Filipino Catholic youths joined over 600 young scientists from about 20 countries for this year’s World Robot Olympiad, an annual competition to showcase robotic systems.

"It is really hard but we really don’t mind because we wanted to prove that we can do it, said Alexandra Guevarra from the province of Bulacan, north of Manila.

Guevarra and her team grabbed the top prize in the junior high school open category of the competition.

Guevarra said it takes a lot of patience to build robots. "One small robot sometimes takes one week to complete. It’s really hard but… you can do it with God’s help," she said.

"Always put God in the center of your life and if you want to achieve something, just keep it going," she added.

The aim of the World Robot Olympiad is to nurture young people’s skills, said Eugene Zhang, head of the competition’s organizing committee.

"We also promote friendship and culture-sharing. We are all in one big world together," he added.

Malaysia bagged two gold and three silver medals this year while the Philippines got two gold and two silver medals followed by Thailand with one gold, one silver and two bronze medals.

Participating countries include Australia, China, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Oman, Peru, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates and Ukraine.

The first robotics competition was held in Singapore in 2004. Next year’s competition will be held in the United Arab Emirates.

Related reports
Youths in Philippines coastal clean-up
Religious apps tap Korean youth

PM11880.1627