BatStateU alumnus leads innovation in space engineering
“Mahirap lang kami eh.” Engr. Mark Angelo Purio shared during the Batangas State University Alumni In Focus virtual interview as he looked back on his roots and humble beginnings from being a simple ‘probinsyano’ to becoming one of the lead innovators in the field of space science today. Purio is one of the brains behind the Philippines’ second cube satellite (CubeSat) Maya-2 that was successfully launched to the International Space Station (ISS) this February 21. He was responsible for the Camera Mission (CAM) of the BIRDS-4 Satellite Project which captures images and serves as the eye of the satellite from space. He also assisted in the design and development of a standardized backplane board (BPB) which holds the boards together and serves as a bus for inter-board connections and power supply. The developers of Maya-2, including Purio, are Department of Science and Technology (DOST) scholars pursuing doctoral degree programs in Space Engineering in Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech) in Japan. That’s why he proudly calls himself a living embodiment of being an “Iskolar Para sa Bayan”; Purio is a consistent DOST scholar from college through his current doctoral degree. He is a Batangas State University alumnus who graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering and continued to gain his masteral studies in Electronics Engineering at De La Salle University, and currently a Ph.D. candidate at Kyutech. He revealed that his interest in space engineering only came in later, and it was his interest in math, science and technology that led him to studying Electronics and Communications Engineering in BatStateU. But he admits it wasn’t always an easy feat in financial terms. “When I was in high school, hindi ako sure if I will be able to…kung makakaya pa na makapag-college ako,” he said. (When I was in high school, I was not sure if I will be able to…if it’s within our means for me to enter college.) But given what he has accomplished now, Purio hopes to inspire people, especially the students, to dream big and aspire high. “Regardless of what situation you are in right now, if you have a dream that you want to pursue, don’t be afraid to take risks. If you don’t have the resources right now, just pray to God and He will give you the resources to push through.” he said. The University President Dr. Tirso Ronquillo personally congratulated Engr. Purio in a separate virtual ‘kumustahan’ meeting together with Engr. Albertson Amante, Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension Services and Engr. Ralph Sangalang, all of whom are Purio’s former professors during his undergraduate years at BatStateU in the Electronics Engineering Department. Purio described President Ronquillo as a “compassionate” and “considerate” professor. And just like from when in college upto now, Pres. Ronquillo still has a posed challenge for Purio as BatStateU alumnus. “Beyond all the accolades, beyond all the recognitions, there has to be translation. We are always recognized for one doing this and that or one excelling here and there, but it has to be translated. That is my challenge.” With that, Purio expressed his gratitude to the university for the foundation and skill set in engineering that BatStateU had instilled in him to prepare his launch to the career path he has chosen. “Malaking part ‘yung Batangas State University for me kasi doon na-steer ‘yung curiosity ko. Do’n din na-hone ‘yung skills ko.” (The years I have spent with Batangas State University is a huge part of my success because it is through the university that I was able to steer my curiosity and hone my skills.) Moreover, Pres. Ronquillo asked for Engr. Purio’s support to the university’s vision in positioning itself to become a premier national university, especially now that the BatStateU is nearing their launch of new engineering programs, one of which is Aerospace Engineering. Purio is also hopeful for future plans and partnerships with the university. He ultimately plans to give back to his roots and serve the country through continuous participation in various efforts and collaboration in the field of space science.
