Shell World

SHELL
WORLD
PHILIPPINES
ISSUE 1 2010
2009 Anvil Awardee
for Publications
A BIG LEAP
TOWARDS
DEFEATING
p.20
MALARIA
08 Tapping into
Deep-Water
Reservoirs
14 Shell Eco-marathon
Philippine Teams
rev up
24 Philippine Eagle
battles Climate
Change
SHELL
WORLD
PHILIPPINES
4
ISSUE 1 2010
Editorial Advisors
Roberto S. Kanapi
Mylene M. Santos
Editor-in-Chief
Sankie G. Simbulan
7
Managing Editor
Jun Jay G. Jimenez
Copy Editor
Christine R. Guison
Writers
Jocelyn Diana-Diga
Christine R. Guison
Jun Jay G. Jimenez
Contributors
Robert Capistrano
Christine Del Valle
Aileen Duran
Clara Antonette Eser
Willie Ilagan
RJ Laguardia
Acelle Pascual
Tatit Quiblat
Raul Quiroz
Ronald Suarez
To contact the SWP Team:
Mailing Address
Shell World Philippines
14/F Shell House
156 Valero St., Salcedo Village
Makati City 1227
E-Mail
[email protected]
Website
www.shell.com.ph
External Recognition
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
Cover
Story
COMBATING
MALARIA: THE
PHILIPPINE
EXPERIENCE
Pilipinas Shell
Foundation, Inc., the
social arm of Pilipinas
Shell, is at the forefront of
the fight against malaria
in the country aided by a
substantial grant from the
Global Fund. The
foundation’s relentless
efforts in malaria control
contributes in realising
health targets outlined in
the United Nations
Millennium Development
Goals while illuminating
the hope for a malaria-free
Philippines by year 2020.
8
I’M OPEN TO CRITICS, BUT I
HAVE A BUSINESS TO RUN
Royal Dutch Shell plc Chief Executive
Officer Peter Voser explains his strategic
decisions for growing the Shell business
and shares Shell’s approach in meeting
present and future energy demands
PILIPINAS SHELL REAPS ANVIL
AWARDS
The Public Relations Society of the
Philippines recognised Pilipinas Shell’s
successful implementation of
communications campaigns on its
programmes that help contribute
towards sustainable development
TAPPING INTO DEEP-WATER
RESERVOIRS
Making oil production possible in
the challenging Parque das Conchas
in Brazil through innovativeness
and technology
10, 32
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
14
SHELL ECO-MARATHON
PHILIPPINE TEAMS REV UP
FOR FUEL EFFICIENCY
A chronicle of interesting insights from
students who will see action behind the
wheel as they steer on the tracks of
Sepang International Circuit in
Malaysia for the Shell Eco-Marathon
debut in Asia
16
EMBRACING THE CHALLENGE
Sebastian Quiniones, the first Filipino
Managing Director and Asset Manager
of Shell Philippines Exploration
B.V., shares his thoughts and vision
towards further building SPEX as a
world-class upstream operator in
the Philippines
Welcome
18
BUILT ON FOAM FOUNDATIONS
Using polystyrene geofoams overcomes technical
challenges in building a road in the central Valley
of Mexico, which was once covered by lakes
24
PHILIPPINE EAGLE PAG-ASA
CELEBRATES 18TH BIRTHDAY; BATTLES
CLIMATE CHANGE
Pag-asa, the first Philippine Eagle successfully bred
and hatched in captivity, is one of the most popular
symbols of conservation efforts in the country
26
SD IN ACTION:
NEW TO THE JOB, AND LOVING IT
A glimpse into the challenging yet rewarding
role of Ronald Suarez as Sustainable
Development Manager for Shell and what
inspires him to reap successes in his new post
28
SEEING THE SILVER LINING
A fulfilling experience of a Shell staff who helped
spin to success a doy pack weaving business at a
Gawad Kalinga village in Las Piñas
30
A RESTORED LANDSCAPE
The Pililla Refinery, Pilipinas Shell’s first lube oil
complex, is now a sprawling training centre and
recreational facility
36
SMALL CLAIMS
Know the legal ways of expeditiously resolving
relatively minor disputes involving money that
will spare you from an otherwise long and costly
legal battle
38
TAKE CHARGE: CHANGE MINDSETS,
USE ENERGY RESPONSIBLY
Shell and ABS-CBN collaborate to launch the first
energy microsite in the country to stimulate
energy dialogues for a sustainable future
39
LIVING AND WORKING IN AYALA
LAND’S GLOBAL ZONE
A look into the cool and trendy structure sitting
along the busy Dela Rosa Street in Makati that
houses the growing Shell Shared Service
Centre-Manila
W
hat’s in store for us this year? Nobody knows because no one can
foretell the future. What we know is that each year in our lives
presents a bounty of opportunities as well as challenges. As with
every New Year, we are exuberant to start it right with aspirations and plans in
tow to make our year a fruitful, rewarding and fulfilling one.
As we continue our respective journeys, the road ahead may be filled with
roadblocks that can thwart our plans and throw us into an abyss of frustration.
But believing in our enormous capacity to think of solutions will lead us to
triumph over the challenges that will come our way.
This issue of Shell World Philippines features inspiring stories about hurdling
the challenges of our generation by applying innovative methods and strategies.
In exploring for more energy sources to meet the requisites of the new energy
future, the story on the exploration of Brazil’s southeast coast showcases how
Shell combines technology and expertise to drill down thousands of metres on
the seabed and make oil production possible in a geographically challenging
location. Another milestone story is the use of geofoam for a technically
challenging road construction project in Mexico, where Shell’s chemical product
is an important ingredient in manufacturing expandable polystyrene used in
producing geofoam foundations.
On the local front, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), the social arm
of Pilipinas Shell, made headlines for its sustained success in fighting the
malaria scourge and saving thousands of lives in communities around the
country. At present, PSFI leads the crusade for a malaria-free Philippines
backed by a significant financial grant from the Global Fund, a unique global
public/private partnership which pursues the fight against HIV/AIDS,
Tuberculosis and Malaria worldwide, and armed with a goal to fulfill the
country’s commitment to realise the goals outlined in the United Nations
Millennium Development Goals.
One of the biggest issues globally is climate change. Locally, the Philippine
Eagle, regarded as the health barometre of the country’s fragile ecosystem,
appeals for the conservation of its dwindling forest habitat. Pag-asa, the most
popular symbol of conservation in the country, just turned 18 and continues to
impress visitors at the Philippine Eagle Centre in Davao City with his sharp gaze
and graceful flights. For close to two decades, Shell has been supporting the
Philippine Eagle Foundation by helping bring back the threatened populations
of the Philippine Eagle in the country.
In championing the force of our Filipino youth, your magazine heeds the
insights and inspirations of young Filipino students who form part of the
Philippine teams competing in the first Shell Eco-marathon Asia, a race for
fuel efficiency, in July 2010 at the Sepang International Circuit in Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia.
Lastly, the Shell World Philippines editorial team shares with you its recent
success in the 45th Anvil Awards, considered the toast of public relations in the
Philippines, for being regarded as among the crème de la crème in magazine
publications, with its Award of Excellence in the Publications category.
These are just few of several good stories that we would like to share
with you, our loyal readers. With all these accounts that continue to inspire
and motivate us to take action, we believe that whatever roadblocks we
encounter down the road, we can valiantly overcome through sheer
determination and strong will to achieve our goals. As a familiar battle cry
goes, let’s “Go for Gold!”
The Shell World Philippines Team
SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES 3
FEATURE
“
I want us (Shell) to
use smarter and more
innovative technology not
just tomorrow, but right
now, in today’s projects.”
- Peter Voser
“I’m open to
critics, but I have a
business to run.”
Peter Voser, Shell Chief Executive Officer, considers the future energy
mix in the context of a global economic recovery. He explains
some of his strategic decisions of the past months and looks to
investments ahead.
Peter Voser spoke to Norbert Both and Piet de Wit
4 SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES
Q. You seem quite sceptical about the global
economic recovery?
A. Yes, I am. There are early signs of a recovery,
but it’s still very fragile. Much of the current
growth is the effect of the stimulus packages of
the governments. In addition, there’s a certain
“stocking up” taking place – to compensate
for very heavy de-stocking of products in late
2008. Dubai, Greece and similar situations
also make clear that the financial crisis is not
fully behind us yet.
What I miss is real consumer confidence and
spending. Here in Europe, unemployment
will rise and consumer purchases will remain
weak for some time. Then there’s the issue of
personal debts and credit card debts. I think
the trend will be for people worldwide to spend
less and save more money, even in the USA.
All this points to lower consumption. So the
worst may be behind us but I expect 2010
to be another difficult year, before the world
economy really picks up.
Q. When the global economy does pick up, will
there be enough energy to go round?
A. We’ve seen a worldwide drop in upstream
oil and gas investments of some 20%. And for
alternative energies the drop is even steeper:
around 40%. Governments and industry must
work together to get back to higher investment
levels. Otherwise we run a risk of a supply/
demand imbalance in a few years’ time.
Q. OPEC leaders say that $80 a barrel is a
“good price” for them and the rest of the world
– do you agree?
A. Any market price should allow
companies to earn a return on investment.
That’s crucial if we want to keep up energy
supplies for the future.
Today’s oil price is high; it’s against common
market wisdom that says that when there is
a surplus, prices are depressed. Today there
is plenty of oil. I just recently arrived by
plane at Rotterdam and could see 27 tankers
waiting outside the harbour, all loaded with
crude and oil products. So the current price
is not a reflection of strong demand, but of
production cuts by OPEC and expectations
in the market about a future demand recovery
and tight supplies.
Q. Looking ahead, do you see a volatile or a stable
energy system?
A. There will be elements of both. The energy
markets will be driven by innovation, new
technology, so there are lots of opportunities.
But there will also be price volatility and
perhaps even some protectionist reflexes in the
early part of the recovery.
In the long term, the cost of energy is bound to
go up. This is the biggest challenge politicians
will face. Who will tell people that they will
have to pay more for their energy, especially
for green electricity? Is a long-term subsidy
policy for renewables what we want? Can
governments afford that kind of policy? On the
positive side, rising consumer prices for energy
will allow the industry to invest more in new,
sustainable energy resources.
The really big and fast CO2 reductions can be
made through increased energy efficiency and
conservation by consumers. We can start with
cars and buildings. We need political will to
make progress on this front.
Q. How fast do you think the world can transition
to a renewable energy system?
A. To understand the future, history offers
a few important clues. Two of our scientists
have done research into the history of energy
technology deployment and published a paper
on that theme in Nature magazine. They
argue – to my mind convincingly – that all
energy types have taken 30 years to obtain
a 1% market share following commercial
introduction. And this doesn’t even include the
time that has gone into making a commercial
introduction possible in the first place.
of high expectations that require careful
political management.
Q. How can Shell participate in the growth
in demand for transport fuel in the East, given
that many of the Asian markets are controlled by
national oil companies, and their transport fuels
often subsided by the government?
A. At Shell we take the long view. Markets
go through evolutions. Many markets start
with subsidies and over time become free and
open. China is a good example – here certain
subsidies are disappearing.
Consumers in Asia are very brand-oriented.
So Shell needs to make sure that our brand
continues to be strong, and we must offer our
differentiated, high-quality products as the
foundation for our marketing efforts. That
way, we can grow our market shares in these
economies. We already do this successfully in
China in lubricants and bitumen. And in India
and Indonesia we now can get high volume
growth at our retail stations. So a lot depends
on the strength of our brand.
We also know that an alternative energy
system, with more electricity, would use more
mineral resources like iron
ore, copper, nickel, lithium
and rare earth metals like
neodymium. For instance,
a wind farm uses twice the
amount of steel compared
to a natural gas plant to
produce the same amount
of energy. Clearly, there isn’t
a silver bullet. And clearly,
sustainability goes well
beyond oil and gas.
Q. Electric mobility is the talk
of the global town today. What’s
your assessment – how fast will
electrification take place?
A. Currently there are one
billion vehicles on our planet.
We will go to two billion
vehicles or so in 2050. So we’ll see a mosaic of
fuels, including diesel and petrol, natural gas,
electricity, biofuels and maybe hydrogen.
My view of the future of mobility is that there
will be a market for hybrid and full-electric cars
for urban environments and short distances.
And a separate market for hybrid and internal
combustion vehicles with liquid fuels for
longer distances.
Q. You speak of Shell as a company of technology
firsts. What does that mean?
A. Innovation and technology are the
key differentiators in our industry, for
current operations and future projects. All
improvements, small or large, will contribute
to maintaining our competitive leadership. I
want us to use smarter and more innovative
technology not just tomorrow, but right now,
in today’s projects.
As regards electricity, much will depend
on how it is generated. If it is generated by
conventional coal-fired power stations, we
will not be reducing CO2 emissions as much
as we would like to. For the foreseeable
future coal is likely to be the main source of
electricity for cars. This is another example
Just look at our deepwater BC-10 (Parque das
Conchas) project in Brazil, which came on
stream in the summer of 2009, and where we
deployed a whole host of new and advanced
technologies to deal with the depth of the
water and viscosity of the oil. For instance,
to keep the oil flowing, we use subsea high
SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES 5
FEATURE
pressure pumping systems that are fed
by a 68-megawatt generator on the
surface through huge electrical umbilical
cables. We avoid flaring and reduce CO2
emissions by pumping back the natural
gas into one of the fields until a gas export
pipeline system is complete and the gas can
be produced commercially.
Q. According to its critics, Shell focuses too
heavily on fossil fuels, which they say are dirty
and finite. What’s your response to that?
A. Well, I ask our critics to bear in mind
that we all need energy to power and sustain
our lives. Global demand for energy will
double during the first half of this century.
Now, unless we want to condemn over 1.5
billion people to energy poverty, we will need
to develop all available energy sources to
meet that growing demand. That inevitably
includes oil and gas. So the key challenge for
our industry is to reduce the CO2 footprint
from the energy we deliver.
One of several ways in which we will reduce
our CO2 footprint is to focus more on natural
gas, the cleanest-burning fossil fuel. By 2012,
more than half of our production will be
natural gas. This is a major change in our
production profile; and it will further increase
after that.
Q. Shell aims to increase its natural gas
production. But the International Energy Agency
warns that there will a gas glut between now
and 2015. Can Shell grow in an oversupplied
market with lower margins than oil?
A. Shell invests for the long term, not for
just today or next year. And long-term
growth estimates for natural gas are sound.
In addition, Shell is also the global leader
in liquefied natural gas (LNG) among its
competitors. We sell the majority of that LNG
in the Asia-Pacific region where gas prices are
actually linked to the oil price. That means
our LNG business profits from the upswing
in oil prices. And so we’re confidently looking
for ways to further expand our LNG business
through new projects in Australia and
elsewhere in that region.
In North America, where the prices are
lower and not linked to the oil price,
the tight gas resources we are currently
developing will be competitive at market
prices of $4-6 Henry Hub, the main price
in the North American natural gas market,
which currently hovers just above $5. In
other words, the prospects for our North
American natural gas portfolio are very
positive indeed.
For Europe, the picture is mixed. Europe
has domestic gas resources, Russian imports,
potentially unconventional domestic gas and
LNG import possibilities. All these areas will
give Shell long-term opportunities.
6 SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES
Q. But why would Shell get out of solar energy
and freeze investments in wind power when the
demand for clean electricity is growing?
A. Apart from the challenges I already
highlighted, we need to grow in areas that
are profitable and match our core skills. I saw
thousands of Dutch shareholders recently
[at an annual shareholders convention] and
I asked them if they wanted wind power or
a financial return. The answer is clear! That’s
one of the problems; I’m open to critics, but
I have a business to run, and the purpose of a
business is to achieve returns, to achieve longterm sustainable growth. As part of that we are
prepared to invest in Research & Development
(R&D), including in alternative energies. But
our activities need to give us profitability. We’re
a company like any other and we need to make
a profit in order to exist.
Q. Why is Shell growing its biofuels business
despite sustainability issues?
A. According to the International Energy
Agency, roughly 10 or 11% of the transport
fuels in 2030 will be biofuels. That’s a
good prospect for us. Moreover, biofuels
could make an important contribution to
reducing CO2 emissions. The challenge
is to develop biofuels that are really
sustainable. For now, the task is to
produce and distribute the first generation
responsibly. At the same time we at Shell
are investing in R&D for the second
generation. These are biofuels that are
made from non-food biomass like straw,
or even algae. We spend significant money
and talent on R&D and on building and
running second generation pilot plants.
