President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday honored the Philippine Robotics National Team (PRNT) in Malacañang after its members earned recognition in several international robotics competitions in 2025 and 2026.
Marcos welcomed the young innovators during a courtesy call at Heroes Hall, where he congratulated them for their achievements and for bringing pride to the country through their award-winning inventions.
“Congratulations to everyone. Well done. Siyempre naman talagang napapakita muli na ang Pilipino ay kayang makipagsabayan kahit saan, kahit kanino,” the President said.
Marcos said the students’ accomplishments showed the capability, dedication, and hard work of Filipino youth in the field of science and technology.
“Nakita naman natin how capable Filipinos are, how dedicated they are, and how hardworking they are. Filipino talent has shone through,” he added.
The President encouraged the students to continue developing their ideas, even when faced with difficulties.
“Once you get an idea, don’t let go of it because it really matters. Stay with it even when it gets hard, even when you lose spirit for a little while. Stay with it, and it will all be worth the effort,” Marcos said.
He also urged them to use their skills to create technologies that would help make life easier for Filipinos.
“You’re young and you have a long way to go. So keep going, and in that way, you improve the ease of living here in the Philippines for your countrymen,” he said.
During the event, Marcos witnessed live demonstrations of several award-winning robotics projects developed by students. These included SYLAX, an assistive mobility device for children with cerebral palsy; TUKLAS, a technology designed to help archaeologists locate and document cultural artifacts; and FRANCIS, an AI-powered companion robot that can assist households and detect emergencies.
Marcos also interacted with the students and tried operating TUKLAS, a robotic arm, to see how the technology works.
The PRNT is the country’s official delegation to international robotics competitions. It is composed of students aged seven and above who have been recognized in global robotics and innovation events, including the World Robot Olympiad and the FIRST LEGO League.
Officials of FELTA Multi-Media Inc., led by President and CEO Mylene Abiva, accompanied the delegation and introduced the team to the President. FELTA is recognized as among the pioneering organizations that introduced robotics technology to Philippine basic education more than 25 years ago.
The student awardees came from schools across the country, including Batangas State University Integrated School in Batangas City; Top Link Global College in Nueva Ecija; Dr. Yanga’s Colleges Inc. in Bocaue, Bulacan; De La Salle Santiago Zobel School in Alabang, Muntinlupa City; Legazpi City Science High School in Legazpi City; IBALON Elementary School in Albay City; and Jubilee Christian Academy in Quezon City.
The Palace said Marcos has been promoting robotics, artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced technology education as part of his administration’s digitalization agenda under Bagong Pilipinas, which seeks to build a more innovative and globally competitive Philippines.
