08/10/2025
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Manuelian STE trailblazers shine in Division SciMathlympics with AI-powered innovations
DUMARAO, Capiz β From zero experience to shining excellence, a two-year-old special academic program here turned young innovators' potential into tangible success.
In a milestone for local science education, students from the Science, Technology, and Engineering (STE) Program of Manuel F. Onato National High School in Brgy. Astorga made their debut in research and roboticsβbringing home two awards from the 2025 Division SciMathlympics held at Capiz NHS on Oct. 4, 2025.
Earning a slot to represent the division in the upcoming Regional SciMathlympics, the team of Rhiannne Grace D. Fines, Angel Kyle S. Loquinario, and Christine G. Denonong clinched 2nd place in the STEM Innovation Expo (Team Category) with their project βAIoT-Based Helmet Enforcement Device via Local Mobile Edge Tracking.β
The device is a pole-mounted edge-AI system that reliably detects motorcycle helmet violations in real time, captures timestamped photos as evidence, and reports alerts to Traffic Management Unit (TMU) officers through a local Wi-Fi server. It integrates computer vision, the Internet of Things (IoT), and edge computing in solving road safety problems.
Meanwhile, Mica Armie D. Guanco and the RoboTeam bagged 3rd place in the Robotics and Intelligent Machines category for βEcoSort AI: Smart Solid Waste Classifier with Real-Time Audio Educator and Full-Bin SMS Alert Notification.β
Aiming to develop a functional smart solid waste classifier prototype that offers a real-time audio-educator system and full-bin SMS alert notification, an EcoSort AI is a robot that integrates computer vision, mechatronic automation, and machine learning that positions itself as a classifier-educator-maintainer system rather than a classifier alone.
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Behind the victory of these young Manuelian innovators was their coach Mary D. Sumagaysay, an alumna of Ramon A. Benjamin Sr. NHS Class of 2009.
It felt like harvesting the fresh fruits of excellence since their STE program opened in 2023. And on their first attempt to join the Division SciMathlympics, Sumagaysay saw the victory as more than just a medal; it was a fulfillment of her prayers.
βI asked my students first if they truly wanted to win. Then, the Friday before the big event, we went to church together. They cried while praying. I didnβt ask God for us to win," Sumagaysay told The Radiance, revealing what her prayer was: "Lord, please grant the wishes of these children."
Coach Maryβs prayer strengthened the teamβs resolve. Later on, she expressed her gratitude [to God] for granting both her wish and that of the researchers that surely make an impact not only in the world of science and technology but also address concerns in the society.
With innovation like the AIoT-Based Helmet Enforcement Device, the most prevalent concerns in road safety all over the country, like motorcycle accidents where most fatalities are riders who are not wearing helmets, can be easily detected and even avoided.
Furthermore, thereβs EcoSort AI, a robot that spans significance in environmental solutions, enhances education practices, prevents improper waste segregation among users, and improves waste collection for staff in schools and communities.
Sumagaysay was joined by asst. coaches Lemer Rose Aborde for the team category and Lea A. Bedona for the individual category.
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Moreover, Sumagaysay acknowledged the numerous challenges they faced, recalling the steep learning curve they had to overcome in just a few months. She emphasized that their pursuit of scientific progress was far from simple.
Prior to their involvement in the scientific endeavor, she admitted facing a significant learning gap in the technical and methodological aspects of research for robotics and innovation expositions.
βBefore we decided to join, I honestly lacked the proper skills and knowledge on the hows and whats of research papers for robotics and innovation expos,β she said, adding that she took the initiative to conduct online research, review official memos and orientation materials, and seek guidance from field experts.
The student-innovators also had no background in robotics, so it was challenging for her to explain coding and technical terms.
βSo we joined the AI and Robotics Workshop in Roxas City last May 2025, and that became the starting point of our RoboTeam,β coach Mary added.
However, they faced challenges due to time constraints, as Sumagaysay recounted how they initiated the proposal in February, only commencing work on EcoSort AI in June, and completing it in September.
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Their work on the Helmet Enforcement Device also faced multiple coding errors that caused delays, with each upload taking hours and having to be repeated whenever new issues appeared.
The final stretch became a race against time, as they managed to complete the device on Sept. 23, three days before the deadline.
Sumagaysay shared that they even had to revise their notification system from SMS to Wi-Fi due to repeated errors, finishing all testing, data gathering, and editing within three days while a storm was approaching. Fortunately, the deadline was extended, giving them time to review their work.
The creativity and ingenuity of the students was lauded by PMAJ Tobias S. Garfin, Chief of Police of Dumarao MPS, commending their invention as a valuable initiative that could contribute to the effective monitoring and immediate apprehension of traffic violators.
Beyond the technical challenges of their scientific pursuit, financial constraints also put their determination to the test. But their principal, Dr. Micle S. Haguisan, unwaveringly supported them despite their limited resources.
"We managed to keep going through connections with people who have [a lot of] resources and asked the help of stakeholdersβespecially the parents of our RoboTeam," she added.
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AI-powered creations like the AIoT-Based Helmet Enforcement Device and EcoSort AI highlight the importance of technology in addressing real-world problemsβpromoting road safety, environmental protection, and education. They demonstrate how artificial intelligence can automate detection, improve compliance, and enhance efficiency in both public safety and sustainability efforts.
But it was more than just an experimentβit was a testament to the youthβs vital role in championing safety, discipline, and technological advancement in the community, proving that technology can indeed be a force for good. Rooted in their desire to make a real-world impact, this became a story of curiosity, courage, and innovationβone that makes the world a little safer, smarter, and more sustainable.
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βοΈ | Martha Carmela Aldabon, Lesel Joy Penaflorida, and Shana Aerith Lizarado
π» | Yuri Sioson
π· | Mary D. Sumagaysay/FB (Mai Re) | Dumarao Capiz Pulis/FB
