Group photo of AME MERLIN credits from MAPUA MCM AME MERLIN
Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Mapúa MCM), through Team AME MERLIN of the College of Engineering and Architecture – Mechanical Engineering Department, showcased Filipino engineering innovation on the international stage during the Shell Eco-marathon 2026 – Middle East Event held at the Lusail International Circuit in Doha, Qatar.
The Shell Eco-marathon is a global energy-efficiency engineering competition that challenges student teams to design, build, and test ultra-energy-efficient vehicles through the Mileage Challenge and Autonomous Driving Competition. The event promotes innovation, teamwork, and sustainable engineering practices while providing students with opportunities to apply STEM principles in real-world settings.
Representing Mapúa MCM, Team AME MERLIN achieved significant milestones in the competition, ranking 8th in the Prototype Competition – Internal Combustion Engine Category and placing 29th in the Final Rankings for Global Championship Qualification. The accomplishment reflects the team’s technical expertise, resilience, and commitment to sustainable mobility solutions.
Kudos One in motion at the Lusail International Circuit, Doha, Qatar.
The team was composed of 4th Year BS Mechanical Engineering students Mr. Amjad G. Biruar (Team Manager), Mr. Rhenz Angelo M. Obrique (Technical Manager), Mr. Keiji Jantzen T. Ng (Non-Technical Manager), Mr. Herbert Basti D. Pinton (Driver), Mr. Fred Lynson P. Yu (Lead Mechanic), Mr. A.R. David M. Labrador (Design Lead), Mr. Aulden Ronald S. Nietes (Fabrication Lead), Mr. Varent Virpel L. Valdesco (Mechanic), Ms. Mary Grace L. Betita (Non-Technical Support), Mr. Ejekiel Josh S. Perialde (Fabrication Support), Mr. Inno Angelo E. Calla (Fabrication Support), and Mr. Kurt Gerard G. Saballa (Fabrication Support), under the guidance of faculty advisor Engr. Fredie C. Diez.
Reflecting on the experience, Engr. Fredie C. Diez shared, “It was an overwhelming experience seeing students apply in practice what was taught in theory. Watching them accomplish these milestones is truly fulfilling as an educator.”
Student leaders also emphasized the importance of teamwork and perseverance throughout the competition journey. Mr. Amjad G. Biruar, 4th Year BS Mechanical Engineering and Team Manager, highlighted that strong leadership and collaboration enabled the team to overcome challenges and succeed under pressure. Meanwhile, Mr. Rhenz Angelo M. Obrique, 4th Year BS Mechanical Engineering and Technical Manager, explained that one of the team’s biggest hurdles was building almost the entire vehicle from scratch despite limited access to machinery.
For driver Mr. Herbert Basti D. Pinton, 4th Year BS Mechanical Engineering, the competition required extensive preparation and constant coordination with the technical team to optimize vehicle performance. He described the race experience as surreal, sharing that once on the track, “it was just me, KUDOS ONE, and the perfect run.”
The team likewise demonstrated innovation and adaptability in addressing technical and fabrication challenges. Mr. Fred Lynson P. Yu, 4th Year BS Mechanical Engineering and Lead Mechanic, explained how continuous ECU tuning and drivetrain optimization improved the vehicle’s performance and efficiency. Design Lead Mr. A.R. David M. Labrador emphasized that the team balanced lightweight efficiency with structural integrity to prioritize driver safety, while Fabrication Lead Mr. Aulden Ronald S. Nietes highlighted the precision and teamwork required to meet strict international standards under time pressure.
The competition also underscored the value of preparedness and problem-solving. Mr. Varent Virpel L. Valdesco recalled how the team successfully resolved a critical chain failure during one of their runs, emphasizing that the experience reinforced the importance of teamwork, contingency planning, and learning through real-world engineering challenges. Here are more details regarding the AME MERLIN results and rankings.
Through Team AME MERLIN’s participation in the Shell Eco-marathon 2026, Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao continues to strengthen its commitment to innovation, experiential learning, and globally competitive engineering education. The initiative supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), reflecting the institution’s mission to develop future-ready engineers and changemakers.
For more details and updates, follow AME MERLIN’s journey through their Facebook page: AME MERLIN Facebook Page