The Philippine Solar Car Challenge Society Inc. announced that a second Philippine solar car to be named Sinag 2 will be built to participate in the 21st World Solar Challenge (WSC) in 2009.

PSCCSI, the team behind Sinag, is composed of companies that advocate the use of solar power as a viable source of renewable energy.

President Arroyo had challenged the team during a courtesy call in Malacañang last Jan. 7. The Team was accompanied by board members of the Philippine Solar Car Challenge Society in a brief meeting with the President.

"I understand that this Challenge only happens every two years, I look forward to seeing you off again with a brand new car," the President told the Team.

Prof. Rene Fernandez, Team Sinag’s overall technical head, immediately assured the President that they are up to the challenge. "We will go back again in 2009, for you and the country," he said.

In October last year, the first Philippine solar car Sinag set a record by finishing 12th place in the Challenge Class of the 20th World Solar Challenge. It traveled a total distance of 3,000 kilometers from Darwin to Adelaide in Australia.

The Team plans to broaden the support based by opening its door to Filipino schools and universities who are willing to take part in the project. The SINAG car was developed by a group of students and faculty members of De La Salle University-Manila.

"We welcome participation from students of other universities because we want Sinag 2 to be a consolidated effort of one Philippine Team," said Former Energy Secretary Vince Perez, who is now chairman of the Philippine Solar Car Challenge Society Inc.

Fernandez revealed that they intend to start conceptualizing the design of the new solar car this February. "We hope to build a lighter car this time. We want to start early so we will have a better and more efficient car in time for the race in 2009. I think two years of preparation and construction will be good enough," he said.

A number of the sponsors of the first Sinag solar car have assured their continuing support for Sinag 2. The project is supported by Ford Group. Philippines, San Miguel Corp., Motolite, Shell, Sunpower, Philippine Airlines and Ventus.

"We look forward to having more corporate partners for Sinag 2 who share our belief and will help in the country’s efforts in pushing for renewable energy such as solar power," Perez said.