The VEX Robotics Championship – Philippine National Championship is a nationally recognized robotics competition that brings together schools from across the country to showcase innovation, teamwork, and engineering excellence. Held on January 16–17, 2026 at the TESDA Women’s Center (Tandang Sora Hill), Taguig City, the public, on-site event featured challenging robotics missions and rigorous judging processes. Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (HCCCI) proudly joined the championship, demonstrating strong participation and a deep commitment to values-driven STEM education.

Representing HCCCI were the dedicated students Ramchel Angelo Rabaca, Axel Rain Catalunes, Aliah Bueson, Jemimah Mandario, Jhune Rhee Villaruel, and Charmie Montero, guided by Harold Casiro, Trainer; Genson Teves, Trainer; and Engr. Edicio Faller, MIT, Robotics Consultant. Their combined effort, preparation, and teamwork were evident throughout the competition, particularly during team interviews and engineering evaluations.

The championship challenged participating teams to design, build, and program robots capable of completing strategic game-based missions. While match performance played a significant role, the event also emphasized professionalism, collaboration, communication skills, and student-centered learning. One of the most distinguished recognitions during the competition was the Judges Award, which honors teams that demonstrate exceptional perseverance, creativity, and character beyond match results.

The VEX IQ Robotics program focuses on holistic development by integrating technical learning with character formation. Through hands-on robotics challenges, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and creativity, while also strengthening teamwork and communication skills essential for real-world applications. At Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc., robotics education is an integral part of the academic experience—when children enroll at HCCCI, they become part of the school’s robotics program, ensuring early exposure to technology, engineering concepts, and future-ready skills.

The competition supports multiple Sustainable Development Goals. It advances SDG 4: Quality Education by promoting innovative and experiential learning; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by preparing students with future-ready skills; and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by encouraging engineering innovation. It also contributes to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through collaboration among institutions and stakeholders.

The impact of the event extends beyond the competition venue as students apply the values of discipline, collaboration, and innovation in their school and community. Their experiences inspire peers to engage in robotics and technology-driven learning while promoting responsible and ethical use of innovation.

For the HCCCI students, receiving the Judges Award was a rewarding and affirming experience. They expressed pride and gratitude as their perseverance, teamwork, and dedication were recognized by the judges, reinforcing their motivation to continue striving for excellence.

Through their participation in the VEX Robotics Philippine National Championship, the HCCCI learners emerged as torchbearers of innovation and excellence, proving that true success is defined not only by winning matches but by character, perseverance, and shared purpose.