Batangas State University, The National Engineering University (BatStateU The NEU), proudly celebrates another global milestone as its student team was hailed World Champion at the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Singapore 2025 International Finals, held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore on November 26–28, 2025. Competing among the world’s best young innovators, the Philippine delegation—led by BatStateU students—secured a landmark victory that reinforces the university’s standing as a rising powerhouse in robotics, engineering, and STEM education.

The trio behind the championship win, Team Scarlet-Verdant BSU, dominated the RoboSports – Double Tennis category, emerging Rank 1 out of 56 global teams, ahead of strong delegations from Thailand and Taiwan, which secured 2nd and 3rd place, respectively. Composed of Joseph Bernard A. Maala, a first-year BS Mechatronics Engineering student from BatStateU Alangilan, and Light Gabriel M. Bandayrel and Norjeehan A. H. Nasser, both Grade 11 students from BatStateU Integrated School (Pablo Borbon), the team demonstrated exceptional skill in designing and programming fully autonomous robots capable of real-time coordination and strategic gameplay. Their winning performance showcased mastery of algorithm design, precision navigation, decision-making under time pressure, and high-level competitive robotics.

In the RoboSports Double Tennis challenge, teams control two autonomous robots that must strategically push all balls from their side of the field to the opponent’s half within a two-minute match—requiring speed, coordination, and impeccable coding. The BatStateU champions outperformed teams from around the world, excelling in efficiency, robot intelligence, and match strategy. Their victory reflects BatStateU’s strong robotics program and the university’s commitment to strengthening STEM competencies among Filipino youth.

“This world-class triumph attests to the exceptional talent and determination of our students,” said Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, University President. “Their achievement reflects not just their individual brilliance but also BatStateU’s mission to nurture globally competitive innovators who bring honor to the nation. Through programs that sharpen engineering, computational thinking, and problem-solving skills, we continue to empower future leaders in technology and innovation.”

BatStateU The NEU also celebrated commendable performances from its other teams across multiple WRO categories, further solidifying the university’s strong presence on the global robotics stage. Team BSU-IS GMR placed 12th out of 56 teams in RoboSports – Double Tennis; Team JEEP ranked 16th out of 64 teams in the Future Engineers – Self-Driving Car category; Team SCOPE earned 16th out of 72 teams in Senior Future Innovators; Team HUREA placed 22nd out of 31 teams in Elementary Future Innovators; and Team BSU-IS ALR secured 24th out of 95 teams in Senior RoboMission—remarkable results that collectively highlight BatStateU’s deep pool of young robotics talents. These teams were guided by coaches Mr. Luis Philip M. Oropesa, Mr. Eugene E. Mendoza, and Mr. Jomari B. Montalbo, whose mentorship has been central to the university’s growing tradition of robotics excellence.

The World Robot Olympiad is one of the world’s premier robotics competitions, bringing together young innovators aged 8 to 22 from across the globe. Through challenges that emphasize creativity, engineering design, programming, and real-world problem-solving, WRO aims to foster a new generation of STEM leaders capable of addressing complex global challenges.

BatStateU The NEU remains steadfast in advancing robotics, engineering education, and technological innovation, shaping the nation’s next generation of industry leaders and strengthening the Philippines’ position in the global innovation landscape.

About Batangas State University Batangas State University (BatStateU), the Philippines’ National Engineering University under Republic Act No. 11694, is the country’s largest engineering institution and a recognized leader in engineering and technology education. It is the first and only state university in the Philippines with engineering and computing programs accredited by both the US-based Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and the Philippine Technological Council–Accreditation and Certification Board for Engineering and Technology (PTC-ACBET). Globally recognized for its innovation and sustainability initiatives, BatStateU ranks 401–600 in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, 111th in the 2025 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), and 304th in the 2024 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. The University remains committed to advancing transformative, industry-aligned education that produces globally competitive graduates and drives national development.