CalSci shared the crown of the Philippine team in the 18th International Robotics Olympiad (IRO) last December as it bagged 5 medals, joining the country’s total hoard of 192, despite the decrease in the number of its delegates.
In a congratulatory letter, the Chinese Embassy cited that the Philippine team has garnered the highest amount of medals in the IRO, held in Grand Epoch City, Hebei, China.
“On behalf of the Philippine embassy, I would like to commend the team for excelling in various categories of the competition, for garnering the highest number of medals, and for bringing honor to the Philippines,” Elizabeth Te, chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy, said.
The Philippines has gained more medals as it has achieved last year, from 62 to 192.
Moreover, the medals gained by CalSci are included in its three technical awards, which weigh five medals among Philippine delegates in the following events: Creative Category, Emergency Rescue – Standard, and Robot in Movie.
The Calamba City Science High School team was composed of Mar Jheric I. Encanto and Mark Kyle Angelo A. Koason, who were then supervised by coaches Dexter M. Palanas and Anthony A. Alinsod.
Encanto, the second-timer, won three medals while Koason clinched two, contributing five to CalSci name.
Meanwhile, the delegates said that the medals of CalSci increased from last year’s one, to five.
“Kaya na-increase ‘yung medal, napaghandaan namin kasi ‘yung dapat gawin,” Encanto said in an interview.
“Nag-focus kami sa mga category na kung saan na-expect namin na mananalo kami, hindi katulad nung dati na laban lang nang laban,” Koason added in accordance to Encanto’s statement.
According to them, the DepEd Division of Calamba City expects to continue bringing home the bacon in the field of Robotics.
However, South Korea still remained as the champion of the 18th IROC in terms of ranking of honors based on gold, silver and bronze medals and technical awards.

WRITTEN BY: NEO ELROND V. CABRERA and VERMEIL CHERN S. CASPILLAN