes extra work and cost as
the two have to be separated at the surface. He
thought that if this swellable rubber or
‘elastomer’ could be wrapped around well
pipes, it would swell up on contact with water
and prevent it from getting into the well oil.
He was right, and the resulting technology –
Expandable Zonal Inflow Profiler (EZIP) – is
now being used in wells around the world,
helping to boost production of valuable oil
while leaving the water in the ground.
C-fix and sulphur concrete
While efficiencies and technologies such as
carbon capture and storage are likely to lead to
the greatest reductions in CO2-levels in the
atmosphere, Shell scientists like Rini Reynhout
haven’t stopped looking at other possibilities.
Reynhout was instrumental in developing CFix – a clever technology which uses oil
refinery residues as an alternative to cement,
and is consequently helping to bring CO2
emissions down.
C-Fix is produced from carbon-rich mineral oil
residues that are a component in heavy fuel oils
(for instance, the type used for large oceangoing vessels). The burning of this heavy fuel oil
emits CO2. But now, instead of burning this
by-product, it can be used to create the C-Fixbinding agent.
The C-Fix binder is mixed with aggregates, sand
and filler materials acting as an alternative to
cement to produce concrete. In this way, just
GREAT SOLUTIONS START
WITH GREAT IDEAS
one tonne of C-Fix prevents the emission of
around 2.5 tonnes of CO2. It also helps lower
other emissions such as sulphur dioxide, nitrous
oxides and carbon monoxide.
Shell has done something similar with sulphur
too. Oil and gas fields are rich in sulphur. And
with regulations requiring greater levels of
sulphur to be removed from oil and gas to make
cleaner transport fuels, there’s more and more
of this left-over product to be dealt with. Adding
it to fertilizers to promote plant growth has long
been the traditional use, but Shell has developed
a new use: sulphur concrete.
Producing it emits less carbon dioxide than
traditional concrete and no water is needed in
mixing. Unlike normal concrete, it has a
smooth, plastic-like surface that is easy to paint.
It also sets quickly and can withstand acidic and
salty conditions. Those properties, and the need
for it to remain cool, make it ideal for waterworks
such as sea barriers and locks which are now
being tested in the Netherlands.
Energy companies know they face a challenge
convincing the building sectors to adopt these
new products. “These are intrinsically
conservative industries,” says Egbert Veldman,
head of Shell Sulphur Solutions, which sells and
transports sulphur, as well as developing new
uses. “They need very significant proof and
trials before agreeing to use new products.”
Why fish don’t freeze
By questioning why deep-sea fish did not freeze,
Shell scientists Ulfert Klomp and Marc Anselme
came up with a solution to keep oil and gas
moving along pipelines in very low temperatures
at the bottom of the ocean – critical when the
world is looking for more energy.
Along with other scientists in the oil
and gas industr y, Klomp and Anselme
had been working for some time on a
way to better solve the problem of
hydrate cr ystals blocking pipelines and
damaging
production
facilities,
particularly in deep-sea projects. But
they’d had little success.
“Then one day,” Klomp recalls, “Marc and
I read an article in Nature magazine about
certain fish species surviving in polar
waters. Seawater freezes at -1.9°C, well
below the temperature that fish should
freeze. But they did not.” The article went
on to report that researchers had found that
the fish synthesise a protein, which attaches
to any microscopic ice crystal as soon as
one forms inside the fish. The protein
covers the ice crystals to stop them acting
as sites for further ice to grow.”
If the new product takes hold, what was
once seen as a by-product could become a
valuable commodity.
The fish protein theory led Klomp and
Anselme to a chemical breakthrough in
dealing with hydrate crystals. Injected
into the oil and gas as it is extracted from
the earth beneath the sea, the fish
protein-inspired additive is helping to
get more oil and gas from difficult
deepsea areas.
The energy challenge
Van der Eijk says that in facing the energy
challenge – delivering more energy, with less
CO 2 – promoting an innovation culture is
imperative: “Have an idea then make it
happen, that’s the way forward.” SWP
Source: The New Economy - Winter 2008
As energy problems become more challenging, we rely
increasingly on human intelligence, new ideas and
professional discipline to secure a responsible energy
future. So, as Shell people, we think laterally about how to
solve problems, we reject complacency and we have deep
wells of optimism. And we do this to deliver genuine
progress to our stakeholders.
1/20/09 5:55:33 PM
Quezon City honours
Shell as good taxpayer
COUNTRY
ROUND-UP
World-class Shell
Unveiling
of
M/T
Bitumen Solutions Centre
“Mactan Island”opens in Batangas
Pilipinas Shell’s 7th
double hull tanker
M/T “Mactan Island”, the newly built double hull tanker commissioned
by Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (PSPC) to transport its oil
products, was presented by its owner Islas Tankers Shipping Corporation
during an unveiling ceremony held last October 8, 2008 at the Davao
Room of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza. The momentous event was attended
by significant personalities from government and the private sector.
Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (PSPC) inaugurated its
Bitumen Solutions Centre on September 2, 2008 at the Shell
Tabangao Refinery in Batangas.
The Shell Bitumen Solutions Centre is the first of its kind in the
Philippines and its main purpose is to support the Shell Instapave System
by providing services in emulsion testing, aggregate testing, and mixture
design development. The presence of the centre in the country will
ensure that road projects using Shell Instapave meet local requirements
based on internationally accepted standards.
Consistent with Shell’s high standard of safety, PSPC challenged the
shipping corporation in 2006 to replace their single hull vessels with
double hull tankers. Islas Tankers was more than confident to take on the
challenge. In 2007, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) issued
Memorandum Circular 2007-001 that banned all single
hull oil tankers and posed the double hull requirement
for tankers carrying heavy- grade oil. This was strictly
enforced to prevent oil spills that can severely damage
the Philippine coastal areas.
Through the years, Islas Tankers demonstrated a
strong commitment to vessel safety and environment
protection as evidenced by the company’s compliance
with local and international shipping standards for
quality, safety and security. Islas Tankers is recognised
in the local tanker industry for introducing modern
and IACS (International Association of Classification
Societies Ltd.) -classed tankers.
The Quezon City (QC) local government commended Pilipinas Shell
Petroleum Corporation (PSPC) for being one of its top real property
taxpayers for fiscal year 2007.
The long-standing partnership between Islas Tankers and PSPC
has spanned two decades, dating back to 1988 when PSPC entrusted the
transport of its oil products to M/T “Manila Victory”, which was the first
tanker the former purchased for Shell’s use in the country. The
inauguration of the M/T “Mactan Island” marked the continuous
partnership between the two corporations.
“There are more than 60,000 business establishments and 400,000 real
property owners in the city today. Their tax payments earned for the city
the prestige and recognition of being the richest city in the country for the
past five years. Without them, the massive infrastructure projects of the
city will not be possible,“ said Mayor Belmonte. “With the taxpayers
support, we intend to keep the record of Quezon City as the highest revenue
earner in the country,” he added.
“Our country deserves no less than brand new vessels. Having second
hand reconditioned vessels should be put behind us. There is no reason
why the Philippines should not have first class international standards
in terms of vessel facilities,” said PSPC Chairman and President Edgar
Chua in his speech. [Christine Guison]
Celebrating its sixth year of recognising the contributions of business
organisations to QC’s bustling economy, this annual awarding ceremony
titled “QC Salutes Top Taxpayers” is now regarded as one of the most
significant events in the city’s commerce and trade. [Jun Jay G. Jimenez]
PSPC was one of the 51 companies honoured during the 69th Foundation
Anniversary of Quezon City held on October 10, 2008 at the Grand
Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Galleria in Quezon City. Country Tax
Manager Nigel Avila received the award for PSPC.
Shower of discounts from Shell’s Pepeng Pasada Club
Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association
(TODA) members received a discount with each
purchase of Shell fuels and lubricants during the
holiday season.
Shell Bitumen Technical Manager for the East Frits de Jonge said:
“Shell Bitumen wants to show the industry that it is committed to
introduce pavement systems to improve the road network in the
country.” Aside from supporting Shell Instapave, the centre will
continue its pursuit of introducing other breakthrough road building
technologies and paving systems.
Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation’s (PSPC)
Pepeng Pasada Club launched a discounting
scheme for TODA members during the event
dubbed “TODA-Bigay” held on October 20,
2008 at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia in
Pasay City. The event is in partnership with the
Department of Energy (DoE).
“The government is urging its units to help fight
poverty and improve the livelihood of the people.
To the best of its abilities, the government is
continuously improving its system for education,
health, and social services,” said President Arroyo
during her speech. She also announced the
discount scheme that TODA members can avail
of through the Pepeng Pasada Club. “We are
thankful to Shell for establishing the Pepeng
Pasada Club, which gives its members discounts
for every purchase of Shell products,” the
President added.
“Shell is making a significant mark in the infrastructure and construction
of public roads and the Shell Bitumen Solutions Centre will play a vital
role,” said Shell Bitumen General Manager for Asia-Pacific Region Fred
Funnell. “The centre will help in introducing cost-efficient paving
technologies to construct highly durable farm-to-market roads. Building
good and longer lasting road pavements is Shell’s way of contributing to
nation building.” [Jun Jay Jimenez]
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, DoE
Secretary Angelo Reyes, and PSPC Chairman
and President Edgar Chua led the celebration
that launched the government’s social
programmes, including Pepeng Pasada Club’s
discount scheme, to benefit TODA members
and their families.
The discount scheme gives a Php1 per liter
discount for Shell fuel products like Regular
Mogas, Super Premium, Unleaded, and V-Power.
There is also a price cut of Php 2 per liter for 2T
lubricants and Php 5 per liter for Advance
lubricants. The discount scheme ran from
October 20 to December 31, 2008.
Tricycle drivers flash their Pepeng Pasada Club cards
Chua announced that tricycle drivers and
operators would benefit from their
membership with Pepeng Pasada Club even
after the end of the discount programme,
with its reward points system and insurance
benefits. “We assure all Pepeng Pasada Club
members that Shell, together with the
Department of Energy, will continue to think
of ways to help tricycle drivers in improving
their livelihood.”
A total of 610 loyalty sites or gas stations
nationwide gave discounts to TODA members:
172 in Metro Manila, 107 in North Luzon,
110 in South Luzon, 101 in the Visayas and
120 Mindanao.
Around 2,000 TODA members came to witness
the launching of the Pepeng Pasada discount
scheme. [Jun Jay G. Jimenez]
1/20/09 5:55:40 PM
Shell Advance
awards winners of the
“Advance to Prizes” promo
Present at the awarding ceremonies were guests of
honour Edward Go, President, MDAP (Motorcycle
Dealers Association of the Philippines); Joseph
Sison,
President,
MDPPA
(Motorcycle
Development
Programmes
Participants
Association); Shell Lubricants Distributors and
Lyndon Lumain, Shell Lubricants Cluster
Marketing Manager for Lubricants.
Philippines ready for
Downstream-One,
says global reps
Shell Advance motorcycle oil, a cutting-edge quality
product from Shell, lets you experience quicker
response from your engine while giving maximum
protection for your bike.
Global Downstream-One programme representatives approved
the business preparations of Shell Philippines at the Business
Readiness Review I (BRR I) held last October 14-17, 2008.
PMO Planner Alex Hernandez happily shared the praise report
of global observers of BRR I. “Overall, the global counterparts
scored the Philippines’ conduct of BRR I excellent. It was
commended for its business engagement at the General Manager’s
level in all CoB/Fs.”
Shell executive presents
energy scenarios in the
Hawaiian-Philippine Co.
luncheon
In light of the change management, the BRR I was done
innovatively by adding two activities on top of the usual
review process. These were the Change Readiness Assessment
Survey and the Focus Group Discussion or FGD. The FGD is
a research activity in which a small group of people share
their thoughts and opinions on a particular topic, in this
case, the progress and preparation for implementing the
Downstream-One programme.
Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (PSPC)
participated in the awards luncheon staged by
Hawaiian-Philippine Co. (HPCo.) to recognise its
most efficient employees and cane suppliers on
September 12, 2008 at the Executive Inn in Bacolod.
After the presentation of awards, PSPC Vice President
for Communications Roberto Kanapi talked about
“Exploring Scenarios for Sustainable Energy
Development”, which outlines the present state and
future scenarios of energy demand all over the world
and the rate of increase of carbon emissions in
developing countries.
