Abby aids ‘embo’ students in robotics tilt

MANILA, Philippines — Makati Mayor Abby Binay has given financial assistance to the robotics team of West Rembo Elementary School, which will compete in the 2024 VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, Texas from April 25 to May 3.

The public school is located in Barangay West Rembo, an enlisted men’s barrio or “embo” barangay whose jurisdiction has been transferred to Taguig  City.

The robotics team, which is composed of two fifth graders and two sixth graders, visited Binay at the city hall on Wednesday.

“Even though West Rembo Elementary School is no longer part of Makati, I decided to help them using my personal funds so they have less to worry about and can focus on the competition. They bring pride to the nation and deserve our full support,” Binay said.

According to Binay, the parents of the “embo” students reached out and asked for her support, claiming that the funding of the Taguig City government was “not enough” to cover the team’s expenses.

“It gives me reason to worry if Taguig will be able to maintain the level and quality of the robotics program introduced by Makati,” Binay said.

The robotics program was first introduced in Makati public schools in 2017.

Makati High School’s own “Makatrix Robotics Team” will also compete in the world robotics championship. Binay gave each member P58,000 as pocket money.

All expenses, including airfare and hotel accommodations, were fully covered by the city government.