Proving that innovation knows no age, the Batangas State University, The National Engineering University (BatStateU The NEU) Batang ISpartan Robotics Team secured win at the 2024 FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Asia Open Championship. Held on August 3 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the competition saw these young engineers clinch the prestigious Team Model Award, showcasing their impressive skills and creativity among 223 teams from various countries.

The Team Model Award in the Explore category recognizes outstanding model design and presentation, emphasizing creativity, engineering skills, and the effective use of LEGO elements to illustrate solutions or concepts. This category is FLL’s entry-level program for elementary school-aged children (ages 6-10).

Coached by Ms. Jeniffer M. Makalintal, Dave Jerriel V. Aluan, and Gerald Julius Armin D. Burog, the Grade V pupils demonstrated their prowess on an international stage, bringing pride to BatStateU The NEU and to the Philippines. Their project, “Wave of Water (WOW),” impressed the judges with an amusement park built entirely from LEGO bricks and powered by hydro energy. This eco-friendly design featured attractions such as Ferris wheels, carousels, and water slides, all mechanized with LEGO WeDo and powered by water turbines. Their core values—innovation, sustainability, and fun—are reflected in their commitment to

SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

“They have proven that even at an early age, one can bring glory to the Philippines and uphold the prestige of Batangas State University as the ‘National Engineering University.’ To God be the glory! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!” said Ms. Mylene Abiva, National Organizer of the Philippine Robotics Olympiad. She lauded the team’s achievement, highlighting their role in promoting art, creativity, and technology. This accomplishment reflects the Philippines’ growing strength in robotics and engineering while nurturing the next generation of innovators. Ms. Abiva also congratulated Claret School of Quezon City and DepEd Quezon City, which received awards in the Challenge category.

FIRST®, or For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, is an organization dedicated to engaging students in science and technology through hands-on practices. This season’s theme, “Masterpiece,” invites participants to explore how art and design intersect with technology and engineering, culminating in solutions that embody both artistic and technical excellence.