114 Philippine Teams Compete in National Robotics Challenge

The 11th Philippine Robothon brought 114 teams of student innovators to the University of San Agustin in Iloilo City for a day of robots, creativity, and problem-solving. From elementary students to high schoolers, young Filipinos demonstrated that the future of technology in the Philippines is already here.

The competition featured two main tracks where students could shine. In the Mini Robot Challenge, teams from St. Mary's College Quezon City, San Beda College Alabang, Malayan High School of Science, and Brokenshire College Toril took home top honors across different age groups.

The Innovative Open Category pushed students even further, asking them to design robots that solve real-world problems. Teams presented projects judged not just on technical skills but on how their innovations could actually help communities and scale up for wider use.

San Beda College Alabang students particularly stood out, winning multiple categories. Their success shows what happens when schools embrace hands-on learning that goes beyond textbooks.

The Ripple Effect

The competition's impact stretched far beyond the winners' circle. Ten judges from universities and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce evaluated projects, connecting students directly with experts who shape the country's tech and business landscape.

While students competed, over 100 educators attended the parallel STEAM Ed Conference to learn how to bring better robotics and science programs back to their schools. The message was clear: teaching innovation isn't optional anymore, it's essential.

Dr. Narcy Ador Dionisio from the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines challenged schools to stop just meeting minimum requirements and start truly preparing students for a world driven by technology. His words resonated with educators who see their students' potential but need support to unlock it.

Former CEAP Executive Director Jose Allan Arellano pushed the conversation further, urging schools to base their programs on research and real results rather than just checking boxes. The conference gave teachers practical strategies to make that shift happen.

The competition proved that Filipino students don't need to catch up to global standards in robotics and innovation. They're already competing at that level, building solutions, and thinking like engineers and entrepreneurs.

Every robot that rolled across the competition floor in Iloilo City carried the potential to solve tomorrow's problems, designed by students who are just getting started.