BatStateU spearheads BRIDGES launching joined by 39 Engineering SUCs
BATANGAS CITY – Batangas State University takes the lead on engineering research as it spearheaded the recent launch of the Building Research and Innovation Development Goals for Engineering SUCs (BRIDGES) program together with 39 other State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the country. The collaboration was formalized through a virtual Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony with all partner institutions held via Zoom on July 13-14 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. BRIDGES is a research program spearheaded by the Batangas State University that is geared towards responding to the problems of the community through active research collaboration with selected engineering SUCs from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Proposed by the University President, Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo and approved by the Board of Regents last December 2020, the BRIDGES Program will be funded by Batangas State University with a shared counterpart funding from partner institutions based on mutually agreed Work and Financial Plan. The total budget for the first phase of BRIDGES amounts to over 22 million pesos. Six (6) projects were initially identified under the BRIDGES program which ultimately aims to attain the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and to specifically address challenges in the areas of resilient infrastructure, disaster risk reduction and management, tourism, GIS application development, and agriculture e-commerce, among others. Led by Batangas State University, the other thirty-nine (39) collaborating SUCs under the six (6) projects include Bataan Peninsula State University, Bicol University, Bukidnon State University, Bulacan Agriculture State College, Bulacan State University, Camiguin Polytechnic State College, Caraga State University, Cavite State University, Cebu Technological University, Central Mindanao University, Central Philippines State University, Don Honorio Ventura State University, Eastern Samar State University, Guimaras State College, Ifugao State University, Iloilo Science and Technology University, Isabela State University, Jose Rizal Memorial State University, Kalinga State University, Laguna State Polytechnic University, Mariano Marcos State University, Marinduque State College, Mindoro State University, Mountain Province State Polytechnic College, Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology, Pampanga State Agricultural University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Quirino State University, Rizal Technological University, Romblon State University, Samar State University, Southern Philippine Agri-Business, Marine & Aquatic School of Technology, Tarlac Agricultural University, Tarlac State University, Technological University of the Philippines, University of Rizal System, University of Southeastern Philippines, University of Southern Mindanao and Western Mindanao State University. More SUCs are targeted to be enjoined in the next phases of BRIDGES. Joined by their respective Project Management Teams, the Presidents of the participating SUCs expressed their commitment to fully support the BRIDGES Program. In his final message, President Ronquillo gave the ways forward and expressed gratitude for the support of the participating SUCs. Batangas State University is a Level IV state university in the CALABARZON region, and the only SUC in the country accredited by the US Accreditation 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 and has the highest number of ASEAN Engineers faculty among Philippine higher education institutions. ### FOR INQUIRIES, CONTACT: Engr. ALBERTSON D. AMANTE 09175620916 vprdes@g.batstate-u.edu.ph
Batangas State University partners with University of Wolverhampton for Implementation of DOST – British Council Newton Fund Research Linkages Grant
Batangas State University and University of Wolverhampton, spearheaded by President Tirso A. Ronquillo and Prof. Chaminda Pathirage finally kicked off the activities for the DOST-British Council Newton Fund Grant for Researcher Linkages. The research linkage will be in a form of workshop with the theme: “Developing Smart Environmental Resilience Solutions for Coastal areas in the Philippines: Susceptibility, Adaptation and Mitigation Measures: SEACAP.” This research linkage workshop will convene local stakeholders and academic professionals in developing significant and innovative strategies, technologies and approaches towards environmental resilience of the coastal communities in the Philippines. SEACAP will serve as a platform for both experts from the UK and Philippines to better interpret and adapt environmental resilience in coastal communities as well as understand the culture, practices, needs and limitations in developing coastal resilience. The 5-day scientific workshop aims to gather researchers of various disciplines interested in helping the Philippines become environmentally