64 Shell
‘Gas Mo Bukas Ko’
Mindanao scholars
graduate
Sixty-four Shell Gas Mo Bukas Ko (GMBK)
scholars bravely journeyed with one goal in
mind: Mas malayo ang marating (To go further).
On August 7, 2008, the scholars received their
graduation certificates at The Royal Mandaya
Hotel in Davao City.
“We are ready to follow our dreams, reach
greatness and do you proud,” said GMBK
outstanding scholar Melito Deloso during the
graduation rites.
For six months, the scholars completed
courses such as basic computer with hardware
configuration,
computer
technician,
electrical, and automotive servicing. The
scholars were employed at Shell retail stations
located in Pagadian, Surigao, Butuan,
Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, Davao and
General Santos while undertaking the GMBK
scholarship programme. Shell retailers gave
invaluable support by freeing up the scholars
time to attend their classes and giving
transportation allowances.
Training partners in Mindanao include
STI, TESDA, Surigao City Livelihood
Training and Productivity Center, Irene B.
Antonio Technical College, and SITE &
Driving School.
GMBK is a technical and vocational skills
training programme offered to Shell
station staff with the aim of enhancing
their skills, to help them get better jobs
and provide other livelihood opportunities
to improve their income. The programme
was initiated by the Association of
Petroleum Shell Dealers, Inc. (APSDI)
supported by Pilipinas Shell Petroleum
Corporation, and managed by Pilipinas
Shell Foundation, Inc.
For GMBK’s 2nd batch, 42 GMBK scholars
from Shell retail stations located in
Zamboanga, Koronadal and Cagayan de Oro
have been recruited. These young students
show commitment and determination to
pursue their dreams. [Ria Carina F. Comsti]
During his presentation, Kanapi shared with the
audience what Shell is doing to meet the energy
challenge. One of the highlights of Kanapi’s
presentation was on biofuels production and how it
can help in reducing carbon emissions and improve
energy security, which is related to the business of
HPCo. He also highlighted Shell’s endevours in the
responsible management of carbon emissions across
its operations all over the world as part of the company’s
commitment to sustainable development.
“The survey reveals that line managers are the most important
source of information on Downstream-One, which was
validated in the FGD. Because of this, we are now more
confident in pushing for our strategy of communicating our
programme details through our line managers,” said
Downstream-One Change & Engage Local Communications
Advisor Suiee Suarez.
The Philippines is now in the middle of the Downstream-One
journey. The results of BRR1 provides reassurance to the local
Downstream-One teams that previous efforts are now bearing
fruit and that the country is on the right track for a successful
Go-Live. [Tisha Timbang]
Ducati and Suzuki motorcycles, and a trip to Malaysia
to watch the MotoGP were the coveted prizes that
gained the public’s interest. During the promotion,
customers got a chance to win instant cash prizes plus
join the raffle draw for every purchase of Shell Advance
motorcycle oils. Shell Advance’s Advance to Prizes
promo ran from May 1 to July 31, 2008.
The promo winners included Carlito Rieza, Jr., Grand
Prize winner of a Ducati Monster S2R100; and Rosario
Bobby Eugenio, winner of a MotoGP Malaysia trip.
Joselito R. Jose from Metro Manila, Ruben Guila from
North Luzon, Lalaine Patriarca from South Luzon,
Melanie Lastimosa from Visayas, and Concepcion
Cerado from Mindanao were all winners of a Suzuki
Shogun Pro125cc.
Programme Director for Downstream-One Andrew Manley sums up
some key points at the end of the BRR1 read out session.
At the BRR I, global counterparts assessed the Philippines’
deployment progress, specifically the deliverables of various
classes of business/functions (CoB/Fs). The short activity
focused on the entire deploy, both streamline and change
management, for a successful Go-Live in July 2009.
Shell Advance’s successful nationwide promotional
venture, Advance to Prizes, held its awarding ceremonies
on October 20, 2008 at the Shell House lobby.
Hawaiian Philippines Company (HPCo.) officers with Pilipinas Shell Vice President for
Communications Bobby Kanapi (seated, 2nd from left) and Downstream Communications
Manager Mylene Santos (standing, 4th from left) during the recognition and awards event
Joining Kanapi at the luncheon were PSPC
Downstream Communications Manager Mylene
Santos and Commercial Fuels Account Manager
Ed Capati. Hawaiian-Philippine Co. is one of the
commercial fuels accounts of PSPC in Negros,
Philippines. [Jun Jay G. Jimenez]
Photo shows (top row) Davao dealers Albert Cameros, Allen Vega, Mareane Lu, Mario Avila and Linda
Cameros, Pilipinas Shell Regional Manager Ricky Altonaga, Pilipinas Shell Chairman and President Edgar
Chua, PSFI Executive Director Edgar Veron Cruz, Former General Manager for Retail Sales and Operations
Sammy de Guzman, General Santos Dealer Ignacio Dumaran, Davao dealer Teodoro Cameros and PSFI
Project Officer Ria Comsti; Bottom Row: Gas Mo Bukas Ko Batch 1 outstanding scholars Luther Neri, Ryan
Pantinople, Benjamin Mosqueda, Jr., Narvin Monroid, Marlon Monroid, Melito Deloso and Ariel Ronulo
(Not in picture: Jonald Budol and Cyril Von)
1/20/09 5:55:48 PM
a great challenge.”
DOWNSTREAM-ONE FEATURE
LEADING THE
CHANGE AGENTS
THROUGH COMMUNICATION
DOWNSTREAM-ONE COMMUNICATIONS LEAD FOR THE PHILIPPINES SUIEE SUAREZ TALKS
ABOUT THE CRUCIAL ROLE OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATIONS IN MANAGING CHANGE
We need to constantly improve our
communications, as this is crucial to
the change management process.”
By TISHA F. TIMBANG
I
magine passing a message to over a
thousand people. Now this time, imagine
the job of attending all goings-on in the
company to keep yourself posted on a wide
array of topics related to a global milestone
programme and making sure that all people are
on the same page, at the same time.
What a tough job, right?
But that’s what Change & Engage (C&E) Local
Communications Adviser Ronald “Suiee”
Suarez has been doing since he joined the
Philippine Change & Engage Team last January
2008. As lead for Downstream-One
communications in the Philippines, Suiee makes
sure he is aware of all that is happening in
preparation for the Downstream-One
Programme as it goes live on the 1st of July
2009, and communicates all these change
preparations to Shell staff.
Communication plays a crucial part in any
change journey. For the Downstream-One
programme, communication helps manage
changes relating to the implementation of
Global Systems, Applications and Products in
Data Processing (GSAP), and aids in process
preparations such as training, organisation
design and mobilisation of leaders for a successful
Go-Live.
The task is huge but Suiee remains undaunted.
His confidence is based on the group of
enthusiastic and able experts that has past
experience from Go-Live implementations. But
his confidence does not make him oblivious of
the challenges as he leads the Downstream-One
Philippines Communications Network.
One of the challenges for communications is to
create a clear message that is understandable
and relatable to all employees. His 13-year
employment with Shell
makes it easy for him to
craft a suitable message
for employees. Over the
years, however, Suiee
shared that Shell people
have
changed,
becoming very diverse
and dispersed over a
large geographical area.
“The challenge is how
to create a crystal clear
and compelling message
for communications
that takes into account
the different nuances of
this diverse audience,” explains Suiee.
Integrating all programme components and
scopes comes second on the list. Because
communication plans constantly evolve and adjust to
the requirements of various businesses, the
Communications Network has to find ways to make
things simpler, communicate the changes effectively and
manage all touch points that cut across different
businesses and functions.
The third and last challenge in communicating change is
motivating people through effective communications.
“Fuelling the flames of motivation requires timely,
creative, and compelling messages from our team. As the
popular saying goes, ‘seek first to understand than to be
understood’. In-depth understanding of the audience is
truly important to ensure success in motivation,” Suiee
points out.
Since the launch of Downstream-One, the strong
leadership support of top management has always been
visible. Their consistent presence in milestone activities
is already motivating. With such solid support, resistance
to change is definitely mitigated. The extent of this
strong leadership support was quantified in the Change
Readiness Survey conducted last September, where the
metrics of Leadership, Understanding & Enablement
came out as strong points for the Philippines.
“It is now up to the Communications Network to leverage
or build upon these strengths to deliver communications, to
convince and to motivate staff. We need to constantly
improve our communications, as this is crucial to the change
management process,” concludes Suiee. SWP
Suiee Suarez
Introducing
the Philippine
Comms Network
The Philippines Communications (Comms) Network is a group of people
assembled to communicate the changes that will happen as a result of
Downstream-One. They come from different backgrounds and represent a
full array of businesses and functions in PSPC. Despite the large number of
the group, the network is growing as other smaller functions are being
invited and added to ensure that there is improved and expanded
involvement throughout the Shell companies in the country.
Communications is one of the things that envelope the entire project
management and change management aspects of Downstream-One. As
such, the challenges for the Comms Network are significant. Diversity and
geography make their task doubly hard since integration and coordination
must always be maintained throughout the journey.
Aside from leading the businesses or functions in the delivery of information,
the members of the Comms Network also gather very important feedback
from the various stakeholders - both internal and external, that they interact
with. By knowing their audience better, the Comms Network is able to finetune its choice of channels and the mix of media in order to inform, convince
and motivate.
Thankfully, each Comms Focal has the benefit of guidance coming from
Global Comms counterparts who provide direction, useful tips and
templates to copy, adapt and improve. It is all part of making sure that
all the global best practices from previous Downstream-One
implementations are put to good use, in a sustainable and repeatable
way. Surely we will be leaving our mark in the global best practices,
and hope that succeeding implementations will do the same, by building
upon our successes. (Suiee Suarez)
Members of the Downstream-One Philippines Comms Network
1/20/09 5:56:15 PM
FEATURES
TOWARDS THE GOLDEN YEAR:
DEFINING THE GRAVITY
OF FILIPINO ARTISTRY
CELEBRATING 41 YEARS OF THE SHELL NATIONAL STUDENTS ART COMPETITION
For all of you, it has been a long journey.
We value your participation in this
competition and congratulate you for
your persistence and dedication to utilise
your unique gift for the visual arts.”
By JUN JAY G. JIMENEZ
V
isual arts mirror the attitude of the times.
An artist’s interpretation of life around
him takes shape in a painting with its
dynamic strokes of colours to create
figures or intricate combination of lines and
grooves to mold a sculpture. These masterpieces
tell stories not only of the artist but also of the
world in which he or she lives, a window into
their souls and a reflection of the current times.
With the intense journey artists go through to
bring ideas into life and give birth to outstanding
creations for us to appreciate and admire, it is
only but fitting to recognise their work.
Apolinario Quirap, Jr.
Trisha Maria Irene Doctor
For more than four decades now, the Shell
National Students Art Competition (NSAC)
has tracked the trajectory of artistic talent in the
country, producing many of the country’s
renowned artists. Since its inception in 1951,
the annual arts contest has served as a social
barometer where the artworks of the youth
have explored a plethora of meaningful
societal issues such as unemployment,
poverty, and youth identity issues.
On its 41st year of producing outstanding
artists, the NSAC rose to the challenge of
attracting thousands of student artists from
all over the country to participate and
showcase their artistic creations. Year after
year, the competition continues to fortify its
position in the art world as the longest
running arts competition that serves as a
venue for promising young artists to express their
ideas through their creations.
In a display of vivid colours and fascinating
figures, a record-setting 1,229 entries competed
for top awards in the oil/acrylic, watercolour,
sculpture, and digital art categories of this
annual competition sponsored by Shell in the
Philippines. The awarding ceremony was held
on October 3, 2008 at the Ayala Museum in
Makati City.
The brains behind the
enchanting creations
Depicting a person’s plight in realising his goals,
1st year Technological University of the
Philippines Fine Arts student Jhemuel Salvador
created a realism type of art titled “Pagmulat sa
Pahimakas” that earned him top plum in the
NSAC Oil/Acrylic category.
“My entry shows the reality in each one of us. It
is about the obstacles that prevent us from
achieving our dreams. I experienced it myself.
My entry shows who I am,” declares Jhemuel.
but I had to shift to Advertising and Public
Relations because my family could no longer
afford the high cost of an Architecture education,”
shares Rommel. Eventually, however, he decided
to go back to pursuing his passion, this time
taking up Fine Arts. “I am on my fourth year now
and I have learned a lot of techniques from my
school. I am also happy with the support of my
teachers,” says Rommel.
