The Medellin National Science and Technology School (MNSTS) Robotics team secured third place in the Master AI Robot Cup and eighth place in the Global Artificial Intelligence Robot division at the 25th World Robot Olympiad Philippines 2026, held in Pasay City from June 22 to 25, 2026. The team's performance followed the Provincial Government of Cebu's investment of P5.9 million in robotics kits, with each set costing P109,000, distributed to seven science high schools across the province.
Provincial support fuels robotics success
Provincial School Board Focal Person Christopher Baricuatro told SunStar Cebu on June 30, 2026, that the distributed robotics kits include advanced components for programming and building the units. The kits were given to science high schools in Badian, Balamban, Compostela, Medellin, Minglanilla, San Remegio, and Bantayan. “The Province of Cebu has the funds, so we will pour it into the schools; case in point, for robotics, the upgrading of speech labs, and upcoming smart classrooms,” Baricuatro said in Cebuano.
Team members and achievements
Competing for the first time in the World Olympiad Philippines 2026, Jewel Mae Mingo, Jose Bartolome IV, and Jairus Evan Mendez formed the team for the Master AI Robot Cup High School Category, while the duo of Jairus Evan Mendez and Kelvin Ray Dumat-ol competed in the Global Artificial Intelligence Robot - Senior High School division. Zechariah Mangubat and Arnold II Barabat represented MNSTS in the Lego Spike Prime Junior High School Category, while Mitch Andrea Pradilla and Tsidkenu Sarucam competed in the same category for the Senior High School division.
Calls for sustained state-level support
Team member Jose Bartolome IV highlighted the need for sustained state-level support: “What the government can do is that they can support the education system so that the youth can contribute and be the problem-solvers of the future.” Coach Anita Batandolo shared their intensive preparation strategies: “Since our time was limited, we focused on the fundamentals first; we created a daily training schedule, hands-on training with the robots, and simulations to maximize the training session.” Coach Raymart Gabutan amplified the call for continued support: “My call is to continue to support and make robotics education more accessible by investing in teachers and student training.”
Recognition and praise
The MNSTS Robotics Team was formally recognized for their national achievement during the State of the Municipality Address delivered by Medellin Mayor Edwin Salimbangon on June 30. Department of Education Cebu Province Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Senen Priscilo Paulin credited the dedication and preparation of the learners alongside their teachers-coaches and school principal. Paulin highlighted the collaborative effort of the local government, the province, and the education sector, which provided the Special Education Fund to the different science high schools in the province. “This shows that we are not lagging behind. We are not only focusing on robotics, but we are prioritizing the science high schools in the province,” Paulin said.
World Robot Olympiad background
The World Robot Olympiad is a global competition dedicated to fostering creativity and problem-solving skills among youth worldwide through various robotics categories. The national qualifier brings together hundreds of public and private schools vying to represent the country in the international robotics competition.
