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Batangas State University, The National Engineering University

CALABARZON: Powering Philippine Industrial Growth through Industry-Based Learning at BatStateU LIMA Campus

CALABARZON: Powering Philippine Industrial Growth through Industry-Based Learning at BatStateU LIMA Campus November 13, 2025 Public Relations 2:46 pm As the Philippines’ premier industrial corridor, CALABARZON continues to anchor national economic growth through its vibrant network of manufacturing, technology, and production enterprises. Encompassing the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon, the region hosts the country’s highest concentration of industrial parks and technoparks, serving as home to global and local leaders in automotive, semiconductor, electronics, and food manufacturing. This industrial landscape has transformed CALABARZON into the nation’s most dynamic engine of employment and innovation. The region consistently leads the country in generating jobs across mechanical, technical, and industrial occupations—clear evidence of its economic strength and its continuing demand for a workforce equipped with advanced, industry-relevant skills. Yet, this progress also brings an urgent challenge: aligning education with the complexity of modern industry. Employers now seek graduates who are not only academically trained but operationally competent—capable of working in high-precision, technology-driven environments. To sustain CALABARZON’s growth trajectory, education must evolve from classroom-based instruction to immersive, industry-embedded learning that develops real-world competencies alongside academic excellence. This is the mission that Batangas State University, The National Engineering University (BatStateU The NEU), fulfills through its newly launched BatStateU LIMA Campus, strategically located within LIMA Estate—one of the largest and most advanced industrial estates in the Philippines. Designed as a hub for applied learning and innovation, the campus serves as BatStateU’s flagship response to the workforce development needs of CALABARZON and the nation. “The CALABARZON region represents the heart of Philippine industrialization. By embedding our university right within this dynamic ecosystem, BatStateU ensures that education and industry move forward together—mutually reinforcing each other to strengthen national competitiveness,” declared Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, University President. At BatStateU LIMA Campus, learning is powered by the University’s Industry-Based Learning (IBL) model, which integrates academic instruction with real-world experience. Under this framework, industry acts as a co-educator, directly participating in curriculum design, mentorship, and competency assessment. Through the Extended Professional Placement (EPP)—a two-semester professional immersion—students work within partner companies in CALABARZON, gaining operational experience and applying engineering knowledge to actual production, design, and innovation challenges. This immersive model ensures that BatStateU graduates are immediately workforce-ready and capable of contributing to the efficiency, innovation, and sustainability goals of their employers. By gaining hands-on experience in high-tech environments, students are empowered to participate in global advancements across robotics, artificial intelligence, and sustainable technologies. The approach also strengthens industry-academe collaboration by fostering a continuous feedback loop—where companies shape academic programs, and universities produce graduates who address evolving technological needs. Beyond degree programs, BatStateU LIMA Campus also advances lifelong learning and professional development within CALABARZON’s industrial sector. Through the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), mid-level professionals can earn formal college degrees by validating prior learning and experience, while the University’s Industry Microcredential programs allow employees to upskill or reskill in areas such as data science, cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced manufacturing. The campus itself reflects the University’s forward-looking vision. Featuring smart classrooms, advanced laboratories, and digital-ready systems for hybrid learning, the BatStateU LIMA Campus is built to support an integrated educational experience where students and professionals can study, collaborate, and innovate alongside the industries shaping CALABARZON’s economy. IN PHOTO: Aboitiz Economic Estates President and CEO Mr. Rafael Fernandez De Mesa together with BatStateU President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo and  DOST Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer, Communications, and Commercialization Dr. Napoleon K. Juanillo Jr. Officially launched on November 11, 2025, at Biz Hub, LIMA Estate in Lipa-Malvar, Batangas, the BatStateU LIMA Campus marks a significant milestone in the University’s commitment to innovation and industry collaboration. This was made possible after the Board of Aboitiz Economic Estates approved the donation of ten hectares of land within the Aboitiz LIMA Estate to Batangas State University on June 13, 2025. It was further solidified by the formal signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between BatStateU The NEU and Aboitiz Economic Estates on August 12, 2025, establishing the campus. As the region continues to lead in national output and employment, BatStateU The NEU stands at the forefront of ensuring that its human capital keeps pace with technological and industrial progress. By cultivating globally competitive, industry-embedded professionals, the University contributes not only to regional prosperity but also to the realization of a sustainable, innovation-driven Philippine economy. 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. About Aboitiz Economic Estates Aboitiz Economic Estates is Asia’s leading developer and operator of smart and sustainable industry-anchored townships, with a 2,000-hectare footprint, 250 industrial locators, and 100,000 jobs generated across Southern Luzon and Central Visayas, with ongoing strategic expansions into Central Luzon. Catering to a wide range of businesses and communities, Aboitiz Economic Estates’ portfolio includes the 1000-hectare LIMA Estate in Lipa-Malvar, Batangas; the 63-hectare Mactan Economic Zone 2 Estate in  Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu; the 540-hectare West Cebu Estate in Balamban, Cebu; and the 384-hectare TARI Estate in Tarlac City, Tarlac.  The multi-awarded Economic Estates are well-supported by a comprehensive ecosystem of infrastructure facilities and services, managed by Aboitiz businesses, including Aboitiz InfraCapital, AboitizPower, and Aboitiz Construction.

