AGS Kinder Robotics Team places 2nd at 2026 FIRST LEGO League competition

Representing the school with determination and teamwork, two Ateneo de Manila Grade School varsity robotics teams brought home special awards and a podium finish at the 15th FIRST LEGO League (FLL) competition held on 14 February 2026 at De La Salle Santiago Zobel School’s Vermosa Campus in Cavite. (FIRST is an acronym which means “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.")

The Kinder Varsity Team earned 2nd Place and won the prestigious Core Values Award, while the AGS Robotics Team (Grades 5 and 6) won the Fix-It-Fast Special Award. 

This year’s theme, “Unearthed,” challenged teams to explore the world beneath our feet and develop innovative solutions connected to archaeology, earth sciences, and hidden histories.

Kinder Varsity Team: 2nd Place and Core Values Award

Truly inspiring was the performance of the Kinder Varsity Team, whose teamwork and positive spirit stood out throughout the event. Composed of Ashi Bilog (K–Lungti), Santino De Guzman (K–Kalimbahin), Elijah Marquez-Lim (K–Kahel), and Livvy Moderes (K–Morado), the team demonstrated maturity, cooperation, and enthusiasm despite their young age. They confidently participated in robot runs and presentations, fully embracing the Unearthed theme with curiosity and creativity.

Their strong showing earned them 2nd Place and the Core Values Award, one of the most prestigious recognitions in FIRST LEGO League. The award honors teams that best embody the FLL Core Values—teamwork, inclusion, discovery, innovation, impact, and fun.

The team was guided by their coach, Ms. Noelle Amor, whose encouragement and leadership nurtured the students’ confidence, collaboration, and love for robotics.

Grades 5 & 6 Robotics Team: Fix-It-Fast Special Award

Composed of Magnus Arrojado (6-Brebeuf), Joey Abella (5-Manobo), Lucas Cabato (5-Ati), Alejo Flores (5-Ati), Arjen Isturis (5-Tausug), Melton Lim (5-Mangyan), Zane Mercado (6-Canisius), Joaquin Sanchez (6-Pignatelli), and Ynigo Tipan (6-Claver), the Grades 5 and 6 Robotics Team demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills and composure under pressure.

Their robot performed with precision during the Unearthed missions, and the team showed remarkable adaptability—quickly troubleshooting issues and refining strategies between rounds. These efforts earned them the Fix-It-Fast Special Award, which recognizes technical agility, teamwork, and presence of mind during critical moments of the competition.

The team was guided by dedicated coaches Cristian Ballena and Luis Aenlle, whose mentorship helped the students perform at their very best.

A Celebration of Innovation and Character

The annual robotics competition gathered young innovators, engineers, and problem-solvers from more than 20 schools across the region.

Under the Unearthed theme, students were encouraged to think like researchers and explorers—designing robots to complete excavation-inspired missions and presenting research projects that offered creative ways to better understand and preserve the past. The theme pushed participants to dig deeper, ask thoughtful questions, and uncover new ideas—both literally and figuratively.

More than a robotics tournament, the 15th FIRST LEGO League competition was a celebration of creativity, perseverance, and collaboration. The achievements of both AGS teams reflect their hard work, the guidance of their coaches, and the unwavering support of their families and school community.

Congratulations to our young Atenean innovators—may you continue to dig deeper, discover more, and build a brighter future!