BACOLOD CITY – Fifty-five teachers and students from two localities in Negros Occidental comprised the first two batches who attended the “Robotics for Kids” training at the Negros Occidental Language and Information Technology Center (NOLITC) here.
NOLITC school administrator Ma. Cristina Orbecido said the participants were among the four groups from the province’s third district scheduled to undergo the training after the launching of the Negrense Robotics and Intelligence Machines Program.
On Nov. 23, a total of 25 learners from E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental participated, including 15 from E.B. Magalona Elementary School and five each from Tanza Elementary School and Alicante Elementary School. They were joined by five teachers.
Meanwhile, 24 students and a teacher from Silay South Elementary School in Silay City, Negros Occidental attended the training on Nov. 24.
Orbecido said the training reinforced the importance of providing a robotics hub for these children, who were exposed to live robots for the first time.
“They were all amazed by the robots and were very eager to manipulate the machines. The children learned how to code and solve problems given by the teachers,” she added.
The remaining two batches, composed of 25 participants each from Talisay City and Victorias City, will attend the training on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, respectively.
NOLITC has partnered with Pinoy Robot Games headed by founder Melvin Matulac for the conduct of the training.
“I have yet to find someone from Region 6, or from Negros (who was) with me in an international contest. That’s why we went down to Visayas and Mindanao because the medalists are all in Luzon. None from Region 6. I would like to see that happen,” Matulac said.
He added the NOLITC training and workshops will augment the learning of students and make teachers as “champions” of robotics.
On Nov. 19, NOLITC unveiled the Negrense Robotics and Intelligence Machines Program, making Negros Occidental the first to establish a robotics training center in Western Visayas, and the first local government in the country to support a learning center for robotics.
Through the Negrense Robotics and Intelligence Machines Program, the fundamental skills of young Negrense trainees will be honed in the emerging fields of automation, instrumentation and robotics industry.
Next year, the Negrense Robotics Workshops will be launched to include on-site robotic training and teachers training.(With a report from PNA/PN)
