The Department of Education (DepEd) recognized Filipino learners, coaches, mentors, and schools for bringing honor to the country through multiple championship titles, podium finishes, and special awards in international robotics and science competitions.
During a courtesy call and recognition ceremony, DepEd honored the Philippine delegations that competed in the 14th Robotics Championship International in Romania, the Minoan Robot Sports Competition Global Olympiad in Greece, the Fibonacci International Robot Olympiad World Championship in Italy, and the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2026 in the United States.
“These accomplishments are a source of national pride because they affirm that Filipino learners can excel wherever excellence is demanded. Our task now is to ensure that more young Filipinos, from every corner of the country, have the opportunity to discover their potential and pursue it without limits,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.
The event gathered student delegates, coaches, school heads, supervisors, schools division officials, partners, and DepEd officials led by Undersecretary for Learning Systems Carmela C. Oracion.
“Ipinakita ng ating learners na kayang-kaya ng batang Pilipino makipagsabayan sa mundo sa science, robotics, research, at innovation. Ang kanilang tagumpay ay hindi lang tungkol sa medals, kundi sa sipag, creativity, teamwork, at problem-solving na kailangan ng future-ready learners. Patuloy na susuportahan ng DepEd ang mga programang magbubukas ng mas maraming oportunidad para sa ating learners,” Oracion said.
The Philippine delegation earned several awards in the 14th Robotics Championship International held from May 7 to 9, 2026 in Oradea, Romania, where learners from Juan G. Macaraeg National High School, Maigo National High School, and Carmona National High School competed in robotics categories covering artificial intelligence, engineering design, humanoid robot football, line follower, mega sumo, and E-Soccerbot events.
The country also secured top finishes in the Minoan Robot Sports Competition Global Olympiad held from April 3 to 6, 2026 in Crete, Greece, where learners from Manaoag National High School won gold in the E-Soccerbot and E-SumoBot competitions, silver in Humanoid Wrestling, and bronze in Archery.
In the Fibonacci International Robot Olympiad World Championship held from November 19 to 26, 2025 in Rome, Italy, students from Manaoag National High School also won awards in autonomous robotics and drone events, including first place in Autonomous Drone, second place in Drone Rally and Mini Sumobot, third place in Mega Sumobot, and a Jury Award in Line Tracing.
DepEd also recognized Filipino student researchers who represented the country at the Regeneron ISEF 2026, the world’s largest pre-college science competition. The ISEF delegation included learners from Alaminos City National High School, Angeles City Science High School, and Quezon City Science High School.
Charly David T. Manuel of Alaminos City National High School received the Patent and Trademark Office Society First Prize Award in the Physics and Astronomy category. Nathan Andrew P. Canilao, Pierre Phoella G. Ilagan, and Asher John G. Garcia of Angeles City Science High School received the Third Prize special award for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Stewardship and the 2nd Grand Award under Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design. Jose Rafael O. Cayabyab, Cassandra Aubrey C. Lipango, and Eirah Gabrielle A. Riduca of Quezon City Science High School received the Arizona State University Scholarship Award, Society for Science Alumni Special Award – Excellence in Science Communication Award, and 3rd Grand Award in the Software Design category.
“You need to have perseverance because you’re going to fail many times, and the strength to get back on your feet again,” said Asher John Garcia, a Grade 10 learner from Angeles City Science High School in DepEd Region III.
“I feel very honored and happy to represent the Philippines in Phoenix, Arizona, and to have achieved that level at ISEF 2026, coming from a small city in Pampanga. I hope that we get to participate again in ISEF 2027 in Los Angeles, California. That is the goal,” he added.
DepEd emphasized that the achievements reflect the talent, discipline, and creativity of Filipino learners in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as the critical role of coaches, mentors, schools, and partner institutions in preparing learners for international competitions.
Through the National Science and Technology Fair, DepEd continues to provide a platform for young Filipino researchers to develop scientific inquiry skills, deepen scientific knowledge, and qualify for international research and innovation competitions such as ISEF.
The Department also acknowledged the support of ERovoutika International Academy in guiding robotics delegates and helping learners compete in global robotics and STEM platforms.
DepEd reaffirmed its commitment to supporting programs that promote innovation, research, robotics, and international academic competitiveness among Filipino learners.
The Department said it will continue working with schools, field offices, coaches, mentors, partners, and stakeholders to strengthen STEM education and provide more opportunities for learners to develop future-ready skills, pursue innovation, and represent the Philippines on the global stage.