Jhemuel shared that his life before the
competition was beset with challenges. Some
people around him were averse to his decision of
enrolling in Fine Arts. “They were telling me
that taking Fine Arts for a course would get me
nowhere. But winning in this competition
encouraged me more to pursue my dream of
becoming an artist and I will prove to them that
I made the right choice,” says Jhemuel with a
fervent spirit.
Rommel is vibrant about life. His credo is to
continue doing what he loves doing despite the
challenges. “I follow my heart when it comes to
the arts. But in a practical sense, having an
alternative source of income is the best way for
me to support my love for the arts.” On the side,
Rommel ventures into photography for
livelihood. “After college, I want to be an artist
and photographer as well.”
Despite his youth, Jhemuel expressed his
thoughts about his craft with maturity. “Believe
in yourself and you can accomplish a lot in life.
I want to be a source of encouragement for other
artists. I am using art to share my experiences in
life and I am happy with the thought that what
I am doing serves as an inspiration for others.”
In his journey as an artist, Rommel shares that
visual artists Juvenal Sanso and Toti Cierda
inspire him. “Sanso’s experience as an artist
inspires me to hone my skills further.” Last year,
Rommel won honourable mention in the
Watercolour category. He hit it big this year by
winning first place in the same category.
He believes that life has so much to offer. “In the
face of obstacles, an artist must have the
determination to continue creating artworks
and believe that he can contribute to the growth
of Philippine arts.”
Always wearing a big smile on his face, Rommel
gaily thanked his mother and all his friends for
the support they have showered him throughout
the competition.
At age 16, Jhemuel is the youngest in a brood of
five. He is full of gratitude for his eldest brother’s
support for his education. “I am dedicating all
my achievements to him for he has given me all
the support. He encourages me to paint and
that motivates me to do my best as an artist.”
With his overwhelming fortitude, Jhemuel says,
“More than the prize, winning in this
competition motivates me to continue what I
have started despite all the odds.”
Twenty-five year old Rommel Ramota of
Polytechnic University of the Philippines has a
similar story to share. When he stepped into
college, he enrolled in an architecture course.
Halfway through his course, Rommel was forced
to give up Architecture. “I love Architecture,
Copping first prize in the Sculpture category
with his surreal depiction of wanton abuse of
nature through his entry titled “Saved Me from
Distinction”, Painting major Apolonio Quirap,
Jr. from the Ford Academy of Arts in Davao City
felt so humbled by his award. “This is my first
time to join NSAC and I am so blessed to have
won first prize,” says Apolonio.
He has been doing Sculpture for three years now.
Apolonio is looking at staging a one-man show
in the near future. In sharing insights about his
entry, Apolonio declares that his entry is a tribute
to all the mining sites and mountains in the
country. “I want people to realise the importance
of the environment in our lives. Nature is
deteriorating and we all have the responsibility to
preserve it for future generations to enjoy.”
Twenty-three year old Apolonio dedicates his
award to his fellow artists in Mindanao for
promoting ethnicity through their creations.
Early next year, Apolonio will be a full-pledged
father with the birth of his baby girl. He is
setting aside part of his prize money for this
big day in his life. “Having a family while
studying is challenging, but I am happy with
how my life unfolds now,” says Apolonio with
a contented smile.
Showing that her artistic strength is on Digital
Arts, nineteen-year old Fine Arts major Trisha
Maria Irene Doctor of the University of the
Philippines bagged first prize for her entry titled
“Break Your Silence”.
Her cubism-styled art is an illustration of her
experiences in life. “I have seen situations where
people did not express what they have in their
minds. I want to encourage people to speak up
for themselves when they see my artwork.
Speaking up can save lives,” says Trisha with a
fiery spirit.
ceremonies were equally renowned artists
Augusto Albor, Reggie Yuson, Angel Cacnio,
and Nestor Vinluan.
“Every year, we see a lot of young talents. We
believe that it is important that we not only
hone the minds of the youth, but also their
souls. And the artworks we see now are
expressions of what they have in their souls,”
said Shell companies in the Philippines Country
Chairman Edgar Chua in his message to the
NSAC finalists. “For all of you, it has been a
long journey. We value your participation in
this competition and congratulate you for your
persistence and dedication to utilise your
unique gift for the visual arts,” Chua added.
The awards night concluded with a dazzle, but
what made it more meaningful were the
admirable tales of the student artists, captured in
colourful and significant shapes, lines, and forms
--- giving more substance and value to arts while
revealing its relevance to our lives. SWP
Trisha shares that her mom is her inspiration.
“What I have become now, I owe it to my mother.
I have witnessed all her sacrifices to raise us
decently.” Trisha is the youngest of three siblings.
“My mom is the only one working in our family.
And for all her efforts, I dedicate my success,”
says teary-eyed Trisha.
A bold step to 50 years
Through the years, the Shell National Students
Art Competition has contributed to Filipino art
by producing promising talents whose artistic
excellence and determination carved an esteemed
place for Philippine arts in the global arts arena.
Now on its first year to complete another decade
towards celebrating 50 golden years of artistic
excellence, NSAC invited internationallyacclaimed artist Señor Juvenal Sanso to inspire
up-and-coming artists with chronicles of his
journey as a budding student artist in the 50s
when he won third place in the Shell Arts
competition, his artistic explorations and
adventures abroad, and how his dedication to his
craft led him to become one of the most
prominent figures in modern day visual arts.
Together with Sanso during the awarding
Rommel Ramota
Jhemuel Salvador
1/20/09 5:56:54 PM
COVER STORY
THE ROUTE TO 2050:
Scenarios for the energy-driven world
By JUN JAY G. JIMENEZ and SANKIE G. SIMBULAN
Shell describes the evolution of the energy landscape in the coming years and the
challenges that the rest of the world will have to face as encapsulated in two scenarios,
T
he choices we make today will determine
the kind of world we will be living in
mid-century. Shell presents two possible
energy scenarios, or two different paths
the world can take, between now and
2050. These scenarios provide alternative views
of our distant tomorrow, shaped by our present,
collective moment-by-moment decisions.
For 40 years now, Shell has used scenarios as a
strategic tool to help prepare for uncertain
futures. These scenarios aid in exploring
possible developments decades ahead and
provide channels to test strategies against those
potential developments.
leading to revolutionary policies and strategies
that respond quickly to the necessary changes
that must be done today to ensure a responsible
energy future. Dr. Khong visited Manila in
November 2008 as speaker of the “Shell Energy
Scenarios to 2050” forum held at the Mandarin
Oriental Manila, Asian Institute of
Management and Shell House in Makati,
where he engaged stakeholders from
government, non-government organisations,
media, academe and the business sector on
Scramble is a reactive scenario, where nations
have to be hit on the head with massive climate
shocks before they eventually respond. People
experience a painful transition after going
through a terribly jerky path.
modellers built a very detailed supply-demand
model and linked it to a climate change model
developed by a group of climate change scientists
at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
(MIT), a leading research university devoted to
the advancement of knowledge in science and
technology. This synergism yielded a promising
outcome that brought in our midst these two
scenarios, which give us indications of how the
energy world would transform from now until
year 2050.
“The energy system does not change overnight.
We need to look fifty years or so ahead in order
to see the changes that stem from the actions we
take today,” explains Dr. Khong.
The global energy system sits at the nexus of
some of the deepest dilemmas of our times:
In his lectures in various countries, Dr. Khong
prosperity versus poverty, globalisation versus
gives an overview of the energy mix today and
security, and growth versus the
how it will evolve mid-century, given
environment. Urgent action is needed
the impacts of factors like population
since the choices we make in the next
growth and economic prosperity. Dr.
five years will be critical in determining
also presented a chart that
The only relevant questions about the future Khong
the route we will take towards the next
shows time frames for developing
are those where we succeed from shifting the energy sources, which is dependent
half-century.
the growth rate in developing
question from: Whether something will happen on
new technologies.
to what would we do if it did happen?”
An era that calls for
revolutionary change
“We cannot predict how the future
With the global population rapidly
might go, all we can say is that there
- Arie de Geus, former Shell Corporate
growing, economic prosperity rising
are a number of different possibilities.
Planning Director
steadily and demand for energy
These scenarios make us resilient to
increasing exponentially, the world is In Blueprints, the world goes through a all possibilities we can envisage and are tools
compelled to look for ways to effectively deal smoother path because it is a preemptive rather that help prepare us for the major changes
with the energy challenge of delivering more than a reactive scenario. The energy challenge ahead,” says Dr. Khong on the practical use of
energy with less carbon dioxide (CO2) of providing more, secure and responsible energy scenarios.
emissions, a significant contributor to global energy is addressed sooner, making the
warming. This means a sweeping move to transition less painful.
In describing the two different future possibilities,
discover and develop new technologies to
Dr. Khong first laid down current realities,
reduce carbon footprint from energy “The question is, can we trust people to have the summarised in three hard truths: a surge in the
operations, and the search for cleaner energy foresight of the consequences of their actions? world’s energy demand, a constraint in supply,
sources to save the world from degradation. In the Blueprints world, people do have and an increase in environment stresses.
The world now faces critical choices over how foresight. Political leaders get their act together.
the global energy system will develop over the Governments come up with a concrete plan and “The demand for energy rises as the global
next fifty years and how to address the clear timetable to arrive at a transformative energy population continues to grow. In a fifty-year
and present danger of climate change.
time span and assuming that economic
landscape,” says Dr. Khong.
growth carries on at the rate of 3 to 4 percent
Dr. Cho Khong, Chief Political Analyst in the Juxtaposing two scenarios:
per year on the average, global energy demand
Global Business Environment team of Shell Scramble and Blueprints
will double and energy supply will be
International, has been traveling extensively Looking forward to decades into the future, constricted,” he said. He noted that the
throughout the globe to present Scramble and Shell as an energy leader strengthens its business availability of conventional oil and gas that
Blueprints, two different energy scenarios with sound strategies. Dr. Khong belongs to are extractable at current technology and
envisioned by Shell. These scenarios provide a Shell’s team of scenario planners. Within this conditions has become increasingly restricted,
useful context for debate, with the hope of scenario planning team, a sub-team of energy and will continue to tighten.
SHELL
SHELLWORLD
WORLDPHILIPPINES
PHILIPPINES21
21
1/20/09 5:57:07 PM
COVER STORY
In facing these challenges, a profound shift to
efficient use of energy is essential to ensure a
sustainable energy future. Energy transitions
will be taking place and is focused on addressing
reduction of emissions in the atmosphere and
the efficient use and conservation of energy.
“The energy industry as a whole is waking up to
the scale of transition that is required and Shell
is at the forefront of that transition,” mentions
Dr. Khong.
Further describing the difference between the
two future energy settings, Dr. Khong says that
in the Scramble scenario, actions on energy and
climate change are delayed. It is a world of
energy nationalism and reactive change.
“Governments will be very concerned about
energy security and will rush to develop their
own energy sources. In this world, trade is
constricted. Governments will scramble to seek
preferential access to energy sources just to
ensure their own energy security, and will
compete increasingly with each other for
access,” he expressed.
According to Dr. Khong, even if the transition
is eventually made in this scenario, it would still
be at a higher cost. “In Scramble, climate shocks
will hit. At the end of this scenario, the results
of the work with MIT give us a level of carbon
and other greenhouse gas pollutants in the air
of over 1,000 ppmv (parts per million by
volume) CO2 equivalent.”
In a Blueprints world, on the other hand, there
is accelerated change as governments share
common interests, forming coalitions to ensure
energy sustainability. The global economy is
transformed and progressive with the presence
of a revolutionised transport system like electric
vehicles and hybrid transport systems.
“In Blueprints, carbon emissions are significantly
lower than in Scramble. Blueprints will lead to
a transformed energy landscape, though it is
hugely challenging for the energy industry as it
is constituted today and for oil companies as
they are shaped today,” he said.
“Of the two scenarios, the Blueprints approach
would clearly be in the world’s best interests;
and we are actively encouraging governments
to help build an understanding of today’s
energy reality, the facts around future supply
and demand, and the need for a framework
within which companies can operate,”
emphasises Dr. Khong.
A Blueprints world
Building scenarios helps Shell in exploring
possibilities and strategising effectively for
the future.