But it will take close to a decade before second
generation will be commercially ready. Is that
disappointing? Maybe, but the technology for
second generation simply isn’t ready yet.
Q. How significant do you think the United
Nations Climate Conference in Copenhagen will
turn out to be?
A. One important success Copenhagen
has achieved is to trigger discussions and
negotiations that have taken us many steps
in the right direction already. The world now
has a mental and political road map for the
next phase.
Shell’s preferred outcome would include
effective CO2 pricing mechanisms and
recognition of carbon capture and storage, or
CCS, as an important mitigation technology.
The most effective pricing mechanism is a
system that caps CO2 emissions and allows
companies to trade emission allowances, as the
European Trading Scheme already does.
However, when carbon markets are still young,
they may not produce a carbon price high
enough to speed up the deployment of new
technology. So governments may need to
intervene in these early years, the way Europe
did by offering companies that pioneer CCS
projects bonus emission allowances.
Q. Is Nigeria still a heartland for Shell?
A. The government amnesty in the Niger
Delta region wishing to lay down their arms
seems to be making good progress. But
security issues still remain. There are also
uncertainties about the future of the fiscal
structure, with Nigeria working on a new
petroleum bill.
Shell staff in Nigeria are doing a great
job in this very difficult environment.
Oil production levels improved towards
the end of 2009 and our LNG business
is performing well. In general, during
2009 sabotage and attacks on installations
of the Shell Petroleum Development
Corporation of Nigeria have again
reduced production levels.
We’ve also made progress with the Flares
Out project during the last few years, but
unfortunately security problems for our staff
and government funding issues have delayed
the gas gathering projects. The Nigerian
government, in setting priorities for the
joint venture in which it is the majority
shareholder and Shell a minority shareholder,
gives priority to maintaining oil production
over reducing gas flares.
So, to answer your question, Nigeria is
still a heartland for Shell, but we no longer
depend on it for our growth aspirations.
This gives us more flexibility in deciding
when and how to develop oil and gas
resources in Nigeria.
Q. For Shell, Qatar operations will generate an
extra cash flow of some $4 billion per year. Any
idea how Shell will spend that money?
A. It is $4 billion at a $70 oil price. We
want to maintain a significant investment
level in order to achieve organic growth.
So the increased cash we generate in
Qatar is welcome and can be used to pay
dividends and fund investments elsewhere
in the world.
Q. Do you feel the market and credit rating
agencies are confident that Shell is on the
right path?
A. Our strong credit rating reflects our
good operational performance, our reorganisation and cost reduction efforts,
and the expected future growth through
the projects that will come on stream in the
period 2009-2011.
In addition, overall we have a strong cash
flow and a solid balance sheet which can
drive our investment portfolio and dividend
policy forward. SWP
SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES 7
FEATURE
Tapping into
deep-water reservoirs
Breakthrough technology and the innovative use of undersea equipment
normally found onshore or on sea-level platforms is making oil
production possible from the Parque das Conchas project in Brazil.
T
he location of the fields 120
kilometres off the coast of Brazil, the
water depth of nearly two kilometres
and the scattered nature of the reservoirs
posed daunting technical challenges. So
too did the low reservoir pressure —
meaning the oil would not flow freely
— and the near-freezing temperatures
on the seabed. Shifting sands and the
powerful swell of the Atlantic Ocean
added to the hurdles.
Drilling through
shifting sands
The sand that forms the layer containing oil
and gas at Parque das Conchas has travelled a
short distance in geological terms from Brazil’s
coastal mountain ranges, 1,000 metres above
sea level, to fill the Campos Basin. The steep
angle of the flow — down to 2,000 metres
below sea level in just 120 kilometres — has
left the sand relatively little time to settle,
making drilling more difficult.
To develop the fields economically, three
reservoirs of Parque das Conchas were
connected through a single production
process centred on a specially-converted
floating,
production,
storage
and
offloading vessel.
“Drilling down thousands of metres into the
uncompacted seabed in the Campos Basin is
like trying to dig a deep hole in beach sand,“ says
Gunnar Holmes, Shell Brasil Senior Operations
Geophysicist. ”As we drill down thousands of
metres, sand and water pour back in.”
8 SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES
To prevent sand, mud and shale from filling
the well while drilling, Shell pumped a mix of
synthetic oil with additives under high pressure
to shore it up before installing steel casing to
hold it back permanently. Engineers then
installed perforated pipes covered by several
layers of mesh that acts as a sieve to stop sand
from flowing into the well, but allow oil and
gas to enter.
Tools that can make electronic and microscopic
measurements helped engineers drill with
pinpoint precision. For the first time Shell
used technology that gives a detailed picture
of geology three to five metres away from the
well while it is being drilled. This technology
allows engineers to steer drills in response to a
continuous flow of geological information.
cables also carry sensors that
convey vital temperature and
pressure information back
to engineers on the surface.
The six cables, which
stretch for a total of 54
kilometres, supply electrical
and hydraulic power to
the wells, manifolds and
pumps. The chemicals
prevent frozen solids from
forming in the oil.
“That means we can steer the path of the well as
we drill and stay in the best reservoir,” says Shell
Senior Petrophysical engineer Lee Stockwell.
First oil and gas separators
on the seabed
Remote-controlled submarines helped to
install 1,500-horsepower electric pumps on the
seabed — each with the power of a Formula
1 engine — to push oil to the surface as the
natural pressure inside the reservoirs is too low.
Just as a fast-flowing river resists freezing, the
six pumps on the seabed help prevent the oil
from freezing. They also stop wax from forming
under the high pressure and low temperature in
the 78-kilometre network of production pipes.
This was the first use of electrical submersible
pumps in a full-field development.
In another industry first, machines separate
oil and gas on the seabed, rather than on the
surface. Without first separating the oil and
gas, the electric pumps — designed for liquids
— would struggle to force oil to the surface.
Any gas entering the pumps could cause
damage and lead to pump failure.
The reservoirs in Parque das Conchas are up
to 20 kilometres apart. Shell developed special
umbilical cables to keep the power supply
running and to feed chemicals to the seabed
production system. The 25 centimetre-wide
Steel pipes that
bend
The constant swell of
the ocean posed another
challenge. Shell designed
risers — pipes connecting
the equipment on the seabed
to the surface — that can
move with the swell. They
are rigid steel pipes several
kilometres long with a bend
which flexes when the sea
level rises and drops, helping
to prevent fractures and
metal fatigue.
A floating production, storage
and offloading vessel (FPSO)
receives the oil at sea level because of the remote
offshore location of Parque das Conchas, a
long way from other producing oil fields and
established pipelines. Building a platform or
new pipeline network would have been too
costly.
The Espírito Santo is among FPSOs
moored in the deepest water in the world.
It is as long as seven Olympics–sized
swimming pools and as tall as a 33-storey
building. It is a former crude oil carrier
refurbished to include new tanks and
collision-resistant buffers around the
vessel. The Espírito Santo has the capacity
to generate 68 megawatts of power —
equivalent to the peak output of about a
dozen heavy diesel-electric locomotives
— to supply the deep-water oil and gas
separation machines and high-pressure
pumps on the seabed.
Most of the technology hardware used
on the seabed was built in Brazil.
But the submersible electrical pumps
and umbilical cables were built in
the USA, the tubes for the cables in
Europe, and the cables’ copper cores
were made in Colombia. The FPSO
was built in Singapore. At peak, some
3,000 people worked on the FPSO at
the Keppel Tuas shipyard in Singapore
before it set sail in 2008 on a 16,700
kilometre journey to its final mooring
in the Campos Basin. SWP
Source: Wendel Broere, Media Relations
SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES 9
COUNTRY
ROUND-UP
Team Energy chooses Shell Lubricants
P
ilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (PSPC) and
Team Energy signed a 5-year Lubricants Supply
agreement for the latter’s Sual and Pagbilao power
stations on January 29, 2010 at Marriot Hotel in New
Port City Complex, Pasay City.
Team Energy, a partnership of two major Japanese
firms Tokyo Electric Power Company and Marubeni
Corporation, is one of the largest independent power
producers in the Philippines with over 2,000 megawatts
(MW) of installed generating capacity.
It owns and operates two clean coal facilities in Luzon,
namely: 1) Sual power station (Team Sual) - with a
generating capacity of 1,218 MW, the largest coal-fired
power plant in the Philippines; and 2) Pagbilao power
station (Team Energy) - with a generating capacity
of 735 MW, a coal-fired thermal power plant at Isla
Grande in Pagbilao, Quezon.
After an extensive bidding process against major oil
competitors, Shell’s proven track record in delivering
unique packages of products and services won the nod
of Team Energy. [Robert Capistrano, Shell B2B Direct
Sales Account Manager]
CEREMONIAL CONTRACT SIGNING. Pilipinas Shell and Team Energy officially marked its business
partnership on January 29, 2010 for a 5-year Lubricants Supply Contract at Marriot Hotel in New Port City
Complex, Pasay City. Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation Chairman and President Edgar Chua and Team
Energy President Freddie Puno seal the agreement with a handshake, witnessed by (from left) Shell Lubricants
Marketing Manager Jay Lazo, Shell Lubricants Sales Manager Bryan Nazareno, Team Energy Executive Vice
President and Chief Finance Officer Takao Onuki and Team Energy Materials Management Assistant Manager
Ferdie Malabed
Shell launches V-Power Card
S
hell Retail Philippines launched the Shell V-Power
Card, the newest offering exclusively for V-Power
customers that gives three (3) irresistible offers!
“What better way to start the year by giving away a 2010
Audi TT Coupe. Through this brilliant and promising
promotion, we are giving the most out of every drop for
Shell V-Power customers,” said Vice President for Retail
Henry Fadullon after his grand entrance on the stage
riding a brand new Audi TT Coupe.
The promotion is Retail’s opening salvo for the year
which aims to drive up the volume of Shell V-Power.
Shell Fuels Brand Manager Stephanie Ann Cua
presented the mechanics of the promotion to the
audience composed mostly of Shell retailers. Rallying
for everyone’s support, Cua said: “Just like in our
past campaigns, you, our Shell retailers and your site
employees, will play an important role in effectively
and flawlessly implementing this promotion on site.”
This initial 2010 promo is just a preview of an
10 SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES
exciting year ahead prepared by Shell. “The Shell
V-Power Card launch is our kick-off event for the first
major marketing activity this year, which hopefully
starts 2010 with the right momentum. To our Shell
retailers, 2010 will be a very exciting year for all of
us!” said Shell companies in the Philippines Country
Chairman Edgar Chua during the Shell V-Power
Card launch event at the One Esplanade in Mall of
Asia, Pasay City at the One
The Shell V-Power Card promo run from January 24
to March 25, 2010 which gave away a brand new
Audi TT Coupe won by Ma. Elveta Comsti of Pasig
City. The successful promo attracted millions of
motorists to gas up at Shell retail stations and take
their chances to drive home a top of the line Audi car.
Special offers such as limited edition V-Power caps
and discounts on Shell lubricants were also given
away during the promo duration through the card.
[Jun Jay G. Jimenez]
Shell Retail Philippines Vice President Henry Fadullon (right)
receives the symbolic key from Head of Audi Philippines
Benedicto Coyuito during the V-Power Card launch
Shell Gas holds annual PARDS recognition
S
hell Gas, Inc. (SGLPI) honoured
outstanding
professional
drivers
during the 2009 PARDS (Professional and
Responsible Drivers for Shell) Recognition
held on February 21, 2010 at Shell House,
Makati City.
Five haulier drivers were rated Class A
awardees namely EMME drivers Teofilo
Lamban, Alfredo Oliva, Eddie Palcotilo
and Transgas drivers Lito Neis and
Reynaldo Tero. Each received a certificate
and gift from SGLPI while their respective
companies awarded them with cash bonus.
Shell Gas Distribution Manager Ronaldo
Nepomuceno and Road Transport Manager
Earl Campos led the awarding ceremonies.
Shell Gas General Manager Ramon Del Rosario,
Shell Gas Regional Operations and Technical
Manager Vic Marinas and HSE Manager Roland
Guieb graced the event to deliver their messages to
the hauliers management and their drivers.
Shower of prizes
from Shell
M
ore than a thousand Shell lucky customers
nationwide brought home exciting prizes
through the promo dubbed “Tulong Para Umahon”
for Luzon and “Bagong Taong Pasasalamat” for
Visayas and Mindanao.
This was a special promotion for Shell customers
nationwide. “We understand that these are especially
trying times for Filipinos. Through this promotion,
we wish to bring hope to our customers by offering
raffle items that can help them in their daily living,”
said Stephanie Ann Cua, Shell Fuels Brand Manager.
PARDS is a quarterly recognition programme for
drivers who excel in providing services to SGLPI
that are in accordance with Health, Safety, Security,
and Environment (HSSE) standards. Through the
PARDS programme, drivers are equipped with the
knowledge and importance of upholding safety in
their journey, thus providing a valuable contribution
to the transportation industry. [Acelle Pascual, Road
Transport Executive-LPG Logistics]
PDSI, oil companies intensify
commitment to safety in Pandacan
A
s part of its social commitment
to promote safety, Pilipinas
Shell
Petroleum
Corporation
(PSPC) together with joint venture
partners Pandacan Depots Services,
Inc. (PDSI), Petron and Chevron
donated a fire truck and firefighting
equipment to the Bureau of Fire
Protection – Pandacan Fire Station
(BFP-PFS) and the Samahan ng
Punong Barangay ng Pandacan
(SPBP), composed of 43 barangays
in Pandacan, Manila.
SPBP Chairman Celso Esteban,
PDSI General Manager Eric Lizardo
and BFP-PFS Senior Inspector
Marvin Carbonel signed the Memorandum of
Agreement (MOA) witnessed by Shell Pandacan
Communications Manager and Social Performance
Head Janot Barretto and other representatives of the
oil companies, barangay chairmen, and residents
of Pandacan. The MOA signing and ceremonial
handover was held on January 22, 2009 at the
Petron Linear Park.
Every Php 500 single or accumulated purchase of
Shell fuels, lubes, Shellane and items from Select
store and Shell shop of participating service stations,
entitled a customer to one (1) raffle coupon. A
customer gets two (2) coupons with every Php 500
single or accumulated V-Power, Helix Ultra, 11 kg.
Shellane purchase or by using Shell Citi Visa credit
card. Pepeng Pasada Club (PPC) members get
double the number of coupons when they use their
PPC card.
Manila City Mayor Alfredo Lim representative City
Legal Officer Atty. Renato Dela Cruz delivered his
message before Pandacan residents and barangay
chairmen during the ceremonial turnover. In
a written statement, Mayor Lim expressed his
gratitude for the generosity of the oil companies
and the PDSI for donating fire protection vehicle
and equipment. He said that the donation is a proof
that the City Government of Manila and the oil
companies are working together to ensure safety of
Pandacan residents.
Jeepney and multicab units, home appliances and
gift certificates were won by Shell lucky patrons
through the promo, which run from January 7 until
March 19, 2010. Preliminary draws were scheduled
on January 29, February 22 and March 19, 2010
and the Grand Draw was held on March 24, 2010.
[Jun Jay G. Jimenez]
Recognising the long history of operations of the
Pandacan oil depot, Mayor Lim expressed that the
depot continues to operate with no major incidents
and that the oil companies put heath, safety and
environment as its utmost priorities. “For the
longest time that the Pandacan oil depot has been
here in Manila, it exemplifies safety operations as
well as an important energy source for Manila and
the whole country.”
“This is a small step – but a step nonetheless in
ensuring the safety of our constituents in this
district. May this inspire all of us to work together
- the city government, the oil companies and
residents of Pandacan in promoting a safe and
healthy community where each one can live and
work productively,” said Lim in a written note.
A total of 11 firefighting suits with complete
accessories were donated by the oil companies. BFPPFS’ Carbonel expressed his gratitude for the four
(4) firefighting suits they have received. He vowed to
ensure the prevention and suppression of fire incidents
in the community, challenged residents to become
more aware of the hazards of fire and advocated for its
prevention. Likewise, SPBP Chairman Esteban echoed
their gratitude for the support that the community has
been endowed with. Representing the 43 barangays, he
reiterated their commitment in assuming responsibility
for the fire truck’s maintenance and pledged for
its support in ensuring fire safety and prevention
for all their constituents. The event concluded
with the ceremonial handover of the fire truck key.
