During the 14th FIRST Lego League Philippines held on February 8, the five-member Claret Robotics Team demonstrated visionary thinking in their robot design and approach to problem-solving, applying their skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

With the 2025 FLL theme “Submerged,” the Claretians presented an innovation project to control the population of COTs or crown-of-thorns starfish under the sea and prevent the extensive loss of reef-building corals. They invented a submarine with a special device to identify COTs or crown-of-thorns starfish and inject vinegar into it.

The team also envisioned becoming future robotics seacraft engineers and entrepreneurs, promoting a healthy, locally made salt product called “asin tibuok.” This product could serve as a source of livelihood for fishermen and those living near the sea.

The CSQC Robotics Team’s overall performance earned them the Visionary Team Award during this year’s FLL, which was held at Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc. in Bocaue, Bulacan.

 

 

A simulation of a patrol boat and submarine as part of the innovation project

 

 

The innovation project showed the process of making “asin tibuok” with the use of robotics technology

 

Asin tibuok is a rare, traditional, handmade sea salt from the Philippines. It is made by filtering seawater through ashes and baking it in oval clay pots. It is listed in the Ark of Taste international catalogue of endangered heritage foods maintained by the global Slow Food Foundation.

The team prepared food seasoned with ordinary iodized salt and food seasoned with asin tibuok. They compared the taste and health benefits of the food and let the judges evaluate the food. The innovation project, mission, and robot design technology exhibited the values of integrity, love, inclusivity, culture, and teamwork of the team members.

 

 

The members of the team are (L-R): Jon Dominador A. Gomez, III (8-Dominic Fabregas, CMF), Railey Royce T. Ballentos (8-Dominic Fabregas, CMF),  Vince Reiner B. Cambri (8-Dominic Fabregas, CMF), Antonio Javier O. Bagalacsa (5-Elijah), and Dean Anthony Eduardo A. Rimando (11 - St. Mark, the Evangelist)

 

The team with Mrs. Razerly D. Ibañez, MAEd, the Principal and the Assistant  Principals, Ms. Maria Victoria Salud M. Urbiztondo, PhD and Mr. Ralph Martin L. Mascareñas

 

Fr. Mauricio T. Ulep, CMF, the School Director presided a Mass with the team and parents.

 

The team with Fr. Charles Jocris M. Mortela, CMF, the Spiritual Director

 

The team with during their visit to the Office of the School Director with Ms. Agnes P. Galapon, the Secretary to the School Director

 

In preparation for the competition, members of the team with their parents had an immersion and free diving activity with No Fins Freediver PH in Talisay, Batangas.   

 

Thank you very much for the untiring support of teachers, school administrators, and parents. We are truly grateful for all the memorable experiences and learning insights we have shared. Kudos, Claretians! #ScientiaMaximeCumVirtute