BatStateU opens 7th IRCIEST, ignites global dialogue on transformative research and innovation

BatStateU opens 7th IRCIEST, ignites global dialogue on transformative research and innovation With bold steps toward fostering research that drives global transformation, Batangas State University, The National Engineering University (BatStateU The NEU), officially opened the 7th International Research Conference on Innovations in Engineering, Science, and Technology (IRCIEST) on October 22, at BatStateU Pablo Borbon Campus, reaffirming its leadership in propelling innovation and research excellence across the country and the ASEAN region. Anchored on the theme “Engineering the Future: Transformative Research for Global Advancement,” this year’s biennial conference gathers delegates from across the Philippines and abroad, including faculty researchers, policy experts, government officials, and industry partners, to explore research breakthroughs and practical solutions toward the realization of national and global sustainable development goals. Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, President of BatStateU and NEU, opened the program by welcoming innovators, researchers, academicians, and visionaries from different regions and countries. He pointed out that the growth of IRCIEST over the past 12 years reflects both the original vision of the initiative and the evolving challenges of today’s world. “The importance of this conference goes beyond mere statistics or publications… it is about translating knowledge into real-world applications that benefit communities, industries, and nations,” he remarked in his welcome address. The opening program was further enriched by the acknowledgment of co-hosts and partner institutions, led by Conference Chair Engr. Albertson D. Amante, BatStateU Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension Services. Representing a strong international network, this year’s co-hosts include Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH) in Vietnam; Indian Maritime University (IMU) in India; University of the Built Environment in the United Kingdom; and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).  From the local research landscape, the conference is co-hosted by Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST), Caraga State University (CSU), Cavite State University (CvSU), Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), Ifugao State University (IFSU), Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU), Kalinga State University (KSU), Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU), Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Rizal Technological University (RTU), Samar State University (SSU), and University of Southern Mindanao (USM). The conference also proudly collaborates with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), which is set to showcase its landmark commercialization initiative, Inno.Venta 2025—an innovation marketplace that aims to accelerate the deployment of Filipino R&D outputs to industry and community. This initiative will take center stage in the days ahead, alongside high-impact plenaries, panel discussions, and paper presentations. A highlight of the program was the Keynote Message delivered by Dr. Muhammad Qasim Rana, Senior Lecturer at the University of the Built Environment, United Kingdom. His thought-provoking discourse on “Transformative Research in the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution” laid a critical foundation for the conference’s intellectual direction. Dr. Rana emphasized the importance of harnessing emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence, robotics, digital twins, and quantum computing—not only to drive innovation but also to ensure responsible and inclusive development. He explained that the Fourth Industrial Revolution demands a new generation of researchers with qualities such as empathetic leadership, systems thinking, cultural intelligence, and adaptive foresight to effectively navigate and shape technological change. Moreover, he also shared his perspective on the rapid pace of technological advancements: “Because each innovation accelerates the previous one, we will see which is the most efficient these days. This is meant to enhance our decision-making, speed, and sustainability, which are already in progress. The purpose of the Industrial Revolution is to transform how we design, produce, govern, and consume. It aims to bridge the gap between technology, human value systems, ethical innovation, inclusive innovation, climate change, and sustainability,” he said.  In closing, Dr. Rana left the audience with a thought-provoking challenge: “I am leaving you with these questions: Are we ready for a dynamic transformation? Are we ready for the challenges and opportunities posed by Artificial Intelligence?” As the three-day conference unfolds, participants can expect cutting-edge plenary talks, multi-track paper presentations, and thematic panel sessions on topics ranging from robotics and automation, machine learning, and green technologies, to AI, technopreneurship, agriculture, climate resilience, and university innovation ecosystems. Resource speakers will include academicians, researchers, and innovators from the Philippines, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, India, and Vietnam. Highlights in the succeeding days include the Inno.Venta Innovation Marketplace, a ceremonial exhibit launch, and immersive panel forums with leaders from the government, academia, and industry—including DOST, CHED, PEZA, IPOPHL, and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In convening thought leaders, researchers, technologists, and students under one roof, the 7th IRCIEST serves as a vital platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action, furthering BatStateU’s vision of engineering a future driven by purpose and progress. About 7th IRCIEST: The International Research Conference on Innovations in Engineering, Science, and Technology (IRCIEST) is a biennial conference spearheaded by Batangas State University, The National Engineering University since 2013. This aims to bring together researchers, academics, industry professionals, and students from the country and around the world to discuss the latest research and developments in the fields of engineering, science, and technology. The conference provides an excellent platform for participants to share their knowledge, research findings, and experiences, as well as to network with their peers. It also provides an opportunity to identify potential areas of collaboration and explore avenues for further research. About BatStateU The NEU 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. 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.  

