High school students from a public high school in Abra made the country proud for taking home bronze medals in the Senior Innovation Category of the 2021 World Robot Games.
“The feat of Abra High School Robotics team is yet another evidence of the world-class talent of our learners,” said Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones in a statement issued Wednesday, May 5.
“We commend them and their coaches who really worked hard to give our country another source of pride,” Briones added.
DepEd commended the Abra High School Robotics team composed of Venice Balbin, Marc Dei Niel Bides, Keneth Seruno, Shefally Daime Valencia, David James Rayver Viado, and Ma. Teresa Viste.
In line with the competition’s theme “New World after COVID,” the team developed an automatic and contactless Disinfection Channel and a Portable and Dual-Powered Renewable Energy Source sanitation station.
They won bronze medals in the Senior Innovation Category of this year’s World Robot Games after bested around 27 entries in the world.
Viste, a member of the team and Grade 10 student, explained that the Disinfection Channel is a preventive mechanism against the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
“Ang Disinfection Channel na ginawa naming ay automatic at contactless. Bago ka pumasok sa isang establisyemento ay dadaan ka muna sa sa isang tunnel na may open air spray shower na may head-to-toe disinfectant. (The Disinfection Channel we created is automatic and contactless. Before you enter an establishment you will first pass through a tunnel with an open air spray shower with head-to-toe disinfectant),” she explained.
The Portable and Dual-Powered Renewal Energy Source, on the other hand, is a hands-free sanitation station that uses three automatic dispensing systems like water, soap, and alcohol.
Teacher and Coach Jephunneh Gasmen explained that there are two energy sources used for the project, solar energy and Microbial Fuel Cell (MBC).
MBC, Gasmen said, utilizes waste water to generate electricity so clean water is not wasted. “Nag-pilot testing kami nito sa public market at nagustuhan ito ng mga tindero dahil agaran silang nakakapaghugas ng kamay habang nagtitinda sila para iwas kontaminasyon lalo na sa public places (We did pilot testing in the public market and the vendors liked it because they can immediately wash their hands while they are selling to avoid contamination especially in public places),” he added.
After this achievement, the Abra High School Robotics team wishes to establish a formal robotics team through collaboration with the Schools Division Office (SDO) that will be a basis for future competitions.
“With additional support, we are very optimistic that in upcoming competitions we will be able to produce better and improved products, and at the same time motivate and inspire other students to join our team,” Viste said.
Meanwhile, Briones expressed her support to the Abra High School Robotics team as she underscored the need for DepEd to strive to support learners who excel in the field of science and technology.
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