Davao's Honesty Jeepney: Creativity sparked by COVID-19

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Many of us may have heard of the honesty system, which is practiced in many establishments like coffee houses and souvenir shops in many countries, including the Philippines. 

In this system, everything is done through self-service. Customers can list down the items they are buying, leave the corresponding payment, and take their goods. They even collect their change by just getting it from the pool of money.

A different kind of honesty system, which became particularly useful in these adverse times, was the honesty jeepney that plied the streets of Davao City before an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was implemented. 

Instead of the usual way of having jeepney passengers pass on their payment from one to another until it reaches the driver, passengers of that jeep put their payment in containers that have been strategically placed and spaced out in the seats--in keeping with social distancing protocols. 

A video that went viral on the internet since March 24 showed containers made of repurposed Shell Rimula engine oil plastic canisters were used not just to serve as dividers between passengers but to hold passengers fares. 

In the video, a passenger was also heard jokingly saying, Bawal kumupit [Stealing is not allowed.]. 

https://www.facebook.com/abscbnNEWS/videos/241739523538118/?v=241739523538118

During pre-ECQ times when social distancing was especially important and contact must be minimized especially in usually crowded public transport, the honesty system in that jeep had been useful in ensuring that people were safe from coronavirus infection, even in public transportation. 

Because of strict social distancing rules, only six to 10 passengers were allowed at a time in jeepneys in Davao City. Jeepneys were still able to do their usual business in Davao City before an ECQ prevented them from operating last April 4.

Creativity amid adversity 

Jefferson Camasin, the netizen who was able to capture the footage of the honesty jeepney, said that the driver was willing to risk losing profit just so his passengers could be safe and have less chances of catching the virus. 

Camasin said that he and his fellow passengers praised the driver and supported the jeepneys honesty system by paying the correct fare. Some of them even gave tips, knowing how difficult it was to earn a living that time when jeepney drivers can only ferry a few passengers at a time.

Renowned Fine Artist Leeroy’s “Kulambo” Weaves Stories on Fight Against Malaria

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Known for decades, "Kulambo" is the mosquito net, a type of meshed curtain that is circumferentially draped over a bed or a sleeping area, to offer the people a barrier protection against bites and stings from mosquitos, flies, and other pest insects, and thus against the insect-borne diseases include malaria, dengue fever and yellow fever.

People from 60s,  symbolize the Kulambo as their parents’ efforts to keep them safe from sickness.

As today, the modest kulambo has transformed into a symbol of hope in the battle against malaria.

Mosquitos have been called one of the most dangerous insects in the world, spreading some of the world’s most prevalent and destructive diseases today. Malaria is one such infection, affecting tens of thousands of Filipinos, but we have since bitten back.

"Fortress" by Leeroy New

Recently,  an artwork created and dubbed as “Fortress” by renowned fine artist Leeroy New, presented at Bonifacio Global City. 

To celebrate the two decades of milestones that mark the fight against malaria, resulting in a 90 percent reduction of reported cases, Leeroy  has created “Fortress,” an installation that creatively weaves together used kulambo or anti-mosquito nets, collected from malaria-affected places.

“It made sense to transform and bring new life to these pre-used medicated mosquito nets, originally intended to act as protective shields against disease-carrying mosquitoes, into an immersive and ethereal fortress-like structure complete with pointed spires that attempts to represent the substantial preventive effect it has made on the fight against malaria,” said New as he described his inspiration for the piece.

(L-R) Shell Philippines President and CEO Cesar Romero, PSFI Director Cesar Buenaventura, PSFI Executive Director Sebastian Quiñones Jr, Palawan Vice Governor Dennis Socrates and PSFI Deputy Executive Director Marvi Trudeau

Commissioned by Shell Companies in the Philippines (SCiP), the artwork aims to symbolize the company’s drive to eliminate malaria. New explained that it also represents the constant struggle to maintain control over threats to humanity’s well-being, be it physical, mental, or emotional.