Batangas State University’s computing programs secure highest mark of re-accreditation from global accreditor—CAC-ABET

Continuing its upward trajectory as a globally recognized institution for innovation and excellence, Batangas State University, The National Engineering University (BatStateU The NEU), proudly announces that its Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS) and Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) programs have officially received the highest mark of re-accreditation from the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Computer Science and Information Technology, and Similarly Named Computing Programs. Based in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, ABET is a premier global accreditor for college and university programs in applied and natural sciences, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. Following a rigorous evaluation conducted by experts and representatives from CAC-ABET, this milestone affirms that BatStateU’s computing programs meet the highest standards to produce graduates ready to enter critical technical fields that are leading the way in innovation and emerging technologies while upholding public welfare and safety. This ensures that BatStateU graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world. The on-site program review, which took place from November 10-12, 2024, assessed the programs’ curriculum design, faculty credentials, learning outcomes, computing facilities, stakeholder engagement, and institutional support. The assessment verified that both computing programs under the College of Informatics and Computing Sciences (CICS) of BatStateU Alangilan deliver high-impact, future-ready education that is aligned with the demands of the global IT and computer science industries. “With this CAC-ABET accreditation, we reaffirm our commitment to excellence not only in engineering but also in computing education,” said University President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo. “This global recognition certifies that our computing programs are designed and delivered to empower students for leadership, innovation, and service in the digital age,” he added. Notably, BatStateU The NEU is the first and, thus far, the only state university in the Philippines with both engineering and computing programs accredited by ABET under its Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) and CAC. The recognition of the BSCS and BSIT programs further strengthens the university’s global competitiveness and opens opportunities for its students and graduates to engage in international academic mobility, pursue higher studies abroad, and become highly sought-after professionals in local and global tech industries. Sought worldwide, ABET’s voluntary peer-review process is highly respected because it adds critical value to academic programs in the technical disciplines, where quality, precision and safety are of utmost importance. Developed by technical professionals from ABET’s member societies, ABET criteria focus on what students experience and learn. ABET accreditation reviews look at program curricula, faculty, facilities and institutional support and are conducted by teams of highly skilled professionals from industry, academia and government, with expertise in the ABET disciplines. It accredits 4,773 programs at 930 colleges and universities in 41 countries and areas as of Oct. 1, 2024. To view the CAC-ABET accredited programs of BatStateU The NEU, visit this link. 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. 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.