[Jo Diana-Diga]
SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES 11
The Mind Museum pursues more exhibits with new donors
(Seated, l-r) BAFI Trustee Charlie Rufino, SPEX Managing Director Jerome Pascual for Malampaya Consortium, BAFI Vice-Chair Fernando Zobel, Sony Ericcson Mobile
Communications GM Dennis Manzano, Davis Langdon and Seah Phils. Joyce Areola, Arch. Lor Calma. (Standing, l-r) Vision A&E President Marco Urera, Cemex
Executive Director Atty. Darwin Mariano and VP Paul Arcenas, I.A. Campbell & Associates Gerry Lopez, VP & GM of PNOC for Malampaya Consortium Dindo Ostrea,
Dai-ichi Electronics VP Dwight Tobiano, Meinhardt Phils. Managing Director Ferdinand Naniong, BAFI President Tony Aquino, Sony Ericcson Patrick Larraga and The Mind
Museum Managing Director Manny Blas.
T
he Mind Museum at Taguig led by its
Managing Director Manny Blas welcomed
the fifth batch of the museum’s donors during the
recently concluded Deed of Donation signing.
The Mind Museum at Taguig will be the country’s
first world-class science museum. It will rise at the
super-prime 12,000 square metres J.Y. Campos Park
in Bonifacio Global City.
Over 250 interactive exhibits will feature science
facts and the process of discovery and their
applications. They will be told through five main
stories, corresponding to the museum’s five main
galleries and spanning through the entire range of
nature’s elements: Atom, Life, Universe, Earth, and
Technology. It will be a place where science can be
learned in a fascinating and entertaining way.
Project proponent, Bonifacio Art Foundation,
Inc. (BAFI) welcomed the new batch of donors:
ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. will sponsor the
Nature’s Hourglass and its featured films “Simula”
and ”The Making of Simula” in the Earth Gallery;
The Malampaya Consortium, composed of Shell
Philippines Exploration B.V. (SPEX), Chevron
Malampaya LLC, and the Philippine National Oil
Company (PNOC) Exploration Corp., will sponsor
the How- to-Live-Node, the Energy Circuit, and the
Technology Timeline; Consultancy Donors: Davis
Langdon & Seah Phils. for the quantity surveying and
cost consultancy services; I.A. Campbell Associates
for facade engineering consultancy, and Vision
A&E for coordinated services design review; Cemex
Phils. for the life-size Whale Shark exhibit; Dai-ichi
Electronics Manufacturing for the speaker audio
equipment and services for many of the museum’s
areas; Sony Ericcson Mobile Communications for
the Music Exhibit and the Outdoor sculpture called
Solar Trees, and Architect Lor Calma will craft and
donate an exquisite steel sculpture which will be the
centrepiece of the Canopy plaza.
Set to open in 2011, The Mind Museum at
Taguig has reached 88% of its Php 1 billion target
funds for construction. More exhibit areas in this
landmark project will be opened with the help of
more donors.
Tabangao Refinery achieves top quartile HSE
Goal Zero performance
I
n its relentless drive to Goal Zero, Shell
Tabangao Refinery reached remarkable Health,
Safety, Environment (HSE) milestones:
• 2 Million Man-hours Total Recordable Case
(TRC) free run, equivalent to a year of TRC-free
operation;
• 6 Million Man-hours Lost Time Injury (LTI)
free run; and
• 36 Months Process Safety Incident free operation
"These exemplary HSE milestones were
achieved because of the passion and focus of
everyone in the Refinery,” said Shell Tabangao
Refinery General Manager Arnel Santos. He
lauded everyone’s commitment to continuous
improvement, the Hearts and Minds campaign
to imbibe a safety culture, visible leadership,
and robust processes, which contributed to
Tabangao’s outstanding safety performance.
While the Refiner y has achieved top
quartile performance in safety, Santos, in
a note to staff, reiterated the importance
of sustained vigilance, visible leadership,
particularly in helping minimise the
hazards/risks in the workplace, and the
need to take appropriate inter vention
12 SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES
measures in managing such
situations.
Shell Executive Vice President
for Global Manufacturing
Tom Botts congratulated the
Tabangao Refinery Leadership
Team and staff for their
commitment to Goal Zero and
celebrated the achievements
during his recent visit to
Tabangao Refinery. Likewise,
he personally accorded the
contractors with a Certificate
of Recognition.
“Continue to stay focused and
continue to show the rest of Shell Global Manufacturing Leadership and the Refinery
Global Manufacturing what Goal Leadership Team honour Refinery contractors with Certificates of
Recognition for their exemplary HSE performance
Zero is all about!” said Botts.
Meanwhile, Tabangao contractors who posted
outstanding HSE milestones were: PSN
Philippines (14 years LTI-Free and 1 year
TRC), CBI Philippines (643,768 - Exposure
hours since last TRC and 7 years TRC-Free)
and United Port Management Services Inc. (2
years LTI-Free and 2 years TRC-Free).
“I sincerely appreciate everyone’s overwhelming
commitment and support. Let’s continue to
demonstrate visible leadership and rally our
folks to maintain focus on HSE and on the
formidable challenges we have this year,” said
Santos. [Jo Diana-Diga]
Shell joins Paco Market groundbreaking
T
he Philippine government awarded
Php30 million to ‘Kapit Bisig Para sa
Ilog Pasig’ (KBPIP), an organisation known
for its initiatives, information and education
communication
campaigns
towards
the
rehabilitation of the Pasig River.
Attended by Her Excellency President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo, Manila City Mayor Alfredo
Lim, ABS-CBN Foundation Executive Director
Gina Lopez, partners and stakeholders, the
groundbreaking ceremony for the re-development
of Paco Market was held on February 22, 2010 in
Paco, Manila.
Paco Market vendors and representatives of the
national and local governments, Metropolitan
Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the
military, and KBPIP members gathered at the
market bridge to celebrate this environmental
initiative. Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp.
(PSPC) is one of the major supporters of the
KBPIP Pasig River Remediation Programme.
Maja Olivares-Co of SS Olivares and Associates
worked on the Paco Market re-development and
re-design with the main
objective of fixing and
preserving
Philippine
history and culture and, at
the same time, encouraging
commercial sustainability
and the clean-up of the
Pasig River.
“This would not have
happened if it were not for
your contribution to the
collective action for the
revival of the Pasig River,”
said Lopez in her opening
remarks.
Meanwhile,
Manila
City
Mayor
Alfredo Lim was grateful
for the multi-sector help
of re-developing this
century-old
structure
Estero de Paco, which was
built in 1911, but which became a major pollutant
by flowing directly to the Pasig River.
Shell observes Fire
Prevention Month
The Php 50-million re-development is expected
to take six months and will be implemented in
phases as the funds are still being raised to cover
the costs. The first phase will be funded by a
Php 5-million donation of the Philippine Long
Distance Telephone Co. to Paco Market. President
Macapagal-Arroyo earmarked Php 30 million from
her Social Fund to contribute to the funds needed
for Phase 1.
The money will go towards helping the Pasig River
Rehabilitation Project, with breakdown as follows:
Php15 million for the Paco Market, Php 5 million
for the Paco Estero clean-up, and Php10 million for
the resettlement site.
Shell will be providing funds for the building
and beautification of easements along Paco
Estero as well as for the rehabilitation of the
Paco Market, which is considered to be a major
contributor of pollution to the Pasig River and
for rehabilitation projects along San Juan River.
[Clara Antonette Eser]
BFP Chief Rolando Bandilla, Jr. (left) and PSPC Health,
Safety, Security and Environment Manager Arsenio
Isidro with PSPC Shell Government and Media
Relations Manager Mich Cruz (standing)
T
he Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), in partnership
with Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation
(PSPC), reaffirmed its commitment to the promotion
of safety by taking part in the Fire Prevention Month
kick-off ceremony on March 1, 2010 at the University
of the Philippines Bahay ng Alumni.
Themed as “Sustaining Fire Prevention Through Active
Community Participation”, this year’s Fire Prevention
Month activities include a National Fire Brigade
Competition, Poster Making Contest, Essay Writing
Contest, Training Seminar for Fire Safety Enforcers and
the Search for 10 Outstanding Fire Fighters.
During the kick-off ceremony, PSPC and BFP sealed
their partnership in promoting fire prevention and
safety by signing a memorandum of agreement.
In commemoration of Fire Prevention Month,
the BFP, in partnership with PSPC and the Safety
Organization of the Philippines held this year's
National Fire Brigade Competition on March 6.
Shell Pandacan Social Performance Head Janot Barretto and Pilipinas
Shell Sustainable Development Manager Ronald Suarez pose with
Ms. Earth beauties by the Paco Market Scale Model
Around 800 participants from the private sector,
local government units and BFP trooped to Mehan
Garden, Manila to join the competition. Pilipinas
Shell, a company that puts prime importance to
safety, sponsored this worthwhile initiative by giving
out tokens to the attendees courtesy of Shellane.
[Christine Guison]
Boholano drivers showcase singing prowess
D
rivers battled it out in the first ever “Search for
Bohol Singing D”, a singing contest for public
utility drivers in Bohol. Pilipinas Shell Petroleum
Corporation (Pilipinas Shell), through its Shell
Rewards Pepeng Pasada Club, sponsored the contest.
Elimination rounds were held at five Pilipinas Shell
stations and five drivers per station were identified
to compete for the title “Ultimate Singing Driver”
in the Finals Night which was held at BQ Mall in
Tagbilaran City on January 22, 2010.
Cesar Montano, host of the hit TV show “The
Singing Bee,” and his wife Sunshine CruzMontano, graced the competition. Montano,
a Boholano himself, was full of pride in his
kababayan drivers who showcased their talent in
the one-of-a-kind competition.
All twenty-one participants rendered their chosen
songs one by and one and received grocery packs
worth one thousand pesos each. Of the 21 contestants,
5 were chosen to compete in the final round. The
final round is a head-to-head competition wherein
contestants interpret a common song, “Hanggang”
by Wency Cornejo. Consolation Prize winners Victor
Luza and Nilo Lumantas, both from Tagbilaran, went
home with grocery packs and a sack of rice. Second
runner up Randy Moring received an appliance
showcase while 1st Runner Up Darius Tuazon got
an appliance showcase plus Php10,000.00 cash.
Christopher Galamiton, a tricycle driver from Jagna,
representing DES Marketing Shell Station, bagged
the title “Ultimate Singing D Champion of Bohol”
and a brand new multicab.
Pepeng Pasada Club is Pilipinas Shell’s loyalty
programme for public utility vehicle drivers.
Designed to alleviate the lives of drivers, members
get free accident insurance if they maintain a
monthly volume purchase of at least 50 litres of
fuel (for tricycles and multicabs) and 200 litres (for
taxi, jeep and bus). Through their Pepeng Pasada
card, drivers earn points which in turn may be used
to redeem items such as shirts, caps, towels and
appliances like rice cooker, electric fan, oven toaster,
CD cassette player, DVD player and coloured TV.
Pilipinas Shell Loyalty Manager Ares Albelar and
Retail Territory Manager Recca Menchavez flank
grand champion Christopher Galamiton
SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES 13
FEATURE
SEM Philippine
Teams rev up
for fuel efficiency
Albert Janwin
Cudal (left) and
Jericho Paolo
Rivera of Team
Atalanta
A new breed of young Filipino drivers is revving up their muscles and
conditioning their minds to prepare for the first Shell Eco-marathon Asia
competition, where fuel gauges and not speedometers will matter, in this race
for fuel efficiency that declares the team that travels the farthest distance
using the least amount of fuel as champion.
By Aileen F. Duran
M
ichael Schumacher, Formula 1 (F1)
and Shell V-Power – all denote speed
and efficiency. For F1 enthusiasts,
it gives them an exhilarating feeling once the
F1 driver turns on the ignition and steps on
the accelerator, releasing that enthralling,
captivating, soul-lifting engine sound as the car
circles the race track.
In July 2010, the Sepang International Circuit
(SIC) of Malaysia, home to the famous F1
World Championship and World Motorcycle
Grand Prix, will welcome 108 Shell Ecomarathon (SEM) student teams from all over
Asia to showcase their intelligence and skill
through the energy-efficient vehicles they built
to help address the global energy challenge. The
unique competition inspires young engineers
around the world to develop new types of
sustainable mobility, design and build the most
energy-efficient vehicle to compete in a race for
fuel efficiency.
According to the SEM rules, each team will have
two official drivers (driver 1 and an alternate
driver) and a reserved driver. Team Philippines
will be represented by six gentlemen and a lady:
Jericho Paolo Rivera and Albert Janwin Cudal
of the Mapua Institute of Technology will
drive a teardrop designed car called “Atalanta”,
inspired by the Greek goddess of running,
travelling and adventure.
Angelo Blanco, Jason de Guzman and reserved
lady driver Erica Vicera of the Don Bosco
Technical College - Mandaluyong will be
manoeuvring their vehicle entry “Grigio”,
named after the guardian dog of St. John Bosco.
Richard Ching Lao and Tim Mervin Orille
of the University of Santo Tomas (UST)
Engineering Eco-marathon Team will be
behind the wheels of “Tiger 400”, designed
with cockpit materials resembling a rib cage.
14 SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES
The team’s vehicle entry name is in honour of
their university’s 400th anniversary in 2011.
The Chosen Ones
Each team’s brainchild is a product of the
students’ ingenuity, careful planning, and
thorough analysis to produce an aerodynamic,
competitively reliable and fuel-efficient vehicle.
Equally important as building the vehicle is
choosing the right drivers for the competition.
These seven young Filipino drivers – Jericho,
Jarwin, Angelo, Jason, Erica, Richard and Tim
- were chosen on the basis of exceptional driving
skills, ideal body weight and type for their
particular vehicle, right attitude and adaptability.
UST’s “Tiger 400” driver 1 Richard was
selected by his co-driver and team leader Tim.
“Richard was the first person that came to
mind. Not only does he drive economically,
he is also focused, passionate, and easily adapts
to any situation. I believe that he can deliver
during the competition,” shares Tim. Richard
feels equally confident in Tim as their team
leader, especially in ably managing a highly
diverse set of students who make up their
team, with courses ranging from Mechanical
Engineering, Electronics and Communications
Engineering and Industrial Design.
For Don Bosco’s Grigio driver 1 Angelo,
critical thinking is an important quality of
an SEM driver. “During the competition, we
will be running against other cars on the track.
Proper decision-making on what gears to use
while taking into consideration fuel efficiency
is very vital,” explains Angelo. The expert
driving techniques of Grigio’s alternate driver
Jason and safety-first attitude of reserved lady
driver Erica were also key determinants during
Don Bosco’s selection process.
Having spent most of their growing up years
in the presence of military men inside a camp
in Cagayan de Oro, Mapua’s Atalanta driver 1
and team leader Jericho and alternate driver
Janwin believe that the discipline and positive
mindset that were instilled in them during
their formative years is a key differentiator that
will get them to the finish line.
Off track
Richard admits not to have been a very
studious fellow in primary and secondary
school. “I was more focused on sports, and
badminton was my particular favourite.
I even used to compete in various interschool badminton tournaments, where I
won several gold medals.” When he entered
college, he realised he had much potential to
excel in academics, and so he began to devote
more time on his studies, but still with his
favourite sport in mind. “One reason why I
took up Mechanical Engineering (ME) was
because whatever we study in this course -Physics, for example -- has actually helped me
play better in badminton!” shares Richard,
who is also an avid follower of the F1 race and
motorcycle grand prix.
Risk and adventure keep Jason’s spirits high.
His childhood dream, after all, was to become a
pilot. But he eventually decided to take up ME
in Don Bosco. “I am also fond of car racing. In
fact, we formed a race team in Don Bosco and
joined the Tuazon school car fest. Luckily, we
were able to get to the finals,” recounts Jason.
A true-blue speed racer, Jason has also tried
kart racing and rowing.
Angelo has earned the reputation of a Math
whiz. He absolutely enjoys studying Math and
Physics more than any other school subject. He
earned the special award of Best in Physics in
High School and was a Dean’s Lister in college.
Aside from being a Math whiz, Angelo was also
an inter-school swimming competition silver
medallist and was active in volunteering for
Gawad Kalinga and Youth for Christ projects.
