Inspired by a fellow student with disability, Grade 12 students Aron Moises Ronquillo and Jhomil Claveria of Paharang Integrated School in Batangas City invented a prototype wheelchair from scrap materials such as plywood and PVC. 

Their invention clinched a silver medal at the recently concluded World Robot Games 2023 in Taipei, Taiwan. Competing in the Innovative Robot category, the Filipino duo faced off against representatives from Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia.

What makes their invention different? 

The wheelchair goes beyond conventional designs. It features a convertible bed, medical kit, pulse rate sensor, desk, and is controlled remotely. 

Talking about their school mate as inspiration, Claveria says, "Nakita po namin 'yung eagerness niya sa pagpasok 'yung gusto niya po ma-achieve 'yung dreams niya. 'Yung sakit niya po ay nagiging malaking angkla po para hindi siya makapasok sa school.”

"We both have our own skills and talents. He is on to building and designing. Sa akin po, ako po sa sa pag-programming," Ronquillo says.

Rosalie Borbon Ronquillo, the school's coach, emphasized their mission to assist physically challenged students.

"Ang goal namin is makatulong sa mga persons with those physically challenged students, parang 'yun ang aming panlaban. So, may puso 'yung aming innovation," she says.

Principal Mena de Torres takes pride in her students’ achievement. 

"Talagang 'yun po ay nakaangat din siyempre po sa school achievement, sa performance ng paaralan. Nakuha po naman ang pangalawang karangalan,,, eh silver 'yun," she says.

The school hopes that the students' invention will attract attention for further support and full scale development.