Industry-Based Learning at the core: New Batangas State University campus in LIMA Estate reimagines future-ready education

A new chapter in Philippine engineering education is unfolding as Batangas State University, The National Engineering University (BatStateU The NEU), partners with Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates to establish a new campus within the LIMA Estate—a purpose-built, industry-integrated learning hub located in CALABARZON’s thriving industrial corridor. The milestone was formalized on August 12 in Makati City, where BatStateU The NEU and Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). Earlier, on June 19, 2025, through Board Resolution No. 74, s. 2025, the BatStateU Board of Regents approved the establishment of the BatStateU Aboitiz LIMA Campus, formally laying the foundation for what will become a national hub for industry-based education. This partnership will give rise to a pioneering academic-industrial campus in the heart of CALABARZON’s premier economic zone, purpose-built to integrate Industry-Based Learning (IBL) at the core of BatStateU’s engineering and technology programs. It aims to bridge the country’s widening skills gap and produce future-ready graduates equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy. “This is a strategic engine for innovation in talent development,” said Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, President of BatStateU The NEU. “By situating the campus within a thriving industrial hub, we ensure that our students gain not only academic knowledge but also the practical, future-ready skills needed to lead in an increasingly dynamic industry.” Situated within the 1000-hectare LIMA Estate in Lipa and Malvar, Batangas — one of the country’s most industrialized regions—the new campus places students in direct proximity to over 185 local and global industry leaders across dynamic manufacturing, technology, and business ecosystems. Its location within major economic zones and industrial clusters allows education to align in real-time with the industries that power national growth. “It is a collaboration that delivers an impact on everyone, creating opportunities for students, driving innovation for businesses, strengthening investor confidence, and fueling regional growth,” shared Mr. Rafael Fernandez De Mesa, President and CEO of Aboitiz Land, Inc. and Head of Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates. “So together with Batangas State University, we’re not only building careers, we’re shaping a workforce that will help create a stronger and more competitive economy,” he added.  Scheduled to begin operations in AY 2026-2027, the new campus will feature state-of-the-art engineering laboratories, modern classrooms, and collaborative learning spaces, all integrated into a green and future-ready campus design. Incorporating renewable energy systems, sustainable building materials, and digital-ready infrastructure, the campus reflects BatStateU’s commitment to environmental stewardship and 21st-century education. Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates is Asia’s leading developer and operator of smart, sustainable industrial-anchored townships, with a 2,000-hectare footprint, 250 locators, and 100,000 jobs generated across Southern Luzon and Central Visayas, and expansions into Central Luzon. Its portfolio includes the 1,000-hectare LIMA Estate in Batangas, 63-hectare Mactan Economic Zone 2 Estate in Cebu, 540-hectare West Cebu Estate in Balamban, and 384-hectare TARI Estate in Tarlac. Supported by AboitizPower, Aboitiz Construction, and other Aboitiz businesses, these multi-awarded estates offer a complete ecosystem of infrastructure and services. Through this landmark partnership, the new campus within the LIMA Estate is set to redefine how the Philippines nurtures engineering and technology talent—where education is immersed in real industry settings, innovation thrives, and learning fuels national progress. 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 state university with programs in BS Chemical Engineering, BS Civil Engineering, BS Computer Engineering, BS Electrical Engineering, BS Electronics Engineering, BS Industrial Engineering, BS Mechanical Engineering, and BS Sanitary Engineering accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), https://www.abet.org under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Engineering and Philippine Technological Council’s Accreditation and Certification Board for Engineering and Technology (PTC-ACBET). Moreover, BatStateU Alangilan’s BS Computer Science Program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Computer Science and Similarly Named Computing Programs. Similarly, BatStateU Alangilan’s BS Information Technology Program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Information Technology and Similarly Named Computing Programs. 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.