Watching the National Geographic Channel
and Discovery Channel has been Jericho’s
source of knowledge as a child. “My fascination
for cars started there,” says Jericho, a visual
learner who prefers looking at pictures than
reading long texts in books. He put aside
his plan to enter the military academy when
he entered high school in Don Bosco, where
he learned to appreciate technology and
(From left) Jason de Guzman,
Angelo Blanco and Erica Vicera
of Team Grigio
High School in Lanao del Norte. “I don’t take
notes, but somehow I’ve always survived my
exams by borrowing notes from my classmates
and doing quick studying,” says Janwin who
was a consistent honour student in grade school.
Janwin is a self-confessed sedentary person who
spends most of his time reading books, playing
computer games, and visiting his Facebook
account. He has been a member of the Mapua
Robotics Team since his freshman year in college.
“I did a lot of exciting and milestone projects
with that team and was the president when we
designed Project MAC, a bomb-disposal robot,”
narrates Janwin who thrives at problem-solving.
Tim, on the other hand, keeps an eye on
his health by working out at home three
times a week. “But now, I’m not able to do
this regularly with my busy schedule in the
school organisation, academics and SEM,”
says Tim. He spent his grade school at the
Philippine Jin Nan Institute and high school
at the Philippine Cultural High School. “A
lot of people were discouraging me to take up
ME because of mathematics, which is not my
strength.” But with his sheer determination
and passion, he was able to persevere. His
ultimate dream of building his own car, with
his name on it, could not be a far-fetched
goal to fulfil someday. “Hardwork and prayers
can be a source of strength even if you’re not
naturally excelling at something,” says the
optimistic Tim.
Every drop counts
Completing the SIC north track’s length of
2.7 km -- with nine turns and an access speed
of more than 130 km/hr -- and surviving its
humid weather will be a challenging feat for
Team Philippines drivers.
Richard Ching Lao (left) and
Tim Mervin Orille of Tiger 400
innovation. Jericho says he made it to the
top of his class using visualisation as key to
solving a mathematical or scientific problem.
In college, he played basketball, badminton,
and also became an active student leader. “I
realised that I wanted to try something new
so I ran for student council and got elected
as president,” relates Jericho. Needless to say,
opportunities for development landed on his
lap. “I learned how to lead and organise a team,
and the biggest opportunity was, of course,
being part of the Shell Eco-marathon.”
Janwin lives an independent life. At a very
young age, he travelled alone from Cagayan de
Oro to Manila. He has a very diverse school life,
having studied in Jose Abad Santos Memorial
School in Edsa and Corpus Christi in CDO
in elementary and Philippine Science (PhiSci)
They are nervous, yet confident and excited
to see themselves in racing suits. Proper diet,
routine workout and sports keep them busy
at the moment. Each team has carefully
planned the track’s driving pattern and
developed techniques to achieve their
goals. “We are like scientists. We do
research, we study, and then we test the
theories we derive. This is not just about
the vehicle. The driver’s life is at stake,”
says Team Grigio’s leader Edmund Angeles,
who gives a premium to the safety of each
team member.
As early as now, the drivers are already walking
the talk by driving more responsibly and
practising fuel saving tips.
Winning edge
“When I’m driving, I become a component of
the car. That way, I can feel if there is something
wrong,” says Jason.
Richard, on the other hand, considers the
engine as his heart, being a vital part of the car.
Filipinos are also naturally adaptive to
challenges, and that includes road conditions.
As one adage goes, “If you can drive in the
Philippines, you can drive anywhere else.” The
Team Philippines drivers are capitalising on
this statement to prove how natural Filipinos
are when it comes to driving.
The Filipino’s determination, competitiveness
and practicality, coupled with the ability to
rise above adverse situations could very well be
the teams’ winning ticket to the competition.
“We’ll finish the race even if we’re running on
incomplete wheels,” quips Jericho.
Wheels of change
The three Philippine Teams are putting their
hearts and souls out for this competition to
serve as an inspiration, not just to their fellow
youths, but to everyone who wants to make a
difference in this world.
“We are not here to overpower each other, but
to empower every one towards one goal – fuel
economy,” says Tim.
Even with limited resources, Filipinos have
always been known to deliver their best. As
Jericho puts it, “Iba dumiskarte ang Pinoy
(Filipinos have a unique way of delivering).
We may not have the most sophisticated
technologies but even young people like us
can bring change through collective effort,
just like what we are doing for the SEM
competition.”
For Jason, the SEM is a world-class project,
and, according to Angelo, “(The SEM has)
made us all realise the value of commitment
and living a responsible life.”
Winners will emerge at the end of the race.
But more valuable than that are the experience
these youths have gained and their personal
contributions towards progress and the
protection of the environment. As Janwin aptly
puts it, “True education is only acquired when
you use it for the common good.”
“The High-spirited” Angelo, “New Age La
Femme Driver” Erica, “The Valiant” Jason,
“The Philosopher and The Nationalist” Janwin,
“The Visualizer” Jericho, “The Humble Leader”
Tim, and “The Adventurous” Richard.
Come July 2010 in Sepang International
Circuit, they will not be driving fast and
furious muscle cars with open exhausts,
3-inch mufflers and high intensity discharge
headlamps roaring on the track. Instead, our
new breed of skilled and responsible drivers
will be sporting three Philippine pride fuelefficient vehicles -- Atalanta, Grigio, and Tiger
400 -- created by our young Filipino students’
brilliant and ingenious minds.
All geared up for a race for Mother Earth. Go
Team Philippines! SWP
SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES 15
shell philippines exploration b.v.
Embracing the
Challenge
By Christine del Valle, Communications Advisor, Shell Philippines
Exploration and Upstream International-Asia Pacific
T
he Malampaya Deepwater Gasto-Power project represents the
largest and most significant
industrial investment in the history
of the Philippines. The Malampaya
project, operated by Shell Philippines
Exploration B.V. and its joint venture
partners Chevron Malampaya LLC and
the Philippine National Oil Company –
Exploration Corporation, heralded the
birth of the country’s natural gas industry,
supplying clean, environment-friendly
fuel in a span of 20 years. Malampaya
paves the way for high economic benefits
to the Philippines, providing the country
a considerably long-term revenue stream
to the government, in addition to considerable
foreign exchange savings.
As the first Filipino Managing Director and
Asset Manager of Shell Philippines Exploration,
B.V. (SPEX), Sebastian “Baste” Quiniones (BQ)
takes stock of his 28 year- experience in Shell,
having performed various leadership roles in the
energy company’s downstream business, or the
refining, selling and distribution of petroleum
products. From Manufacturing, Supply and
Distribution, Quiniones has seen the full
breadth of business operations and appreciates
the transition to the upstream business, or the
search for, recover and production of crude oil
and natural gas. In this interview, Quiniones
shares his thoughts on his new role, the
daunting task at hand and his vision towards
further building SPEX as a world-class upstream
operator in the Philippines.
CDV: What were the initial challenges you
faced when you accepted the role of Local Senior
Upstream Representative (LSUR) / Managing
Director for Shell Philippines Exploration?
BQ: Having worked in the downstream
business for most of my career, I assumed
there were some cultural differences with
upstream. I’ve discovered that there are indeed
differences, but these are not significant. I
realised all the more that the core values of
Shell permeate in all businesses and it is great
to have that foundation for all staff. Truly,
16 SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES
Baste awards SPEX staff for implementing innovation
applicable for exploration projects
Sebastian Quiniones
whatever business we are in, we are all inspired
by the tenets of honesty, integrity and respect
for people and the environment, making us
one Shell anywhere in the world.
On the job itself, my predecessor Keith Perrin
mentioned that this would be the busiest
time for SPEX in quite a while. There were
so many things happening at the same time.
Aside from our good performance in Health,
Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE),
we made use of the Bridge Seal Technology
which was a first in the upstream globally,
the Gas Export Pipeline (GEP) maintenance
project, Maintenance Engineering Service
Contract (MESC) contractor change out,
hurdled the first stage of Maintenance Integrity
Execution (SPEX is the first operating unit to
be calculative in Integrity Assurance and Work
Preparation and Execution) and embedded
Daily Cost Management in our worksites, the
change out of the gas turbine at the Onshore
Gas Plant (OGP) which is the first step in
removing the carbon emissions and the
shutdown maintenance.
We also completed the Corporate restructuring
(which won a Chief Finance Officer (CFO)
award for the Finance team), applied LEAN tool
to eliminate root cause of non-value activities and
cost which we committed to embed within the
system and we did Transition 2009. I am out of
breath from all of that but the challenges were
manageable because of the great staff in SPEX!
CDV: What is your long-term vision for SPEX?
How do you intend to deliver the upstream strategy?
BQ: I believe SPEX will continue to lead
the upstream business in the Philippines and
remain as the biggest operator.
• Be recognised for an Excellent Health, Safety,
Security and Environment (HSSE) culture and
performance
• Have ZERO unplanned Customer Outages • Be Cost Competitive, and being Top Quartile
in operating cost
I intend to keep the messages simple, plans
robust and aligned to Shell Upstream
International and execution managed at the
right levels with staff empowered to act quickly
and smartly.
At the same time, with growth in the horizon,
I would like SPEX to take a leading role in
the upstream industry for the betterment of
our country.
CDV: Given SPEX’s achievements last
year and early part of the year (e.g. SPEX
winning the Shell Chief Financial Officer
awards, shutdown completion, Bridge Seal
Technology), how do you intend to continue
the momentum in 2010? What is SPEX doing
to retain its stature/position as a world-class
upstream operator in the Philippines?
The SPEX Team
BQ: The raison de’etre for SPEX is in our
and replace them with lighter ones and
mission: Producing Safe and Reliable Energy transport them to a final location through
for the Philippines.
conventional means.
That is a day on day job without fanfare.
Operations require a great discipline of being
consistent, thorough and primed for any
eventuality. Our results show highest possible
Goal Zero days, 99.7% availability of gas to
customers, and consistently giving a good cash
flow will speak more than any words stated.
Again, all the people involved (Projects,
Contractors, Asset, Support Teams) rose
to the challenge and delivered, most
importantly- SAFELY.
CDV: On people, how do you plan to develop
local technical capability of your team and be
globally competitive, given that the upstream
CDV: Just a month ago, SPEX reached another strategy is to leverage on technology?
milestone with the completion of the 30-day
Maintenance Shutdown at the Malampaya BQ: It is people who make things happen and
platform. Were there any obstacles your team faced I am putting this very high in my business
along the way? Were there new ways of working/ priorities. We have made key learning plans
technology introduced this time?
and strategies, even while we were busy with
the shutdown. We will look critically at the
BQ: The shutdown is just one part of the succession plans and will increase mentoring
campaign. It started a few years ago when the at many levels. I am expecting the local
Opportunity Framing Workshop listed down Filipino crew to rise to the challenge and
all that were needed to get the assets in the best our expatriate partners to pass on the wealth
state for optimal operations (with a keen eye of critical expertise they have. We will
on Process Safety after all the big incidents in have strong regional links to UIA and SGSi
the other areas and of course costs) and will upstream and will leverage on the strengths
end when the Safe Astoria (a semi-submersible of the MESC contractor.
accommodation vessel for construction crew)
departs in June.
CDV: SPEX has long been recognised for its
excellent safety culture, how do you intend to keep
There are many new and novel things: this stature and reinforce this in the work place?
Before the shutdown, we did Simultaneous
Maintenance/Projects with Operations BQ: In my engagements with new staff, I
on-line (SIMOPS). The people did their always remind them that the Shell General
work in positive pressure Habitats. Fabric Business Principles and the Core Values are
Maintenance was done in temperature the soul of Shell, that HSSE is indoctrinated
controlled enclosures. The shutdown in every Shell person until it becomes akin to
started with the usage of the SMART breathing and that well thought of long term
technology (the first part in this part of the planning (I tell them actually to plan for their
world) that acted as an isolation against retirement) is a MUST for all employees.
the gas which remained in the GEP for
the duration of the shutdown, enabling us We all must walk the talk, live the Golden
to remove the leaking gas export isolation Rules and be uncompromising when it comes
valve and replace it with a new one. to HSSE. SPEX has been doing that and it is
Another first in the region is the diamond clearly embedded in the way we do work here.
cutting of the Gas Export Coolers which
used an innovative utilised a steel band CDV: How do you see SPEX five years from now?
impregnated with industrial diamonds
rotating at high speed under tension, BQ: I would like to qualify the timing to
cutting the cooler into smaller portions when I step out as Local Senior Upstream
The Malampaya Platform
DID YOU KNOW?
• 45-50% of Luzon’s power generation
requirements is provided by Malampaya
• The discovery indigenous natural gas,
an alternative source of energy, was a
milestone for the Philippines, a country
that has historically relied on imported
fuel for the bulk of its domestic and
industrial power requirements
• Compared to other energy sources,
natural gas combustion results in almost
no atmospheric emissions of pollutants
like sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide,
reactive hydrocarbons and others.
Although natural gas is similar to other
fuel sources, it is cleaner and more
economical compared to the complex
production processes of other fossil fuels
like coal
• Malampaya was made possible through
state-of-the-art engineering technology
and the latest techniques in natural
gas exploration, development and
production. It includes remote subsea
facilities, a subsea pipeline and an
onshore gas plant
• The Malampaya story is an outstanding
example of Shell’s technology being used
to develop and extract hard to reach oil
and gas in socially and environmentally
responsible ways
Representative. I hope to leave a company
with a great safety culture – getting to
generative state. It will be lean in structure,
with everyone taking a lead in delivering
his part of the plan. The tools of the trade
(SAP and other technical systems) and
processes (Operational Excellence) fully
embedded so that our Assets are Safe and
We Know It! The Malampaya team will be
producing near nameplate capacity, with
ZERO customer outages, minimal flaring
and on-specification on all emissions.
When people talk of Malampaya, there
will be awe in their voices and they will
use as an example for delivering the best in
everything that we do! SWP
SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES 17
FEATURE
Built on foam
foundations
Geofoam overcomes technical hurdle for
Mexican road infrastructure project
S
tyrene monomer supplied to a major
expandable polystyrene (EPS) producer
in Mexico has been used to produce
geofoam foundations for an important and
technically challenging road construction
project. The new road has helped to improve
the country’s key communication routes and
reduced the volume of traffic having to enter
its congested capital.
The Circuito Exterior Mexiquense (Mexican
Outer Loop) has been described as one of the
most important civil works projects in Mexico
in the last decade.
The 155 km stretch of outer ring road
surrounding the northeast of Mexico
City has been designed to improve vital
communications and trade links by
connecting a series of roads that converge on
the capital from surrounding regions.
The area in and around Mexico City is home
to more than 20 million people, making it the
one of the largest metropolitan areas in the
Americas. The Outer Loop has provided an
18 SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES
important bypass for the city, helping to reduce
congestion and pollution caused by high traffic
volume that previously had to enter the capital
to access connecting routes.
The builders of the road had to overcome a
significant technical hurdle to make the bypass
possible due to the area’s historical geology. A
large part of the central Valley of Mexico in
which the capital’s metropolitan area lies, was
once covered by lakes. As a result, the ground
through which a section of the Outer Loop
had to pass was too saturated for conventional
road building techniques. The weight of
conventional road foundations would have
caused the road to settle over time, allowing the
surface to sagor crack and eventually requiring
costly repairs.
To reduce the weight loading on the subsoil, and so avoid potential for surface
deformation, the private company contracted
to build and operate the toll road, replaced
conventional foundation materials with
polystyrene geofoam.
“EPS producers are a good strategic fit for us
because typically they are the least backintegrated styrene consumers.” Annette Andrews,
Styrene Commercial Manager, Americas.
Geofoam is made from blocks of moulded EPS
beads that are fused together under heat and
pressure [see box]. Geofoam’s high compressive
strength combined with ultra low weight - it is
98% to 99% air by volume – make it an ideal
material for reducing the loading and stress on
road sub-soils.
Giant blocks
Giant sugar-cube blocks of geofoam can be used
in place of concrete or aggregate foundations.
As it is only about 1% to 2% of the density of
soil or rock, one tonne of geofoam can replace
up to 200 tonnes of gravel.
Besides that, geofoam is easy to transport and
work with, has low moisture absorption and
can be installed under any weather conditions.