“Also, meandering about the floating castle is what appears to be a serpentine like form made from the same mesh material that resembles the threatening beasts from fantasy stories that always aim to invade or destroy,” said New.

The piece will be placed in front of Daiichi Properties’ The Finance Center in Bonifacio Global City until the end of April.

“This artwork is the symbol of the collaborative effort made to eliminate the malaria infection from the Philippines,” said New. “It serves as a concrete example that we can fight against this deadly infection and win.”

Through the combined effort of Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. (PSFI), the Department of Health (DOH), and local government units across the nation, malaria cases have dropped from over 50,000 in Palawan alone in 1999, to less than 5,000 in 2018.

“In the common Filipino household, the kulambo symbolizes the ultimate protection against mosquitoes,” said New as he described his inspiration for the piece. “An entire family can seek protection under the kulambo and spend the night, huddled but safe.”

Meanwhile,PSFI Executive Director Sebastian Quiñones Jr. noted the challenge in helping indigenous peoples fight malaria because their nomadic nature makes it difficult to monitor their treatment.

(L-R) Moderator Michelle Ong, World Health Organization (WHO) Medical Officer on Malaria, Vectorborne and Parasitic Disease Dr. Gawrie Loku Galappaththy, PSFI Deputy Executive Director, Program Manager Externally Funded Programs Marvi Trudeau, Vice Governor of Palawan Dennis Socrates, Renowned Contemporary Fine Artist Leeroy New.

In order to tackle the challenging circumstances, PSFI sends regular volunteer expeditions into the mountains, and the Foundation has hired anthropologists to study the groups in order to develop non-disruptive methods for providing aid.

“At Shell, we believe in being a good neighbor, so we do not wish to disrupt their way of life,” said Quiñones. “Our goal is to promote the well-being of our communities, forge strong partnerships with various sectors, and make all of these initiatives sustainable, so that our legacy and mission will continue with our respective communities.”

The program received another grant for 2018-2020 to tackle the last four highly endemic provinces, which has made Quiñones confident that the Philippines can achieve its goal for the country to be malaria-free by 2030. These are the provinces of Palawan, Sulu, Occidental Mindoro and Sultan Kudarat.

For the last 105 years of its operations in the country, Pilipinas Shell, with the Department of Health, has remained committed to helping not just the communities that it serves, but all communities throughout the nation. By combating dangerous diseases such as malaria, the company aims to make the future safer for all Filipinos.

Pilipinas Shell awards students at NXplorers: The Bright Ideas Challenge 2019

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From smart plant-watering systems to coconut powered lamps, 10 innovative solutions to the food-water-energy nexus issues were feted at this year's first NXplorers: The Bright Ideas Challenge 2019 (NX:TBIC) held last November 29 at the Ayala Mind Museum.

Nxplorers is a global education of Shell, introduced to the Philippines in 2019 to involve the youth in addressing the food-water-energy nexus issues. The systems that provide access to the three critical resources are tightly interlinked, water generates power; energy treats and transports water; and both water and energy are needed to produce food.

“Young people today are vital to ensuring the security of these resources tomorrow,” said Cesar Romero, Shell Companies in the Philippines’ country chairman. “At Shell, we believe that by teaching the youth how to critically identify and solve problems, they will be better equipped as future leaders and positive agents of change.”

With an increasing global population, the pressure to maintain stable supplies of food, water, and energy will grow. The nexus highlights a need to better understand the relationships between these resources in order to promote effective collaboration between policy makers and industry leaders.

Through a series of workshops, participants learn to explore the relationships found in the nexus, imagine how changes can affect these systems, and are then challenged to create innovative solutions that protect and maximize resources.

Winning teams

Oriental Mindoro National High School’s Team NX-US won the grand prize for creating a smart watering system that detects soil moisture content and sends users a text message with crop data.