BatStateUCAT 2026 Online Application opens on August 4, 2025

𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗔𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘀! Batangas State University, The National Engineering University, opens its doors to numerous opportunities as the BatStateUCAT 2026 Online Application will start on August 4, 2025 (Monday). For regular admission, including indigent, indigenous people, PWD, children of solo parents, and Iskolar ng Bayan, you may download this College Grades Form here. For Alternative Learning System (ALS) graduates, you may download this form. On the other hand, admission requirements and procedures can be accessed here. For more details and instructions, please visit BatStateU The NEU Testing and Admission FB page at https://www.facebook.com/TAOBatStateU or call (043) 980-0385 local 1148. Don’t miss your chance to join the Red Spartan community and start your journey toward success! #LeadingInnovations#TransformingLives#BuildingtheNation

BatStateU The NEU rises to 111th place in 2025 WURI Rankings, solidifying its role as a leader in innovation

Batangas State University, The National Engineering University (BatStateU The NEU), has advanced to 111th place in the 2025 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), positioning itself among the top 400 innovative universities globally. This move from 128th place last year highlights BatStateU’s ongoing commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and societal impact, further solidifying its status as a recognized global leader in higher education. Out of 1,253 universities from 87 countries that participated, BatStateU’s achievement underscores its prominence on the world stage. The WURI evaluates universities based on their practical contributions to society and industry, focusing on innovation in education, research, and community engagement. BatStateU’s rise reflects its strong emphasis on providing real-world solutions in key areas such as crisis management, environmental sustainability, and technological infrastructure. “This achievement reflects BatStateU’s dedication to innovative solutions that create meaningful impact on our society,” said Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, University President. “It affirms our commitment to developing cutting-edge programs that address both global and local challenges,” he added. In addition to its overall ranking, BatStateU The NEU excelled in three specific categories within the WURI 2025: ● Crisis Management (15th place out of 73) – BatStateU’s disaster preparedness initiatives, including the Batangas State University Command Center and community-driven programs such as the Safe Spartan App and Community-Based Monitoring and Mapping System (CBMMS), demonstrate its leadership in crisis management. ● Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)Trend (21st place out of 47) – BatStateU has led initiatives like the Batangas Actions towards Revitalization and Acceleration of Kapeng BarakO Industry(BARAKO) Project and the Understanding PhysioLogical Vulnerability of UlvA spp.(ULVA) Project that focus on sustainable practices, revitalizing localindustries, and addressing environmental vulnerabilities. ● Infrastructure/Technologies (24th place out of 100) – Projects like BIOtechnology INnovations Shaping Progress in Industry, Research, and Environment (BIO-INSPIRE), a biotechnology innovation initiative, and Beyond Paywall, which seeks to make IC design more accessible, highlight BatStateU’s leadership in technological advancements. This ranking reinforces BatStateU’s commitment to advancing innovation and sustainable development in alignment with the United Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through its focus on technology,research, and sustainability, BatStateU continues to drive meaningful change, not only in education but also in real-world applications. Batangas State University, designated as the Philippines’ Engineering University through Republic Act No. 11694, is widely recognized for its excellence in engineering education. A Level-IV state university, it has produced over 180 engineering board topnotchers, solidifying its reputation as the country’s largest engineering university. Notably, BatStateU is also a pioneer in quality assurance for engineering education. It is the first state university with programs in BS Chemical Engineering, BS Civil Engineering, BS Computer Engineering, BS Electrical Engineering, BS Electronics Engineering, BS Industrial Engineering, BS Mechanical Engineering, and BS Sanitary Engineering accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), https://www.abet.org under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Engineering and Philippine Technological Council’s Accreditation and Certification Board for Engineering and Technology (PTC-ACBET). Moreover, BatStateU Alangilan’s BS Computer Science Program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Computer Science and Similarly Named Computing Programs. Similarly, BatStateU Alangilan’s BS Information Technology Program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Information Technology and Similarly Named Computing Programs. With its recent achievement in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, where BatStateU ranked between 401-600 globally, BatStateU has also earned global recognition for its commitment to sustainability, ranking as the 304th Most Sustainable University in the 2024 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. For more information about WURI, please visit https://www.wuri.world/wuri-ranking-2025.