These attributes, and the fact that service life
is comparable to conventional materials, make
it particularly attractive to cost-conscious
private road builders and operators. Although
initial material costs may be higher, overall
construction costs are lower thanks to shorter
construction schedules, reduced labour and
lower future maintenance requirements.
The EPS beads used for the project
were produced to a specific density
required for civil engineering and
were supplied to four foam makers
contracted to produce the geofoam
blocks. “It required a significant
volume of our product but,
more importantly, has also raised
the profile of geofoam for civil
engineering projects in Mexico,”
he says.
In addition to road foundations in soft or
waterlogged soils, geofoam has also been used
to reduce lateral pressure and improve slope
stabilisation in embankments and retaining
walls or abutments.
Geofoam used in the construction of the
Mexican Outer Loop was based on beads
produced by Polioles, a leading EPS producer
in the Americas and an important Shell
customer for styrene monomer (SM).
The relationship between Shell and Polioles
is less than two years old but has developed
through a shared objective to focus on growth
markets and end-users, and an innovative
supply arrangement.
“With the current slowdown in house building
– traditionally the largest market for expanded
polystyrene foam – developing a position in new
applications for EPS has been a key part of our
growth plans,” explains Hugo Orta Gonzalez,
Polioles Supply Chain Vice President.
“Our involvement in the Outer Loop
project was important because it was
the first time we had supplied our EPS
product for a geofoam application, and so
represented a key step in the diversification
of our end-use markets.”
“The country’s size and need for
improved road infrastructure to
provide better connections for both
trade and tourism could help to
develop geofoam applications into
a significant new domestic market
for EPS.”
The Polioles EPS plant in Altamira on
Mexico’s Gulf Coast is a long way from
Shell’s nearest SM plant in Alberta,
Canada, but this has not prevented the two
companies from developing a close business
relationship.
Merchant buyers
“As one of the largest merchant SM sellers
we are looking to deal with large merchant
buyers, which includes companies like
Polioles. They are an important and
expanding player in the EPS market, which
is one of the strongest enduses of SM
derivatives,” says Annette Andrews, Styrene
Commercial Manager, Americas.
“EPS producers are also a good strategic fit for
us because typically they are the least backintegrated styrene consumers.”
She says Shell’s supply and logistics capabilities,
combined with product swap deals, are key
to serving these customers more efficiently.
“By having open discussions around the best
supply options and doing long-termswap deals
with styrene co-producers based on the US
Gulf Coast we were able to secure a reliable,
cost-effective supply to Polioles.
Foam
production
Geofoam is created in a two-stage, moulded
bead process. The EPS beads, made via the
polymerisation of styrene monomer, contain
microscopic cells filled with a blowing agent.
When exposed to steam under controlled
pressure the cell walls of the beads soften and
the blowing agent expands. Individual beads
may increase in volume by up to forty times
and are then put into a mould where injected
steam and pressure further expand the beads to
fuse them into a moulded block.
“Working with strategically located coproducers means we can reduce freight
costs for both Shell and our product
exchange partners and, in the case of
Polioles, shorten the supply chain to the
customer significantly.”
For Polioles, Shell’s open approach to the
commercial and logistics arrangements was
key to the deal. “Negotiations were transparent
from the start and the subsequent logistics
arrangements have worked out well for us. We
are able to collect product from the US Gulf
Coast and ship it back to our plant within 36
hours,” says Orta.
The multi-year SM supply deal will help
to support Poliole’s future growth plans
for EPS and its expansion in new foam
applications. Completion of the Mexican
Outer loop, meanwhile, has not only raised
the profile of geofoam in road construction
but also means the capital’s population
may breathe a little easier now that traffic
can bypass the capital. SWP
For more information on styrene monomer visit:
shell.com/chemicals/products/sm
Source: Lisa Sinagra, Chemicals
SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES 19
Members of Tau't Bato
Tribe receive treated
mosquito nets
A BIG LEAP
TOWARDS
DEFEATING
MALARIA
By Jun Jay G. Jimenez
20 SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES
COVER STORY
Movement Against
Malaria beneficiaries
F
or over 50,000 years, Malaria has been
infecting humans and has endangered
the lives of approximately half of the
world's population.
Over the years, scientists worldwide have
done extensive studies in search for a cure to
this deadly scourge. But while they have been
successful in discovering treatment for the
disease, the challenge to sustain its effectiveness
remains due to developing parasite resistance.
To date, a vaccine is yet to be discovered.
All over the world, a child dies of malaria every
30 seconds and mortality remains high at 1.5
million people dying yearly.1 The disease is
endemic in over 100 countries, mainly tropical,
such as in Africa, Asia and the Americas. In the
Philippines, malaria is cited as the fifth most
contagious disease in the country.2
In 1999, the Provincial Government of Palawan
together with Shell embarked on a campaign
to control malaria when it formed a provincewide malaria programme called Kilusan Ligtas
Malaria (KLM) for Palawan.
Through the Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc.
(PSFI), the social development arm of Pilipinas
Shell Petroleum Corporation (PSPC), KLM
has successfully gained ground in controlling
the spread of malaria in several communities
in Palawan.
Funded by Shell Philippines Exploration B.V.
and its Malampaya Joint Venture partners, the
eleven-year old KLM programme achieved
a 64% decline in malaria mortality in the
province, mainly through the establishment of
microscopy centres in 344 barangays (villages)
to provide early diagnosis and prompt
treatment of malaria.
PSFI
receives
consolidated
grant from the Global Fund
Building a good reputation through years
of implementing KLM, the contribution
of PSFI to controlling malaria in Palawan
was recognised locally by the Department of
Health, the World Health Organisation and
other partners.
In 2006, PSFI initially received a grant from
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis
and Malaria (The Global Fund) to carry out
malaria control in Palawan, Apayao, Quirino,
Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, the top five provinces in
the country with the highest malaria incidence.
The aggregate number of malaria cases and
deaths from these provinces accounted for
67% of the country's morbidity and 92% of
mortality in 2003. With the grant, KLM was
expanded and has evolved to what is now the
national Movement Against Malaria (MAM).
Yet again, in January 2010, the Global Fund
chose PSFI to receive a two-year consolidated
grant amounting to US$31.4 million to
further expand the malaria programme to
40 provinces that remain affected by the
disease. An agreement between The Global
Fund and PSFI was signed following a rigid
selection process conducted by the Country
Coordinating Mechanism (CCM), a multisectoral body headed by the Department
of Health with various public and private
members. The partnership aims to support a
malaria-free Philippines by 2020.
The Global Fund grant is a strong testament to
its recognition of PSFI's strong public-private
partnerships and success in the implementation
of large-scale programmes. The grant likewise
puts PSFI at the forefront of the fight against
malaria in the Philippines.
"Through the new grant, we hope to replicate
the MAM's best practices in more provinces
and municipalities in the country, which
were successfully introduced and sustained in
Palawan, Apayao, Quirino, Sulu and TawiTawi," says PSFI Executive Director Edgardo
Veron Cruz. "By covering the provinces which
contribute to most of the malaria cases in
the country, we hope to bring down malaria
morbidity and mortality rates by more than
70% compared to the reported number of
cases in 2006."
A barangay health worker
attending to a baby patient
Dr. Storey shares his
knowledge on malaria with
the barangay health workers
SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES 21
Dr. Storey discusses the scope
of Movement Against Malaria
programme in the country
A barangay microscopist at work
Did you know?
T
he term Malaria originates from
Medieval Italian word Malaria
meaning “bad air”. The disease
was formerly called ague or marsh
fever due to its association with swamps
and marshland.
The Switzerland-based Global Fund, a global
public-private partnership established in 2002,
is present in 144 countries to help address AIDS,
tuberculosis and malaria, which are considered
three of the world's most devastating diseases.
It finances country programmes, which
help strengthen health systems, such as
infrastructure improvements and training for
those who deliver services.3
Setting a record towards
malaria eradication
The initial grant given by The Global Fund to
22 SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES
PSFI in 2006 resulted in recordreductions to malaria mortality
and morbidity rates by 90%
and over 60%, respectively in
four provinces covered by the
programme.
Veron Cruz recognised the steadfast
efforts of MAM implementers in setting
a record, which was instrumental for
encouraging the Global Fund to award
an additional grant to PSFI and further
expand malaria eradication efforts in
the country.
International malaria expert Dr. John
Storey, who visited the Philippines in
April 2009, noted that MAM had already
achieved its five-year goal of reducing
malaria mortality by 70%. He recommends
that malaria in Quirino, Apayao and Sulu
provinces may shift to pre-elimination
stage and aim for elimination by 2015.
The records made by MAM operations
in the five provinces most endemic to
malaria reflect the strong commitment of
the people, and which will substantially
contribute towards eliminating malaria in
the country.
Onwards 2020: a vision for a
malaria-free Philippines
The
United
Nations’
Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs), an eight-point
road map for improving the plight of the
world's underprivileged people supported by
various groups globally, cited malaria as a key
health challenge undermining development
in the poorest countries globally. As such,
A sting that
endangers life
N
ot all mosquitoes are carriers
of the malaria parasite. In
the Philippines, only the adult
female Anopheles mosquitoes that were
infected with malaria parasites carry,
transfer and infect people by biting.
Before the mosquito becomes infected,
the malaria parasites undergo several
developmental stages inside the adult
female mosquito. After which, the mosquito
becomes infective with the malaria parasite.
Anopheles mosquitoes breed in clear
water of slow flowing streams that are
found in remote mountainous or forested
areas. They also breed in brackish water,
an area where salt and fresh water meets.
The Anopheles mosquito bites during
evening until dawn, commonly in coastal
areas where they multiply rapidly.1
one of the eight MDGs is aimed at reversing
the incidence of malaria and other major
diseases all over the world.
mosquito populations through indoor residual
spraying and use of long-lasting insecticidetreated nets.
As the United Nations relentlessly rallies
nations to achieve the goals by 2015, the
Philippines aims to be malaria-free by 2020.
In preparation, the consolidated Global Fund
grant aims to reduce morbidity (illness) and
mortality (deaths) rates by 70% at the end
of 2014. It also aims to declare at least three
provinces as malaria-free by 2014, in line
with the disease free zones initiative of the
Department of Health.
As Chairperson of the Business and MDGs
Initiative - Health Cluster, Shell companies
in the Philippines Country Chairman Edgar
Chua is one of the forces behind the success of
the MAM programme in the country.
The expanded MAM programme is doing its
share to contribute in meeting the targets by
providing universal access to quality diagnostics
and treatment services, scaling up sustainable
preventive measures especially through the
distribution of insecticide-treated nets, and
strengthening local capability in malaria
surveillance, control and management.
MAM specifically targets vulnerable groups
such as indigenous people, displaced and
mobile populations, pregnant women, elderly
and children under five years old. It will
likewise help raise public awareness on the
disease, alongside intensifying ways to decrease
"Shell has been working with several institutions
to continue the fight against malaria in the
country. The support provided by the Global
Fund will go a long way in malaria control
activities in the provinces most affected by the
disease and in achieving the vision of freeing
the Philippines from the dangers of malaria,"
says Chua.
Taking pride on its trailblazing initiatives and
programmes that help several communities
in the country, PSFI through the Movement
against Malaria, aspires to continuously serve
malaria-endemic provinces and help realise the
vision of making the Philippines malaria-free
in the decades to come. SWP
news.softpedia.com
www.psmid.org.ph
3 www.theglobalfund.org
1
2
For those living in malaria-infested
areas, they are advised to sleep inside
an insecticide-treated mosquito net every
night. Wearing long sleeves and long
pants and use of insect repellants are
recommended. For those experiencing
symptoms of malaria, they must consult
the nearest health centre for a blood
smear to ascertain their condition.
Source:
1 www.hubpages.com/hub/Basic-informationabout-Malaria
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Did you know?
T
he first effective treatment for
malaria came from the bark of
a cinchona tree, which contains
quinine. This tree grows on the slopes of
the Andes, mainly in Peru. The Peruvians
used a tincture made from this natural
product to control malaria, and the Jesuits
introduced this practice to Europe in the
1640s where it was rapidly accepted.
However, it was not until 1820 that the
active ingredient, quinine, was extracted
from the bark, isolated and named by
French chemists Pierre Joseph Pelletier
and Joseph Bienaime Caventou.
SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES 23
FEATURE
Philippine Eagle
Pag-Asa celebrates
18th birthday; battles
climate change
By Tatit Quiblat, Philippine Eagle Foundation Communications Officer
P
hilippine Eagle Pag-asa turned 18 on
January 14, 2010.
The beloved bird undoubtedly remains the
most popular symbol of Philippine Eagle
conservation in the country.
Pag-asa raised hopes in 1992 when he became
the first Philippine Eagle successfully bred
and hatched in captivity. This milestone in
Philippine Eagle conservation was a prelude to
21 more successful hatchings of the endangered
bird at the Philippine Eagle Centre in Malagos,
Davao City.
Pag-asa’s hatch day is marked by the launch
of a forum series linking Philippine Eagle
conservation to the emerging issue of
climate change. Students and faculty of
both public and private high schools from
all over Davao City are expected to attend
the forum facilitated by the Philippine Eagle
Foundation (PEF).
“Philippine eagles nest on dipterocarp trees;
therefore, saving the Philippine Eagle requires
saving its forest habitat too. And trees, which
absorb carbon in the atmosphere, are one of
the most practical weapons against climate
change,” explains Grace Aragon, manager
for centre-based education of the PEF. “The
eagle, the climate and the survival of the
human race are closely linked; we hope that
these students and the general public will
appreciate that from the forum series.”
PEF’s forum series, which will make rounds in
different schools in Davao City throughout the
year, intends to educate the youth on climate
change and its adverse effects, and explores
how protecting the Philippine Eagle and its
forest habitat will also address climate change.
The PEF is popular for running the conservation
breeding programme that produced Pag-asa in
the Philippine Eagle Centre in Davao City.
24 SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES
What is less known and seen is the PEF’s
concurrent efforts in habitat management and
reforestation in areas with known Philippine
Eagle occupants. To note, a pair of Philippine
Eagle occupies a territorial space of 7,000 to
13,000 hectares of forest.
“Since PEF’s founding in
1987, we worked with local
government units and various
agencies and stakeholders for the
proclamation of seven (7) forest
areas in Mindanao as protected
areas, amounting to about
300,000 hectares,” reported
Dennis Salvador, Executive
Director of the Philippine Eagle
Foundation. “In the next few
years, we are working on the
establishment of a 28-kilometre,
3,000-hectare forest corridor
in Arakan Valley to benefit the
local communities there, the
Philippine Eagle and other
wildlife, and contribute to global
climate change efforts as well.”
Pag-asa is on exhibit at the
Philippine Eagle Centre where
he is a hit among tourists and
visiting school children. The
8.4 hectare Centre aims to
give guests the opportunity to
see Philippine Eagles up-close
and to educate them about
wildlife conservation.
PEF is also encouraging
students to join the ASTIG
(Agila Support Team – Isang
Galaw) Coalition, a coalition
of Davao City youth engaging
in various environmental
projects directed not only at
the Philippine Eagle but its
forest habitat and biodiversity.
Aragon added, “Taking care of the earth is
everyone’s shared responsibility. The call to
save the environment is not only for those who
work in an environmental organisation or in
government; it is everyone’s responsibility,
because we all live on this planet.”SWP
New Eagle Chick Hatched At
Philippine Eagle Centre
A
baby Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga
jefferyi) hatched in Davao City at
6:12pm on Sunday, March 7, 2010.
The chick, weighing 137.5 grams, is the 23rd
eaglet bred and born under the Philippine
Eagle Foundation’s (PEF) conservation
breeding programme.
“Relieved, and very happy,” said Anna Mae
Sumaya, curator of the PEF’s breeding
programme, when asked how she felt hours after
the hatching. “It had been an uneasy two years
since we last had a chick as we implemented
changes in our breeding programme; we are
ecstatic that the hard work has paid off.”
Sumaya and the PEF had recently been
reviewing and revamping the breeding
programme, taking on more aggressive
approaches and developing new protocols to
further improve the reproductive success rate
at the Philippine Eagle Centre - the breeding,
research and rehabilitation facility run by the
PEF to save the endangered Philippine Eagle
from extinction. The PEF is responsible for
producing eagle icon Pag-asa in 1992 and 21
other Philippine Eagles at the Centre. The
PEF’s breeding programme is intended to
supplement eagle populations in the wild
by replacing those lost to hunting and by
reintroducing captive-bred birds to vacant
habitats and habitats occupied by unpaired
wild eagles.