BatStateU KIST Park welcomes Pythos’ cutting edge technologies to curb COVID-19 spread
BATANGAS CITY. The Batangas State University Knowledge, Innovation and Science Technology (KIST) Park welcomes Pythos Technology Philippines, Inc. (Pythos) as its first enterprise locator, February 15. The Ambassador of India to the Philippines, His Excellency Shambhu S. Kumaran, witnessed the ribbon cutting ceremonies, together with Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Charito B. Plaza and BatStateU President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo. Potential locators from India and the Philippines also graced the occasion. Pythos is a pioneer in electronics hardware design, software design and development, and applications firmware development in the country. The company brings in their wide experience in research, design and development to the KIST Park. Prior to the move in, Pythos has already been working with BatStateU for a simulation project that could curb the spread of COVID-19. In the event, the Pythos development team presented two of their cutting edge technologies, Airlock 389 and PyTrace. Airlock 389 is a patented graphene-based technology for air purification integrated in the AV 100 anti-viral face shields. It offers the high-level protection against airborne pathogens, while providing comfort, visibility, and breathability even with prolonged use. On the other hand, PyTrace is a whole ecosystem of detection, mitigation, and contact tracing. It is anchored on the idea that in order to curtail the spread of the contagion, there is a need to prevent the importation of the infection into bubbles, i.e., clusters of people who are infection-free. If that escaped the surveillance, there is a need to detect the infection early and implement rigorous countermeasures to mitigate and halt its spread within an organization. Both technologies have been developed in collaboration with engineers and researchers of Batangas State University. Airlock 389 and PyTrace are two cutting edge technologies developed by Pythos in collaboration with BatStateU engineers to curb the spread of COVID-19. In an interview, Pythos Chairman/CEO Engr. Ernest “Ernie” Nierras said that it was important for them to commit as the BatStateU KIST Park’s first locator. “We want Pythos to set an example for all semi-conductor companies, even start-ups, in the Philippines. Right now, it [KIST] is structured in such a way that it encourages companies to come in, innovate, create technology, and share technology,” Engr. Nierras said. The university’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Environment Research (STEER) Hub serves as the BatStateU KIST Park’s space for Pythos and other enterprises. It is a support facility for locators, as it hosts research and development centers. These include the Manufacturing Research Center: LIKHA FabLab, Center for Technopreneurship and Innovation (CTI), Electronics Systems Research Center, GIS Applications Development Center, Digital Transformation Center, Innovation and Technology Support Office, and Material Testing and Calibration Center. BatStateU President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, PEZA Director General Charito B. Plaza, and HE Shambhu S. Kumaran of the Embassy of India to the Philippines lead the ribbon cutting ceremonies for the PEZA-BatStateU Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Institute. In the same event, the PEZA-BatStateU Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Institute was launched. As a SEZ Institute, the university serves as a program-delivering partner of PEZA in producing multi-skilled and world class human capital. It functions as a training hub that institutionalizes collaboration among the academe, industry, and government agencies in establishing locally-positioned investment promotion strategies for Batangas and the CALABARZON region. This newest SEZ Institute is also located at the BatStateU STEER Hub. Aumra Group International CEO Mr. Arvind Kumar TJ, Farmers Bazaar Fintech Philippines Chairman Mr. Crisanto “Billy” Gualberto, BatStateU VP for Research, Development and Extension Engr. Albertson Amante, HE Shambhu S. Kumaran of the Embassy of India to the Philippines, and PCCI-Batangas Chair Mr. Faustino Caedo (L-R) discuss the details of the partnership with BatStateU KIST Park and the Embassy of India. It can be remembered that President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation No. 947 on May 22, 2020, making the BatStateU KIST Park the first university-based Special Economic Zone (IT Park) in the country. Now open for business, the BatStateU KIST Park spearheads a long-term vision for state universities and colleges in the Philippines to expand their programs for industry, academe, market synergy, technopreneurship, innovation-based business incubation & acceleration, and knowledge co-creation in science and technology. Batangas State University is a Level IV state university in the CALABARZON region, and the only SUC in the country accredited by the US Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) for its Engineering and Information Technology programs. It is rated 3 stars in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) list of top universities.