Filipino engineering students sweep top awards at 2025 AAPG Sustainable Development Competition in USA

Team CH4GEN1, composed of BS Chemical Engineering students from Batangas State University, The National Engineering University (BatStateU The NEU), proudly raised the Philippine flag as they bagged multiple awards at the prestigious 2025 American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Sustainable Development in Energy Competition (SDEC), held virtually in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA on June 19. This historic victory marks the Philippines’ first-ever win in the competition, a significant milestone for both BatStateU The NEU, and the country. The winning team’s innovation, the Modular & Mobile Food Waste Digester for Biomethane and Biofertilizer Generation, clinched the 1st Place Grand Prize and secured a $5,000 award. The 2025 SDEC, which launched on January 30, drew 38 proposals from across the globe, with 10 finalists selected from countries including Colombia, Mexico, Malawi, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The competition culminated in a 10-week Venture Lab program, where finalists received coaching, collaborated with industry experts, and refined their innovative ideas. The journey led to the final pitch presentations held on June 19, 2025, where Team CH4GEN1 dominated, sweeping the awards with the Top Place Proposal Award, Precision Partner Award, and Voice of the Lab Award. Team CH4GEN1 triumphed in the competition, surpassing other exceptional teams, including Juan David Palma Montealegre from Colombia, who secured 2nd place with his project on ‘Eggshells for Sustainable Mining,’ and Team Energon from India, which claimed 3rd place for their work on ‘Biomass Valorization.’ Team CH4GEN1 led by MJ Rivera, Joshua Angue, Kayla De Torres, and Nessa Lane Latonio, alongside their mentor Assoc. Prof. Rhonalyn V. Maulion delivered a groundbreaking project: the mobile and modular food waste digester. This innovative system converts household and community food scraps into clean biomethane for energy and biofertilizer for agriculture, delivering environmental benefits, economic savings, and a vision for a circular future. “This victory showcases the ingenuity and determination of our students at BatStateU and underscores the Philippines’ rising prominence in global innovation,” shared University President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo. “With achievements like the CH4GEN1 project, we are empowering the next generation of innovators to develop real-world solutions that drive sustainable development and make a global impact,” he added. The AAPG SDEC attracts global talent, with proposals spanning critical energy sectors such as oil and gas, as well as renewable energy solutions like solar, wind, and biomass. Finalists’ projects this year were rigorously evaluated based on originality, sustainability, applicability, and their social and environmental impact. Hosted by the AAPG Headquarters in Oklahoma, USA, and sponsored by the AAPG Foundation and Chevron, the competition provides students and young professionals with a platform to develop ethical, innovative, and sustainable solutions for energy challenges. Team CH4GEN1’s success will continue to inspire future innovators, as their pioneering work on the food waste digester aims to make a tangible impact on communities worldwide, offering a sustainable and efficient method for waste-to-energy conversion. Batangas State University, designated as the Philippines’ National Engineering University through Republic Act No. 11694, is widely recognized for its excellence in engineering education. A Level-IV state university, it has produced over 180 engineering board topnotchers, solidifying its reputation as the country’s largest engineering university. Notably, BatStateU is also a pioneer in quality assurance for engineering education. It is the first state university in the Philippines to have engineering programs accredited by the Philippine Technological Council through its Accreditation and Certification Board for Engineering and Technology (PTC-ACBET). Moreover, it remains the first—and to date, the only—state university in the country with engineering and computing programs accredited by the US-based Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) through both its Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) and Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC). BatStateU has earned global recognition for its commitment to sustainability. In the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, the University ranked between 401-600 globally, reinforcing its leadership in addressing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Additionally, BatStateU was ranked as the 304th Most Sustainable University in the 2024 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings and recognized as the 128th Most Innovative University in the 2024 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI). For more information about the competition, you can visit this link.

