Recently, high school students from Grace Christian College (GCC) topped maiden year of the Philippines’ first and only varsity-type robotic competition. According to the team of Gracean “Tagisang Robotics” was prepared by the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) Science Education Institute (SEI). Dr. Filma Brawner, SEI Director stated that Graceans striked 21 other high schools from Metro Manila and nearby provinces. They won in the elimination round which made them the “Best Team”. Cash prize of P100, 000, a trophy, and gold medals were awarded to them. While Warren OngPe, the team coach, took home P30,000 as cash prize for their winning.
Grace Christian College together with Dr. Yanga’s College Inc., DYCI Trojans, and Rizal National Science High School Team R11 Mekanismo also won the Best Alliance Award, The three schools beat the alliance of Makati-based schools Tibagan High School Team Masonry, Makati Science High School Team Maksci Roboccaneers and Bangkal High School Team Robotes Amables in the Final Round. A cash prize of P150,000, trophies and silver medals will be awarded to the Best Alliance.for their coaches, P30,000 will also be given.
According to Brawner, Tagisang Robotics has brought a new lead to the Philippine robotics. Tagisang Robotics: Design, Build, and Play Competition can be utilized by educational institutions by integrating this new learning into the curricular programs. The skills can be applied to different areas such as basic and applied sciences by controlling the robot’s movement. The development of these skills can be assimilated with Filipino values in working with a technology-driven industry.Students are motivated to land a job in science, technology, mathematics, and engineering to further develop their logical thinking and improve their reasoning ability. Also, inter-personal communication should be enhance to be competitive individuals. [via mb.com.ph]