In first place came Gusa Regional Science High School’s Team Marigold, who designed a handheld generator that produces energy by utilizing heat difference through the Seebeck effect.

The second place taken by Philippine Science High School Cagayan Valley’s Team Agribon, who built a drone that can water and spray crops with fertilizer.

Team NX-US took home P100,000, while first place’s Team Marigold and second place Team Agribon took home P70,000 and P50,000 respectively. 

Additionally, Bansud Regional Science High School’s Team Antipara and Ramon Teves Pastor Memorial Dumaguete Science High School’s Team A-Team both won merit awards of P20,000. 

The other remaining five schools were awarded P10,000 for reaching the final 10, while Team NX-US also won the people’s choice award of an additional P5,000 for winning the popular vote on the competition's online platform.

Equivalent prize money was also given to their schools’ respective STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) funding so that students have increased access to facilities and other resources that will promote better learning. 

“Innovative problem-solving needs a good understanding of how change happens,” said Romero. “Shell supports the development of local STEM education, because it will help the youth learn the creative and critical thinking skills needed to envision the future.”

NXplorers is a program that teaches a combination of systems thinking, scenario planning, and a theory of change methodology as a way of showing the youth how to understand and address increasingly complex global problems. It empowers young people to become agents of change by providing them the tools and skills to tackle real world problems. 

“This program has shown that we can engage the youth to generate ideas,” added Romero. “Young Filipino’s have so much potential to create positive change for the country, even outside NXplorers.” 

For the last 105 years of its operations in the Philippines, Pilipinas Shell has remained committed to the country’s development. As a partner in nation building, the company aims to help spur the development of local STEM education to make the future of the youth.



More  photos here.

Coco Martin at the Shell Rimula Tsuperstar Grand Finals

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Pilipinas Shell held its much-awaited Shell Rimula Tsuperstar Grand Finals last October 5 at the Sta Lucia East Grand Mall, Cainta, Rizal.

Carlito Vergara, a jeepney driver from Bulacan, emerged as the grand winner and went home with three-year supply of Shell Rimula and a cash prize of P500,000. He also bagged the “People’s Choice Award”.

Rodrigo Belarmino and Roland Salazar both from Mindanao won 2nd Place and 1st Place, respectively. Belarmino wins as the  “KaJoda’s Choice Award”  and  received P10,000 cash prize for his jeepney association.

The event was a culminating activity of Shell Rimula in support of the country's jeepney drivers and showcased the diverse talents of these acknowledged 'tsuperstars.

The Shell Rimula Tsuperstar" project is the energy leader's campaign that recognizes the efforts of jeepney drivers from al over the Philppines who work day and right to provide a brighter future for their families.

After making it through the auditions and regional finals, finalists from five regions in the Philippines made it to the grand finals to compete for the Ultimate Tsuperstar Champion" 

Present during the event was actor, TV personality, and Shell Rimula ambassador Coco Martin, who gave the attendies and grand finalists a special performance accompanied by rappers Smugglaz and Bassilya. 

Coco shared that he comes from a family of jeepney drivers and he's not one to hide this fact. His grandfather made a living driving a jeepney and was able to provide for his family and meet the needed expenses in raising his children. Coco's father continued this particular family legacy and provided for the family by driving a jeepney as well.

The grand finals was also a right of celebrity performances, games, and raffle prizes .

According to Recca Menchavez, Brand Manager for Shel Rimula, Shel Rimula has always been on the side of Flpino drivors everywhera Whether they drive jeepneys or UV Express vans, Shel Rimula is their most-trusted engine partner. Their continuous hard work to provide for their families is the reason why Shell considers them the real 'tsuperstars

"We call them 'tsuperstars' because we beleve that they are not only some of the most hardworking people in our society, they are also the most underappreciated. We count on them to take us to work or to school, but we really don't get to thank them enough" said Recca.

