THE 2024 Philippine VEX Robotics Competition, a premier event in educational innovation, kicked off with great enthusiasm on November 21, 2024, at SEAMEO INNOTECH’s Pearl Hall in Quezon City.

Hosted by SEAMEO INNOTECH and presented by Hytec Power Incorporated, VEX Robotics, and HPI Cybertech Institute, with the support of the Philippine Department of Education, the competition brought together young innovators from elementary and junior high schools across the country, offering them a chance to showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills in the field of robotics.

This year’s competition marked a significant milestone for SEAMEO INNOTECH, as it was the first time the organization had hosted a VEX Robotics event. As a regional centre dedicated to advancing educational innovation across Southeast Asia, SEAMEO INNOTECH is committed to providing students with opportunities to explore the world of technology and robotics. The event underscored the Centre’s mission of fostering critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration among young minds.

During the opening ceremony, Lauren Nerisse Bautista, Head of the Educational Innovations Unit, shared the broader impact of the competition.

“This event is not just about robotics. It’s about celebrating the skills and values—teamwork, communication, resilience, and leadership—that will shape our shared future,” she said.

Her words highlighted how robotics competitions like this one provide students with hands-on experiences that are invaluable in nurturing the next generation of problem-solvers and innovators.

Twenty-one teams from elementary and junior high schools across the Philippines participated on Day 1, each bringing their custom-built robots to the arena. The teams faced a series of timed challenges designed to test their robots’ programming, design, and problem-solving capabilities. The event showcased the participants’ ingenuity and the technical skills they had developed, as they navigated their robots through a series of obstacles and complex tasks. As the teams competed, it became clear that the competition was not only about engineering prowess, but also about the power of collaboration and adaptability.

SEAMEO INNOTECH Centre Director Dr. Leonor Magtolis-Briones, closed the day’s event with an inspiring message to the participants.

“This event is a big step toward helping young minds—like yours—explore, create, and lead the way in tech and innovation. And trust me, this is just the beginning. We can’t wait to see more robots, more cool ideas, and more of you in the future,” she said, urging all students to continue pursuing their passion for technology and innovation.

The second day of the competition, held on November 22, 2024, welcomed 12 senior high school teams from across the country. These teams faced even tougher challenges, demonstrating their advanced problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.

After the qualification rounds, the top teams advanced to the final matches, adjusting their strategies to achieve the highest possible score. Team 3818B from International School Manila received the Innovate Award, while Team Manila A, also from International School Manila, won the Design Award. Team Arrowhead from Arrowhead Robotics claimed the Robot Skills Champion title, and the Tournament Champion honor was jointly awarded to Team Manila A and Team 3818B.

The 2024-2025 Philippine VEX Robotics Competition continues to be a powerful platform for young minds to explore the limitless possibilities of technology and robotics. The competition not only celebrates innovation and creativity but also equips students with essential skills in critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving—skills that will serve them well in their future endeavors.