Here’s some good news!

Students from Abra High School, who were part of Philippine Robotics Team, won bronze medals in the World Robot Games 2021-Innovation Category.

The Department of Education (DepEd), on its official Facebook page, commended the students for making the country proud and for inspiring their fellow students to continue dreaming.

“Ang talento ninyo ay nakakapagbigay ng inspirasyon hindi lang sa inyong kapwa mag-aaral kundi pati na din sa buong bansa (Your talent becomes an inspiration not only to your fellow students but also to entire the country),” DepEd said in a post on April 23.

The theme of the World Robot Games 2021 online edition is ′′New World after Covid.” The students were challenged to create an innovative robot that fits this year’s theme.

The entry of Team Philippines is their invention called “Portable and Dual-Powered Renewable Energy Source Hands-Free Hand Sanitizer Station.”

Despite the challenges brought by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic this year, the team did not give up and continued working on their project.

Venice Balbin, one of the participants in the said contest, that the whole journey of completing the project was challenging due to the ongoing health situation in the country.

“Despite facing difficulties during our training because of the protocols, we didn't stop,” Venice shared.

She was also thankful for having a strong support system at home. “My parents would drop and pick me up at our training place and I really appreciated it,” she explained.

Venice was also thankful for having team members who were willing to face the challenges ahead. “Our team would also have group chat meetings,” she said.

For students like Venice, this school year is probably one of the most challenging since face-to-face classes are still not allowed.

“Life definitely throws challenges in the pursuit of our dreams, but in this situation, no matter how hard life is, we should not surrender,” she added.

Sheffaly Valencia, one of the team members, expressed hope that their fellow students can get inspiration from their feat. “As a student, all I can say is that believe in yourself,” she said.

While studying at a time of a pandemic is quite challenging, Shefally believed that it is not enough reason to lose focus and motivation.

“Never give up just because of a failure given that it is part of success,”she said. “Don't let any hindrance stop you from pursuing what you want,” she added.

Meanwhile, DepEd - Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Regional Director Estela Cariño also congratulated the entire team.

“Your representation of our country is already an achievement, your winning medals all the more makes this feat a triumph worthy of a spot in our history books!” Cariño told the students.

Cariño also congratulated the students’ parents, coach, principal, and Schools Division Office. The group was led by their school principal Jose Bernardez and coach Jephunneh Gasmen.

All games in the World Robot Games 2021 were held online due to travel restrictions and threat brought by COVID-19.