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.
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
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.
18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW)
BatStateU eases academic requirements for students, extends deadlines for faculty
In an act of compassion and solidarity with the academic community, the Batangas State University eased the academic requirements of students and extended all deadlines for the submission of grades and other requirements of faculty members. Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, BatStateU President, released Memorandum Order No. 416, s. 2020, reiterating the relaxation of academic rules and advising faculty members to limit the requirement to a maximum of one per week for each subject. The memo also emphasizes flexibility in setting deadlines for submission of requirements, in consideration of the individual students’ contexts. The teachers are advised to observe forbearance and focus on “compassionate flexibility first as they endeavor for academic quality.” On the other hand, all the deadlines set for the submission of grades and other requirements have also been extended for faculty in order to give them ample time to compute student grades and comply with other end-of-term requirements. The College Deans were advised to coordinate with other offices in the exercise of discretion as regards compliances of faculty. This was after a meeting held by the university’s Executive Committee, in which Vice Presidents and Executive Directors are members, for the purpose of concretizing ways to further extend support to its faculty members and students. This is in recognition of the difficulty and uncertainty brought about by the pandemic and in the aftermath of the spate of typhoons that recently hit the province. The memorandum states that the university responds with “compassion, flexibility, and considerable relaxation of rules to help the academic community cope with the situation.” The College Deans, faculty members, and student leaders were also consulted on the areas where faculty can provide further flexibility to students, and where the college administration can do the same for the faculty members. This was done through an e-Kapihan with the President on November 25, 2020. Further, in order to gather feedback on the implementation of flexible teaching and learning, the university has developed a Student Support and Feedback Mechanism portal, which can be accessed via the individual Student Portal on the university website. This online feedback mechanism portal provides a platform for students to raise issues and concerns they experience in the implementation of flexible teaching and learning. In addition, the university continuously provides e-Counseling service, which has been accessible to all faculty, staff, and students through the university website since the start of the semester. The university’s professional guidance counselors are always ready to reach out and connect to their clients through online and electronic platforms, as part of the university’s efforts to support the counseling needs of the academic community.