Assisted hatching
Chick #23 needed some assistance to come out.
Twelve hours had passed since the chick was
expected to pip through its shell, so Sumaya
decided to intervene. She poked a hole through
the egg shell on Saturday afternoon to help
start the chick through the process, and kept
watch with the rest of the breeding team for 26
more hours before Chick #23 was completely
free. The chick is the offspring of natural eagle
pair Tsai and Princess Maasim.
Baby Philippine Eagles are about the size of
a baseball and come out fluffy white before
growing their distinctive brown feathers in
about a month. They reach their full height
of about 3 feet within six months from
birth. The newly hatched chick is currently
fed small amounts of ground meat every
four hours.
New chapter
PEF Executive Director Dennis Salvador
believes this hatching ushers in another new
chapter in the organisation’s history. “The
PEF’s first milestone was Pag-asa’s birth in
1992, when we broke through
the challenge of breeding these
eagles in captivity. Once our
breeding techniques stabilised,
we were then able to do the
first test release of a captive-bred
eagle to the wild in 2004, to see
how captive-bred birds fare in
their forest habitats.”
PEF learned a lot from the test
release of eagle Kabayan in
2004. Though that release ended
tragically in Kabayan’s accidental
electrocution, the PEF found out
that captive-bred birds learn to
hunt on their own, among other findings that
also saw the PEF adapting release protocols
used with other species to the Philippine Eagle
in the Philippine context. Kabayan’s and the
succeeding releases, however, opened up more
challenges for the organisation.
The PEF noted that with captive-bred eagles and
even with wild eagles rescued and released back
to their natural habitats, the released birds do
not seem averse to humans and have in fact been
reported frequenting communities and in plain
sight of human populations. Apparently, young
eagles, as with many juveniles of other species, are
very curious and do not recognise humans as a
danger to them. This behaviour has left the eagles
vulnerable to persecution, as in the case of eagle
Kagsabua who was killed and made into soup by
a resident close to the release site in 2008.
them in conservation work, we also took a
good look at how we rear captive-bred birds
at the PEC. Changes in rearing and release
protocols will be implemented starting with
this new chick,” Salvador added.
If it continues to grow in good stead, Chick
#23 will be released to the wild. The PEF is
looking for partners to support the release
programme. The partner will have the privilege
of naming the eagle chick. SWP
“While we doubled up our efforts in educating
communities close to eagle areas and engaging
Shell is a long time supporter of the
Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), adopting
of Philippine Eagles Pag-Asa in 1992 and
Magiting in 2005. For almost two decades,
Shell has been true to its commitment of
protecting the environment and preserving
our national heritage. It annually provides
support to PEF in bringing back the
dwindling population of the Philippine Eagle
in the country.
In 2009, Shell once again extended its support
to the conservation of the Philippine Eagles
through Project Kalumbata, an information,
education and communication awareness
campaign for the communities within
and around the Mt. Kitanglad Natural
Park, Bukidnon, on the importance of the
Philippine Eagle and the various conservation
and protection efforts being implemented by
the PEF on this endangered species.
SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES 25
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN ACTION
NEW TO THE JOB,
AND LOVING IT
By ronald Suarez
I
meet a lot of people who ask me how I
feel about my new job. My career in Shell
has been in sales and marketing, so people
wonder how someone like me would fit into
the Sustainable Development (SD) Manager
role. My response to these people is, "It’s great.
One of my best jobs ever!"
After my serving as Local Communications
Adviser for the implementation of the global
Shell change programme Downstream-One in
the Philippines, I was able to gain a wider view
of the company, its people and its operations.
I feel that this recent experience, as well as the
years I've spent in Sales and Marketing, have
prepared me for this new and exciting chapter
in my Shell life.
There is so much good and honourable work
to be done in SD. Much of it is really selling
and marketing the Shell brand and furthering
our reputation to a wider and very diverse set
of markets. For me, it also involves mobilising
and motivating staff so that everyone will have
a little SD in them. I believe that SD work is
for everyone.
Gawad Kalinga Farm build
activity at Libmanan,
Camarines Sur
26 SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES
What’s in store for the year
Learn. It's going to be hard to fill in the SD
shoes left by very able past SD Managers Chito Maniago and Mylene Santos. But I
intend to learn as much and as fast as I can. So
far it's been a great learning experience and I
feel I do not tire of learning new things about
my job and SD everyday. In fact, I can see that
there's so much more ground to cover and I
certainly look forward to it.
My plans for the year in furthering SD start
with building on the successes already in place.
We have a very strong team in the company
that works very hard on our SD activities. I
can proudly say that our SD programmes are
in place and are running well. This year, I want
to promote greater understanding of SD, our
projects and our aspirations among all Shell
staff. I want more people to get involved and
to participate. Everyone should be involved in
SD work - in fact, maybe we already are; we
just don't know it. Let’s do more!
Network, network, network. SD is a dynamic
space with lots of groups actively participating.
Shell has a long background in SD, both
globally and locally. Our Pilipinas Shell
Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) has been in this space
since 1982. We have also have many partners
in the business community and government
doing a great deal of good work.
We have strong links with Gawad Kalinga,
the Philippine Global Road Safety Project,
League of Corporate Foundations, Sagip Pasig
Movement, the ABS-CBN Foundation, World
Wildlife Fund - the list
goes on and on.
About the Author
Ronald "Suiee" Suarez has been with Shell for 15 years taking on various
roles across the Shell business, ranging from sales, and marketing, to local
communication implementer of a global internal change programme. He
is currently the Sustainable Development Manager, focusing on reflecting
Shell's business principles in programmes and projects that help promote
Shell’s reputation as a good corporate neighbour. His responsibilities include
delivering various developmental programmes that foster Shell's thrust
in Sustainable Development - managing our operations in economically,
socially and environmentally responsible ways.
La Mesa biking activity
Gawad Kalinga activity with
Shell Retailers in Mindanao
Roadshow for SIKAT,
Philippines’ second solar car
I really want to explore
further networking with
our partners, learn from
them, and link them up
to create greater results
from our efforts. As Shell
Philippines
Exploration
B.V. Asset Manager and
Local Senior Upstream
Representative
Baste
Quiniones often puts it,
“Kayang kaya, basta't samasama (We can do it as long
as we work together).” I
feel so much more can be
achieved by working through
a motivated and well-directed
web of partners.
I realised that much of SD is brand and
communication. SD work often involves
promoting Shell and what we stand for. It's
like being an ambassador for the Shell brand,
people, products and values. We communicate
to a diverse set of audiences and strive to
convey to them our messages of responsible
and credible business presence in the country.
Again, much can be done here, and I look
forward to making great leaps in this realm.
The past quarter has been filled with SD
activities and progress has been great. I
look forward to getting more and more
staff involved. It is truly exciting to see a
year filled with promise and opportunity. It's
all up to YOU and me to make it happen. Let
us do it! SWP
SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES 27
FEATURE
SEEING THE
SILVER LINING
By RJ Laguardia, Pilipinas Shell MI Process Focal Point - S&D/HM Asia-Pacific
E
arly on a Friday morning in June 2009,
nine executives from HSBC Philippines,
Aboitiz Power Corporation, Alaska Milk
Corporation, Bates 141, SGV and Company,
and I, embarked on a trip to a Gawad Kalinga
Village in Las Piñas called Sunshineville. We
weren’t quite sure of it then, but we knew
somehow that this would be more than just
a field trip.
The 10 of us were part of the Future Leaders
Programme (FLP), a 6-month talent
development programme recently launched
by HSBC Philippines, in cooperation with
partner companies. The main aim of the FLP is
to challenge staff to deliver a project that would
stretch their capabilities, along with people from
other companies who would provide welcome
external perspectives. For the first run, the
organisers decided to involve one of the many
existing livelihood programmes facilitated by
Gawad Kalinga (GK) in its villages. What they
eventually chose was the most promising in
GK’s network: Bayong ng Kabuhayan, a doy
pack weaving outfit based in GK Sunshineville.
In the briefing session organised the day before
our trip, Mark Watkinson, President and
CEO of HSBC Philippines, challenged us to
make a “material difference” for Bayong ng
Kabuhayan, and to treat this, not as Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR), but as a realworld business project.
28 SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES
The women of Gawad Kalinga Sunshineville
weaving doy pack baskets
Bright prospects
Sunshineville started out as “Looban,” a
vacant lot within the heart of the BF Resort
Village. For 20 years, informal settlers built
their shanties in this area of roughly 2,700
square metres until 2005, when it was formally
declared a Gawad Kalinga site. Right now,
305 families live here, most of whom are lowincome earners. Phase 1 of the GK
development has provided homes
for 92 of these families. Phase 2 is
expected to start in 2010. In 2007,
GK Caretaker Jenny Ronquillo
and a team of residents started
producing picture frames and
jewelry boxes made of water lilies
found nearby. In August 2008,
a partnership with Maraming
Bayani
Foundation
(MBF)
started, which gave rise to the use
of scrap doy packaging material
from Zest-O Corporation. This
added an eco-friendly aspect to the
project, and led to the successful
conceptualisation of the first line
of woven ladies bags made from
either the packaging’s colourful
front, or the silver inverse.
When we arrived, we found a group of women
seated around tables in a shed that serves as
their work area. They welcomed us warmly,
and showed us around the GK Village, proudly
highlighting the main sections of the village.
The neighbourhood looked peaceful and
pleasant – a far cry from its past notoriety as a
haven for criminal elements. Children played
in the streets as housewives watched from the
sari-sari stores that had sprung up. All of the
houses were clean and in good shape, and some
even had nicely-kept gardens. Back at the shed,
we witnessed how the women from the village
painstakingly made each product by hand. We
spoke with the GK Caretakers, who served
as Operations and Administration personnel
for the programme, to learn more about the
business. We also talked to the lady workers
to get their insights, and listened to stories
about how their earnings from the livelihood
project helped supplement their husbands’
earnings and teach their children the value of
an honest day’s work.
The G-Kids
Armed with all this information, we set out to
do some team planning. We agreed on ways of
RJ Laguardia (in blue striped shirt) with other mentors
working, a shared group leadership rotation
every month, and formed teams that best suited
our strengths and backgrounds. We called
ourselves the G-Kids to playfully capture both
the spirit of GK, and our collective “youthful”
energy to make a difference. We also agreed on
three main criteria that would support our goal
of making a material difference: (1) grow and
sustain the livelihood project by generating 1
Million Pesos in annual revenues, (2) formalise
the business by implementing formal structures
and processes, and (3) increase the income
and benefits for the residents by doubling the
workers’ take home pay and generating surplus
funds for the further development of the
community. After the preliminaries, we set out
on “Project Silver Linings,” a term we coined
to pay homage to the line of silver products,
and the hope of a better life these brought to
the community.
Being a G-Kid for 6 months wasn’t easy. Despite
our initial information gathering, we still had
a lot more to figure out about the business,
and it did not help that the information we
required wasn’t always readily available. Time
management was no walk in the park either. I
still had my regular deliverables in my own job,
and my boss’ expectations did not change with
my involvement in the FLP. We had earlier
agreed to meet every Monday, but that in itself
soon turned into a monumental challenge.
There would be times when
urgent job requirements
conflicted with our planned
activities and meetings.
Because we had no formal authority when
we assume leadership over the group for a
month, we could not require the fulfillment
of deliverables from our teammates all the
time. I had to adjust to the working styles and
approaches of the other G-Kids. During our
first presentation a month into the FLP, we had
a difficult time making the CEO’s of partner
companies understand our overall direction
for the project. Our main stakeholders would
also sometimes push back or directly challenge
the suggestions that we would put forward. We
also had to reconcile the various expectations
that they had about their level of involvement
in Bayong ng Kabuhayan, and what we
considered as the optimum setup for the
enterprise. Most tragic of all, Jenny Ronquillo
passed away just as we were ramping up our
last set of activities.
At the end of 6 months, we once again faced
the CEO’s and stakeholders and presented our
main achievements as the G-Kids. We were able
to reach 75% of our target revenues with only
4 months of active involvement, and generated
a 130% increase in monthly sales compared
to before we came in. We got the three main
stakeholders (GK, MBF, and the community)
to sign a Memorandum of Agreement to
formalise their responsibilities. With these
same stakeholders, we established
a Governance Board over the
project to oversee operations and
make strategic decisions. We
generated a 98% increase in
One of the women of Gawad Kalinga
Sunshineville selling doy pack baskets
the workers’ take home pay by
at Shell House in Makati City
creating additional demand for
the products. We implemented
focused marketing strategies
and generated publicity via
multiple media channels and
expanded to a wider range of
sales and distribution outlets
via bazaars and corporate
booths – two of which
eventually led to export
contacts. In addition, we
made enhancements to the
production processes and
implemented a simple yet sustainable financial
accounting system for decision-making and
enhanced internal control.
Intangible rewards
From the initial 16 workers, the enterprise now
provides additional livelihood to 41 workers,
as well as to residents of 5 nearby GK Villages,
and inmates of the Las Piñas City Jail. Besides
this, because of the growing sales channels,
there is now a newly formed sales force within
the community, who receive daily allowances
for manning the booths. They have now also
ventured into new product categories, which
involve the recycling of tarpaulin banners.
After we put together a Brand and Product
Positioning Workshop, there is now an active
move to carefully re-position the products to
suit its growing market, especially abroad. By
the careful documentation of our procedures
and processes, we have also provided GK
National with a template with which to model
similar agreements with partners for existing
and upcoming livelihood programmes.
While there is still a lot more to do for GK
Sunshineville, we ended our stint with a
renewed respect for the people working hard
for this programme, and left behind sustainable
business processes and a hefty cash balance to
support operations and more.
At the end of the FLP, I am grateful for this
one of a kind learning experience. I was able
to see how the skills I have learned at work
can have a practical application in an entirely
different field. I learned more about the Sales
and Marketing areas, in which I haven’t had
a lot of corporate exposure previously. I was
given the opportunity to work with (and for a
month, “boss around”) Senior Vice-Presidents
and Partners – some of my fellow G-Kids
- who have given me valuable personal and
professional insights. I was forced to learn
how to be a more effective leader, teammate,
and Shell employee, by the delicate balancing
act between this project and my regular job.
More than anything else, I have witnessed
firsthand how bringing back hope and dignity
to people who have been deprived for so long
does go a long way. Truly, every cloud has a
silver lining – and sometimes, it comes in the
form of a doy pack bag. SWP
SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES 29
PROJECT SPACE-CUP:
TURNING OVER SHELL
PILILLA REFINERY
How the Philippines’ first lubeoil complex was restored to its original state after the shutdown of the refinery in 2002, and became what it is now – a
Pilipinas Shell Foundation-run training centre and recreational facility.
By JOCELYN DIANA-DIGA
PHOTOS BY WILLIE ILAGAN AND KAY ESER
L
ush
vegetations,
crops,
numerous
varieties of towering
hardwood and fruit
bearing
trees
cast
amidst the backdrop
of the Rizal mountain
range, form the familiar
landscape of the Shell
Lubeoil Refinery in
the 42-hectare Pililla
complex. The Shell
Pililla
refinery,
as
it used to be more
popularly
called,
was the first lubeoil
blending facility in the
country.
The Pililla refinery
occupied 38 hectares
of the facility, among
various storage tanks,
the
main
lubeoil
processing area, power
plant and bitumen
blowing facilities.
Located
in
Barrio
Malaya in Pililla, Rizal,
the Shell Pililla Lubeoil
Refinery used to carry
a processing capacity of
2,000 metric tons per day.
The facility, owned and operated by
Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation
(PSPC) commenced operations in 1973
and provided quality lube oil products
to Filipino consumers for three decades
before its closure was announced on
March 14, 2002 as part of Shell’s
portfolio excellence review.
30 SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES
Project SPACE-CUP
In May 2002, the Shell
Pililla Asset Closure and
Environmental
Clean-Up
(Project SPACE-CUP) Team was
formed and tasked to manage
the closure of the facility, in line
with Shell’s business principles
and sustainable development
standards. Project SPACE-CUP
was completed in December 2009,
wherein demolition and clean up
activities were completed on time
The Shell Pililla Lubeoil Refinery
and on budget. As part of SPACE-CUP, the
Pililla complex was successfully redeveloped
into a training centre and demonstration
farm currently managed by the Pilipinas Shell
Foundation Inc. (PSFI).