BatStateU KIST Park unveils Ventures Hub to shape the next innovation economy

Batangas State University (BatStateU), the Philippines’ National Engineering University, is taking bold strides toward the future of innovation, research, and industry-academe collaboration with the inauguration of the highly anticipated Knowledge, Innovation and Science Technology (KIST) Park’s Ventures Hub. Launched on June 19, 2025, this innovation space, located within BatStateU’s pioneering KIST Park, is set to transform the local startup ecosystem by turning visionary ideas into thriving ventures. The Ventures Hub offers modular locator spaces tailored to help startups grow and scale up. It empowers industry locators to collaborate, explore ideas, and seize opportunities in partnership with BatStateU. At the Ventures Hub, BatStateU’s commitment to innovation becomes action—delivering on the commitment of From Vision to Ventures. Its focus spans high-impact sectors such as semiconductors, electronics, artificial intelligence, agritech,healthtech, and more—reflecting the university’s commitment to advancing technologies that solve real-world problems. “Through initiatives like the Ventures Hub, we are ensuring that our students, researchers, and entrepreneurs have the tools, resources, and expertise to bring their ideas to life—creating solutions that resonate on a global scale. The Ventures Hub will empower the next generation of tech entrepreneurs and fuel economic growth by turning their visions into thriving businesses that will drive the Philippine economy forward,” shared Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, University President and Chief Operating Officer of BatStateU KIST Park, reflecting on KIST Park’s journey from its inception as a vision approved by the Board of Regents in 2016, to its declaration as a PEZA-registered Special Economic Zone in 2020, and now to its current status as it evolves into a reality. Central to the unique value proposition of BatStateU KIST Park is its access to BatStateU’s rich pool of talent, providing startups with world-class expertise, transformative research programs, and a dynamic ecosystem designed to foster innovation. This strategic partnership ensures that ventures can seamlessly transition from research and development to market-ready solutions, enhancing their global competitiveness. The inauguration ceremony kicked off with a ribbon-cutting event, followed by speeches from key stakeholders in the education and tech sectors, including Dr. Marita R. Canapi, Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED); Dr. Napoleon K. Juanillo Jr., Assistant Secretary for Technology Transfer, Communications, and Commercialization (TTCC) of DOST; and Dir. Carmela P. Matabang, Regional Director of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev), Region IV-A. They all emphasized the importance of collaboration between industry and academe in advancing the country’s technology and innovation landscape. Startups and industry locators at Ventures Hub recognize the value of being part of an ecosystem where they are not building in isolation, but co-creating alongside researchers, students, and fellow innovators. The Ventures Hub provides the structure and support they need to move quickly, test ideas, and focus on building what truly matters. During the inauguration, existing industry locators, such as Plant Science Philippines Corporation, ParallaxED, TRIOE, Lycan Motorcycles, among others, participated in a unit exhibition showcasing their innovations, capabilities, and active role in shaping the vibrant, collaborative ecosystem within KIST Park. BatStateU KIST Park offers substantial government-backed incentives, including income tax holidays, VAT zero-rating, and streamlined business registration processes. These advantages reduce barriers to innovation, creating an ideal environment for startups to scale and succeed. BatStateU KIST Park, the first PEZA-registered Knowledge, Innovation, Science, and Technology (KIST) Park in the Philippines, is located in Alangilan, Batangas City. It serves as a hub for innovation, research, and industry-academe collaboration, designed to support tech-based startups and innovation-driven industry locators. The park provides purpose-built infrastructure and dynamic spaces like the Ventures Hub to help “Transform Knowledge into Technology.” For additional information about the Philippine’s First KIST visit: https://firstkistpark.com/

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