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| The students of Batangas State University representing the Philippines in the World Robot Olympiad 2025 (Image Source: Facebook/Batangas State University, The National Engineering University |
In a celebration of innovation, teamwork, and national pride, Batangas State University, The National Engineering University (BatStateU The NEU), held a testimonial program titled “Engineered For Excellence: Celebrating Innovation And Global Triumph” last December 19, 2025, honoring the Red Spartan teams who brought global recognition to the Philippines after their victory at the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) 2025 in Singapore. Held at the Narra Hall, 5th Floor, Jose Rizal Building, BatStateU Pablo Borbon Campus, the program served as a homecoming tribute for the University’s robotics champions led by Team Scarlet-Verdant BSU which clinched the World Champion title in the RoboSports – Double Tennis category. The team emerged at the top of the competition after besting more than 50 teams worldwide including strong contenders from Thailand and Taiwan.
The program opened with welcome remarks from BatStateU Pablo Borbon Chancellor Dr. Expedito V. Acorda who commended the students for their brilliance and discipline and recognized the vital role of faculty mentors and parents in shaping globally competitive learners. University President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo lauded the champions for exemplifying the values of discipline, excellence, grit and teamwork. He underscored that winning on the world stage is not only a personal achievement but a national one -- crediting the students’ perseverance, the mentors’ dedication, and the parents’ unwavering support. He concluded his message by expressing gratitude for the guidance and strength drawn from faith throughout the journey. An audiovisual presentation titled “The Road To Singapore: The Red Spartan Robotics Journey” captured the months of preparation and emotional highs and lows that defined the teams’ path to victory, drawing enthusiastic applause from students, parents, coaches, and university officials. A key highlight of the program was the “Testimonial Sharing: The Champions’ Journey” which featured student representatives from the BatStateU teams that competed in WRO 2025. These included Joseph Bernard A. Maala, Light Gabriel M. Bandayrel, and Norjeehan A. H. Nasser of Team Scarlet-Verdant BSU; Rowlen Mathew A. Guia of Team BSU-IS GMR; John Angelo M. Bautista of Team JEEP (BatStateU-IS); Apoll Marc Venerdict A. Hernandez of Team SCOPE (BatStateU-IS); James Rowie B. Bonifacio of Team HUREA (BatStateU-IS); and Liam Wayne D. Santos of Team BSU-IS ALR.
Through their testimonies, the students shared stories of sleepless nights, repeated trials, and relentless problem-solving that ultimately led to their success. Maala recalled how faith sustained the team despite facing seasoned champions from Thailand and Taiwan, noting that while they initially hoped simply to place third, their prayers were answered beyond expectations. Nasser emphasized that robotics is a continuous learning journey, shaped by countless hours of training long before any trophy is raised. Guia reflected on how the team’s humbling experience in last year’s competition revealed gaps in local robotics capabilities, which became their motivation to return stronger and claim victory in 2025. The tribute continued with “Testimonial Sharing: The Mentors Behind The Champions”, recognizing the vital role of coaches Luis Philip M. Oropesa, Eugene E. Mendoza, and Jomari B. Montalbo whose technical expertise, mentorship, and belief in the students were instrumental to the teams’ success. An emotional segment followed as parents of the champions delivered their Heartfelt Messages including Dr. Marilou A. Maala, LeDan A. Guia, and Reginio M. Bautista Jr. who shared their stories of sacrifice, perseverance, and pride, underscoring the collective effort behind every achievement. The program also featured the awarding of plaques and tokens of recognition by the members of the President’s Advisory Council (PAC) and key contributors to the WRO journey. A photo opportunity, celebratory luncheon, and cultural presentation capped the event.
In his closing remarks, BatStateU Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension Services Prof. Albertson D. Amante emphasized the importance of pushing boundaries in science, technology, and engineering to create meaningful impact for communities and the nation. As BatStateU continues to strengthen its position in global robotics and engineering innovation, the testimonial program stood as both a tribute to hard-earned triumphs and a reaffirmation of the University’s mission to develop future-ready innovators — engineered for excellence.