In building scenarios, Shell does not normally
take a position on which scenario it prefers.
However, in the case of its new energy scenarios,
Shell is clear that it prefers the better Blueprints
“The Blueprints scenario seems to be a better
way to go if we think about the future of our
planet, if we think about our children and
grandchildren,” concludes Dr. Khong. SWP
To help think about the
future of energy, Shell
developed two scenarios
that describe alternative
ways it may develop. These
scenarios show two
possible routes: one,
Scramble, driven by fears
over energy security and
short term reactions
resulting in a lot of
turbulence and volatility in
approach of anticipating and taking action on
the energy challenge, because it gives a better
result for energy efficiency and also for responding
to the challenge of climate change. Shell is
therefore urging policy decisions that will move
the world in this direction. Urgent action is
needed since the choices made in the next five
years will be critical in determining the route the
world will take over the next half-century.
Explaining that “business as usual” is no longer
possible in dealing with future challenges, Dr.
Khong points out that, at this time, Blueprints
is a better choice to guide us in coming up with
tangible solutions to the energy problems that
we currently face.
Never before has humanity faced such a challenging
outlook for energy and the planet. This can be summed
up in five words: “more energy, less carbon dioxide”.
Dr. Cho Khong has over 10 years
of experience in leading and
participating in country scenario
projects. He tracks politics and
international relations and is
particularly interested in
issues of political
development in Asia
and the Middle East. He
is presently the Chief
Political Analyst in the Global
Business Environment Team of
Shell International.
the energy system and severe climate change. The
other, Blueprints, sees anticipation of challenges and
critical choices made early to respond to challenges,
this results in a more stable energy system and much
better environmental outcomes.
Shell prefers the better Blueprints approach of
anticipating and taking action on the energy
challenge, and is urging policy decisions that will
move the world in this direction. Urgent action is
needed since the choices made in the next five years
will be critical in determining the route we will take
over the next half-century.
To find out more about the Shell Energy Scenarios to
2050, visit www.shell.com/scenarios/
CO2 STRATEGY: MORE ENERGY,
LESS CARBON DIOXIDE
3 Hard truths
2 Scenarios
1 Preferred approach 6 Reduction pathways 5 Policy objectives
32165
32
3
21
2
165
1. Surge in energy use
2. Supply will struggle
to keep pace
3. Environmental
stresses are
increasing
1. Scramble – governments are
reactive in dealing with the energy
challenge, and focus on supplyside measures. Greenhouse gas
emissions are not seriously
addressed until extreme weather
events and supply crunches trigger
knee-jerk, politically-driven
responses. Eventually, a
meaningful and large-scale
transformation of the energy system
does take place, but it is late and
has expensive consequences
extending beyond 2050.
2. Blueprints – growing local
actions address energy and
environmental challenges; they
come together to build new
coalitions of interest which put
political pressure on governments
to act on climate change and on
energy issues, and which lay the
foundations for “big picture”
action. A group of key countries
gets together to engage in
emissions trading, setting a price
for carbon, and this carbon trading
framework gradually expands,
encouraging the development of
clean energy technologies. The
end result is a world “increasingly
of electrons rather than molecules”,
where economic growth no longer
mainly relies on an increase in the
use of fossil fuels, and with lower
CO2 emissions.
We will play a part in
1. ‘Cap and trade’
enabling a Blueprints
systems
approach by working on 2. Clear incentives for
six reduction pathways:
CO2 Capture and
Blueprints approach
1. Increasing our own
Storage
offers the best hope for efficiency
3. Credible targets for
2. Establishing capability in
a sustainable future.
renewables sources
Carbon Capture and
in our energy supply
Storage (CCS)
4. Measures in the
3. Research and
transport sector
development into
5. Robust energy
technologies that
efficiency standards
increase efficiency and
reduce emissions
for buildings and
4. Developing low CO2
appliances
sources of energy
5. Helping our customers
use less energy and emit
less CO2
6. Working with
governments and
advocating more
effective CO2 regulation
1/20/09 5:57:32 PM
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN ACTION
Thro ugh ex
posure to si
mul
farm life, th
e SAK A pr og at ed
trai ns rural
ramm e
outbe co me m od of-s ch ool yout hs to
er n-day farm
er s. They
ar e al so taug
ht m
on crop pr od od er n te chni ques
uction to im
prov e
farm produc
tiv ity
CHAPTER ONE
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER CHITO MANIAGO TALKS
ABOUT HIS THOUGHTS ON SHELL’S SOCIAL INVESTMENTS, VOLUNTEERISM
EFFORTS AND THE POWER OF WORKING TOGETHER TO DELIVER A
SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
To help reve
rse the destru
ction of
Mindoro’s ec
osystem, the
biodiversity
conser vation
programme
will create a
foundation th
at will operat
e a worldclass regene
ration and
breeding ce
nter for thre
atened spec
ies
To control an
d totally erad
icate malaria
Kilusang Ligt
by 2020,
as Malaria di
insecticide tre
stributes long
ated nets that
lasting
kill mosquito
es on contac
t
By CHITO S. MANIAGO
“I
want to become the President of the
Philippines!” I remember this was my
standard introductory line during school
openings when I was still in grade school.
The teacher would usually ask each
student to stand in front of the class, say his/her
name, favourite subject, favourite color and, of
course, life ambition. After the introductions, it
was usually the case that I would end up being
elected as class president since my peers were
awed by the fact that I actually intended to
become the President of our country one day.
Being the class president naturally entailed a lot
of responsibilities, such as being the leader in
maintaining order in the classroom, whether it
meant writing down the names of ‘noisy’ students
on the blackboard, or reminding everybody to
behave properly. It also meant always being the
initiator in the collection of canned goods,
noodles and piles of dailies from my classmates
for the school’s typhoon relief operations or
charity newspaper drives.
was during the launch of the Shell Flower Terraces
at the La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City. I was
then the Project Manager of the initiative,
working for the Bantay Kalikasan Programme of
the ABS-CBN Foundation. I was struck by the
utmost simplicity and demeanour of the Shell
leaders present during the event, such as Country
Chairman Edgar Chua, Vice President for
Communications Bobby Kanapi, former
Sustainable Development Manager and now
Downstream Communications Manager Mylene
Santos and other Shell executives. Mr. Chua’s
message to the audience gathered at the park left
an imprint in me. He said that Shell ‘believes in
the power of synergy to make things happen…
synergy among the public, private and nongovernmental organisations.’ He also said that
Shell believes that the only way to do good
business is to adhere to Sustainable Development
and be a good neighbour. Little did I know that
three years later, I would actually be speaking
and living by the same set of principles.
I felt good then. I knew that, in my own simple
way, I was making a difference.
We at Shell have adopted the SD definition of
the United Nations’ Brundtland Commission to
reflect our own aspirations, “meeting the needs
of the present generation without compromising
the ability of future generations to meet their
own needs.” We adhere to this by observing and
implementing the ‘three-legged stool’ approach,
the three legs pertaining to the social (people),
economic (operations) and environmental
(planet) aspects of our business. Our approach
encompasses CSR or Corporate Social
Responsibility, as we believe that in order to do
well to others, we need to clean up our own
‘backyards’ first, and then reach out to our
communities. We need to make sure that our
portfolio and products would live up to global
standards and contribute to our goal of investing
in responsible energy. Our operations prioritise
the health and safety of everyone, the protection
of the environment by managing our emissions
and spills, and business ethics by promoting zero
tolerance on bribery and corruption. Finally, we
do Social Performance (SP), which is defined as
“the way we manage the impacts of our business
on the communities and societies in which we
operate.” How well we manage these impacts
affects the well being of our neighbours and
Fast forward twenty years later. I have been given
the privilege of assuming a new and challenging
role – that of managing the Sustainable
Development (SD) portfolio of the Shell
companies in the Philippines (SciP). While my
grade school class may be miniscule compared to
the magnitude of an organisation like Shell,
somehow the feeling is the same. Through Shell,
I know that I will be able to serve and indeed
make a difference in the lives of others in an even
greater capacity. My predecessor in this role spent
five years reaffirming the company’s stand and
thrusts towards SD. I read her SD in Action
column before I wrote mine and was inspired
when she wrote, “I will always consider my SD
stint as time very well spent, and has been, so far,
my most enriching experience.” I know that I
have very large shoes to fill, but I am eagerly
taking on the challenge as a perfect opportunity
to contribute and grow.
Walking the talk
The first time I felt the sincerity of Shell in truly
reaching out to communities and organisations
ultimately our business. As part of our social
performance commitment, we run social
investment programmes in both our downstream
and upstream businesses in various areas such as
Pandacan, Batangas, Palawan,
Pasacao, Bacolod, Tagbilaran,
Tacloban and Oriental Mindoro.
The Pilipinas Shell Foundation,
Inc. (PSFI) and Malampaya
Foundation, Inc. (MFI) are
implementingtheseprogrammes
together with various partners
and collaborators.
Forging ahead
One of the items I aim to do in
my capacity as the new SD
gatekeeper is to launch an SD
roadshow this year entitled: The
SD 101 Talk Series 2009 – SciP
Stories on Sustainable Development. This series
of talks is imperative as it further educates Shell
staff on what SD is all about and hopefully brings
forth a deeper appreciation of our SD
Programmes. The series would include the
various SP Programmes, Corporate Youth
Programmes, and the Social Investments (SIs)
we have in SciP. SIs are strategic initiatives for us
and are defined as voluntary contributions
aligned with long-term business goals that assist
community organisations to achieve their goals.
The SD road show will bring to Shell’s main
offices our partners and collaborators such as
representatives from Gawad Kalinga and Bantay
Kalikasan; Wesley So and other Grandmasters of
our Shell Active Chess competition; Juvenal
Sanso, Nestor Olarte Vinluan and other
acclaimed artists who were products of our longrunning Shell Art competition; Karen Agabin,
Daday de Leon and Janot Barretto who are
among our SD champions in various Shell
locations; Luke Esteban of the Malampaya
Foundation, Edgar Veron Cruz of the Pilipinas
Shell Foundation and many more.
It is praiseworthy to say that our Social
Investments have paved the way for Shell staff to
participate as volunteers in various events. Close
to two hundred Shell employees regularly build
houses for the communities of Gawad Kalinga.
Pag-asa (Hop
e)
Philippine Ea is one of the two
gles that Sh
ell has
adopted; th
e other one
is Magiting
Shell staff pa
rticipate in
the GK Build
in two of
its GK Villag
es
Batangas City in
: Libjo
and Ambulo
ng
Shell aims to
aid the relie
f efforts and
our calamity
rehabilitatio
-striken bret
n programm
hren in colla
Foundation,
es for
boration with
Malampaya
the Pilipinas
Coordinatio
Fo
undation, m
Shell
n Team (CCT)
em
be
rs
of
the Country
, non-govern
ment organi
private and
sations and
public institu
other
tions
Our adoption of close to fifty hectares at the La
Mesa Watershed gave our staff the chance to
plant thousands of trees at the denuded expanse.
The Children’s Hour Campaign urges the Shell
community to donate an amount equal to one
hour of their salary every year for various
programmes centered on youth education.
These campaigns were all spearheaded by
Project Malasakit.
Another active volunteer group that has gained
popular support from SciP employees over the
years is Project Better World (PBW) Philppines.
PBW supports various external volunteer
opportunities which, despite not emanating
from our Social Investments, are very much
aligned with our goal of being a good neighbour
to the communities where we operate. PBW has
organised coastal clean-ups, visits to pediatrics
wards, tutorials for young underprivileged
children and many more. The network is led by
volunteers from Shell Philippines Exploration.
The third volunteer avenue in SciP is the
Shell ROPE or Relief Operations Team,
complementing the rehabilitation efforts of
PSFI and MFI in calamity-stricken areas.
This year, we have launched a successful relief
operations campaign, the ‘Call for Help:
Typhoon Frank Victims’, calling on all SciP
staff to help and donate in cash or in kind to
the thousands left homeless by the devastating
typhoon. Recently, we clustered all of the
three groups under the SciP “Volunteerism
Circles or VOICES” umbrella. This would
promote greater cooperation and alignment
among the three networks and further
strategise their activities with our business
goals and operations. Volunteer efforts from
the Batangas refinery and PSPC depots
nationwide were likewise recognised during
the recently concluded SciP Volunteers’
Week with the theme: I am a Volunteer! I am
a Shell Volunteer!
