Chavit backs young Filipino robotics team in European tilt
Eight bright students from Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc. (DYCI) are set to make the Philippines proud at the First Lego League Open European Championship in Sofiko, Greece, from May 1- to 5, 2025, with the full support of former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson.
The young innovators from the Bocaue, Bulacan-based school, who earned their spot in the prestigious international competition through their outstanding performance as 2nd Placer, Overall Project Innovation Award in the First Lego League Philippines 2025 — will now have Singson fully cover their airfare.
In Singson’s heartwarming generosity, the former governor also vowed to reward the team with a cash prize—win or lose—to encourage their dedication to science and technology.
“This is about nurturing the next generation of Filipino innovators,” Singson said. “Whether they bring home a trophy or not, their hard work deserves recognition. I believe in their potential and want them to know that the country stands behind them,” he said in Filipino, adding that qualifying for this competition is already a massive win.
He said his gesture is meant to nurture the children’s talents at home and prevent the country’s brightest minds from being lured abroad.
The competition, which will gather young robotics enthusiasts from 48 countries around the world, challenges participants to design, program, and operate autonomous Lego robots while developing solutions to real-world problems.
The DYCI team has been working tirelessly on a project focusing on sustainability and technological creativity.
School representatives expressed deep gratitude for Singson’s generosity, emphasizing how Singson’s support eases financial burdens and motivates the students.
According to Beryl Cruz, DYCI faculty and the team head coach, the Greece competition is an opportunity for the eight talented kids to shine globally and inspire other young Filipinos to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
As departure day approaches for Haven Audrey Mauricio (11 years old, Grade 4), Akisha Zyrille Halili (11, Grade 5), Carl David Mendoza (11, Grade 5), Tobias M. Dalistan (15, Grade 9), Trinity Denise Bautista (15, Grade 10), Leslie V. Guadalupe (16, Grade 10), Jewelle Riyanne N. Rafa (17, Grade 11), and Gabriel Luis C. Ortega (17, Grade 11), there’s a special kind of electricity in the air at DYCI.
The DYCI students had the perfect way to say thanks—they gifted Singson a Lego-built robot for championing homegrown Filipino innovation. The symbolic miniature elephant creation, meticulously assembled from colorful Lego bricks, symbolizes the young inventors’ appreciation for a leader who invests in their future.
The next world-changing inventors might just be on this team. One thing is certain – with this kind of support like Singson’s behind them, they are already champions.
ADVT.
This article is brought to you by The DYCI students.
