Photo courtesy of SEAMEO INNOTECH

Quezon City, Philippines – The air buzzed with excitement as young innovators from across the country converged at SEAMEO INNOTECH’s Pearl Hall for the 2024 Philippine VEX Robotics Competition, which kicking off on November 21. For the first time, SEAMEO INNOTECH hosted this epic showdown of creativity and engineering, presented by Hytec Power Incorporated, VEX Robotics, and HPI Cybertech Institute, and backed by the Philippine Department of Education.

The event was more than just a test of robotic prowess—it was a celebration of the problem-solvers and leaders of tomorrow. With participants ranging from elementary students to university-level competitors, the three-day spectacle showcased the remarkable talent and ingenuity of Filipino youth.

Not Just About Robots—It’s About Shaping the Future

“This event is not just about robotics,” said Lauren Nerisse Bautista, Head of the Educational Innovations Unit. “It’s about celebrating the skills and values—teamwork, communication, resilience, and leadership—that will shape our shared future.” Her message resonated throughout the competition as students brought their meticulously crafted robots to life, tackling challenges that tested their programming, design, and critical thinking skills.

Day 1: Elementary and Junior High Teams Steal the Show

The first day saw 21 teams from elementary and junior high schools tackling timed challenges, from navigating obstacles to solving complex tasks. Teams like Mechdynamix from Nemesio Yabut Elementary School and Arrowhead from Arrowhead Robotics took home awards for innovation and collaboration, while Juggernautz Robotics dominated with multiple wins, including Robot Skills Champion and Design Award.

SEAMEO INNOTECH Centre Director, Dr. Leonor Magtolis-Briones, inspired the crowd, saying, “This is just the beginning. We can’t wait to see more robots, more cool ideas, and more of you in the future.”

Day 2: Senior High Teams Raise the Stakes

Day two cranked up the difficulty, as 12 senior high school teams brought their A-game. After a day of intense strategizing and problem-solving, teams from International School Manila shone bright. Team 3818B claimed the Innovate Award, while Team Manila A not only won the Design Award but also shared the Tournament Champion title with Team 3818B.

Day 3: Universities Push the Boundaries

The final day saw university-level teams battling it out with sophisticated robots and advanced strategies. QCU1 from Quezon City University emerged as the star, sweeping awards including Design, Robot Skills Champion, and Tournament Champion. Meanwhile, NEUST1 from Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology bagged the Innovate Award and Tournament Finalist honors.

SEAMEO INNOTECH Deputy Director, Kochakorn Khattapan-Acidre, closed the event with a heartfelt message: “This competition has been an invaluable journey… we've not only polished our technical skills but also learned the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and creative problem-solving.”

Next Stop: The Nationals

The journey isn’t over. The Nationals are set for December 12-14, 2024, at SEAMEO INNOTECH’s Pearl Hall in Quezon City, where the best teams from across the Philippines will battle for the ultimate championship.

For updates and more information, visit www.phvexroboticscompetition.com. Join us in celebrating the brilliance and passion of young innovators shaping the future of technology.