New student services building breaks ground in BatStateU ARASOF-Nasugbu
BATANGAS, Feb. 18 – Batangas State University officially broke ground today on its new Student Services Center (SSC) building at the BatStateU ARASOF-Nasugbu in Brgy. Bucana, Nasugbu, Batangas. University President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo led the groundbreaking ceremony to mark the construction of the new-age building that will soon rise in the constituent campus. In his opening remarks, President Ronquillo asserted the university’s vision to be a premier national university and motivated all its constituents to take part in achieving this goal. “We should be nationally relevant. We should be doing things which will have impact. We should have our contribution in building communities, in building industries,” he said. The president took pride in the continuous infrastructure development projects in BatStateU and all of its constituent campuses whose ultimate aim is to provide quality service for the students. He further expressed his appreciation to the stewards of the campus — the officials, faculty, staff and students, for their unwavering commitment and dedicated service that greatly contributes to the growth and progress of ARASOF-Nasugbu. BatStateU ARASOF-Nasugbu Chancellor, Dr. Enrico M. Dalangin expressed his warmest gratitude and appreciation to the support of the university for this undertaking, as well as to the initiatives of the Project Management Offices of ARASOF-Nasugbu and BatStateU Central Administration. Dr. Lorissa Joana E. Buenas, ARASOF-Nasugbu Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, recognized and applauded all efforts “for building pillars for a better future of our dear university, providing better services for our stakeholders and students, as we lead for greater innovations and in transforming the lives of our students.” The four-storey SSC building will house the offices and other student-friendly spaces which will provide quality student services in support to academic instruction, and facilitate holistic and well-rounded student development. Also present during the ceremony were the members of the President’s Advisory Council (PAC), BatStateU Faculty Regent Dr. Jesse Nelson P. Llana, Municipal Councilor Mildred Sanchez Belo, Brgy. Bucana Chief Leon Esguerra along with other local officials, ARASOF-Nasugbu officials, retirees, student leaders, faculty, and staff. Proper social distancing and standard health protocols were observed throughout the conduct of the program.
BatStateU KIST Park – Embassy of India cooperation formalized; five agreements inked
BATANGAS CITY. The Batangas State University Knowledge, Innovation and Science Technology (KIST) Park formalized its cooperation agreement with the Embassy of India in ceremonies held at the university’s convention hall, February 15. His Excellency Shambhu S. Kumaran, Ambassador of India to the Philippines, delivered the keynote message. He acknowledged the vision and spirit of partnership initiated by BatStateU, and stated that the Embassy of India in the country is strongly committed to drive the partnership forward. “Our forebears have already formed the bridge, and through this partnership, we are building momentum to strengthen that bridge as we share the same drivers of growth: demography, democracy, demand, and diaspora,” Ambassador Kumaran said. He also offered the BatStateU faculty with fully funded doctorate scholarships in the QS-ranked Indian Institute of Technology, as well as specialized training courses in engineering and technology through the India-ASEAN framework. “I believe that India and the Philippines are in the position to take the partnership to a new level, and today we make a small but very significant beginning,” Ambassador Kumaran said as he ended his speech. His Excellency Shambhu S. Kumaran delivers the keynote message during the BatStateU KIST Park-Embassy of India Cooperation, Feb. 15. In his message, BatStateU President Dr. Tirso Ronquillo expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Kumaran and to the partner industries from India and the Philippines who forged partnerships with the BatStateU KIST Park. “As we bring the university closer to the industry, we should also bring the industry closer to the university,” said Dr. Ronquillo as he underscored the significance of bringing the industries to the academe for a more progressive knowledge co-creation between faculty, students, and industry professionals. With the theme, “Jumpstarting the Knowledge Economy and Investments in the New Normal,” the event was graced virtually by top Philippine officials. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III shared that he is impressed with BatStateU’s visionary leadership for venturing to establish the KIST Park. “We need more forward-looking innovative projects such as the KIST Park. The next generation must be trained in cutting-edge science and technology to support our aspirations for a truly inclusive and competitive economy,” Sec. Dominguez said in his video message. Agriculture Secretary William Dar also imparted his gratitude and appreciation to the technological initiatives of BatStateU and the boost provided by the Embassy of India for this venture. In his video message, Sec. Dar said that “this new partnership between Batangas State University and the Embassy of India would be beneficial to many as it will open new opportunities for the inclusive growth in the country.” Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director General BGen. Charito Plaza lauded the establishment of the BatStateU KIST Park, as it “demonstrates a testament for the university to lead the community of state universities and colleges and private higher education institutions as a paragon for their collective transformation from a traditional campus of instruction into becoming a premier research university.” “The KIST Park development shall be the ultimate option to harmoniously attain innovation in the production and distribution of goods and services,” added BGen. Plaza. Batangas 5 th District Representative Marvey Mariño was also present during the event and expressed his full support to this undertaking by the university. He assured the companies from India increased efficiency in performing business operations in the city. “I am amazed at how sincere the good Ambassador is in his efforts to work not only with the Filipino people, but also with the Batangueños. The future is about innovation, and I am glad that the BatStateU KIST Park is helping the city and the country [in this aspect]. Batangas State University is one of the best schools not only in Batangas but perhaps, in the whole Philippines. You picked the right school, and you picked the right city,” Rep. Mariño stated. Tokens of gratitude were given to the BatStateU KIST Park partners (L-R): Mr. Arvind Kumar of Aumra Group International, Capt. Manny Barradas of Farmers Bazaar Fintech Phiilppines (FBFP), Dr. Tirso Ronquillo, Ambassador Shambhu Kumaran, Director General Charito Plaza of PEZA, Mr. Crisanto Gualberto of FBFP, Mr. Faustino Caedo of PCCI Batangas, and Mr. Bhalraj Bhattee of FBFP. The cooperation agreement was materialized through the support of Mr. Nishi Kant Singh, First Secretary for Economics and Commerce of the Embassy of India, Mr. Arvind Kumar, CEO of Aumra Group International, and Mr. Crisanto Gualberto, Chairman of the Farmers Bazaar Fintech Philippines Inc. Filipino and Indian CEOs, managers, and country heads from the electronics, IT-BPO, Agri-tech, Space-tech industries presented their products and services: Pythos Technology Philippines Inc., Farmers Bazaar Fintech Philippines Inc., Hinduja Global Solutions- Philippines, HCL Infrastructure Services- Philippines, Planers Products, Inc., Bharat Innovation Fund- India, Satsure Analytics India Pvt. Ltd., and Orbital Exploration Technologies, Inc. Philippines. Five cooperation agreements were signed between BatStateU KIST Park and partner industries from India and the Philippines. These include a collaborative project on Blockchain and Crypto-enabled Edutech cooperation, which is focused on transitioning and upskilling students and professionals for the ‘new normal’ knowledge economy and global careers. Another agreement on the digitalization of aquaculture supply chain with Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things and block chain technologies was signed on February 14 in Talisay, Batangas also with the presence of Ambassador Kumaran. BatStateU President Dr. Tirso Ronquillo, Farmers Bazaar Fintech Philippines (FBFP) Chairman Mr. Crisanto Gualberto, and FBFP Director Mr. Bhlalraj Bhattee (L-R, seated) show one of the cooperation agreements signed during the BatStateU KIST Park – Embassy of India Cooperation. Witnessing the signing ceremonies are Ambassador of India to the Philippines HE Shambhu Kumaran and PEZA Director General BGen. Charito Plaza. The signing ceremonies were witnessed by 80 onsite attendees, mostly university officials and industry partners from the Philippines and India, following IATF guidelines on physical distancing. At least 54 industry CEOs and managers currently in India and in other parts of the Philippines attended via Zoom, with almost 27,000 people reached via streaming on Facebook live. Now open for business, the BatStateU KIST Park spearheads a long-term vision for state universities
