DLSZ Robotics Elite Team Excels at 15th FIRST LEGO League Philippines 2026

From left, 1st row: Juan Rafael Hapin, Sebastien Grey Despi, Kirsten George Malayao, Gabrio Buensalido, Thoren Garcia, Miggy Torres, Niccolo Adique, Rafaeil Bustamante, Liam Samuel Hiquiana 2nd row: Ms. Minnie Kate Mejia, Mr. Christian Andrei Cleofe, Jacen Madriaga, Raven Rosales, Adam Yumul, Danielle Blanco, Alexandre Adrales, Ruzio Barangay, Danielle Marcus Cadag, Mr. Mark Denver Bernardo

Congratulations to the members of the Robotics Elite Team (RET) for proudly taking on the challenge of competing in the 15th FIRST LEGO League Philippines 2026, held on February 14, 2026 at the Spark Building, Vermosa Campus.

This year’s theme, UNEARTHED, focused on real-world issues related to archaeology, encouraging students to explore the past through innovation, research, and robotics. Schools from different parts of the Philippines participated in both the Challenge and Explore categories, showcasing creativity, teamwork, and technical excellence.

The Robotics Elite Team fielded two (2) Challenge teams, “ArcheoArcher” and “Unearthed Abyss Explorer” — composed of students from Grades 5 to 11, as well as one (1) Explore team, “The Earth Quest Crew.” The “Earth Quest Crew” earned the Innovation Project Award for their outstanding research and presentation. In the Challenge category, “ArcheoArcher” received the Rising All-Star Award, while “Unearthed Abyss Explorer” secured the prestigious Robot Games Award for their exceptional robot performance.

In addition, the Unearthed Abyss Explorer team will proudly represent the Philippines at the upcoming FIRST LEGO League Asia Pacific Open Invitational, which will be held from July 9–12, 2026, in Sydney, Australia.

The school takes pride in the dedication shown by all team members and their committed coaches: Mr. Norlito Bautista, Mr. Mark Denver Bernardo, Mr. Christian Andrei Cleofe, Ms. Minnie Kate Mejia, Mr. Rica Paming, Mr. Norman Andres, and Mr. Dhanilo Bilbao.


Below is the list of winners:


The Earth Quest Crew (Explore Category) INNOVATION PROJECT AWARD

from left: Antonio Mangubat, Julia Aragon, Emilia Marie Buensalido, Julia Helga Raquel Tan, Matteo Adnachiel Manacsa, Rafael Enrique Domingo

Team Members:

Julia Castro Aragon (DLSZ 2034)

Emilia Marie Buensalido (DLSZ 2035)

Rafael Enrique Domingo (DLSZ 2034)

Matteo Adnachiel Manacsa (DLSZ 2034)

Antonio Mangubat (DLSZ 2034)

Julia Helga Raquel Tan (DLSZ 2035)


Archeo Archers (Challenge Category) – Rising All Stars Award

from left: Riley Therese Abaño, Hernando Stefan Amisola, Alexandre Matthew Adrales, Ruzio Barangay, Denielle Blanco,Raven Rosales, Daniell Marcus Calapardo Cadag, Jacen Emiliano Madriaga, Adam Benjamin Yumul

Team Members:

Riley Therese Abano  (DLSZ 2030)

Alexandre Matthew Adrales  (DLSZ 2030)

Hernando Stefan Amisola III  (DLSZ 2027)

Ruzio Barangay  (DLSZ 2027)

Denielle Adriane Blanco  (DLSZ 2029)

Daniell Marcus Cadag (DLSZ 2028)

Jacen Emiliano Madriaga (DLSZ 2030)

Raven Esteban Rosales (DLSZ 2027)

Adam Benjamin Yumul (DLSZ 2030)

 

Unearthed Abyss Explorers (Challenge Category) – Robot Games Award

from left: Juan Rafael Hapin, Gabrio Buensalido, Kirsten George Malayao, Thoren Garcia, Sebastien Grey Despi, Liam Samuel Hiquiana, Niccolo Paolo Adique, Rafaeil Bustamante, Miggy Drew Torres

Members:

Niccolo Paolo Adique (DLSZ 2033)

Jose Gabrio Buensalido (DLSZ 2033)

Rafaeil Antonio Felicz Bustamante (DLSZ 2030)

Sebastien Grey Despi (DLSZ 2031)

Thoren Gaddi Garcia (DLSZ 2033)

Juan Rafael Hapin (DLSZ 2030)

Liam Samnuel Hiquiana (DLSZ 2031)

Kirsten George Malayao(DLSZ 2032)

Miggy Drew Manolo Torres (DLSZ 2033)

Animo La Salle!

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