Following a series of HSE assessments
and reviews, the SPACE-Cup Team
commissioned the services of a specialist
contractor to help undertake soil assessment,
pilot land farming and land use analysis –
which determined the most effective and
economical process for land conversion.
Turning Over for Safekeeping
Following the complete closure of the Pililla
Refinery, the asset has been turned over to
Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. in January
2010. The facility has been further developed
to accommodate social development activities
of PSFI, as well as hosting events by business
partners and other corporate groups.
Presently, the Shell Training Center-Pililla
consists of Bunker Houses and Bungalows that
can lodge up to 200
guests, and a Shell
Training
Centre
with two halls,
which together can
accommodate 300
participants.
A portion of the
land
has
been
converted into a
Shell
Training/
Demonstration
Farm
(STF),
which serves as an
incubation center
for
innovations
in
agricultural
technologies
and
practices. Moreover, the center also has a
swimming pool, a Recreation Center complete
with basketball and badminton courts, and
halls with billiard and table tennis tables and
dartboards, and a restaurant catered by La
Milagrosa Catering Services. SWP
PSFI workshop at the new Shell Training Centre
SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES 31
COUNTRY
ROUND-UP
Shell Gas Mo, Bukas Ko I scholars graduate Books for Bucana
S
S
ixty eight (68) Shell’s Gas Mo,
Bukas Ko (GMBK) I - Batch 3
scholars successfully completed courses
on automotive mechanic, industrial
electronics, refrigeration and airconditioning repair, shielded metal arc
welding, basic bookkeeping and basic
computer and hardware configuration
course, with graduates coming from the
National Capital Region and Province
of Cavite.
hell Philippines Exploration B.V. (SPEX)
spearheaded the book donation effort to the
Matahimik-Bucana Elementary School, a campus
located more than 20 kilometres from the main town
of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. “Natutuwa kami na
maging kabahagi sa pag-unlad ng inyong kaalaman sa
pamamagitan ng mga librong ito [We are delighted
to be a part of your knowledge development through
these books.],” said SPEX Communications Manager
Karen Agabin in her message to the Grade 1 pupils
and teachers of the school.
During the graduation ceremonies, Shell
companies in the Philippines Country
Chairman Edgar Chua shared with the
graduates inspiring thoughts about the
GMBK Project Officer Marifel Somera (standing, left) with the
honour graduates during the graduation ceremony
value of education in attaining one’s
goals. “You are Shell frontliners. You
provide good experience to motorists whenever they working for Shell are improving. It gives me pride
gas up at Shell retail stations,” said Chua. “It gives to see that the Shell business is not just a source of
me joy to see all of you graduate from the GMBK energy for motorists but also giving hope to people
programme, equipped with new skills that can help who work for the company,” Fadullon concluded.
you attain your goals in life.”
Association of Pilipinas Shell Dealers, Inc. (APSDI)
Romina Abad, one of the employees of Shell Magallanes President Ria Campos and Vice President Terry
Management Corporation managed by Shell retailer Valladores rallied their fellow retailers to continue
Mario Cruz, Jr., received the highest honours in the supporting the programme to help retail station
automotive mechanic course given by the Pilipinas Shell employees achieve their dreams.
Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) and the Don Bosco Technical
Institute (DBTI) in Makati. “The GMBK programme GMBK is a technical-vocational skills training
equipped me with knowledge and skills that will help programme offered by Pilipinas Shell Petroleum
me provide the best service to our customers at the Corporation (PSPC), Shell Retailers, and Pilipinas
station,” said Abad. In the history of GMBK I, Abad Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) to forecourt attendants
etched her name as the first woman to be conferred by and other crew employed at Shell retail stations
both PSFI and DBTI with awards for Academic and nationwide. To date, nearly 600 Shell service station
Technical Excellence. “I realised that being a woman is employees benefited from the GMBK I programme
not a hindrance to succeed in the automotive mechanic since its launch in 2007.
course, which is a field dominated by men. I came
from a poor family, but my perseverance led me to reap The programme seeks to provide a better future
these honours,” said Abad with pride. “Enrolling in the for Shell retail station staff through the conduct
automotive course gave me opportunities to discover of capability-building programmes that will
my potentials and hone my skills. I faced challenges enhance their employability and livelihood
that tested my will to succeed. Now, I can say that skills, as well as imbibe in them positive work
all my efforts were rewarded, but I will not be reaping values, and improve their general outlook in
these awards if not for the guidance of my mentors and life. Through the years, GMBK has proven to
help of my classmates. Thank you to all of you who be a catalyst in improving the lives of scholars’
made this eventful moment happen in my life.”
families and in the development of communities
surrounding
Shell
retail
station
sites.
“You are all part of the Shell family,” said Pilipinas
Shell Retail Sales and Operations General Manager The graduation ceremony, graced by Shell Retail
Bong Fadullon to the graduates. “As the Shell business officers and staff, was held on March 9, 2010 at the
progresses, we also want to see that the lives of those Shell House in Makati City. [Jun Jay G. Jimenez]
Quality books from Reader’s Digest comprising of
an encyclopaedia, word power dictionary, history,
art and creativity, speech, and earth-wise living were
among the first batch of the package. Storybooks
and basic subject references for English, Math, and
Science designed for primary grades will comprise the
second part. “Ito po ang kauna-unahang pagkakataon
na kami ay mabigyan ng ganito kagandang mga libro
na makakatulong rin sa mga research naming mga
guro (This is the first time were were given such nice
books that will be of great help for us teachers in our
research),” said Principal Socrates.
32 SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES
SPEX and partners KUFPEC Philippines Onshore
B.V. and South China Resources, Inc. also sponsored
one of the school buildings made entirely of bamboo.
It is presently utilised by 32 Grade I students.
In photo are Karen Agabin (third from left),
Communications Manager of Shell Philippines
Exploration B.V. (SPEX), poses with Bucana School
Principal Jacobina Socrates (leftmost), Pilipinas Shell
Foundation’s Benny Veran and the school’s 1st Grade
class during the formal turnover held recently. [SPEX
Communications]
Shell Green Scholars visit Shell
Pandacan Depot and PDSI
Love affair
with nature
P
ilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI) and
Malampaya Foundation Inc. (MFI) recently
joined the “Love Affair with Nature” activity
where more than 3,000 mangroves were planted
along the shorelines of Barangay San Jose in
Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
I
n June 2009, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum
Corporation (PSPC) launched the first
environment-based scholarship programme in
the country tagged “The Shell Green Scholars
Education Programme” at the Polytechnic
University of the Philippines (PUP) campus in
Sta. Mesa, Manila.
To support the programme, PSPC, in partnership
with the Pandacan Depot Services, Inc. (PDSI),
organised a series of orientation talks for the
Shell Green Scholars for the months of March
and April 2010. The Shell Green Scholars are
composed of prime students from the different
colleges of the PUP., visited the Shell Pandacan
Depot on February 17, 2010.
On February 17, 2010, the scholars attended a
talk at the Shell Pandacan Depot that featured the
history of PDSI and the Shell Pandacan Depot,
its contribution to the Philippine economy and
energy needs as a supplier of more than 30% of the
country’s fuel supply. The students also appreciated
the depot’s contribution towards improving the lives
of people living in the neighbouring communities.
Moreover, Shell Sustainable Development
Manager Ronald Suarez gave an overview of Shell’s
Sustainable Development programmes, ranging
from social to environmental projects.
To cap off the visit, a tour was conducted for
the Shell Green Scholars, which gave them an
opportunity to see the terminal’s operations, its
facilities and safety practices. [Clara Antonette Eser]
The event dubbed as Love Affair with Nature
has drawn thousands of residents composed of
students, government and private employees,
advocacy groups, and guests who trooped to
the planting site as early as 5:00 am. “Waking
up early in the morning for the cause of our
environment is invigorating,” said PSFI Project
Officer Ynna Lauron.
Part of the activity was a beachside mass wedding
sponsored by the city government where around
300 couples tied the knot. Couples planted
mangrove saplings after the wedding which made
the event more festive. Now on its 8th year run,
the activity is one of Puerto Princesa’s landmark
events, which inspire love for marine environment.
[SPEX Communications]
Integrated Farming Biosystem launched in Mindoro
T
h e Ma l a m p a y a Fo u n d a t i o n , In c .
( M F I ) re c e n t l y l a u n c h e d t h e f i r s t
Inte g r a t e d Fa r m i n g Bi o s y s t e m ( I F B S )
sem i n a r i n c o o rd i n a t i o n w i t h t h e Of f i c e
of t h e Ma yo r a n d t h e Ph i l i p p i n e A r m y ' s
203 rd Br i g a d e h e a d e d by C o l o n e l C a r l o s
Qui t a . Ap p rox i m a t e l y 3 0 re b e l re t u r n e e s ,
mos t l y Ma n g y a n s , a t t e n d e d t h e s e m i n a r.
Malampaya's Integrated Farming Biosystem
is a sustainable development programme
that introduces different opportunities, such
as food processing and modern farming,
to the agricultural and fishery sectors.
Edecer Aceron, Municipal Administrator of
Bulalacao, welcomes Mindoro’s participants to
the first Integrated Farming Biosystem Seminar
held recently at the municipality of Bulalacao,
Oriental Mindoro.
With him are Teddy Bolivar, Programme
Manager of Malampaya Foundation, Inc. in
Mindoro-Batangas, Lt. Col. Randolph Sino Cruz
and Col. Carlos Quita of 203rd Brigade of the
Philippine Army. [SPEX Communications]
SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES 33
Shell sponsors
9th Bike for Hope goes to
the 40th Golden Southern cities
Tee Invitational
Tournament
S
enator Pia Cayetano led 100 bikers from Cebu
City and Negros Occidental during the 9th Bike
for Hope on January 10-11, 2010 in Cebu City and
Bacolod City, respectively.
Commercial Fuels Sales Manager Rene Sarte
at the ceremonial tee-off
M
embers of the Manila Golf and Country
Club (MGCC) and guests enjoyed the
festive ceremonial tee off of the 40th Golden Tee
Invitational Tournament held on February 8,
2010 at the MGCC in Forbes Park, Makati City.
The swift air swirling amid the lush greens was a
refreshing setting for the tee off participants to send the
balls up in the air while the caddies were thrilled to catch
as much golf balls as they can for monetary rewards.
Society columnist Johnny Litton, together with singer
and erstwhile television host Champagne Morales,
hosted the ceremony peppered with entertainment
by sultry singer/actress Maui Taylor and loads of raffle
prizes for the members and guests.
Shell is one of the major sponsors of the MGCC’s
Golden Tee Invitational Tournament, which
run from February 9-13, 2010. Pilipinas Shell
Commercial Fuels Sales Manager for Metro Manila
Rene Sarte represented Shell in the ceremonial tee
off. [Jun Jay G. Jimenez]
Now on its 9th year, the annual Bike for Hope
toured in the key cities of the country to further
spread the message of environmental awareness, a
healthy lifestyle and women’s rights. In addition,
Senator Cayetano and the bikers checked on the
several drugstores along the bike route to ensure
the implementation of the cheaper medicines bill
and implementation of the 20% discount for senior
citizens and people with disability.
The bike event flagged off at 7am at the Shell Retail
station located in Salinas Drive owned by Shell
retailer Raycia Patuasi-Eulla. Patuasi-Eulla provided
coffee and breakfast for the bikers to prepare them
for the biking stretch. The 7-km biking activity
culminated in Mandaue City Central School
where workshops on maternity health care and
environment stewardship were conducted.
“My team and I are grateful for the unending
support of our fellow Filipinos for this worthwhile
advocacy. I would also like to thank Shell, especially
the station owners for accommodating us and for
always being there to support us,” Senator Pia
Cayetano during the opening ceremonies of the
annual affair.
Meanwhile in Bacolod City, the bikers assembled at
the Shell Retail station located in Bago City owned
by Shell retailers Vangie Magallanes. Local rice
delicacies and hot tea were served to the bikers and
Sen. Cayetano’s team to warm them up for the 45-km
biking distance. The bikers travelled from Bago City
and to Plaza Silay in Silay City, Negros Occidental.
Apart from the bike tours in Cebu City and Bacolod,
environmental and health workshops and drugstore
visits were conducted separately in Pangasinan,
Davao City and Cagayan de Oro City.
The 9th Bike for Hope event was organised by
the Compañero Rene Cayetano Foundation, a
non-stock, non-profit organisation created in
memory of the late Senator Compañero Renato
L. Cayetano, and which aims to organise various
projects related to health, education, sports, youth
development and environment. The Shell-backed
event was assisted by the Shell Retail – Visayas
Team led by Retail District Manager – Visayas
Ricky Altonaga, Retail Territory Managers Jennifer
Gabaon-Reyes and Mark Vincent Calo.
Since its inception in 2001, Shell has been a
staunch supporter of the Bike for Hope advocacy.
In promoting sustainable development as an integral
part of its business operations, Shell continuously
implements various programmes on social
development and environmental conservation.
[Clara Antonette Eser]
Shell backs 26th Mango Tee; Burgos, Ilagan lead tourney winners
T
he teams of Jose Xerex Burgos-Raul Ilagan
and John Papa-King Stehmeier capped the
six-day competition of the recent 26th Mango
Tee Invitational Golf member-guest tournament
by claiming the top awards at the plush Alabang
Country Club course.
Burgos-Ilagan posted rounds of 85-70 for 155 and
the overall team title, while Papa and Stehmeier,
scoring 68-67-135, nipped Tommy Manotoc-Jobim
Carlos by a mere point for the low gross crown in
the event co-presented by Pilipinas Shell and Smart.
But Alabang member Juan “Boy” Sta. Ana and
guest participant Bob Labrador went home with the
biggest prizes as they drove home with the newlylaunched Mitsubishi Lancer EX sedans after scoring
aces on separate holes and days. Labrador also won
a Club Car while Sta. Ana got an extra Php 100,000
cash and a TW Steel watch.
The six-day golf tourney, which gathered a total of
768 golfers ran from February 1-6, 2010. Division
34 SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES
overall honours went to Rudy Zapanta-Jaime
Zapanta in Class A, Ramon Garcia-Mario Badillo
in Class B, Jose Laurel-Ace Stehmeier in Class C
and Reynaldo Carpio-Doods Antipuesto in Class
D. Division low gross titles went to Manotoc-Carlos
in Class A, Bert Lina-Owen Fulo in Class B, Arnel
Manganti-Arnold Duay in Class C and Jose Antonio
Mapa-Mike Maupa in Class D.
Alabang President Dr. Boy Villareal and Mango
Tee Chairman Caloy Coscolluela were joined by
Pilipinas Shell Chairman and President Edgar Chua
in handing out the various awards to top winners.
Earlier, Former President Fidel V. Ramos led the
traditional ceremonial tee-off at the 10th tee of
the Alabang Country Club, which ushered the
opening of the 26th Mango Tee Invitational Golf
Tournament, ranked the most popular memberguest invitational golf tournament in the country.
Pilipinas Shell Vice President for Communications
Roberto Kanapi was also among the VIPs who hit
the ceremonial tee. Pipinas Shell Commercial Fuels
Sales Manager Rene Sarte, Shell officials, dealers
and business partners also participated in the golf
tournament.
During the six-day event, the Shell Fuel Economy
Simulator was showcased at the Shell booth.
With only six of these simulators in the world,
the simulator teaches the driver to maximise
fuel efficiency through different challenges. The
innovative technology enables drivers to gain
knowledge in driving correctly and economically.
Former President Fidel V. Ramos
leads the ceremonial tee-off
UST Engineering
Eco-marathon
Team inaugurates
“Tiger 400”
T
he University of Santo Tomas (UST), the country’s
oldest engineering school, showed support for its
Eco-marathon Team in a launch event and unveiling
ceremony of Tiger 400, the team’s vehicle entry to the
Shell Eco-Marathon Asia in July 2010.
Led by Team Leader Tim Mervin Orille, members of
the UST Engineering Eco-marathon Team proudly
unveiled the scale model of Tiger 400. Celebrating
their quadric-centennial anniversary in 2011, the
team aptly named their vehicle entry, “Tiger 400” to
dedicate their hard work to the university.