BatStateU KIST Park to forge partnership with Embassy of India
BATANGAS CITY. The Batangas State University Knowledge, Innovation and Science Technology (KIST) Park boosts its entrepreneurial activities as it sets to ink a cooperation agreement with the Embassy of India. The Ambassador of India to the Philippines, His Excellency Shambhu S. Kumaran, will visit the university for the cooperation agreement on February 15, 2021 in ceremonies to be held at the Convention Hall, SSC Building, BatStateU Pablo Borbon, Batangas City. BGen. Charito B. Plaza, Director General of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, and Hon. Marvey Mariño, Representative of the 5 th District of Batangas, will also take part in the event. Expected to grace the occasion, albeit virtually, are Sec. Carlos Dominguez III of the Department of Finance and Sec. William Dar of the Department of Agriculture. Arranged by Mr. Nishi Kant Singh, First Secretary (Economic and Commerce) of the Embassy of India, and BatStateU President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, this partnership between BatStateU KIST Park and Embassy of India broadly envisions to take the Philippines-India cooperation to the next level by creating an ecosystem for the leading Indian startups to establish their presence and investments in the KIST Park, which could also serve as their ASEAN regional base. Chief Executive Officers, Presidents, Country Leaders, and Managing Directors of companies from the Philippines and India will sign several cooperation agreements with Batangas State University during the event. They are actual and potential locators of the KIST Park, representing the electronics, IT-BPO, agri-tech, and space-tech industries. It can be remembered that President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation No. 947 on May 22, 2020, designating the BatStateU KIST Park as a Special Economic Zone . Already open for locator companies and start-ups, the KIST Park offers income tax holidays and other fiscal incentives. Business locators will also benefit from the knowledge generation and commercialization initiatives of the university. The event, dubbed as BatStateU KIST Park – Embassy of India Cooperation: Jumpstarting Knowledge Economy and Investments in the New Normal, will be streamed live via the university’s official social media page on February 15, 2021. Batangas State University is a Level IV state university in the CALABARZON region, and the only SUC in the country accredited by the US Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) for its Engineering, Information Technology, and Computer Science programs. It is rated 3 stars in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) list of top universities.
The BatStateU College Admission Test for AY 2021-2022 is Waived
Online application for College Admission for AY 2021-2022 starts on January 12, 2021. In response to the current restrictions caused by the COVID-19 health crisis, The Batangas State University waives the College Admission Test for Academic Year 2021-2022! The university offers over 100 academic programs, which you can see here. Interested applicants must download the College Admission Grades Form here. For graduates of Alternative Learning System (ALS), download this form. Admission requirements and procedure can be seen here. For the College of Medicine, click here for the application form. For the admission policies, click here. IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER: January 12, 2021 – Start of Online Application and Submission of Documents February 28, 2021 – Deadline of Filing and Submission of Documents March 15, 2021 – Release of Admission Results May 10, 2021 to August 9, 2021 – Schedule of Enrollment Once applicants have completely filled out the College Admission Grades Form, they may access the application for admission portal at https://dione.batstate-u.edu.ph/tao/#/application For more details, visit the Testing and Admissions page at https://batstate-u.edu.ph/admissions/. Be a Red Spartan! Apply now!
