By Baby Lea C. Divino, PDO II
The 8th Olongapo City Robotics Cup was successfully held on March 26–27, 2026 at the Olongapo City Civic Center, 3rd Floor, bringing together students, educators, researchers, and technology enthusiasts for two days of innovation, learning, and competition. The annual event aimed to promote robotics, research, and technological creativity among young learners while strengthening collaboration between academic institutions and the local government.
The first day of the event, March 26, was dedicated to preparation, training, and knowledge‑sharing activities. Participants took part in dry runs to test their robots and ensure readiness for the competition. Simultaneously, various Tech Talk sessions and Saliksik Dunong research discussions were conducted across designated rooms. These sessions provided participants with valuable insights into robotics development, research methodologies, and emerging technologies, allowing them to refine both their technical skills and academic understanding. The day concluded with an awarding activity recognizing participation and accomplishments during the preparatory phase.
On March 27, the official competition day commenced with the arrival and registration of participants and guests, followed by the formal opening program. The ceremony featured Engr. Maria Ailene Viacrusis, along with inspirational messages from key leaders. In support of the event’s objectives, Yvette Hernandez Roque, Science Supervisor, emphasized the importance of nurturing innovation among young learners, stating, “The Robotics Cup inspires young minds to create, innovate, and shape the future through science and technology.” The program also included Inspirational Remarks from Hon. Atty. Rolen C. Paulino, Jr. and Assistant Regional Director Maricel Sicat of DOST, who encouraged participants to pursue excellence in science, technology, and research.
The competition activities then began simultaneously in three designated rooms for the Board Games and Sikhay Likha challenges. Participating teams underwent a series of calibration and testing procedures to ensure fair and accurate robot performance, followed by quarantine protocols prior to the official runs. The first official run signaled the start of judging, during which robots were evaluated based on performance, creativity, and compliance with established competition rules. After a lunch break, participants resumed with another round of calibration and testing in preparation for the second official run, allowing teams to make final adjustments before concluding the competition.
The event concluded with judges’ deliberation and the much‑anticipated Awarding Ceremony, recognizing outstanding teams and individuals for their innovation, technical excellence, and research skills. For transparency and wider recognition, the official links to the list of winners and their respective projects are provided below. The 8th Olongapo City Robotics Cup once again highlighted the city’s strong commitment to advancing science, technology, and research while inspiring students to become future innovators and problem solvers.
Photo by: Olongapo City Information Center
Photo by: Olongapo City Information Center
