Local techies bag key global plum

The Best Demonstration citation was given to Joaqui Nathan Yap and Jacob Danilo Abelita of Ateneo de Iloilo — Santa Maria Catholic School for their ‘SauberBot’ entry

Primary students of Ateneo de Iloilo — Santa Maria Catholic School and PAREF Southridge have bagged major awards during this year’s MakeX Spark Online Global Competition, an annual international robotics competition that focuses on guiding young designers to use their abilities in solving practical problems, participated by 107 teams worldwide.

Students who emerged victorious for the intermediate category, who are aged 12 to 13, are Yllac Javier Guinto and Jacob Vincent Malig from PAREF Southridge for their entry “ProjectSSS: Seal for Safety and Security,” John Raphael Cruz and Jahaziel Parinas of PAREF Southridge for their “Clean Cycle” entry, and Enzo Dominic Perez and Michael Craig Sing, Ateneo de Iloilo — Santa Maria Catholic School for its entry entitled “TranspoSafeBot.” All of them were bestowed a Young Innovator citation.

For the Young Engineer Award, given to those who showed excellent electronic and programming capabilities, the citation was given to Lian Anthony Papna and Joshua Rely Abelita, Ateneo de Iloilo — Santa Maria Catholic School for their entry “Bantay Ranger.”

Communication skills recognized

The Best Demonstration citation was given to Joaqui Nathan Yap and Jacob Danilo Abelita of Ateneo de Iloilo — Santa Maria Catholic School for their “SauberBot” entry. The citation is given to those who showed exceptional communication skills and rich content construction.

Robotics coaches Aldren Camposagrado and Gillea V. Millama from Ateneo de Iloilo — Santa Maria Catholic School also received the Excellent Mentor special award, a citation comprehensively decided according to the number of contestants and award-winning projects instructed by the same mentor.

MakeX Spark Online Global Competition ran from January to June 2021, themed as “Code for Health” where participants contributed to safeguarding human health.

Likewise, a special competition was also organized for ASEAN countries where two Philippine teams were also recognized.