The Angeles City government, led by Mayor Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II, proudly honored the Living Stone International School Nexus Robotics Team for securing the Philippines’ first Platinum Award at the Universal Robotics Challenge 2025 World Finals in Osaka, Japan. Their victory marks a historic milestone for both the city and the country.
The award-winning creation, Project Hiraya, impressed international judges with its innovative and community-focused features. Designed to aid disaster response, the project integrates tools for sustainability, relief distribution, earthquake and flood detection, and even a recycling reward system.
City officials praised the team’s ingenuity, noting that their work demonstrates the talent, compassion, and forward-thinking mindset of young Angeleño students. The recognition also highlights the growing potential of local learners in the field of robotics and technology.
During their courtesy visit to Angeles City Hall, the students personally presented Project Hiraya to Mayor Lazatin. The mayor had the opportunity to test some of its functions and expressed admiration for the students’ dedication and technical skills.
The robotics team also shared the journey behind their project— from conceptualization to international competition. Their story showcased the challenges they overcame and the teamwork that propelled them to the global stage.
School representatives emphasized that this achievement reflects their strong commitment to nurturing academic excellence and developing globally competitive learners. They noted that international victories like this inspire more students to pursue science, technology, and innovation.
This milestone places the Philippines alongside top-performing countries in robotics and brings pride not only to Angeles City but to the entire nation. The local government hopes this victory encourages more schools and youth to engage in STEM and showcase Filipino talent worldwide.