I heard from our Country Chairman three years
ago that Shell believes in the power of synergy.
After working for almost one year in the SD
unit of Shell, I am proud to add that we do not
only believe in synergy, we actually live and
The La Mesa
Tree Plantin
g in
Ecopark give
s SciP staf f
the
opportunity
to demonstra
te
their commitm
ent to
environmen
t preser vatio
n
breathe it. We at Shell should take pride in the
fact that we all take Sustainable Development
seriously. We take it to heart and make it
happen. And when I say all, I am honoured to
say that it’s really all of us, from the staff to the
ranks of our senior leaders. Now that, for me, is
a good start. SWP
Chito Maniago was
formerly the head for
Internal Communications
of
Shell
Philippines
Exploration B.V. (SPEX).
He is now the Sustainable
Development Manager of
the Shell companies in the
Philippines. Prior to
joining Shell, Chito
worked for the Luntiang
Pilipinas Foundation of
Sen. Loren Legarda, the
ABS-CBN Foundation,
and became a TV Reporter
for ABS-CBN News.
1/20/09 5:58:38 PM
FEATURE
YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW
HOW A LITTLE EDUCATION HAS HELPED SMALL FARMERS IN EL NIDO, PALAWAN TURN THEIR
PLOTS OF LAND INTO MODELS OF SUSTAINABLE PRACTICE
By ALYA B. HONASAN for Shell Philippines Exploration B.V.
I
lluminated by the warm afternoon sunlight,
Elenita “Angga” Timbancaya crouches
down between rows of stringbeans and
eggplants planted on the farm she and
husband Clifford tend in Barangay CorongCorong, in the town of El Nido, northern
Palawan. A few snips of her pruning shears, and
she comes away with a handful of dainty white
asters, ornamental flowers she tried to plant
amongst the vegetables. “Look at these,” she
says in obvious delight at the success of her
experiment. “They’re so pretty. And they’re
something else we can earn from.” And so far,
St. John, the Timbancayas’ three-hectare farm,
has been one big and rewarding experiment
that has proven how enlightened cultivation
can indeed be profitable, while completely
respecting the natural cycle of life.
Interestingly enough, the Timbancayas have
had no previous experience in farming. Clifford
is a former government official who served three
terms as barangay (village) captain and sat on
the municipal board, while Angga, a sociology
graduate, helped run John Clifford’s, the
popular restaurant that Clifford’s father had
opened. Owning a farm had always been a
dream, however, and the couple planted
vegetables and raised a few pigs in the backyard
of the house they share with their three children
in El Nido town.
In 2005, they purchased three hectares that
remained idle for some time, as the couple was
preoccupied with work. “This was just a
jungle,” Angga recalls of the land, embraced
by hills and traced by a clear stream. In 2007,
Angga signed up for a week-long seminar on
Integrated Farming Bio-Systems (IFBS), made
possible by the Malampaya Joint Venture
partners Shell Philippines Exploration,
Chevron Malampaya, and Philippine National
Oil Company-Exploration Corporation
(PNOC-EC) through the new Malampaya
Foundation, Inc. (MFI), in partnership with
Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI).
The IFBS programme, which PSFI has been
conducting nationwide since 1985, spreads the
gospel of organic farming, educating farmers on
farming methods that are environmentally sound
as well as systematic and market-friendly,
allowing them to maximise resources to increase
yield, without damage to the land and all the
creatures that depend on it. As envisioned by the
Malampaya Joint Venture partners, the IFBS
programme also contributes to the bigger goal of
sustainable social development for communities
where Malampaya operates. So far, MFI has
benefited more than 800 farmers like the
Timbancayas in the province of Palawan through
the IFBS programme.
“There’s a correct process to farming,” says
Clifford, who shared in both Angga’s knowledge
and her enthusiasm. “We learned how to prepare
the land. We learned how to make compost for
natural fertiliser, and how to prepare the soil so
that the seedlings stay healthy.” They learned
which crops could best co-exist with others,
thereby doubling or tripling a hectare’s yield in
the process.
The Timbancayas began by planting cucumber,
string beans, and squash. The land was tilled,
dried in the sun, and turned again. Soil for the
seedlings was first heated in a giant pan to kill
parasites and keep the grains loose, allowing for
easy relocation of the seedlings without damage
to their fragile roots. Meanwhile, grass, leaves,
and the manure of pigs that had also been
relocated from the Timbanacayas’ home to the
farm — and which were fed with surplus
vegetables from the farm itself — were mixed
into a healthy compost. The rich homemade
fertiliser was further reinforced with bat guano
and boosted with a fungal inoculant that hastened
the decomposition process, a procedure Angga
learned from the IFBS seminar. The plants were
then watered by hand from nearby natural
sources. “We were neophytes,” Angga recalls.
“We learned by doing, and by asking questions
from people who knew.”
Clifford and Elenita at their St. John Farm
Within a few months, the couple was
pleasantly surprised with their first abundant
harvest, grown from seedlings they had
planted on a single hectare and tended to and
watered themselves, with help from a few
farm hands. “I remember when we first
harvested the cucumber,” Clifford recalls
with a chuckle. “Angga was out of town, and
she was angry that I had harvested them
without her! I said, I can’t wait for you, the
vegetables might fall off the plant.” The
Timbancayas were so happy, they gave away
baskets of their maiden crop to neighbours.
Others have benefited from their own harvest
of knowledge from the IFBS experience, even
those who had already been working the land.
Leny Dellosa was a housewife who took in
laundry while husband Romeo worked as a
speedboat operator for the luxury Lagen and
Miniloc beach resorts in El Nido. In 2002, the
couple invested some of Romeo’s earnings in
land in Sitio Makangit, Barangay New Ibajay,
El Nido, buying a little at a time until they
owned a scenic five-hectare plot with its own
cliff and water source. Leny began planting a
hectare with banana, sweet potato, corn, and
vegetables like eggplant and squash, but joined
the IFBS seminar anyway in 2007 for more
guidance. “I wanted more knowledge,” says
the mother of four. “Just because you’re already
a farmer doesn’t mean you know everything.
You can’t just plan and plant without knowing
how to do it.”
Like the Timbancayas, the Dellosas learned
the intricacies of farm planning, about
intercropping and the use of permanent plants
like banana, mango, and coconut trees. In the
wide spaces between her rows of banana trees,
Leny trims leaves and debris from smaller plots
of sweet potato and sorghum, which she feeds
to her chickens. Romeo and the children help
out when they’re not at work and in school.
Leny also grows natural insect repellents like
chili and lemongrass to keep pests away, and is
proud to say she has never resorted to using
chemicals. She is likewise a big fan of
composting, using decomposing banana leaves
to fertilise the same trees where they came
from. “It’s like recycling,” she says. “You return
the nutrition to the soil, so the tree never stops
bearing fruit. It makes a big difference.”
The difference is also evident in the financial
gain: even with losses from theft and rain damage,
Leny can net some Php 5,000 (about US $104) a
month from the sale of bananas and vegetables
harvested from a single hectare. The money goes
straight to her children’s education, and the
Dellosas are proud to have their eldest son already
in his second year of college, even as they dream
of buying more land to till.
The Timbancayas have also managed to net an
impressive Php 25,000 (about US $520) in one
good month. Meanwhile, the farm-grown sows
have given Angga a steady stream of piglets,
allowing her to make a whopping Php 60,000
(about US $1,200) in profit. This, again, despite
lessons in coping with Mother Nature’s occasional
tantrums — more specifically, rains that drown
the roots and winds that lash at the trees and
bushes. “When we planted the bitter melons,
they were being blown off the vines,” Clifford
recalls. His natural solution: trim the leaves to
stabilise the plants, and grow trees as wind
barriers between plots.
More than the money, however, greater
understanding of the land and the work has
allowed these farmers to see beyond the
horizons of their property. “Farming is hard
work, but the satisfaction of being able to
make things grow cannot be bought,” Leny
says. “I never would have thought I could do
this, and I’m just a woman and a housewife.
The important thing is, you love the land, you
love your plants and care for them like you
would your family. After all, we’re doing this
for our children and grandchildren.”
Although the Timbancayas are elated that their
son Clifford, Jr. is intent on studying food
technology in college to eventually help out in
the farm, they are also looking beyond their own
circle to their community, to enable the people
who work with them to jumpstart their own
sustainable livelihoods. Angga distributes piglets
among their workers to raise, and employer and
employee split the sale down the middle. Many
St. John farm hands have gone on to till their
own plots, with encouragement from the couple.
“There is so much to be gained from working the
soil,” says Clifford. “I want to prove that you
cannot be poor as a farmer, and there’s no shame
in saying that you work in the fields. There’s no
hunger in the fields.” SWP
The Integrated Farming Bio-Systems (IFBS)
programme is part of Shell Philippines Exploration
and its joint venture partners’ social performance
management plan for Northern Palawan, the area
nearest the Malampaya gas field. Malampaya has
been operating since 2001 and has been producing
clean natural gas to three power stations to provide
2,700 megawatts of power to the country’s main
island of Luzon, representing 25% of the country’s
power requirements.
Clifford and Angga Timbancaya constantly
remind their children that everything they
have comes from the land their parents work
on. They have reopened their restaurant,
John Clifford’s, now assured of a steady
supply of organic vegetables, and they are
hoping to turn St. John into an ecotourism
stop where guests can harvest their own
dinner. Already, town officials are sending
delinquent farmers, often caught engaging in
illegal or harmful farming methods, to St.
John, just to see how it can be done right.
1/20/09 5:59:16 PM
FEATURE
Mark Jason with his
teammates explaining their
invention to the judges
21ST CENTURY EINSTEIN
MEET MARK JASON MILAN, A 15-YEAR OLD YOUNG INVENTOR WHO
GENUINELY CARES FOR THE PLIGHT OF THE FILIPINO PEOPLE AND DREAMS
BIG FOR HIS COUNTRY
By CHRISTINE R. GUISON
Mark Jason with his teammates and John
Newton from USA (2nd from left)
t was more than a century ago when Jose Rizal, our
national hero, articulated this proverbial line, “Ang
kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan (The youth is the
hope of our nation).” With the often portrayed
apathy of the present generation, one might ask if
Rizal’s words still resonate to this day. Does this trite
quote still hold true for the youth of the 21st century?
Will Rizal himself disclaim his own words?
I
Mark Jason is a graduating student from Manila Science
High School. When he was in his junior year, he ranked
second best student in his batch. His mother, who
accompanied him during the interview, has nothing but
praises for his eldest child- “Proud ako sa anak ko. Siya ang
binigay ng Diyos sa amin. Siya ang mag-aangat ng buhay
namin (I am proud of my son. God gave him to us. He
will help our family).”
Self-confessed science geek
Just when everyone else has started to doubt the future of
the Filipino youth, enter a 15-year old young man from
Sta. Mesa, Manila who we can all look up to. Mark Jason
Milan is not the usual teenager. While his peers enjoy
hanging out at the mall or tirelessly playing computer
games during weekends, Mark Jason contentedly stays at
home to read, plays chess with his younger brother and
studies his lessons.
This science whiz is also busy preparing for college
entrance exams as he hopes to study in the University
of the Philippines-Manila where he intends to take up
Nursing as a pre-med course.
“I read all the time, mostly Science textbooks. I love studying,”
he timidly shares.
“I want to be a doctor, specifically a pediatrician. If I
don’t end up becoming a doctor, I will most likely be a
scientist,” he says.
At the tender age of 10, Mark Jason was already fond
of all things related to Science. He says Science allows
him to travel and explore different worlds. When
INVESTIGATORY PROJECT: NEMO RELOADED
Background of the Study:
One of the major industries in the
Philippines today is the fishing industry.
Several fishing methods are already
used here in the Philippines, however,
these methods are somewhat outdated
and traditional, not to mention
environmentally unsafe.
It has been proven that several
species of fish can be attracted to
cer tain sound frequencies. Wi t h
this information, the researchers
of Nemo Reloaded thought of
introducing a new method that
can help improve the fishing
i n d u s t r y i n t h e c o u n t r y.
Objective:
Construct a device that generates
different sound frequencies that can
attract schools of fish.
Significance of the Study:
The device may offer advancement in the
fishing industry. The introduction of this
Look at your environment
and have a concern for your
surroundings so that you can
come up with researches that
are useful to society.”
