Philippine VEX Robotics Competition 2024-2025 Nationals: A Celebration of Innovation and Excellence

From left: Engr. Eric Jude S. Soliman, Dr. Leonor Magtolis-Briones, Ms. Kochakorn Khattapan-Acidre, and Rep. Jude A. Acidre.

Quezon City, Philippines – December 12-14, 2024 – The 2024-2025 Philippine VEX Robotics Competition – Nationals brought together the brightest young minds from across the country in an extraordinary three-day event. Held at SEAMEO INNOTECH, the competition featured students from elementary, middle school, senior high school, and college levels showcasing their creativity, problem-solving skills, and technical expertise in robotics. 

Day 1: Celebrating Ingenuity Among Young Innovators 

Elementary and middle school students compete on the first day of the 2024-2025 Philippine VEX Robotics Competition – Nationals.

The opening day of the competition saw elementary and middle school students taking the spotlight in the VEX IQ Robotics Challenge (VIQRC). SEAMEO INNOTECH Centre Director Dr. Leonor Magtolis Briones set the tone with an inspiring speech, saying, “The robots you have designed and programmed are more than machines; they are a reflection of your ingenuity and determination.” She emphasized the importance of resilience, teamwork, and innovation in preparing the youth for a competitive future. 

SEAMEO INNOTECH Centre Director Leonor Magtolis Briones delivers her opening remarks during the opening ceremony of the 2024-2025 Philippine VEX Robotics Competition – Nationals.

Engr. Eric Jude S. Soliman, CEO of Hytec Power Incorporated, echoed her sentiments, highlighting the transformative power of collaboration and creativity in STEM. Representative Jude A. Acidre, Chairperson of the Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, further inspired the participants by declaring, “You are innovators, leaders, and change-makers who will shape a better world.” 

Hytec Power, Inc. CEO, Engr. Eric Jude S. Soliman, delivers his message.

Hon. Rep. Jude A. Acidre delivers his inspirational message.

Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian also addressed the audience, focusing on the potential of robotics to foster innovation and future growth. He said, “This is an excellent opportunity for our students to showcase and develop their creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in the field of robotics. May this serve as a stepping stone for you to reach your full potential and make a meaningful contribution that positively impacts our country.” 

Honorable Senator Win Gatchalian delivers his inspirational message through a recorded message.

The day was filled with remarkable performances. Team JuggerNutz from JuggerNutz Robotics dominated the event, earning the Excellence Award – Elementary School, Teamwork Champion, and Robot Skills Champion titles. The G Team from Arrowhead Robotics excelled with the Excellence Award – Middle School, shared Teamwork Champion, and Robot Skills 2nd Place awards. Other notable winners included Team Makayna from Makati High School, recognized with the Innovate Award, and Team Pointy Pirates from Lyceum of the Philippines – Laguna, which earned the Think Award. 

Team MechDynamix from Nemesio I. Yabut Elementary School and Team Markhalis from Makati High School both earned Teamwork 3rd Place, while Team SISC Monarch B from Southville International School and Colleges secured the Sportsmanship Award and Teamwork 2nd Place. 

Day 2: Empowering Middle and High School Robotics Leaders 

Middle school and high school students showcase their skills on the second day of the competition.

Middle school and high school students took center stage on the second day in the V5 Robotics Competition (V5RC). Hon. Rep. Ron P. Salo of the Kabayan Party List praised the participants’ creativity and resilience, remarking, “This competition transcends robotics. It develops essential life skills like teamwork, resilience, and critical thinking. It demonstrates the boundless possibilities when passion, creativity, and technology come together to empower young minds.” 

Hon. Rep. Ron P. Salo delivers his message to the participants.

Team Arrowhead from Arrowhead Robotics shone as the top performer, winning the Robot Skills Champion, Design Award, and Tournament Champion titles. They shared the Tournament Champion title with Team Bathala from Makati Science High School. Team Abracadabra from International School Manila secured the Excellence Award – High School, Robot Skills 2nd Place, and a Tournament Finalist position, while Team Pitogo Thunderbots B from Pitogo High School claimed the Excellence Award – Middle School and Robot Skills 3rd Place. 

Other standout teams included Team Loose Screws and Team Foundry from International School Manila, winning the Innovate Award and Think Award, respectively. Team Glazed Donuts from the same school earned the Sportsmanship Award, showcasing exemplary collaboration and teamwork. 

Day 3: Showcasing Excellence Among College-Level Innovators 

The final day of the competition featured college-level participants in the VEX U Robotics Competition. Hon. Rep. Roman T. Romulo set the stage with an uplifting message, encouraging participants to stay grounded in their values. “Keep your love for the country at heart. Keep in mind those who will benefit from your inventions and innovation. And keep on dreaming,” he said, emphasizing the role of robotics in nation-building. 

Hon. Rep. Roman Romulo delivers his speech through a recorded message.

Representing TESDA Director General Kiko Benitez, Mr. Carlo Rhey D. Pallado highlighted the integration of robotics into technical education. He shared, “By embracing the power of TVET and robotics, we can empower a new generation of skilled workers ready to shape the future.” 

Mr. Carlo Rhey D. Pallado delivers the message of TESDA Director General Kiko Benitez.

Soaring Eagles Robotics from Pampanga State Agricultural University dominated Day 3, winning the Excellence Award, Robot Skills Champion, Tournament Champion, and Build Award. QCU from Quezon City University excelled with the Design Award, Inspire Award, and a Tournament Finalist position. TroMechaDronicS from Colegio de Muntinlupa secured multiple awards, including the Judges Award, Innovate Award, and Robot Skills 3rd Place. NEUST VR301 from Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology earned the Sportsmanship Award for their collaborative spirit. 

SEAMEO INNOTECH Deputy Director Ms. Kochakorn Khattapan-Acidre closed the event, reflecting on the participants’ journey. “Whether you’re taking home the trophy or carrying the valuable lessons of experience, hold your heads up high. You’ve demonstrated resilience and innovation that will inspire generations to come,” she said. 

A Legacy of Innovation 

The 2024-2025 Philippine VEX Robotics Competition – Nationals left a lasting legacy, celebrating the achievements of Filipino innovators while reaffirming the nation’s commitment to STEM education. The event demonstrated how robotics is empowering a new generation of leaders to shape a future driven by technology and collaboration. 

SEAMEO INNOTECH remains steadfast in its mission to equip learners with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the 21st century. Through events like the Philippine VEX Robotics Competition, the organization continues to advance educational innovation, foster collaboration, and empower students to become the creators and innovators of tomorrow.