Robots to promote tourism

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said it will take advantage of the World Robotics Olympiad (WRO), which will be held in Manila this November, to help promote the country as a major tourist destination.

The DOST’s Science Education Institute said the Philippines is hosting for the first time the competition from Nov. 6 to 7 with the theme “Robots Promote Tourism.”

SEI said more than 1,000 elementary and high school students from 30 different countries are participating in this year’s WRO.

SEI director Ester Ogena said the WRO will showcase the country as an international conference site and tourist destination.

“We look forward to increasing the number of tourists coming to the Philippines with parents, coaches, teachers, students and international organizers of the WRO taking a look of the beauty of our country,” she said.

The WRO has two categories: the Regular Category, which focuses on the technical skills of the students, and the Open Category, which is the creative category where students can better present their ingenuity using Lego products.

Ogena said this event will bring closer to the Filipinos the need to build a culture of science and technology in the country.

Moreover, Ogena said the WRO is an effective strategy to enhance the interest of the youth in science and technology.

“We are optimistic that through the WRO, we will be able to encourage the youth to become future scientists, inventors and engineers.  Robotics competitions provide the youth the opportunity to grasp and apply electronics and information technology,” she said.

The Philippines has been a consistent participant of international competitions, especially in science and mathematics.