Mark Jason with his mother, Magie, together
with former Shell Pandacan Depot Manager
Valarie Ku-Pineda and Social Performance
Head Janot Barretto
device in the market would mean more
fish will be collected in a shorter period of
time and in environmentally-friendly
ways, thus making fish supply sustainable.
Correspondingly, this will bring forth not
only lower prices of fish in the market but
also an evident increase in the income of
fishermen as well as to other people who
generate income from the fishing
industry. If the government will help in
the mass production of this device,
then it can be exported to other
countries and contribute in uplifting
the Philippine economy.
Materials and Equipment to
be used:
LM 555 timer IC, audio amplifier IC,
potentiometer – variable resistance
(volume control), rotary switch – tone/
frequency
controller,
resistors,
capacitors,
speaker,
prototyping
board, case, headers/ connectors, and
speaker cable.
Cost: Less than Php 500
asked which branch of Science he loves the
most, he stated that he finds biology and
physics the most fascinating. In fact, in his
Friendster account, he aptly describes himself
as, “A chordate who loves biology so much!
An organism made up of four diverse
macromolecules in the world. Has
polysaccharides in the body; contains some
adipose tissue in the limbs and arms. I was
made unique by the nucleic acids and
nucleotides in my cells and was primarily
composed of structural proteins.”
trip to the international science exhibition. As
the leading innovator for the new energy future,
Shell has been relentless in supporting talented
Filipino youth in their noble quest for excellence,
especially in technology and innovation. Shell
believes that advances in these areas require
having a different mindset and an attitude of
persistence and optimism to find real solutions.
Wow. It would certainly be an understatement to
say that Mark Jason simply likes Science!
Young inventor
The contest mechanics were simple- research,
create and present. Participants were tasked to
set-up and decorate their respective booths,
display their inventions and when the judges
make their rounds to evaluate their created
devices, they would have to explain how it works.
Mark Jason and his teammates showcased two
original inventions- Nemo Reloaded and
Harvesting of Energy Thru Piezoelectric Igniters.
An alumnus of MSHS made the preliminary
research, while Mark Jason and his team
developed the research and created the device.
Sweet ending, bitter beginning
Last September 24 to 30, 2008, Mark Jason,
together with three other student- delegates from
Manila Science High School (MSHS),
participated in the 2008 International Exhibition
for Young Inventors (IEYI)
held abroad. When the
competition organisers sent
an invitation to MSHS to
join, the teachers selected
students who excelled in
research and Science to
represent the school.
“I was happy and nervous at
the same time,” recounts
Mark Jason of how he felt
before the contest. Preparing
for the competition was not a
breeze. Initially, the plan was
to send nine students abroad.
Although they were all raring
to go to the international
contest, their biggest problem
was lack of funds. The school
could not afford to send them
all. Hence, out of the nine
students who were supposed
to go, the four best students
were chosen -- and Mark
Jason was one of them. Shell
made this possible for the
promising young scientist,
having helped to sponsor his
“I am very thankful that Shell supported me by
shouldering my accommodations. It was a great
help,” he modestly said.
Nemo Reloaded got its name from the animated
movie Finding Nemo as the invention aimed to
help the fishing industry, especially in the
Philippines. This sound-emitting device has a
built-in waterproof speaker that can be
submerged in water. As the sound waves travel in
water, most species of fish get to detect it and are
attracted towards the device. According to
research, fish have otolith organs that allow them
to recognise the sound and produce brainwaves.
Sharks have no otolith organs so they do not
identify with the sound. This device was tested in
the University of the Philippines before the
competition and Mark Jason’s team found out
that frequencies from 1,000 to 1,500 hertz
attracted the most number of fish. This groundbreaking invention is significant because it
allows fishermen to catch fish in less time and
with less effort.
The other brilliant invention of Mark Jason
and his team is called Harvesting of Energy
Thru Piezoelectric Igniters. It is a prototype
hump wherein igniters are placed inside.
When vehicles pass over the hump, the
igniters will be pressed down, allowing it to
convert mechanical energy to electrical
energy. The converted electrical energy can
illuminate street posts or can be stored for
future consumption. This is very cost
effective as this invention can lessen people’s
electricity expenditure.
Mark Jason’s team bested over 15 participating
countries including the USA, Japan,
Singapore, Iran and Sri Lanka, as Nemo
Reloaded emerged as one of the three best
inventions in the Korean Special Award.
According to him, language barrier was the
reason why Team Philippines didn’t win gold.
The panel of judges who were composed
mostly of Koreans could not speak English
and, as a result, were not able to fully
understand Mark Jason’s group while they
were explaining their invention. Nevertheless,
Mark Jason did not go home empty-handed
as he learned to be patient, optimistic and
hopeful throughout the competition.
Modern day Einstein
Mark Jason is persistent - he is currently
preparing for the Regional Intel Science Fair
as he hopes to wow people once more with
his passion for scientific research. Just like
his personal hero, Albert Einstein, Mark
Jason dreams to make revolutionary
inventions that will greatly impact the
Philippines and the society at large. His
personal goal in life is to be able to contribute
something significant to his country. His
advice and message to the youth: “Be
curious. Pursue Science careers. Look at
your environment and have a concern for
your surroundings so that you can come up
with researches that are useful to society.
Nemo Reloaded was our way of putting an
end to dynamite fishing in the Philippines.”
If Rizal looks at the youth today, will he
be disappointed? Mark Jason proves
that there is still hope in the Filipino
youth. And no theor y or law can
contradict that. SWP
1/20/09 5:59:48 PM
COUNTRY
ROUND-UP
Shell wins prestigious
Philippine Quill Awards
Shell companies in the Philippines bagged
three awards in the 2008 Philippine Quill
Awards organised by the International
Association of Business Communicators
(IABC) Philippines. All of Shell’s entries won
awards for its quality of communication
strategy and effectiveness of implementation.
Under the Publications category, Responsible
Energy: The Shell companies in the Philippines
Sustainability Report 2007 won the coveted
Award of Excellence. This is the first annual
Sustainability Report of Shell, which addresses
the critical issue of meeting the world’s growing
energy demand in economically, environmentally
and socially responsible ways. Given the impact
of Shell’s operations on national economies and
individuals, Shell works hard to strengthen its
commitment to sustainable development.
Shell Art Calendar 2008 won an Award of Merit
in the Publication Design category. It was
conceptualised to celebrate the 40th anniversary
Shell pledges in the GK
Expo ’08: Anong Taya
Mo Para sa Bayan?
In its pursuit of academic excellence in the Philippines, Shell donated an audiovisual room
(AVR) for the benefit of students of the De La Salle University – Manila.
The AVR, tagged as the Shell companies in the Philippines Audio Visual Room is equipped
with state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment, with a 93 theatre seating capacity, each seat
equipped with a retractable writing tablet. The room is acoustic finished, which makes it
sound-proof. Step lights are installed on the carpeted flooring to ensure safety. Apart from the
comfort and safety offered by the room, modern equipment such as a motorised projector
screen, LCD projector, readily available Internet connection, and an excellent sound system
set were installed.
Shell companies in the Philippines Country Chairman Edgar Chua graced the blessing of
the AVR. “This audiovisual room is another milestone in the continuing partnership
between De La Salle University and Shell. This is actually our way of giving back to La Salle
for all the great graduates that we have been recruiting,” said Chua, who further added that
providing the state-of-the-art audio visual room ensured that De La Salle University
remains a premiere university.
(From left) IABC Victoria, Australia Former President Adrian Cropley,
Pilipinas Shell Sustainable Development Manager Chito Maniago,
Pilipinas Shell Business and Corporate Communications Manager
Sankie Simbulan, New Thinkers Company Director for Accounts
Management Celina Matias, and IABC Philippines Director Chit
Arce during the 2008 Philippine Quill awards ceremony.
of the Shell National Students Art
Competition (NSAC). It featured
notable artworks of national artists
including Bencab, Ang Kiukok, and
Jose Joya, as well as celebrated artists
Juvenal Sanso, Angel Cacnio, and Nestor Olarte
Vinluan – all past Shell NSAC winners. This
entry highlighted Shell’s untiring commitment
and valuable contribution to Philippine art.
The phase two of Shell’s Corporate branding
campaign, dubbed as “Values”, also earned a
Quill Award of Merit. It is a straightforward
revelation of the countless lives that Shell has
touched beyond the borders of the company. It
provided the opportunity to share inspiring,
true-to-life stories to a wider audience, informing
the public on the various steps taken by Shell in
seriously fulfilling its corporate social
responsibility. This entry showed how Shell’s
“Values” campaign became an effective medium
to communicate the company’s commitment to
sustainable development.
In celebration of Gawad Kalinga’s (GK) fifth
anniversary, a two-day festivity took place at the
Fort, Taguig City, last October 11, 2008.
Thousands of GK supporters from various
sectors of society such as government, corporate
industry, NGOs, academe, GK residents,
religious organisations
and civil society gathered
together to meet a
common goal –to build
7,000 GK communities
by 2010.
The big reunion of GK
supporters kicked off
with a marathon called
Adidas King of the Road
– Run for your Country
in which the proceeds
Shell contributes to the
improvement of education
facilities in the country
Shell entries were chosen from over 200
entries submitted this year by 43
respected authorities in the field of
business and communications. The
awarding ceremony was held on
November 7, 2008 at the Hyatt Hotel &
Casino in Ermita, Manila.
IABC Philippines is the local chapter of an
exclusive international network of more
than 3,000 business communication
professionals in over 60 countries. It links
communicators in a global network that
inspires, establishes and supports the
highest professional standards of quality
and
innovation
in
organisational
communication. [Christine Guison]
will be used to build more GK communities for
the poorest of the poor.
This year’s battle cry, “Gawad Kalinga:
Walang Iwanan”, posed a challenge to every
Filipino as to what we can all offer towards
nation-building. Shell companies in the
Philippines Country Chairman Edgar Chua
participated in the GK Building a Nation
forum where various socio and civic leaders
discussed the country roadmap to eradicate
poverty. GK Visionary Tony Meloto
graciously lauded Chua as a “pioneer GK
Bayani” and thanked Shell for being one of
its first major supporters during its humble
beginnings, continuously supporting them
up to now.
Right after the forum, everyone proceeded to
Block 47 for the much-waited GK Martsa ng
Chua also mentioned that better facilities are instrumental to quality education because it
sets the mood for learning, making learning more enjoyable for students. To cap his speech,
he again lauded De La Salle University – Manila for the well-designed AVR and said that he
is looking forward to more partnerships in the future.
De La Salle University personnel, headed by its President and Chancellor Bro. Armin Luistro,
FSC and its Executive Director for Development and Alumni Relations Jose Kalaw welcomed
the Shell executives headed by Chua. Shell General Manager for Communications Roberto
Kanapi and Shell Sustainable Development Manager Chito Maniago were also present
during the blessing event.
The Shell companies in the Philippines Audio
Visual Room, located in Room 210, Velasco Hall
of De La Salle University- Manila, was blessed last
September 30, 2008. [Clara Antonette Eser]
(L-R) DLSU–Manila Asst. Manager for School Facilities
Engr. Aureliano Dela Cruz, Exec. Director for Development
and Alumni Relations Jose Kalaw, Vice Chancellor for La
Sallian Mission and External Relations Bro. Bernard Oca,
FSC, Shell Philippines Country Chairman Edgar Chua,
DLSU– Manila President and Chancellor Bro. Armin
Luistro, FSC, and Shell SD Manager Chito Maniago
during the blessing of the Shell companies in the Philippines
Audio Visual Room.
mga Bayani (Parade of Heroes), a march
honouring the team of caretakers,
kapitbahayan, partners and volunteers who
tirelessly worked on the ground. This was
participated by GK workers, corporate
partners, volunteers, teams from different
provinces, as well as youth volunteers from
different schools, and even GK residents
from various provinces in the country.
Headed by Chua, close to a hundred Shell
staff joined, joyfully waving their Shell
flags and holding their red and yellow
balloons while shouting the GK chant,
“Tataya ako” as they walked towards the
GK Expo site.
The festive moment did not end with the
march as the night commenced with the GK
1 World Concert. There were performances
from different celebrities and entertainers
who also gave their “taya” (pledge) for GK.
Bands like Rivermaya, Spongecola, Sandwich,
Imago, Cueshe and Six Cycle Mind wowed
the GK youth with their world-class
performances. Gloc 9 and Ryan Cayabyab
also shared their talent with the lively crowd.
