The University of Batangas (UB) College of Education (CEDU) brought home international recognition as Ms. Krizia Mae B. Ramos, a fourth-year Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) – Major in Science student, earned the Best Paper – Gold Award at the 11th International Conference on Science and Mathematics Education (CoSMEd XI 2025) in Penang, Malaysia, held from September 8 to 10, 2025.
Her gold award-winning paper, Cardbond: Design and Development of a Card Game for Teaching Chemical Bonding, explored how game-based learning can improve student engagement and understanding of Chemistry. Ms. Ramos explained, “The main focus was to explore how Cardbond can improve student engagement and understanding of chemical bonding concepts.”
The study revealed that students became more motivated and achieved better comprehension compared to traditional teaching methods. The results demonstrated that even intimidating subjects such as Chemistry can be transformed into enjoyable and meaningful learning experiences when innovative teaching strategies align with students’ interests.
Ms. Ramos encouraged fellow young researchers to pursue international opportunities: “Believe in yourself, take that step, and you’ll realize how much potential you truly have.”
Her co-authors include Ms. Gwynette Kei Hernandez, Research and Publications Office (RPO) Director Dr. Romell A. Ramos, and Dr. Edward E. Babasa, Dean of CEDU.
In addition to Ms. Ramos’ achievement, UB researchers also presented other notable studies.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ramos, the Director of RPO, presented the study entitled Development and Evaluation of Interactive Inorganic Chemistry Modules with Virtual Laboratory Integration, which addresses the limited capabilities of schools to provide laboratory equipment or resources by providing a realistic virtual alternative through integration of virtual laboratories in teaching selected topics in the Inorganic Chemistry course.
BSED (Major in Science) students Ms. Carmela Lacuata and Ms. Danica Miranda and Program Head Dr. Angela C. Napa, BEED, BCED, BSNED, CTP co-authored the insightful study.
Another creative research titled Road to Fortune: Design and Development of a Board Game for Teaching Financial Literacy of Ms. Rona Elizabeth Bade, a BSED – Major in Mathematics student, highlighted the importance of financial literacy through an enjoyable approach–board game, addressing the gap in Batangueño students who lacked financial concepts such as investment and interest payments.
Along with Ms. Bade who co-authored the paper were Ms. Fatima Cruzata, a BSED student, Dr. Miraflor C. Gutierrez, a faculty member from the CEDU, and Dr. Ramos.
Dr. Ramos emphasized that this milestone will have a ripple effect on UB’s research culture. “It’s a tangible example of success that can motivate and inspire them to get involved in their own projects,” he added, hoping for more undergraduate research, faculty mentorship, and a stronger overall research ecosystem where curiosity and the constant drive to innovate are actively celebrated.
“The achievement at CoSMEd XI is incredibly significant for the UB. It’s more than just an award; it’s a powerful statement. It shows that our students and faculty can compete and excel on a global stage,” reaffirmed Dr. Ramos.
They were joined by CEDU faculty members Mr. Raven Mendoza and Ms. Trisha Magno, who is also part of the RPO.