Tech It to the Top: INHS Robotics Team shines at Reg'l STI

By: MJ Hilario

P.C., Christian Paul R. Gangan

Innovation, teamwork, and determination — these are the three pillars that defined the victory of the Isabela National High School Robotics Team after winning 1st and 2nd Runner-Up, respectively, in the Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week (RSTI) 2025 – SmartBot Arena, held at the Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) Gymnasium on Oct. 11.

The event brought together the brightest young minds in science and technology from across the region, all eager to showcase their skills in robotics and automation. Competing against 9 SDOs, the INHS Robotics Team emerged victorious, winning 1st Runner-Up in the LineBot Tracing Challenge and 2nd Runner-Up in the SumoBot Challenge — the only school to win in two different categories.

The team composed of Leigh A. Licupa, Joneph Angelo F. Jacinto, and Jhon Jhon Casasola coached by Mr. Christian Paul R. Gangan, with the strong support of School Principa IV Mrs. Marie Rose P. Ramos, also a former Science and Research teacher of INHS prior to her promotion as a principal.

“The Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Week (RSTI) was a truly meaningful and enjoyable experience for me, especially because our school showed great support for us students. It was my first time joining this kind of contest, and I genuinely had fun throughout the event. Beyond the excitement, I also learned a lot from the activities and gained valuable insights that I can apply in the future,” shared Joneph Angelo F. Jacinto, reflecting on the event’s impact.

For Leigh Licupa, the experience was both nerve-wracking and fulfilling, adding, as a first-time participant in this kind of competition, I was truly surprised and overjoyed with the results — we won 2nd Place in the LineBot Tracing Category and 3rd Place in the SumoBot Category. Despite our limited training, we still managed to earn these awards through teamwork and determination.

During the competition, I felt nervous seeing the other participants, whose confidence and skill were quite intimidating. However, instead of letting fear take over, we turned it into motivation — and that drive helped us achieve our victory," he concluded.

The team’s achievement is not just a triumph in robotics but also a testament to the school’s commitment to excellence in STEM education. Under Mr. Gangan’s mentorship, the students demonstrated not only technical skill but also perseverance, creativity, and sportsmanship — qualities that reflect the true spirit of Isabela National High School.

“Ma’am, we won po on both categories — the only school na nanalo po sa magkaibang categories,” Mr. Gangan proudly shared, emphasizing the significance of their dual victory.

The RSTI experience gave the students more than medals — it gave them confidence, inspiration, and the realization that with hard work and unity, INHSians can excel in the regional and national levels.

As the robotics team looks ahead to future competitions, their success serves as a reminder that passion and teamwork can spark innovation — one bot at a time.

Indeed, Isabela High, Mahusay!