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Mapua Mindanao Shell Eco-Marathon 2026 team finished eighth at the Shell Eco-Marathon Asia-Pacific and Middle East in Qatar, competing against top student engineering teams from the region.

The entry from the Davao-based Mapua Malayan Colleges Mindanao secured the eighth position out of ten entries in the recently held Shell Eco-marathon (SEM) Asia-Pacific and Middle East 2026 in Qatar.

Named AME Merlin, the entry made four attempts, achieving a maximum result of 143 kilometers per liter (km/l), which is the standard measurement for fuel efficiency.

The Shell Eco-marathon is a globally recognized competition that emphasizes energy efficiency, inviting high school and college students to develop vehicles capable of achieving optimal efficiency.

Participants utilize their expertise in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) to design and construct ultra-energy-efficient vehicles, testing their designs in practical situations on the track.

Focusing on innovation and sustainability, the Shell Eco-marathon continually inspires the next generation of engineers to address energy challenges and create smarter mobility solutions for the future.

There are two main categories in the competition: Prototype (which highlights innovative, lightweight vehicle designs aimed at achieving optimal efficiency) and urban concept (which concentrates on practical, roadworthy energy-efficient vehicles).

AME Merlin participated in the prototype category, of which five countries participated:

China, Indonesia, Oman, the Philippines, and Saudi Arabia. All in all, there were 14 countries which participated in the competition.

This was the first occasion for Mapua Mindanao to take part in such a competition. “It was an incredible experience,” stated 21-year-old Amjad Biruar, the team manager and a fourth-year mechanical engineering student.

Coming from a tropical country, the group faced challenges in adapting to the climate. In Qatar, January remains part of the winter season. “The weather was entirely unfamiliar to us,” Jad remarked, noting that the cold was quite a surprise.

However, interacting with individuals from various countries compensated for the chill of the month. “The friendliness of the people made up for it,” he said.

The team was genuinely pleased that Filipinos recognized them “instantly.” Jad specifically mentioned those from the hotel staff to the event crew. “(They) would greet us and provide assistance whenever we required it,” he noted.

Jad characterized the atmosphere of the event as both intense and relaxed. “It was ‘intense’ due to the pressure we experienced as first-time competitors, yet it felt ‘relaxed’ because everyone was so welcoming,” he elaborated.

According to Jad, one of the positive aspects of the competition was the numerous friendships formed with fellow competitors and crew members. “All these really helped us balance out the stress,” he noted.

As they were novices in the competition, Jad mentioned that one of their greatest challenges was grasping the intricacies of the competition and its various requirements.

“The technical inspection was particularly demanding,” he remarked. “We prepared extensively for it and opted to play it safe by meticulously adhering to the rules to prevent any complications.”

Fortunately, this strategy proved effective and enabled the team to pass the inspection without any issues.

Another significant challenge arose during the track runs. “Our performance was heavily influenced by the weather conditions,” Jad explained. “Variations in temperature and wind impacted the vehicle’s behavior on the track, which we had not anticipated.

“As a result, even though we surpassed our expectations in terms of outcomes, we feel that we did not fully realize our vehicle’s potential,” he concluded.

As the team represented Mapua Mindanao, Jad expressed that the competition instilled a sense of pride in them. “Representing our school was immensely gratifying as it enabled us to actualize its goals and values, particularly in relation to sustainability and innovation, on an international platform,” Jad remarked.

“It instilled in us a profound sense of duty to excel and demonstrate what our institution embodies, transforming excellence into efforts that remain relevant beyond the competition through discipline and performance.”

Being one of the three representatives from the Philippines, the team found the experience to be profoundly heartwarming and motivating.

“Wherever we traveled, fellow Filipinos were enthusiastic to acknowledge us, provide encouragement, and assist whenever feasible,” Jad noted. “Their support made us feel closer to home and reminded us that we were not merely competing for ourselves but also upholding the pride of our country.”

The event may have concluded, yet it has imparted valuable lessons to the team. “One of the most significant lessons we derived from this event is the importance of teamwork,” Jad stated. “We learned to trust and rely on one another, particularly in challenging circumstances.

“In addition, we recognized the significance of our bond as team members and how collaborating under pressure enabled us to surmount obstacles,” he continued.

However, that is not the entirety of their learning. “At the same time, we discovered that even within a competitive setting, maintaining friendliness, assisting others, and appreciating the support we receive are equally vital,” Jad said.

The team consists of all fourth-year students, allowing them the opportunity to compete again next year if given the chance. “As fourth-year students, we are entirely dedicated to maximizing our remaining time to enhance our vehicle,” Jad said. “With the insights and experiences gained from the competition, we aspire to return stronger and strive for victory next year.”

Also part of the team were Rhenz Angelo Obrique, 25, technical manager; Herbert Basti Pinton, 22, the team’s driver; Fred Lynson Yu, 21, head mechanic; Varent Virpel Valdesco, 21, mechanic; and A.R. David Labrador, 22, design lead.

Other members are Aulden Ronald Nietes, 22, fabrication lead; Keiji Jantzen Ng, 22, non-technical/administrative manager; and Mary Grace Betita, 21, non-technical/administrative support. The team’s fabrication support include Kurt Gerard Saballa, 22; Inno Angelo Calla, 23; and Ejekiel Josh Perialde, 21.

The team’s name AME stands for Ad Maximam Efficientiam. It’s Latin for “to maximum efficiency.” Merlin, on the other hand, represents the school’s wizard-themed branding, and the merlin falcon, a symbol of swiftness.