Celebrity Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski and
GK spokesperson Iza Calzado, together with
GK corporate partners were invited upstage
to share their pledges. Shell Sustainable
Development Manager Chito Maniago
pledged that Shell would continue to develop
the GK farms in Bicol and be the first to
support the Green Kalinga.
The myriad of faces displaying fulfillment
and support towards the GK goal, giving the
best for the least, was more than enough to
cap the anniversary celebration of GK.
[Clara Antonette Eser]
Shell companies in
the Philippines joins
PR Congress for
the Environment
“We believe that our commitment to
contribute to Sustainable Development
holds the key to our long-term
business success,” said Shell
companies in the Philippines
(SciP) Country Chairman
Edgar Chua during
the Public Relations
Congress held on
September 16-17, 2008
at the Intercontinental
Manila in Makati City.
Now on its 15th year, the
Public Relations Congress
organised by the Public
Relations Society of the
Philippines, looks at the role of
Public Relations (PR) in
helping businesses take good
care of its people. With the
theme ‘Planet, People, Partnership’, the two-day
conference focused on how PR empowers companies
to pursue earth-friendly initiatives through
partnerships with key stakeholders.
Chua emphasised the important role of PR practitioners
in managing today’s social and environmental issues as
well as in bolstering the reputation of one’s company.
He gave a presentation on Sustainability Reporting
where he discussed the different ways by which Shell
engages its stakeholders in a transparent and accountable
way. “We at Shell believe that proper engagement with
stakeholders is very important. Reporting is one way of
engaging our stakeholders especially in the oil industry,”
said Chua.
In Shell, reporting is anchored on the company’s three
core values: honesty, integrity, and respect for people.
These emanate from the Shell General Business Principles
(SGBP), which is an underlying principle for good
corporate governance and advocacies on Sustainable
Development.Part of the programme was a discussion
on how to win an Anvil award where Exploration and
Production Communications Manager Karen Agabin
showcased the winning SD programmes of Shell
Philippines Exploration B.V. (SPEX) and the Malampaya
Venture partners centering on the Sitio Agusuhin Project
in Brgy Cawag, Subic, Zambales.
The Public Relations Society of the Philippines has
awarded Shell in the Philippines with a good number
of Anvil awards for its various SD programmes. The
Anvil is the symbol of Excellence in public relations in
the Philippines, awarded by a distinguished multisectoral jury to outstanding public relations
programmes and tools designed and implemented in
the past year. [Jo Diana-Diga]
1/20/09 5:59:59 PM
Shell University Talks:
Leading the path towards
a better future
Shell supports
Children’s Hour
Every hour is time well spent. An hour of
voluntary donation of one’s salary to
Children’s Hour will certainly go a long way
to fund the projects committed to the welfare
and development of the disadvantaged
Filipino children.
Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (PSPC)
is once again supporting the fundraising
campaign of Children’s Hour to support its
various social programmes. To seal its
partnership anew, a memorandum of agreement
(MOA) was signed on August 11, 2008 in Shell
House, Makati City.
(From left to right) Children’s Hour Resource
Mobilization Officer Ruby Dans, Pilipinas Shell
Business and Corporate Communications Manager
Shell promotes
sustainable mobility
in ATTARS workshop
Industry. Academe. Government: Bridging the Gap on Climate Change and
Alternative Energy Technologies. This was the challenge posed to the
participants of the Association of Tokyo Tech Alumni and Research Scholars’
(ATTARS) First National Workshop conducted last September 19, 2008 at the
Traders Hotel Manila.
The conference saw the convergence of experts from the different fields to address
issues related to alternative energy and climate change. This seminar-workshop
aimed to establish collaborative research activities geared towards the country’s
further development.
Shell companies in the Philippines
Country Chairman Edgar Chua
presented the various resources of
alternative
energy
and
Shell’s
contribution in meeting today’s energy
challenge. He related Shell’s initiatives
and projects geared towards Sustainable
Mobility, which include the use of
hydrogen, which has a great potential to
reduce emissions and increase energy
security. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), on
the other hand, are niche fuels that can likewise offer better air quality through less
carbon dioxide emissions.
Sankie Simbulan, Pilipinas Shell Downstream
Communications Manager Mylene Santos, and
SciP Sustainable Development Manager Chito
Maniago witnessed the contract signing. Under
the agreement, Shell will facilitate the fundraising
programme among its employees by encouraging
them to donate voluntarily to Children’s Hour to
support its wide array of programmes geared
towards the youth. [Jo Diana-Diga]
Shell participates in the
7th International
MAP CEO Conference
Bearing the theme “The Competitiveness
Imperatives: Create, Innovate, Shape”, the
Management Association of the Philippines
(MAP) organised the 7th International MAP
CEO Conference which brought together
businesses leaders of different fields to share
and relate experiences in the two-day conference
last October 7-8, 2008 at the Makati ShangriLa Hotel.
This year’s conference tackled the appropriate
strategies and responses towards the shifting
global economy, where traditional methods
and approaches are replaced by technology and
innovation to ensure global competitiveness.
Shell companies in the Philippines Country
Chairman and outgoing MAP President Edgar
Chua welcomed all the participants and said
that the conference has been a premier venue
for bringing together business leaders from
various fields to establish stronger social and
business networks. He further added that the
conference aimed to imbibe the passion and
know-how to business leaders who need
maintain their industries’ competitive
advantage in a globalised environment.
At the Rizal Ballroom lobby of the Makati
Shangri-La Hotel, a Shell exhibit was also
showcased for the conference participants. The
exhibit presented the theme Responsible
Energy, meeting the world’s growing energy
needs in economically, environmentally and
socially responsible ways. The participants
were likewise given copies of the Shell
Sustainability Report, which outlines Shell’s
response to the Energy Challenge and the
pressing issue of global warming and climate
change. [Clara Antonette Eser]
Being a leader in sustainable energy development, Chua said that Shell is investing in
various technological innovations to meet the world’s growing energy demand. He
also added that Shell has teamed up with premiere academic institutions across the
globe for biofuels innovation.
Shell continues to strengthen its recruitment strategy by
visiting universities around the country. Through
presentations about Shell in the world and in the Philippines
and an open forum, students get to learn more about the
company’s business operations and the different career
avenues they can explore.
On September 3, 2008, Shell was welcomed by the Business
and Economics Students of the University of the Philippines
(UP), including the students who were sent to Langkawi
Malaysia for the Gourami Business Challenge last August
21-26, 2008. Speakers for the event were General Manager
for Downstream Human Resources Gerboy Ortega,
Sustainable Development Manager Chito Maniago, and
Production Sharing Contract Accountant Jayjay Perlado.
Perlado, a UP College of Business Administration alumni
and a participant to the first Gourami Challenge, shared his
experiences at Shell.
“When I entered the company as a young professional, I was
given a real and major responsibility which involved thinking
out of the box and being accountable for every action and
decision that I made. The work was very challenging and
rewarding,” recounts Perlado.
“The continuous increase of the world’s population will surge the demand for energy
by twice as much as much as we do today,” said Chua, as he presented the world’s energy
scenario by 2050. He also mentioned the three hard truths the world faces in this energy
challenge: surge in energy demand, supply scarcity and rising CO2 emissions.
“Shell offers the commitment and innovative technology to help meet the energy
challenge. We cannot predict the makeup of fuels in the next decades but Shell intends
to deliver a responsible energy future,” Chua concluded. [Clara Antonette Eser]
Downstream HR GM Gerboy Ortega
Shell companies in the Philippines Country Chairman and outgoing MAP President Edgar Chua,
Downstream Communications Manager Mylene Santos, Pilipinas Shell Foundation Executive
Director Edgar Veron-Cruz and Shell Tabangao Refinery General Manager Becky Alivio pose for
a group photo by the Shell Responsible Energy exhibit.
Ortega likewise engaged the students by talking about his
work experiences at Shell, starting with his early stint as
Retail Territory Manager to becoming the General Manager
for Downstream Human Resources. Maniago, on the other
hand, presented the Corporate Social Responsibility
programmes of Shell, giving the students a glimpse of the
various Shell projects aimed towards nation-building. After
these informative talks about the company, Donna Perez of
Shell Recruitment presented the criteria for prospective
recruits to join the Shell workforce.
Despite the heavy rains, various students from the colleges of
Management, Marketing, Economics and Psychology came for
the University Talk held at the Ateneo de Manila University on
September 10, 2008. General Manager for Manila Shared
Services Infrastructure Vince Ocampo presented a brief
background about Shell and its businesses. On the other hand,
Ortega imparted the importance of the core values and principles
of Shell. HR Adviser JB Salvador and Instapave Manager Mike
Son gave interesting testimonials about their experiences at
Shell, including the various company activities where they
participated as part of observing work-life balance. Their stories
lent excitement to the students who were enticed to explore
employment opportunities at Shell.
Shell, in partnership with the Engineering Student Council,
delivered a talk last October 3, 2008 to UP Engineering
students. The company was represented by Ortega, Maniago,
Crude and Distillation Unit Technologist Jake Zepeda who was
hired through the 1st Gourami Business Challenge, and
Rotating Equipment Engineer Glenn Pamplona, who shared
about his experience working in the Shell Refinery in Tabangao,
Batangas. Pamplona says work at the Refinery is not all technical
but is coloured by fun, friendship, love and family life. These
testimonials gave a clear picture of what Work-Life Balance in
Shell is all about, which these soon-to-be graduates can look
forward to when they join the company.
These university talks marked another milestone for the
company in its endeavour to pave the way for students to gain
opportunities for a better future. [Jacky Nicolas]
1/20/09 6:00:15 PM
LEGAL SPEAK
Shell staff join
the Gabriel
Symphony
Multi-Sport
Event for
a Cause
Malampaya On-Shore
Gas Plant welcomes
Chevron Malampaya
and PNOC-EC visitors
AN INHERITANCE ISSUE:
INSIGHTS ON DIVIDING
PROPERTIES THAT CAN SAVE
YOU TROUBLE IN THE FUTURE
By ATTY. ERWIN R. OROCIO
Malampaya On-Shore Gas Plant (MOGP) staff, headed by Installation Manager Bitoy
Pantas, welcomed the whole team of Chevron Malampaya Llc. and the directors of
Philippine National Oil Company- Exploration Corporation (PNOC-EC) in two
separate occasions.
S
uccession, loosely referred to as
inheritance, is one of the modes of
acquiring property.
Take the case of Carlito Leonguerrero
and Isabella Fabale who were college
sweethearts, inseparable from the moment
they first met. The couple went on to bear
their first child, Alberto on March 3, 1993.
While Carlito and Isabella wanted to marry
each other at that time, they could not lawfully
do so since they were both only 16 years of
age. Thus, on December 8, 1995, soon after
Isabella turned 18, they married. So in love
with each other, they did not bother to discuss
any pre-nuptial arrangements. Through the
course of their marriage, the couple went on
to bear three more children: Barbie, Cipriano
and Daniel.
Headed by Chevron President Kevin Lyons, the seven members visited the plant last
September 12, 2008 together with Vice President for Commercial Auby Legall, Jr.
and Legal Manager Atty. Jay Layug. The MOGP team cordially received their joint
venture partner and provided a thorough plant tour, which included a visit to the
CNG mother station.
Shell Refinery General Manager Becky Alivio joined the Chevron guests during lunch at
the refinery’s Taclobo Club. In the afternoon, Refinery Learning Manager Art Elizaga
arranged an orientation and tour inside the facility. They were joined by a group of fortyfive University of the Philippines Law students who actively engaged Shell Batangas CX
Manager Daday De leon and Chevron guests in an informal forum on the processes of oil
refining as well as gas pricing.
Shell delegates joined the 6th Gabriel Symphony
Multi-Sport Event for a Cause staged by the Gabriel
Symphony Foundation last September 27, 2008 at
the Alabang Polo Club in Ayala Alabang Village in
Muntinlupa City.
A week later, the MOGP team led by Shell Philippines Exploration (SPEX) Operations
Manager Trevor Cogle received the directors of PNOC-EC. Among the PNOC-EC staff
who visited the facility were Director Eduardo Hernandez, Director Crismel Verano,
Jose Eijansantos and Jeff Acosta. A plant tour was also given to the esteemed officers of
PNOC-EC. [Ma. Divina De Leon]
A total of seven athletes represented the Shell
team in the corporate relay. The group was headed
by Shell Tax Compliance Head Maeng Pe Benito
and Credit Representative Enrico Caramay. The
corporate relay is one of the categories in the
multi-sport event which involves running, biking
and walking.
