A total of eight students from Dr. Yanga’ s Colleges, Inc. (DYCI) in Bulacan will represent the Philippines in the First Lego League Open in Korinthos, Greece on May 2-4, 2025.
The team personally handed over their elephant robot invention to former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis ‘Chavit’ Singson, who is supporting them in the said competition.
“We must help. Win or lose, this is a big deal for the Philippines,” said Singson in Tagalog during a press conference at his residence on Tuesday. “This is good, so everybody should support them.”
The participating students are Carl Mendoza, 11; Haven Maurio, 10; Jewel Riayniue, 17; Gab Ortega, 17; Trinity Bautista, 16; Leslie Guadalupe, 16; Akisha Halili, 11 and Toby Dalistan, 15.
They will showcase their invention, an underwater robot machine that can detect harmful algae and control its spread in the sea.
According to the team, the prototype was already tested in Manila Bay and the waters of Bulacan. They will test it again in Boracay to ensure its effectiveness in preventing the effects of algae in the island.
According to Singson, the youth must be encouraged to develop their talent and research skills, even innovation and programming in the fields of science and technology, especially in the advent of the digital age.
“Everybody should support them, encourage them, so they can stay motivated to create different inventions because the kids can do it, they just need to be developed,” Singson said.
The robotics program of DYCI started last 2008. Their invention is on display at ALAB Museum—the first interactive robotics museum in Bocaue, Bulacan.
The competition will feature 50 other countries discussing challenges related to underwater ecosystems.
