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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Filipino youth robotics team to compete in prestigious international tournament this May

Filipino youth robotics team to compete in prestigious international tournament this May

Published Apr 4, 2025 01:00 pm

A team of talented Filipino youth is preparing to showcase their skills in robotics as they gear up to compete in a prestigious international tournament this May.

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Young Filipino robotics team receives support from former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis 'Chavit' Singson to participate in European competition.  

The First Lego League Open European Championship, to be held in Sofiko, Greece, from May 1 to 5, draws top teams from around the world, providing a platform for young innovators to demonstrate their technical prowess and creativity.

This marks a significant milestone for the Filipino team, composed of eight bright students from Dr. Yanga's Colleges, Inc. (DYCI): Haven Audrey Mauricio, 11 (Grade 4); Akisha Zyrille Halili, 11 (Grade 5); Carl David Mendoza, 11 (Grade 5); Tobias M. Dalistan, 15 (Grade 9); Trinity Denise Bautista, 15 (Grade 10); Leslie V. Guadalupe, 16 (Grade 10); Jewelle Riyanne N. Rafa, 17 (Grade 11); and Gabriel Luis C. Ortega, 17 (Grade 11).

Nurturing the next generation

The young innovators from the Bocaue, Bulacan-based school earned their spot in the prestigious international competition through their outstanding performance as 2nd Placer, Overall Project Innovation Award, in the First Lego League Philippines 2025.

They will be able to join the international competition in Greece next month with the support of former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson, who is fully covering their airfare.

"This is about nurturing the next generation of Filipino innovators," Singson said in Filipino.

The former governor also vowed to reward the team with a cash prize—win or lose—to encourage their dedication to science and technology.

"Whether they bring home a trophy or not, their hard work deserves recognition,” Singson said. “I believe in their potential and want them to know that the country stands behind them,” he added, noting that qualifying for this competition is already a “massive win.”

Singson highlighted that his support is focused on fostering children's talents at home and preventing the nation's brightest minds from being drawn overseas.

To show their gratitude, the students presented Singson with a Lego-built robot as a token of appreciation for supporting homegrown Filipino innovation. The symbolic miniature elephant, carefully crafted from colorful Lego bricks, represents the young inventors' heartfelt thanks to a leader who invests in their future.

Making the Philippines proud

The DYCI team has been putting in relentless effort on a project centered around sustainability and technological innovation.

Building on Singson’s gesture, school representatives highlighted how his support alleviates financial burdens and serves as a source of motivation for the students.

Beryl Cruz, DYCI faculty member and team head coach, stated that the competition in Greece presents a chance for the eight talented kids to shine on a global stage and inspire other young Filipinos to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

The competition is expected to bring together young robotics enthusiasts from 48 countries, challenging participants to design, program, and operate autonomous Lego robots, all while creating solutions to real-world problems.

Related Tags

young filipinos robotics Chavit Singson Filipino students First Lego League Open European Championship
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