Table 1: List of Properties
Value
(P Mn)
House & Lot in Ayala Alabang (which Carlito 50.0
and Isabella made their family home)
House & Lot in Pilar Village (where Carlito visited 5.0
Valerie and Eugene)
SUV
3.0
Family Sedan
2.0
Club Share
1.0
Bank Account
5.0
Rolex Watch (a family heirloom his father handed 1.0
down to him on his 30th birthday in 2007)
TOTAL
67.0
Property
The Shell team won the bike relay category for
completing some 210 km. The team also finished a
7.8 km swim and 42 km run. The relay was finished
in less than 10 hours. Caramay also won third place
in the individual bike category where he finished
more than 50 km. Sayrol Tennate, another delegate
from the Shell team, won first place in the 10-km
run for women.
The Gabriel Symphony Foundation’s annual
12-hour Multi-Sport for a Cause is a fundraising
event set up in memory of Gabriel Rene
Cayetano Sebastian, the son of Senator Pia
Cayetano and Atty. Butch Sebastian. Gabriel
was born with a rare chromosomal disorder and
passed away at the tender age of nine months.
[Clara Antonette Eser]
As happy as the couple seemed to be, the
marriage grew stagnant, so much so that Carlito
had taken to an extra-marital affair with one of
his co-workers, a barrio lass named Valerie.
This affair gave birth to a boy, Eugene, on
October 23 ,2000.
Eight years have passed… the
affair continues (though Carlito
never cohabits with Valerie) and
the marriage stands firm (Carlito
manages to go home to Isabella
every night). Carlito manages to
build a substantial fortune,
providing a comfortable life for
Isabella and their children in posh
Ayala Alabang Village.
At the same time, Carlito is able
to provide for Valerie and
Eugene. Unknown to Isabella,
Carlito purchased a house and
lot for Valerie and Eugene in
nearby Pilar Village funded
entirely by Carlito through bonuses
(undisclosed to Isabella) accumulated over
the years.
Chevron Malampaya members at the Malampaya On-Shore Gas Plant (MOGP).
Unexpectedly, Carlito dies of a heart attack,
following his fright when he visited the 14th
floor executive offices during the Halloween
trick or treat last October 28, 2008. Carlito
left no will (though he started to draft one in
his memory stick). Isabella and Valerie are
now bitterly fighting over his fortune.
Summarised on Table 1 are the properties left
behind by Carlito.
How will the properties on Table 1 be divided?
In order to distribute the property, we need
to ascertain:
1. Whether a valid will was constituted
2. The legal status of each person with respect to
the deceased, Carlito
3. The share of each person in the estate
of Carlito
4. The property regime governing the relationships
of Carlito
5. The classification of each property left behind
6. The properties that form the estate of Carlito
Is there a valid will?
The law requires that a will must be in
writing and signed by the one making the
will. Unfortunately, the draft found in
Carlito’s memory stick does not satisfy the
requirement of a valid will. As such, the rules
of intestate succession (i.e., dying without a
will) will apply.
What is the legal status of each person in relation
to Carlito?
SURVIVING SPOUSE. At the time of Carlito’s
untimely demise, his marriage to Isabella was
subsisting. As such, Isabella is recognised as
Carlito’s surviving spouse.
CHILDREN. At the time of Alfredo’s birth on
March 3, 1993, Carlito and Isabella, not being
of legal age (<18), were not legally capacitated to
marry. Because of that impediment, Alfredo is
considered an ILLEGITIMATE child, even if
his parents subsequently contracted a valid
marriage. (AUTHOR’S NOTE: The situation
would have been different if Carlito and Isabella
were at least 18 years of age when Alfredo was
conceived. Their subsequent marriage would
have legitimated Alfredo)
1/20/09 6:00:19 PM
LEGAL SPEAK
Table 2: Distribution Schedule of
Carlito’s Estate (Units and %)
Name (Status)
Units Share (%)
Isabella (surviving spouse) 1.0
20
Alfredo (illegitimate child) 0.5
10
Barbie (legitimate child)
1.0
20
Cipriano (legitimate child) 1.0
20
Daniel (legitimate child)
1.0
20
Eugene (illegitimate child) 0.5
10
5.0
100
With regard to Barbie, Cipriano and Daniel,
each having been conceived and/or born during
the marriage of Carlito and Isabella, they are
each a LEGITIMATE child.
As to Eugene, having been conceived
and born outside of a valid marriage,
he is an ILLEGITIMATE child.
Table 3: Distribution of Community Properties and Personal Properties of Carlito
Property
Total Value (P Mn) Share of Isabella (P Mn) Share/Estate of Carlito (P Mn) Share of Valerie (P Mn)
House & Lot (Ayala Alabang)
50.0
25.0
25.0
0.0
House & Lot (Pilar Village)
5.0
2.5
2.5
0.0
3.0
1.5
1.5
0.0
SUV
Family Sedan
2.0
1.0
1.0
0.0
Club Share
1.0
0.5
0.5
0.0
Bank Account
5.0
2.5
2.5
0.0
Rolex Watch
1.0
0.0
1.0
0.0
Total
67.0
33.0
34.0
0.0
child. In short, Alfredo and Eugene are each
entitled to a “half unit” in the estate of Carlito.
Applying basic algebra, where x represents one
(1) “unit”, the distribution of Carlito’s estate can
be translated to the following equation:
Figure 1
Carlito’s Estate =
properties each earned and acquired thereafter,
except properties acquired during the marriage
by donation.
1x (Isabella) + 0.5x (Alfredo) + 1x (Barbie) + 1x
(Cipriano) + 1x (Daniel) + 0.5x (Eugene)
In as much as the relationship
between Carlito and Valerie is not
recognised, the law does not provide
for the property relations between
the two lovers.
PARAMOUR. As to Valerie,
Ergo:
inasmuch as Carlito did not live with her,
What properties constitute the estate
Carlito’s Estate
her relationship with Carlito is not 1x + 0.5x + 1x + 1x + 1x + 0.5x =
of Carlito?
5x =
Carlito’s Estate
recognised in law. (AUTHOR’S NOTE:
Except for the Rolex watch that was
Therefore : x = 1/5 Carlito’s Estate donated by Carlito’s Father, all the
The situation would be different if Carlito
had abandoned Isabella and left their
properties listed in Table 1 constitute
family home to move in with Valerie, living as if Hence, in the case of Carlito’s estate, the size of the community property of Carlito and
husband and wife. In such a situation, the law one “unit” is equivalent to 1/5 (20%) of the Isabella. The house in Pilar, having been
would recognise an informal civil partnership. ) entire estate, resulting in the following funded entirely by Carlito through his
distribution scheme (see Table 2).
earnings, also forms part of the community
PARENTS. Though Carlito’s father is still alive,
property of Carlito and Isabella.
he does not stand to inherit from Carlito. Parents
and ascendants only inherit in the absence of a What Property Regimes govern the two relationships Bearing in mind that:
surviving legitimate child or descendant.
of Carlito?
In the absence of pre-nuptial agreements, the 1. Isabella has a 50% interest in the community
What is the share of each person in the estate regime of “absolute community of property” property, and
of Carlito?
shall govern the property relations of Carlito
Having determined the status of the persons, we and Isabella. The import is that Carlito and 2. The law does not recognise any property
are guided by the following “BIG RULES” :
Isabella jointly own (50:50) all of the properties rights for Valerie, the properties are first divided
each owned at the time of the marriage and the as follows (see Table 3)
1. Legitimate children shall inherit in their own
right all in equal shares (Art. 980, New Civil
Table 5: Schedule of
Code or NCC). What this means is that Barbie,
Cipriano and Daniel are each entitled to one (1)
Property
Total Value
50% Share of Isabella in Community
“unit”. The size of a “unit”, which depends on
(P Mn)
Property (P 33 Mn)
the number of heirs and their respective legal
status, will be determined on Figure 1.
Only the share of Carlito in the community
property and the Rolex watch, totalling Php34
M constitutes his estate to be divided by his heirs.
The share of Isabella, in the community property,
amounting to Php33 M, is hers alone.
How will Carlito’s estate be divided?
Applying the distribution schedule in Table 2 to
the estate of Carlito as derived above, the share of
each heir in the estate of Carlito can be translated
to the following monetary values (see Table 4).
However, the share of each heir consists of
indeterminable interests in each of the properties
forming Carlito’s estate. This results in a regime
of “co-ownership” among all the heirs to the
properties, to wit (see Table 5).
The system of co-ownership, however, is one
that has many disadvantages . Amongst them
is management. Having to secure the consent
of 6 persons (one of whom could be a bitter
or unwelcome illegitimate child) in order to
sell or maintain properties poses serious
challenges. Imagine 30 years down the road
when the current heirs will themselves
transmit their interests in the properties to
Table 4: Share of Each Heir in Carlito’s Estate (% and P)
Heir
Share in Carlito’s Estate (%) Share in Carlito’s Estate (P)
Isabella (surviving spouse)
20
6.80
Alfredo (illegitimate child)
10
3.40
Barbie (legitimate child)
20
6.80
Cipriano (legitimate child)
20
6.80
Daniel (legitimate child)
20
6.80
Eugene (illegitimate child)
10
3.40
100
34.00
their respective heirs. These 6 co-owners can
soon become 18 co-owners!
Hence, to avoid squabbles in the future, it is
recommended that the properties be
partitioned immediately. This may entail
certain heirs “buying out” the others’ interest
in certain properties, while others graciously
waiving their interest in another (e.g.,
Isabella and her four children waiving their
interest in the Pilar house and lot in exchange
of Eugene waiving his interest in all the
other properties). Such “adjustments” may
attract donor’s taxes, in addition to the estate
taxes that will need to be paid, but its present
cost may be worth incurring to avoid the
agony of a family in turmoil.
How the properties will eventually be
partitioned will ultimately depend on the
heirs (if they can agree amongst themselves)
or the courts (if otherwise). SWP
Disclaimer: The comments and opinions contained
in this article are not exhaustive and are not
intended to constitute legal advice or as substitute
for the services of a lawyer.
Erwin R. Orocio earned his Juris Doctor
degree from the Ateneo de Manila, and holds
degrees in Economics and Accountancy from
De La Salle University. He and his wife, who
is happily married to him, are blessed with a
4-month old boy. He has no other children
(in Pilar or elsewhere). Neither does he have
any bonuses to disclose.
Heirs’ Interests in the Co-Owned Properties
Share in Estate of Carlito (P 34 Mn)
Isabella (20%)
Alfredo (10%)
Barbie (20%)
Cipriano (20%)
Daniel (20%)
House & Lot (Ayala Alabang)
50.00
25.00
5.00
2.50
5.00
5.00
5.00
2. The surviving spouse has in the estate the same
share as a legitimate child (Art. 996, NCC). What
this means is that Isabella is entitled to a portion
of Carlito’s estate equal to that of a legitimate
child. In short, Isabella is also entitled to 1
“unit”.
House & Lot (Pilar Village)
5.00
2.50
0.50
0.25
0.50
0.50
0.50
SUV
3.00
1.50
0.30
0.15
0.30
0.30
0.30
Family Sedan
2.00
1.00
0.20
0.10
0.20
0.20
0.20
Club Share
1.00
0.50
0.10
0.05
0.10
0.10
0.10
3. The illegitimate child shares in the estate in
the proportion of ½ of the share of a legitimate
child. (Arts. 993 and 895, NCC). What this
means is that Alfredo and Eugene, while entitled
to share in the estate of Carlito, are each allotted
only one–half (½) of the share of a legitimate
Bank Account
5.00
2.50
0.50
0.25
0.50
0.50
0.50
Rolex Watch
1.00
0.00
0.20
0.10
0.20
0.20
0.20
67.00
33.00
6.80
3.40
6.80
6.80
6.80
Eugene (10%)
2.50
0.25
0.15
0.10
0.05
0.25
0.10
3.40
1/20/09 6:00:25 PM
2008
SNAPSHOT:
1/20/09 6:03:58 PM
Complete SWP 4.indd 40
1/20/09 6:04:23 PM

shell world

Transcription

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