Recca expressed her grafitude for every driver who has worked tirelessly on the road with Shel Rimulla as their chosen engine oil. "This event isn't simply a competition of who's the best in talent, this is our way of honoring and showing support to our Fipino drivers for everything that they have done for us," she stressed. They also deserve to take some time off and enjoy," she added.

Pilipinas Shell has continuously pushed for efforts to improve the lives of Filipino drivers The Tsuperstar campaign is only one project that has allowed Pilipinas Shell to honor drivers who have been long-time supporters of the

"Our drivers help make the future of our country that much brighter. And they can look forward to more offerings from Shell," Recca shared. No matter what you drive and what you do for a living, Shell will always make sure that there's something that best fits your engine's needs," she added.

In its 105 years of helping build the nation and providing energy that makes the future, Shell has become a market leader in engine lubricants not only here in the Philippines but in over 100 countries. Shell Lubricants offers a wide variety of ail products for light- and heavy-duty vehicles, cars, and motorcycles.

Maine Mendoza, Drew Arellano and Nico Bolzico are the newest Pilipinas Shell's ambassadors

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Pilipinas Shell presented   newest ambassadors during a media launch at the Manila House in Bonifacio Global City last April 8. 

Drew Arellano, Maine Mendoza and Nico Bolzico are the newest  Pilipinas Shell's ambassadors 

The ambassadors are not just the faces of the Shell brands but are living proof of the company’s commitment to their customers, as they relate their personal experience in using Shell's products and services through the years.

Maine Mendoza

One of the most influential celebrities in the country today, Maine Mendoza, is the new brand ambassador for Shell FuelSave. Launched with a new formulation last year, Shell FuelSave has DYNAFLEX Technology designed to help improve engine efficiency.

Shell has always been embedded in Mendoza’s life even before rising to fame, as their family owns a number of Shell retail station dealerships. 

“My parents wanted to invest in a company that is recognized for credibility and quality,” she shared. “So when the opportunity came, they didn’t have to think twice about partnering with Shell.”

Now that she drives around the city a lot, she only has one go-to fuel. “I’ve always been practical, and I always go for the smart option. I recommend Shell FuelSave because it’s so fuel efficient that I can navigate traffic with no worries,” she added.

Drew Arellano

Shell's second ambassador is prominent actor and travel show host Drew Arellano. His fuel of choice is Shell V-Power, Shell's best-ever premium gasoline with boosted DYNAFLEX Technology designed to deliver both performance and efficiency.

Biyahero for life, Drew is a member of the popular BrapPack, a group of driven, outdoorsy men who bond over long motorbike rides in and out of the city while promoting road safety.

“I definitely need reliable performance on the road and that's why I use Shell V-Power," said Drew. "Since I started using it, I've never had problems--whether I’m going on long bike rides with my buddies or just simply cruising around with my family in our SUV,” Drew added.

While Shell offers world-class, high-quality fuels to help their customers make the most of their drive, the company is also committed to supporting several advocacy programs, such as road safety and environment sustainability.

Nico Bolzico

Aligned with the same goals, Nico Bolzico is proud to be a Shell ambassador. “I am so happy to learn that my most trusted fuel brand is also supporting various advocacies that aim to make the future greener” noted Nico.

He also pointed out how he was impressed with Shell's various partnerships with Plastic Bank and its role in the Global Road Safety Partnership Philippines (PGRSP).

Nico also recalled how his father recommended Shell to him when he was just starting out driving in Argentina. “Shell Fuels has always given me worry-free journeys. I would never compromise on quality, and Shell is truly world-class.”

“Shell has always been dedicated to ensuring that we have the best-fitting fuels range for motorists,” declared Mark Malabanan, Shell V-Power Brand Manager.

 "We are happy to have Maine, Drew, and Nico as our newest ambassadors because they are living testaments to what our brand stands for and the value we can give to our customers.”

On its 105 years of partnering with the Philippines in nation-building, Shell continues to power progress through more and cleaner energy solutions that focus on delivering quality products while advocating safety and social responsibility.




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