Lighter, sleeker faster Sikat tours RP

MANILA, Philippines - Taking off from De La Salle University, Sikat, the Philippines’ second solar car tours the Philippines, in a historic inaugural run. Its predecessor, Sinag, also the product of De La Salle University’s partnership with the Philippine Solar Car Society, competed with top honors in the World Solar Challenge in Darwin, Australia in 2007. From DLSU, SIKAT will make a stop at key universities and schools in the Philippines.

On the tour schedule for January are the Technological University of the Philippines, Makati Science High School, Quezon City Science High School, Mapua Institute of Technology, Ateneo de Davao, University of Mindanao, and Mindanao State University. The tour stops will include activities that will allow the public to get to know Sikat and the solar car project more intimately.

In a statement, Dean Pag-Asa Gaspillo of DLSU said Sikat is sleeker, faster and lighter than Sinag, an improvement that clearly demonstrates the increasing capability of the Philippines to lead in solar technology.

In February, the solar wonder is set to complete its route across the Philippines, stopping at universities in Cebu, Bacolod, and Iloilo City in the Visayas, as well as Batangas, Angeles City, San Fernando and Laoag in Luzon. During weekends of the tour, Sikat will be on public display at various SM Malls across the country.

“As Sikat highlights our ingenuity, our will to lead, our capability for technology, and our commitment to the use of clean, renewable energy, Sikat also will be a source of great pride for the Philippines,” said Ramon Agustines, Motolite CEO and PSCS chair, about the group’s initiatives.

After the tour, Sikat will prepare to compete in 2011’s World Solar Challenge.