resilient on disaster and degradation of natural resources. Senior and Early Career Researchers (ECRs), from both the UK and the Philippines, from various disciplines such as environmental and coastal engineering, communication and information systems, big data data, internet of things and built environment are the intended audience. It will help strengthen the capacity of local participants in realizing the relevance of emerging technologies in environmental resilience. It will also provide a good opportunity to develop multidisciplinary approaches for effective environmental resilience management of coastal communities. For further details of this research linkage, you may visit the SEACAP webpage. Reference pages from British Council Website https://www.britishcouncil.ph/programmes/education/newton-agham-programme/grant-awardees/2020 https://www.britishcouncil.ph/about/press/six-female-researchers-lead-years-dost-newton-awards
BatStateU and India’s CMFRI collaborate for research on marine science
Batangas State University and India’s Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) formally convened in a virtual meeting as part of the initial scoping discussion for a research collaboration in the field of marine science, May 20. CMFRI is a marine fisheries research institute located in Kerala, India which has emerged as a leading tropical marine fisheries research institute in the world. The institution enjoys the status of a premier research organization which is comparable to any other institution in the developed countries. Specific key areas of collaboration were pointed out during the meeting which include cage culture of fish, seaweed culture, effects of ocean acidification and global warming on marine ecosystems, and use of microalgae cultures to produce fishmeal and bioactive compounds for drug discovery, and other related areas. The new partnership will be forged through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between BatStateU and CMFRI. The MoU will include provision of funds and expertise from the Indian researchers and experts at CMFRI. Meanwhile, a short-term exchange program between researchers from both institutions will also be proposed. The online meeting was attended by BatStateU President Tirso A. Ronquillo, Vice President for Research, Development and Extension Services Engr. Albertson D. Amante, BatStateU ARASOF-Nasugbu Chancellor Dr. Enrico M. Dalangin, VIP CORALS – Nasugbu Head Dr. Miguel Enrique Ma. A. Azcuna, as well as key officials of CMFRI. New horizons await the Philippine-India research cooperation on marine biodiversity. More developments regarding this collaboration is expected to be initiated within the year. Photo source: India in Philippines (Embassy of India, Manila) Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/IndiaInPhilippines/photos/a.468605903270342/2311234842340763/)
BatStateU partners with British Council, receives grant on two IZN projects
Batangas State University has partnered with the British Council as a recipient–grantee of the Access and Competitiveness through Internationalisation of Higher Education (ACT–IHE) project, in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education. This project was officially launched on May 19, 2021 as part of the celebration of the first National Higher Education Day. Only 26 out of the thousands of private and public higher education institutions (HEls) in the country were selected to be part of this partnership with the British Council. BatState U President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo holds the Certificate of Partnership with the British Council for the Access and Competitiveness through Internationalisation of Higher Education (ACT–IHE) project. ACT–IHE aims to build the competitiveness of Philippine HEls by strengthening their capacity on internationalization. BatStateU is a grantee in the two component projects of ACT–IHE, one is on Transnational Education (TNE) and the other on English–medium Higher Education (EME). The TNE component focuses on the co–development of a new graduate program in engineering by BatStateU and a UK university. Once developed, this new program will be offered in both universities under transnational education. On the other hand, the EME component focuses on enhancing the quality of teaching various courses using English as a medium of instructional delivery as a means of improving capacity on internationalization. During the project launch, British Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Daniel Pruce and CHED Chair Dr. J. Prospero De Vera III delivered their message and expressed their excitement on the strengthened partnerships between Philippine and UK universities. Ms. Pilar Aramayo Prudencio, Country Director of the British Council, and Atty. Lily Freida Milla of the CHED International Affairs Staff and OIC – Executive Director provided the overview of the project and its significance to higher education. The project is set to commence in June 2021, and would last for three years.
