November 10, 2020 – Public school learners have triumphed over 286 participants in the virtually-held 19th Philippine Robotics Olympiad last month, as they showcased their finely honed skills in robotics.

“I would like to congratulate those who participated and won in this Robotics Olympiad. Talaga namang pinatunayan nito na hindi nagpapahuli ang mga paaralan natin sa paglinang ng mga mag-aaral sa robotics,” Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said.

“The field of robotics is one of the exciting fields in the future of education and with the help of our partners, we hope to support more schools for them to offer robotics program,” she added.

Jamella Ronquillo and Greg Homer Delos Santos from Aurora Quezon Elementary School in Manila City were victorious over their opponents in the Elementary category.

For the Junior High School category, Marc Francisco Largo, Luke Alexander Pons, and Allen Reilan Bustamante of Pitogo High School from Makati City were declared top winners.

Batasan Hills National High School in Quezon City representatives Reymond Yncierto, John Carlo Eduria, and Jhun Eric Tindungan also ended up as victors in the Senior High School category.

Meanwhile, Nicole Ching Angela Sanchez, Shania Kate Namoco, and Shane Clarice Bacrang of Candijay National High School from the Division of Bohol were hailed as champions in the Open category.

Given the current situation brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the said competition was held through cyberspace using the Virtual Robotics Toolkit and World Robot Olympiad SMART Cities Virtual Playing Fields for all levels.

Felta Multi-Media Inc. President and Robotics Olympiad national organizer Mylene Abiva noted that this year’s competition aims to involve more students in raising awareness during these critical times.

“[We] would like to involve as many students, coaches, parents, and school administrators to create awareness on how Virtual Robotics technology can be an engaging competition and event even during COVID times,” Abiva said.

Additionally, the judges of the competition include Dr. Ruby Cristobal, Chief Science Research Specialist of the Science Education Institute (SEI-DOST), Mr. Vergel Rebuta, Science Research Specialist II of the SEI-DOST, and Engineer Carlos Oppus, Director of the Ateneo de Manila Innovation Center.

Moving forward, the Philippine Robotics National Team is currently preparing for the Robot Virtual Games that will be held on November 9-11, 2020, and World Robot Games Canada on November 12-15, 2020 through technical practice sessions.

 

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