Reverend Father Franklin Beltran, Dean of the
Faculty of Engineering Josefin De Alban, UST
Assistant Professor and Team Adviser Raymundo
Melegrito, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation
Sustainable Development Manager Ronald
Suarez and UST SEM-Asia godfather for UST
and UST alumnus Rico Bersamin led the ribboncutting ceremony.
“We are thankful to Shell for giving us the
opportunity to join this competition. The team is
tired for they have been working day and night but
they are still in high spirits as they are inspired to win
this competition for the country,” said UST Assistant
Professor and Team Adviser Raymundo Melegrito.
Engineer Josefin De Alban, Dean of the Faculty of
Engineering, lauded Shell for its worthy initiative.
“The Shell Eco-marathon project tells us that Shell
has a soul. This is a clear demonstration of Corporate
Social Responsibility,” he said.
Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation Sustainable
Development Manager Ronald Suarez wished the
team success in the Shell Eco-marathon competition.
“I believe you are already winners as you will be
representing our country in the first ever Shell Ecomarathon Asia. Do your best!”
The Fuel Economy Simulator was also featured in
the event to further promote fuel efficiency. The
simulator drew almost a hundred UST students
and faculty to the venue. The state of the art
technology of this machine aims to help its users
practice Shell’s Fuel Economy tips in a controlled
environment before actually practicing it on the
road. The simulator provides scores on one’s driving
performance to get a better idea of driving techniques
and habits one may improve on.
The inauguration of Tiger 400 was held at the UST
campus in España, Manila on February 18, 2010.
[Christine Guison]
Shell Eco-marathon Philippine
Team visits Pandacan depot
T
he Shell Eco-marathon (SEM) Philippine
team composed of engineering students
from Don Bosco Technical College, Mapua
Institute of Technology and the University of
Santo Tomas visited the Shell Pandacan depot
on February 12, 2010.
During their visit, the SEM Philippine team
members appreciated the history of the Shell
Pandacan depot, its operations and its contribution
to the country’s economic development by being
a strategic fuel storage facility in support of
the transport sector and by supporting various
developmental programmes that improve the lives
of people in the depot’s neighbouring communities.
Part of the visit was an orientation on safe handling
and storage of Shell fuels. The orientation equipped
the team members with knowledge on the safe and
efficient handling of fuels, which they can apply in
constructing their respective vehicles that are due
to compete in the inaugural Shell Eco-marathon
Asia at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in July 2010.
The visit concluded with a plant tour that gave
the team members the opportunity to see for
themselves the safe and environment-friendly
practices that Shell employs in its day-to-day
operations in the depot. [Jun Jay G. Jimenez]
Don Bosco Technical College
salutes Shell Eco-marathon
T
he Faculty of Don
Bosco
Technical
College (DBTC) lauded
Shell for the Shell Ecomarathon
programme,
encouraging engineering
students
around
the
world to explore their
creativity in building
energy efficient vehicles.
“We thank Shell for
giving our students the
opportunity to show
their potential through
the Shell Eco-marathon,”
said DBTC Dean Stephen Ruiz. “Our
students will learn a lot from this project, as
the Shell Eco-marathon equips them with the
knowledge and skills that can help us create
an impact in our immediate communities
and improve the lives of residents through
the various projects that we implement here
in Mandaluyong.”
Promoting Shell’s commitment to meeting the
energy demands of the future through responsible
ways, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation
Sustainable Development Manager Ronald Suarez
narrated Shell’s journey in search for efficient
energy through the Shell Eco-marathon. “Energy
will be scarce in the coming decades, with the
demand for energy going double. Through the
Shell Eco-marathon, a concept that came into
being in 1939 at a Shell Laboratory in the United
States, Shell is providing an educational platform
for students to develop and build the most energyefficient vehicles,” said Suarez.
The presentation of the members of Team Grigio,
DBTC’s team for the inaugural Shell Ecomarathon Asia, coincided with the unveiling of the
“Sustainable Vehicle Development Programme”,
which showcased DBTC’s innovative technological
projects which aim to uplift the livelihood of its
immediate communities in Mandaluyong. The
simple ceremony took place on February 18, 2010
at the Mary Help of Christian Quadrangle in
DBTC, Mandaluyong City. [Jun Jay G. Jimenez]
SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES 35
LEGAL SPEAK
Small
Claims
Have you had that unfortunate
experience of a friend or relative
borrowing a small sum from you
and not being paid back? Or a
delinquent lessee who always fails ,
to pay rent on time? Or a buyer who
can’t make good on his payment for the item he purchased?
By Atty. Raul Quiroz
36 SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES
C
hances are, you will think twice about
going to court to recover your money,
especially if you consider the time you
will devote in court to litigate your claim and
the amount of money you will spend to pay for
a lawyer to represent you. The last thing you
need is to suffer further aggravation.
On 1 October 2008, the “Rule of Procedure
for Small Claims Cases” issued by the
Supreme Court took effect. The rationale
for the new rule was the expeditious
resolution of relatively minor disputes
involving amounts that do not warrant
going through the legal formalities of a
normal court procedure. In essence, it
allows you to go to court to recover your
claim faster and inexpensively. At the
same time, courts are spared of prolonged
disputes on matters that are of little value.
How is this achieved?
First, you won’t need a lawyer to appear
on your behalf. The lengthy and extensive
pleadings and motions usually prepared by
lawyers are gone (together with their fees, of
course). In their stead are ready-made forms
that you just fill up; Second, you are only
allowed one postponement; Third, you only
need to pay minimal fees – P1,000 for service
of summons and processes, and docket fees
of P150 for claims not more than P20,000
and P500 for higher claims up to P100,000.
If you qualify as an indigent, docket fees
are waived; and best of all, proceedings are
simplified. It prohibits pleadings and motions
that are usually filed in court like a motion
to dismiss, motion for bill of particulars,
motion for reconsideration/new trial,
petition for relief of judgment, motion for
extension of time to file pleadings, affidavits,
or any other paper, memoranda, petition for
certiorari, mandamus or prohibition against
an interlocutory order, motion to declare
defendant in default, dilatory motions for
postponement, reply, third party complaints
and interventions. (Whew! Now you know
why court proceedings take so long).
To be covered by the rule, how small should
your claim be? Under the rule, the amount
you are claiming should be P100,000
or less, exclusive of interest. It does not
have to be a single claim. You can file for
multiple claims as long as the total does not
exceed P100,000. Beyond that, your claim
will be dismissed.
What kind of claims
are covered?
The claims should be for payment /
reimbursement of a sum of money in purely
civil cases or the civil aspect of criminal
actions. These include:
1. Money owed under a contract of lease,
loan, services, sale or mortgage;
2. Damages arising from fault or negligence
or quasi-contract;
3. Enforcement of a barangay amicable
settlement or an arbitration award under
the Local Government Code;
4. Actual damages caused to vehicles, other
personal property, real property or person;
5. Payment or reimbursement for property,
deposit or money loaned;
6. Payment for services rendered, insurance
claim, rent, commissions, or for goods
sold and delivered;
7. Money claim pursuant to contract,
warranty or agreement; and
8. Purely civil action for payment of money
covered by bounced or stopped check.
Where and how do you file your claims?
You can file your claims before the first
level courts – Metropolitan Trial Courts
in Cities, Municipal Trial Courts and
Municipal Circuit Trial Courts. The
claim is commenced by filing a Statement
of Claim together with a Certification of
Non-Forum Shopping (a document that
states you have not filed a similar case in
another court). There will be no need
to prepare these documents, however, as
there are forms for this that you can get
from the Clerk of Court.
What you also need to prepare and attach
to your claim, and this is very important,
are all the documentary evidence,
including affidavits, that you may have
to prove your claim. Your success in the
case will ultimately depend on how you
are able to persuade the judge on the
truthfulness of your claim. (A word of
caution – the person signing the affidavit
must have direct personal knowledge of
the facts stated in the affidavit; if not, it
will be disregarded.)
After filing your claim and payment of
the fees, the defendant (the person against
whom you filed your claim) will be ordered
to submit his response and to appear
before the court on a hearing date. In case
he fails to respond or to appear before the
court, a judgment will be rendered based
on your Statement of Claim. But if he
does respond and appear at the hearing,
the judge will conduct a conciliation and
mediation. Should a settlement be agreed,
the court approves and enforces the
settlement agreement. But if no settlement
is reached, the hearing and the decision on
your claim will take place on the same day.
Any decision of the court on your claim is
final and there will be no right to appeal.
So be sure, as emphasized above, that you
were able to attach in the Statement of
Claim all your evidence. SWP
SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES 37
TAKE CHARGE: Change
mindsets, use energy
responsibly
Shell introduces “TAKE CHARGE”, a microsite in collaboration with ABS-CBN
Interactive that serves as a venue to exchange ideas and stimulate opinion
on one of the most important challenges facing society today- the energy
challenge. Visit www.abs-cbnnews.com/energy to learn more.
By CHRISTINE R. GUISON
A
s the leading innovator for the new
energy future, Shell has been consistently
providing avenues to raise awareness and
understanding of the energy challenge. Meeting
the world’s growing demand for affordable,
secure and convenient energy while reducing
greenhouse gas emissions - particularly carbon
dioxide - is the energy challenge faced today.
In recent years, global warming and carbon
dioxide emissions have become hot topics
of conversation and issues of real concern.
Many scientists, politicians, journalists,
academe, business leaders, investors, youth,
religious leaders and the general public are
deeply concerned and want to take real and
immediate action. Government, business and
wider society all have a role to play in
tackling this problem.
Take Charge, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum
Corporation’s recently launched energy
microsite, in partnership with ABS- CBN
Interactive, aims to encourage discussions
on real energy solutions and aspires to
change mindsets for a more efficient use
of energy. It is a platform for individuals
to share views and talk about energy
responsibility. It discusses more in-depth
issues about energy; not just pricing
issues.
The first energy microsite in the country
features an interactive Pledge Now link
where site visitors are challenged to think
of concrete actions on how they can save
energy and consequently prevent global
warming. The News and Updates link
provides timely and relevant information
about power and other energy issues.
The Sponsored Articles and Features
links, on the other hand, feed relevant
news stories on the developments around
Shell, company position papers and any
other issue-related information about the
38 SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES
company that the public deserves to know.
The Shell Eco-marathon (SEM) Asia 2010
is likewise featured in the microsite to create
noise and generate interest among the public.
SEM is Shell’s flagship event championing fuel
economy. It is about distance, not speed. The
competition challenges student teams to design
and build energy-efficient vehicles that travel
the farthest distance using the least amount of
fuel. The microsite has a direct link to SEM Team
Philippines’ Facebook fan pages where visitors can
become a fan of the three participating schools.
On December 15, 2009, ABS-CBN
Interactive hosted a live web forum with
Former Energy Secretary Dr. Francisco Viray
to get his views on the current energy status of
the Philippines as well as to discuss possible
reforms that the next leaders can undertake
to improve the Philippine energy sector.
Presidential aspirants Noynoy Aquino, JC
Delos Reyes and Nick Perlas held that, once
elected, they will focus on the development
of alternative sources of energy and expressed
their interest to revisit the oil deregulation
law. Close to 500 chatters from various parts
of the world participated in the live chat and
expressed their opinions on the matter. A
total of 163 comments were posted during
the live chat. Discussions ranged from oil
pricing, supply issues, alternative sources of
energy, to the different government policies
that has affected the energy industry.
Lastly, the Energy Blog connects the
public to the blog site of Filipino energy
writers and journalists. This independent
site is fully owned by energy beat writers
and exposes the readers to myriad of
opinions and unique views that increase
their awareness on the “energy world”. In
addition, an essay writing competition
for the youth was launched recently to
encourage college students to think about
their role in tackling the challenges of
the new energy future. Winners will be
announced in July this year and the grand
winner will get a chance to be nominated
as Youth Representative for an energy
conference overseas.
The Take Charge energy microsite is not
just a new addition to the rapidly growing
Internet community; the microsite only
features news and views worthy of print to
escalate and broaden dialogues in sharing
initiatives towards securing a responsible
energy future. These and other energyrelated information is simply a click away.
Visit Shell’s energy microsite today at
www.abs-cbnnews.com/energy. SWP
Living and working
in Ayala Land's
global ecozone
PERSPECTIVES By Scott R. Garceau
Published in The Philippine Star on November 16, 2009
[Reprinted with the permission of The Philippine Star]
T
he first thing you notice when you enter
Solaris One, Ayala Land Businesscapes’
25-story business hub on Dela Rosa Street,
Makati, is the high security. Pass through the
metal detectors and x-ray machine and sign in;
then pass through separate turnstiles wearing
your color-coded security badge, without
which you can’t ascend to any of the offices
housed in this state-of-the-art building.
But Solaris One itself is a nexus of city life.
Restaurants and cafes are located outside the
lobby, with a bank just outside the corner. A
100-bike rack is adjacent to the building for
eco-minded commuters. In some ways, it’s a lot
like other office buildings in Makati. In many
others, it’s not.
Visit Shell Shared Services Centre - Manila
(SSSC-Manila) here — Shell’s largest offshored
shared service centre, handling finance, human
resources and customer service on a 24-hour
basis — and you’ll notice more. A private
health clinic. Wellness and recreation facilities.
Employee lounges. Even a videoke room.
Because SSSC-Manila is divided into three
shifts — with employees answering Shell
customer concerns or fielding HR queries
round the clock from different time zones
across the globe — these schedules may pose
challenges to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
That’s why Vince Ocampo, general manager
of SSSC-Manila Common Infrastructure
Management, feels it’s important to keep
his 2,200 workers healthy while productive.
“Complementing
our
other
health
programmes, we are developing SWAP - Shift
Work Acclimatisation Programme - which will
help employees adjust to shift work required
by our business while centering on their health
and wellness needs.”
Work is important, but play is also key:
year-round, employees participate in fun,
SSSC-Manila Common
Infrastructure Management
General Manager Vince Ocampo
centre-wide events. Ocampo enumerates:
“Last week we had our bowling tournament.
During summer, we have our team-building
sportsfest. We have also basketball, volleyball
and badminton tournaments. We even have
a singing contest here, our very own ‘SSSC
Idol’.” Hence, the videoke room.
Most noteworthy is the active involvement
of SSSC-Manila staff in socially responsible
community activities. “Our employees
are among the first to volunteer in Shell's
sustainable development projects of Gawad
Kalinga house builds, marathons for causes,
coastal clean-ups, just to name a few,” Ocampo
says proudly.
Ocampo overlooks the support functions for
SSSC-Manila, with an eye towards health and
safety — part of Shell’s “Goal Zero” policy: no
harm to anyone. When typhoon Ondoy made
commuting difficult for employees, Ocampo
took the lead in coordinating for food provision
and transportation, and other accommodations
Solaris One, Ayala Land Businesscapes’
24-story business hub on Dela Rosa Street,
Makati, is a nexus of city life with
restaurants, cafes and a 100-bike rack
attached to the building.
for staff who stayed in the office. This kind of
attention to employee needs helps make SSSCManila the busiest and largest Shell shared
service centre in the world. As Ocampo says,
“Excellence is about exceeding the expectations
of our stakeholders: delivering quality service
to our business partners and providing our
employees an environment that nurtures
learning and development.”
One of the realities of the Philippines being
one of the world’s busiest offshored business
locations is that Filipinos have to adjust to the
rest of the world’s daylight. “When we started
in 2004, we predominantly reported during the
evening shift to work 'alongside' our American
and European counterparts,” says Ocampo.
“But over the years, our staff were able to
master the work processes, and I’m happy to
say that we’re now evenly distributed between
the morning and evening shifts.”
Despite the current state of economy, SSSCManila is “in a growth mode,“ Ocampo notes.
Indeed, job hopefuls could be seen filling out
application forms at the office even at 5 p.m.;
they know that being part of SSSC-Manila
can provide them competitive opportunities in
Shell's global network.
Partnering with Ayala Land Businesscapes,
SSSC-Manila had their new office constructed
on the top ten floors of Solaris One to
accommodate its growth in headcount
conducive to its expanding business
requirements in support of the Shell Group.
“Ayala Land is a premier brand in real estate
development,” he notes. “I myself live in an
Ayala-managed community, and I personally
know how good a developer Ayala Land
is.” Ocampo says Solaris One provides an
enhanced environment for work and growth
— and even annual singing contests. A winwin for everyone. SWP
SHELL WORLD PHILIPPINES 39