On the request of various stakeholders, the deadline for the submission of entries for the Energy Essay Writing Contest will be extended to July 15, 2011 (until midnight Philippine time).

The contest organizers will also announce further details on the awarding rites which is slated second week of September this year.
 
All entries that came on the prior announced deadline will be counted and submissions will be formally acknowledged by the Secretariat. Contestants who already submitted their essays can still add entries – either for the main theme or the special categories.
 
As announced earlier, the competition’s main theme this year is: “Energy Access for More: How Can the Youth Be Involved in Solving the Country’s Energy Challenge?”
 
The four special categories are: “Clean Energy Solutions”, “Best Energy Market Solutions (which deals with demand-side management initiatives or how efficient energy resources can be used)”, “Enhancing Electricity Market Competitiveness” and “Green Workplace” (how companies or establishments strive to reduce their carbon footprints by adhering to disciplined use of energy resources or in promoting and carrying out advocacies that will help preserve the environment).
 
The grand prize winner will receive Php50,000 cash and a trophy from major corporate partner, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation.
 
Special category winners will each take home Php 35,000 cash and a trophy from corporate and institutional partners: Energy Regulatory Commission for “Enhancing Electricity Market Competitiveness” category, Aboitiz Power Corporation for “Clean Energy Solutions” category, San Miguel Corporation for “Best Energy Market Solutions” category, and CalEnergy International for “Green Workplace” category. Other industry supporters are the Energy Council of the Philippines, Quezon Power Philippines, Korea Electric Power Corporation, Manila Electric Company, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, and Seaoil Philippines.
 
The inter-university competition, which aims to promote the young Filipino’s role in attaining sustainable energy independence while maintaining a sound ecosystem, is open to 16-30 years old undergraduate and post-graduate students enrolled in the academic year 2010-2011.
 
For the special categories, Filipino students who are studying abroad are also welcome to join.
 
Entries must be limited to 1,000 to 1,500 words and sent via post or online. Inquiries on the competition may be channeled through: energyyouthleaders@yahoo.com or 0927-9862168.
 
Details of the competition and application form are available at www.energyyouthleaders.com.
 
The contest seeks the perspective of the Filipino youth on how to attain a ‘clean’, efficient and sustainable source of energy for both the oil and electric sectors.
 
The contest also aims to look into youth views regarding the most favorable types of eco-friendly power generation and policies on energy conservation and measures that support development.