BatStateU inks new partnerships with Pathways Excellence Org and CPISSCC to strengthen int’l student engagement
The Batangas State University further extends its reach on international student engagement as it recently forged two (2) new partnerships with Pathways Excellence Organization and China Philippines International Student Service Center Corp. (CPISSCC). The University inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with both parties through separate virtual signing ceremonies held via Zoom Conference meeting, May 10. The Pathways Excellence Organization chose BatStateU as one of its partners to serve its vision of introducing foreign students to selected universities in the Philippines with proven track record of integrity, professional and high standards, respect for quality of life and commitment to environmental protection. It endeavors to send students from Maldives, Nepal and India to study in the Philippines through BatStateU, under the University’s Engineering, Business Administration, Hotel and Restaurant Management, and Nursing programs, as well as graduate studies in Public and Business Administration. Qualified students who are still in their countries upon the start of the midterm classes AY 2020-2021 shall adapt to the flexible learning modality implemented by the University. These students will eventually be sent to the Philippines to attend regular face-to-face classes at BatStateU once the global situation goes back to normal. Virtual MOA signing between Batangas State University and Pathways Excellence Organization University President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo and Pathways Excellence Organization President Mr. Ravi Bikram Shah led the signing ceremonies. BatStateU Vice President for Development and External Affairs and ICT Dr. Kristoffer Conrad Tejada, Vice President for Academic Affairs Prof. Rogelio Antenor, External Affairs Office Director Engr. Edzel Gamab and Pathways Excellence Organization Executive Director Dr. Valentino Baac, served as witnesses. BatStateU, on its part, shall supervise and teach General Education subjects to the students under the program they enrolled in, as well as ensuring the preparedness of the faculty members assigned to teach the secialization courses of the programs, in terms of the approved lectures, modules and workbooks. As the University’s arm in ensuring the overall welfare of the international students, the External Affairs Office shall facilitate the registration and enrollment of the qualified new students, along with the processing of the student documentary requirements for their stay at the University. Virtual MOA signing between Batangas State University and China Philippines International Student Service Center Corp. Meanwhile, the virtual signing ceremony with CPISSCC was participated by BatStateU President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, VP for Development and External Affairs and ICT Dr. Kristoffer Conrad Tejada, VP for Academic Affairs Prof. Rogelio Antenor, External Affairs Office Director Engr. Edzel Gamab, CPISSCC Manager Mr. Toni Liu, Head Administrative Officer Ms. Christelle Nidoy and Ms. Che Bermudo. The MOA with CPISSCC includes an academic collaboration, specifically for Chinese students, who wish to engage in the graduate programs offered by BatStateU. It also aims to develop educational cooperation in order to better train more talents in the global arena. Chinese students who will meet the educational standards of BatStateU in its graduate school programs will be allowed to apply through the assistance of CPISSCC. CPISSCC caters to Chinese and Filipino students with the aim of making contributions to the economy, culture and education of the Chinese and Filipinos, serving the public and giving back to the society. Both parties position themselves as active collaborators in order to promote knowledge sharing between the faculty members and the international students, as well as strengthening each other’s competencies through mutual sharing of knowledge.
BatStateU co-organizes international research symposium on environment and green chemistry
Batangas State University continues to strengthen its research internationalization agenda as it partners with the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) in Malaysia for the International Virtual Symposium on Environmental and Green Chemistry for Sustainable Development (EnvChem2021) to be held on June 9, 2021. UiTM is the largest institution of higher education in Malaysia based on physical infrastructure, faculty and staff, and student enrollment. It is also ranked as the 4th best university in Malaysia by Times Higher Education, and the 9th in the country based on GreenMetric World University rankings. Bannering the theme, “University-Industry Synergy Towards Sustainable Development,” EnvChem2021 aims to serve as a platform for international researches, industries, and students to share the latest research findings related to sustainability in environmental and green chemistry. It also seeks to foster an interdisciplinary discussion and networking to further enhance and enrich the knowledge of participants in an environment and green chemistry. BatStateU, as a co-organizer and an advocate of environmental sustainability research and initiatives, encourages educators, students, industry practitioners, and researchers to join the symposium. Relevant ideas and research findings will be discussed on the online platform using live streaming and pre-recorded video presentations. Selected papers will be published in Scopus-indexed journals and conference proceeding. Some of the university’s faculty on Chemical Engineering, and Environment and Sanitary Engineering, Chemistry, and Marine Biodiversity serve as Paper Reviewers and Session Chairs for the symposium. They shall screen papers for possible presentation under the following tracks: Environmental Monitoring and Management, Environmental Modelling and Technology, Pollution control and mitigation, Climate change Sustainable development, Green Chemistry Techniques, Separation and Purification Technologies, and Pure and Applied Chemistry. EnvChem 2021 is also co-organized by the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology in Indonesia and the University of the Philippines – Diliman. More details regarding the registration, submission and fees, symposium publication and others can be accessed via the event website at https://sites.google.com/view/envchem2021/home.
