Philippine Robotics Team gains recognition

DESPITE the presence of more technologically advanced countries like Japan, China, and Korea, the Philippine delegation at the 17th International Robotics Olympiad held in Bucheon, South Korea amassed 62 medals -- the most number of medals we have yet, ever since joining the contest eight years ago.

“We’re a little intimidated by the delegates, but we had the passion. This year, we’re not the number one, but we’re a force to reckon with. In terms of delegation, we are many. We have 112 students. In terms of robot capabilities, we’re advanced,” Josephine Pinky B. Legaspi, Data Science and Technology Corporation (DSTC) vice president for marketing and sales, told the BusinessWorld during a recognition ceremony on Feb. 3. The international robotics competition was on Dec. 15-20.

DSTC, a technology solutions provider for education by introducing and implementing technology in teaching and learning, is the primary sponsor for the Olympiad. But it has partnership with other private sectors including Wyeth Nutrition, which gave a Kid Innovator special award to Colegio De San Juan De Letran, Calamba students Zandra Pauline Chavez, Vince Jhanzel Sulit, and Ezekiel Godwin Torres, as models of Filipino children’s innate passion for innovation and science. The kids are aged 10 years old, and are the youngest among the delegates.

"I've always loved Math and solving problems, even as a hobby," said Ms. Chavez, who joined the Philippine Robotics team when she was only nine years old. One of her team's winning robot is a robo tank, which makes film-making underwater easier.

The 112 students are in grades 3 to 11 and were winners of past national robotics competitions.

Besides Letran, the delegates come from: Jubilee Christian Academy, Grace Christian College, Eton International School, De La Salle Zobel, St. Martin de Porres Guiguinto, Bulacan, St. Martin de Porres Norzagaray, Bulacan, St. Dominic de Guzman, St. Peter de Apostle, Xavier School, and Philippine Yuh Chiau, Isabela.

Yet, despite the passion and recognition, De La Salle Zobel coach Albert Pagiligan thought the Philippine team still has a long way to go.

“Lugi tayo (we’re in a disadvantage) when it comes to technology…we can only afford the little, cheap ones… The language barrier also becomes a problem because they would say this is the rule, but then again, that is not the rule written on paper,” he said.

While we may look far behind in technology, “We are still fairing well, because we bagged the gold in the Mission Challenge, which is more of a strategy test. This is where we thrive. It’s a testament where Filipinos are great.”

The 2015 prestigious robotic Olympiad was divided into challenges including Mission, Creative, Robot in Movie, and Emergency and Rescue, among others.

“There are many other problems we can attend to, so it’s not yet financed and supported by the government unlike the advanced countries with more resources,” said Mr. Pagiligan when asked what does the Philippine team need in order to improve.

“Sa ngayon kasi (nowadays), robotics is not integrated with our education, so it seemingly looks like only the intelligent elite could join, when it shouldn’t be because technology is for everyone. I think if this contest becomes a regular thing, we’ll eventually get the support of the government,” added Ms. Legaspi.

PORTFOLIO

Monday, February 8, 2016