By Cherry Joy D. Garma
LAOAG CITY, April 29 – Four high school students from Ilocos Norte bagged three major awards in the World Robot Games conducted online amid the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Grade 11 students Jalen Paolo Matias, Jesrel Gudoy Jr., Leegwen Bolibol, and Grade 9ner Niño Flores, all of Sarrat National High School (SNHS), composed the team that won the People’s Choice Award, silver medal in Team Cheerleading Game Category, and the bronze medal in Senior Innovative Game Category.
One of their innovations that paved the way to their success is the invention of an A.C. BOT (After-Covid Robot), a walking machine that automatically dispenses alcohol for disinfection along with a dust bin and an automatic night lamp.
With its eco-friendly and post-pandemic features, the machine was awarded a bronze medal among the 28 competing teams from different countries around the world.
Matias, the team leader, said that they attributed their victory to strong teamwork and unity during the competition.
After the team received the awards, they offered all their future endeavors for the good of the fellowmen and of humanity in general. “We shall use the present technology, through robotics, to cushion the impact of the virus efficiently in a creative way,” Matias said.
Teacher-coach Czearweiyn Chigne Uddipa Caluya commended the winning team’s perseverance and hard work during the two-week online competition.
Though it was their first time to join the contest, the team excelled in the video presentation, interview, and online demonstration, Caluya said.
The proud SNHS officials said their Robotics Team will also receive separate awards from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
The World Robot Games 2021 with the theme “New World After Covid” aims to provide an exciting and holistic platform for all robotic enthusiasts worldwide amid the challenge of the pandemic.
Among the participating countries in the said Roboticsfest include the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Taiwan, and Malaysia.(By Cherry Joy D. Garma)
