By MA. ALON ZEA R. ELAGO
The future of robotics in the Philippines shines bright as the Special Education Center for the Gifted proves its mettle in the recently concluded 5th Olongapo Robotics Cup. Which was held on June 9 at SM City Olongapo Central. This division event served as the preparation for the 22nd Philippine Robotics Olympiad slated to take place on August 10-11, 2023. SPED-G’s robotics teams not only participated but emerged victorious, getting into the upcoming national competition.
SPED-G Kalayaan showcased exceptional talent, with two of their student-participant teams earning their place in the 5OCRC winners’ circle. These budding innovators demonstrated their skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, proving that age is no barrier to excellence in the field of robotics.
The champion team of 5OCRC under the elementary category, known as the SKIBIDI-BOTS, is composed of three brilliant young minds: Francis Deinmel R. Legaspi, Sophia Ysabel S. Tui, and Jakob Gabriel E. Estabillo under the coaching of teacher Lester A. Perez. Their outstanding teamwork and technical prowess impressed the judges, securing their winning spot with the highest score of 110 points out of 124 points.
The second team from SPED-G Kalayaan that won 3rd place in the 5OCRC is TYDAMA. This team is composed of three competitive learners namely Skyle Angelo James C. Ty, Alliyah A. Dabbs, and Maria Francheska A. Marañon together with their teacher-coach Ma. Alon Zea R. Elago. Their ingenuity and dedication paid off as they excelled in the 5OCRC. TYDAMA team is eager to continue refining their designs and strategies in preparation for the highly anticipated national event in August 2023.
The school head of Special Education Center for the Gifted, Abdon C. Bayla Ed.D, J.D said, “The school is very proud of its students and teacher-coaches who participated and won in the 5th Olongapo City Robotics Cup. Moreover, the school is in the process of adding an elective class in Robotics for the incoming school year to intensify learners’ skills and knowledge in robotics.”
The success of the SPED-G student-participant teams in the 5th Olongapo Robotics Cup not only brought honor to their school but also highlighted the importance of nurturing young talent in the field of robotics. By providing platforms for students to develop their skills and compete at a national level, the organizers of the 5OCRC are paving the way for a promising future in technology and innovation.
