CHEd backs QC University’s robotics bid

The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) is providing its full support to Quezon City University (QCU) as it prepares to compete in the VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, Texas, in May, following its victory in the Philippine national competition.

The QCU team, which won the Philippine VEX Robotics National Championship in December, will represent the country at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.

CHEd chairperson J. Prospero de Vera III said the support aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to enhance student capacity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

“Hence, the commission is actively supporting universities to modernize their equipment and facilities to create an environment where students can innovate and engage in S&T,” De Vera said.

The QCU team secured the national spot with robots designed and programmed for VEX skill challenges, including “rapid relays and high stakes, and design challenges.”

De Vera called QCU’s performance a testament to the government’s efforts to support students nationwide.

Meantime, QCU president Theresita Atienza said the university’s robotics laboratory is open for use and benchmarking by other universities.

CHEd provided financial assistance to four QCU students through the Tulong Dunong Program, and two others received the Tertiary Education Subsidy Program, along with Academic Excellence Award medals and certificates.

“Our heartfelt thanks to the CHEd-UniFAST for their financial assistance. Because of this, our studies will be much lighter and we can better improve our skills in robotics,” team member Enerjhun Relon said.

The QCU team will compete against more than 100 universities in the VEX University Category.

The VEX Robotics World Championship, recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest robotics competition globally, aims to boost participants’ interest in STEM.