Star Powerhouse

Darwin, Australia -- Sikat II, the country’s representative to the 2013 World Solar Challenge (WSC) in Australia, reached another milestone when it placed first in its class during the qualifying round of the world’s biggest solar car competition held at Hidden Valley Raceway on October 5. The Philippines clocked 2:30.53, beating closest competitor Team Aurora of Australia which timed 2:32.95. There are five other solar cars participating in the Adventure class. This achievement earned Sikat II the pole position in the biennial meet, beginning October 6in this Northern Territory city and will end in Adelaide on October 11.  It covers 3,021 kilometers of the Australian Outback. This is the best performance of the Philippines in the qualifying round since it joined the WSC in 2007. Sinag placed 12th that year while Sikat ranked 19th in 2011. “I’m ecstatic that we reached the coveted pole position. The whole team has prepared hard for the past few days so I’m very happy,” says...

Revved up to take the pedal to the metal, De La Salle University’s solar-powered car, Sikat II is bound to take on and blaze through the Australian highways, as it races against 20 other cars in the World Solar Challenge. The country’s official delegate to the World Solar Challenge, Philippine Solar Team has 12 members who are students and professors of De La Salle University. The project is headed by Dr. Pag-Asa Gaspillo, supported by mechanical team heads Martin Kalaw, Isidro Marfori III, and electrical team head Jack Catalan (who also serves as team head). “The team is honored to represent the country, and very proud to have been able to design and create a solar car within seven months, and race it in the World Solar Challenge,” says team leader Jack Catalan. Sikat II is an offshoot of Sikat I, the Philippines’ second entry to the World Solar Challenge. Also engineered by a team of De La Salle University professors and students, Sikat I placed 12th in the race, competing agai...