EDC's innovative minds take on the mega-tractor challenge
BACOLOD CITY -- The men and women of geothermal powerhouse Energy Development Corporation (EDC) are not only experts in harnessing clean and green geothermal energy.
Their innovative minds also enable them to create all-terrain 4x4 tractors out of the company's junked Toyota Land Cruisers.
EDC's best and brightest employees from its geothermal sites in Leyte, Southern Negros, Northern Negros, Mt. Apo and Bacon-Manito (Bicol) trooped to Dumaguete, Negros Oriental on December 12 to showcase their mega tractors in the company's off road 4x4 challenge. Company executives led by EDC President & CEO Paul A. Aquino were there to witness the event.
It was an action-packed competition with each tractor twisting and turning to complete the difficult off-road course and test both the driver and vehicle's prowess, endurance and ingenuity. Afterall, participants were highly encouraged to modify their vehicles to enhance the innovative minds of the engineers and help them create more useful mega tractors which would eventually be used as rescue vehicles.
Each geothermal site was required to form a team composed of a driver and 2 crew members. EDC adopted the NASFOR (National Association of Filipino Off-Roaders) system of scoring. The system favors drivers who can consistently turn in the best times over a number of runs, avoiding mechanical failure. Hence, times were cumulative as opposed to averaged or based simply on the single fastest run.
Special awards were given to the Best Dressed-Up Vehicle, Most Innovative Mega Tractor, Most Thrilling Maneuvers, Best Team Effort, Best Vehicle Design, Best in Uniform, Best Vehicle Performance and the Overall Champion for the Mega Tractor which had the Best Time.