Alumni in Focus: ENGINEERING ALUMNI RECEIVE INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
Engr. Felix Veroya and Engr. Jessica de Torres, both alumni of Batangas State University, received awards from international award-giving bodies this year. Engr. Veroya was awarded Young Leader of the Year (Ernst and Young Global Delivery Services Leader of the Year) at the 2020 Asia CEO Awards. He was also part of the Circle of Excellence finalists under the Entrepreneur of the Year category. The Asia CEO Awards is the largest business awards event in the Asia-Pacific region, honoring individuals and organizations in various business, innovation, leadership and development categories. A member of the university’s Industrial Engineering Class of 2011, Engr. Veroya graduated Cum Laude and was one of the recipients of the Ten Outstanding Students Award. He is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ask Lex PH Academy, which provides professional training and consulting to individuals and organizations in the fields of Industrial Engineering, Innovation, Lean Six Sigma, Project Management and other similar domains. On the other hand, Engr. Jessica de Torres was awarded as Highly Commended Plumbing Engineer of the Year during the 2020 Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Middle East Awards. The MEP Middle East Awards is one of the most prestigious awards in the region that recognizes individuals and companies who have made distinct contributions to the sustainable development of the construction landscape in the Middle East. Engr. de Torres graduated with an Environment and Sanitary Engineering degree at Batangas State University in 2009. Based in the United Arab Emirates, she is currently a Senior Public Health Engineer of Ramboll, a leading engineering, architecture and consultancy company. She has expertise on sanitary design, water demand analysis, pump calculation, pipe sizing, and other relevant hydraulic calculation. The entire Batangas State University community congratulates its two alumni who have made a distinct mark in the global workplace. The Alumni-in-Focus project aims to highlight the university’s alumni and their achievements, which can serve as an inspiration to the young Red Spartans to realize their full potential. Do you know a BatStateU (formerly PBMIT) alumnus/ alumna whose achievements, accomplishments, philanthropy, or significant contributions can inspire students? Or do you know a BatStateU graduate who has a success story worth sharing to the community? Send us details via alumniaffairs@g.batstate-u.edu.ph or publicrelations@g.batstate-u.edu.ph. You may also message us in our official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/batstateupr
Schedule of Enrolment for Second Semester AY 2020-2021
Download [pdf-embedder url=”https://batstate-u.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/SCHEDULE_OF_ENROLLMENT.pdf” title=”SCHEDULE OF ENROLMENT SECOND SEMESTER AY 2020-2021″]
BatStateU inaugurates STEER Hub, unveils first KIST Park in the country
BATANGAS CITY. Batangas State University continues to trail blaze a new era of university-based innovation as it inaugurates the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Environment Research Hub (STEER Hub) on December 12, 2020. The STEER Hub complements the university’s Knowledge, Innovation, and Science Technology (KIST) Park, the pioneer, university-based Information Technology Park in the country, and the first KIST Park registered by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority. The Chair and members of the BatStateU Governing Board during the STEER Hub inauguration and unveiling of the KIST Park. Dr. Lilian A. De Las Llagas, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education and Chair of the BatStateU Governing Board, led the ribbon-cutting ceremonies, together with BatStateU President and KIST Park Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo. Members of the university’s Board of Regents and Executive Committee witnessed the event, following strict health and safety protocols. A highlight of the event was the unveiling of the 3D model of the BatStateU KIST Park that showcases Technology Hub, Design Innovation Building, Technology Centrum, Data Center, Convention Center, and KIST Hotel. Dr. De Las Llagas and Dr. Ronquillo discuss the details of the KIST Park 3D model with University and Board Secretary (center) Prof. Enrico M. Dalangin. The attendees toured the STEER Hub facilities after the unveiling ceremonies. They visited the research and development facilities, including the Manufacturing Research Center: LIKHA FabLab, Center for Technopreneurship and Innovation (CTI), Electronics Systems Research Center, GIS Applications Development Center, Digital Transformation Center, Innovation and Technology Support Office, and Material Testing and Calibration Center. LIKHA FabLab Center Manager, Engr. Louie Villaverde (left), show Dr. De Las Llagas and Dr. Ronquillo some of the products of the STEER Hub’s Manufacturing Research Center. A launching program was held at the Audio-Visual Room of the STEER Hub. Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez sent his video message, congratulating the university for the pioneering endeavor. “Ang KIST Park ay paniguradong makakatulong sa pagbunsod ng kapasidad at kakayahan ng BatStateU na magsagawa ng mga pananaliksik para matugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng industriya,” Sec. Lopez added. In his message on steering innovation and knowledge creation in science and technology, Dr. Tirso Ronquillo underscored the university’s efforts to serve as the anchor of CALABARZON Regional Inclusive Innovation Center, as it maps the key innovation actors and initiatives in the region and facilitates the engagement of innovation players in government, academe, and industry. He also thanked the Board of Regents and Executive Committee for the commitment to advancing the innovation initiatives of the university. The Chairman and CEO of Pythos Technology Philippines, Inc., Engr. Ernest Thomas Nierras, said in his presentation that it was important for them to commit as the BatStateU KIST Park’s first locator. “We want Pythos to set an example for all semi-conductor companies and start-ups in the Philippines. Right now, KIST is structured in such a way that it encourages companies to come in, create technology, and share technology,” Engr. Nierras stated. He also presented one of the company’s latest product innovations. It is a special type of facemask with advanced filter and virus deactivation technology that is simulated by the engineer researchers of Batangas State University. Engr. Ernest Thomas Nierras, Chairman and CEO of Pythos Technology Philippines, wears his company’s latest product, a facemask with advanced filter and virus deactivation technology, during his presentation at the launching program. CHED Commissioner Dr. Lilian De Las Llagas said, in her closing message, that the university is “trailblazing the landscape” and its initiatives serve as “a blueprint for other SUCs” in expanding their technopreneurship and inclusive incubation programs. She ended by saying that, “As BatStateU continues to build on intellectual capital in the new normal, it is imperative that the university continues to help build a better normal for the community and the greater society, and should be a driving force in the production of innovative solutions to real world problems.” It can be remembered that President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation No. 947 on May 22, 2020, designating the BatStateU KIST Park as a Special Economic Zone . Already open for locator companies and start-ups, the KIST Park offers income tax holidays and other fiscal incentives. Business locators will also benefit from the knowledge generation, technology transfer, and commercialization initiatives of the university. Batangas State University is a Level IV state university in the CALABARZON region, and the only SUC in the country accredited by the US Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) for its Engineering, Information Technology, and Computer Science programs. It is rated 3 stars in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) list of top universities.
BatStateU honors Red Spartan graduates in its first virtual commencement exercises
The Batangas State University class of 2020 finally celebrated their academic success, as the university held its 52nd commencement exercises virtually, streamed live via the official BatStateU Youtube channel, December 3-5, 2020. More than 5,000 students were declared graduates during the university’s first virtual graduation, consisting of eight virtual ceremonies, bannering the theme, “Gearing up Batangas State University for the Global Knowledge Economy.” President Pro-Tempore of the Senate of the Philippines, Senator Ralph Recto, served as the commencement speaker for the first and third days, while the Chair of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education, Senator Joel Villanueva, was the speaker on the second day. They imparted how the graduates should use their education to serve the people and the community, and share the fruits of their hard work to the people around them, most especially those who are in need. On the other hand, Atty. Lester Añonuevo and Dr. Jonathan Lou Esguerra, alumni of the Integrated School and ARASOF-Nasugbu Laboratory School, respectively, delivered their message to the basic education graduates. They stressed that the graduates should anchor their ideals to the core values of the university, and realize the importance of adapting to changing environment, and sustaining greatness amidst these changes. In his message, University President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo told the graduates that this new chapter in their lives opens wonderful opportunities to build new dreams for themselves and their family. “May the education provided by Batangas State University fuel your personal and professional career as you make your own distinct mark in the world. You are always welcome to go back to the university, your second home,” Dr. Ronquillo shared. The Pledge of Loyalty and Message of Gratitude were delivered by select students from the colleges and campuses of the university. These include honor graduates, student journalists, student leaders, student athletes, foreign students, and members of the LGBTQIA community. The ceremonies were hosted by Mr. Michael Lagaya, a faculty member of the university. Dr. Kristoffer Conrad Tejada, VP for External Affairs and ICT, took charge in the preparation, implementation, and monitoring of the virtual ceremonies to ensure harmony of tradition and innovation. The videos were edited by the BatStateU FOCUS Camera Club. All videos of the virtual graduation can still be viewed at the university’s official Youtube channel.