BatStateU’s CTI wins Best Incubator Infrastructure Award from DOST-QBO Startup Incubator Awards
BATANGAS, April 23 – Batangas State University’s Center for Technopreneurship and Innovation (BatStateU CTI) wins the Best Incubator Infrastructure Award in the recently concluded PH Startup Incubator Awards, hosted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and QBO Innovation Hub. The Best Incubator Infrastructure Award is given to the Technology Business Incubator (TBI) with the best facilities and resources, including the office space and research and development (R&D) facilities that help start-ups develop and test their product prototypes and services. This is one of the five awards included in the ‘Operational Excellence Awards’, given to the TBIs which excelled in their organizational structure, provided facilities, and in the attainment of their targets. The PH Startup Incubator Awards also served as the culminating activity of TBI 4.0 program, a two-year initiative funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST – PCIEERD) and led by the QBO Innovation Hub, that aims to elevate the capacity and services of the DOST supported TBIs in the Philippines by developing world-class TBIs and incubator managers, and increase the number of quality tech start-ups in the country as its end goal. Twelve (12) start-up TBIs hailing from the country’s leading universities participated in the TBI 4.0 program, where they develop different incubation programs, capacity development and co-incubation arrangements. The event also recognized these TBIs who helped excite the growth of the start-up economy and local ecosystems, as well as encouraging new start-ups to grow in the Philippines. The following TBIs were named as the winners during the awarding ceremony after showing exemplary performance in their fields of expertise and drive in levelling up their fulfillment as technology business incubators. Best Incubator Infrastructure – Center for Technopreneurship and Innovation (CTI) – Batangas State University Best Incubator Community Program – SIBOL Labs – University of the Philippines-Los Baños Best Incubator Startup Program – AIM-Dado Banatao Incubator – Asian Institute of Management Best Incubator Governance & Operations – UPSCALE Innovation Hub – University of the Philippines-Diliman Best Incubator Growth & Sustainability – Animo Labs – De La Salle University Extra Mile Incubator – Animo Labs – De La Salle University Rising Star Incubator – iDEYA- MSU Iligan Institute of Technology People’s Choice for Best Incubator Team – iDEYA – MSU Iligan Institute of Technology Grand Champion – UPSCALE Innovation Hub – University of the Philippines-Diliman DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Pena in his speech, stressed the importance of investing to human capital, their innovative ideas, and their significant role to nation building. “Investment in human capital, expanding business incubation and acceleration efforts, [and] adoption of policies will lead to a better ecosystem for our start-ups and innovation,” he shared. QBO President Mr. Rene “Butch” Meily, in his message highlighted the role of the TBI 4.0 program on how it upgraded the Philippine start-up ecosystem, and how it can spark the potential of creating own start-ups in the Philippines. “Our hope is for the program to spread the idea of entrepreneurship all over the country,” he stressed. DOST PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico Paringit focused on the milestones and journey of the TBIs during the TBI 4.0 program. He also shared the DOST PCIEERD’s funding to the start up incubators on partner colleges and universities, to champion innovation and technopreneurship for the socio-economic development of the country. The BatStateU CTI was also announced as finalist for the Best Incubator Governance and Operations award and People’s Choice for Best Incubator Team. In a Facebook post, the BatStateU CTI expressed their warmest gratitude the DOST-PCIEERD, QBO Innovation Hub, and the BatStateU Administrators for their love, support and encouragement throughout the program. They also congratulated all the 11 other TBIs as they successfully graduated from the TBI 4.0 Program. “Everything we do is always anchored to our philosophy, ‘Para sa Bayan,’” they closed.
UP Los Baños benchmarks Batangas State University
The academic and administrative staff of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, headed by their Chancellor Dr. Jose V. Camacho Jr., were welcomed by Batangas State University President Dr. Tirso Ronquillo and Vice President for Research, Development and Extension Services (VPRDES) Engr. Albertson Amante, February 23. The visit served as a benchmarking activity at BatStateU’s newly-minted Special Economic Zone (SEZ), registered by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) – the Knowledge, Innovation and Science Technology (KIST) Park, for the development of UPLB’s Agro-Industrial Park (AIP) and Information Technology Park (ITP). Details on the establishment of the KIST Park, its position as a forefront of innovation to the academe and industry, its leadership and management structures, and the future plans of both universities were discussed during the meeting. Other officials who joined the benchmarking visit were the UP Los Baños Vice Chancellors, some college deans and school administrators, and members of the Steering and Project Management Committees of the AIP and ITP. President Ronquillo toured the UPLB team at the Pablo Borbon campus, discussing the University’s infrastructure development including design and project implementation. They also headed to the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Environment Research (STEER) Hub, dubbed as the gateway to the KIST Park at the Alangilan Campus, where they were able to catch sight of the 3D model of the whole KIST Park, and some of the research centers, incubatees, locator offices and facilities inside the hub. BatStateU KIST Park is the first KIST Park in the Philippines registered by PEZA. President Rodrigo Duterte officially designated the Batangas State University KIST Park as a Special Economic Zone through Presidential Proclamation No. 947.
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.
