BatStateU’s CIEE organizes 1st int’l conference on innovations in engineering education
The Center for Innovation in Engineering Education (CIEE) of the Batangas State University is set to stage its first International Conference on Innovations in Engineering Education (ICIEE 2021) to be held on November 10 and 11, 2021. Championing the theme “Engineering Educators: Active Drivers of Innovation,” ICIEE 2021 aims to serve as a platform for engineering professionals to spark intellectual discussions, refresh perspectives, and share expertise, best practices, and experience that will benefit the academe, industry, and pertinent government bodies, along with other key sectors involved in nation- and world-building. Participants in the virtual event include academicians, educators, researchers, industry practitioners, and leaders of global organizations in engineering education. The two-day event is charged with speakers from across the globe to cover a number of relevant thematic areas in plenary sessions, panel discussions, and masterclasses. To start, a keynote address, themed “Innovating Today towards the Engineering Mindset of the Future,” will be delivered by Dr. Sheryl Sorby, Immediate Past President of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) President, Prof. Dr. Gong Ke, in partnership with the International Center of Engineering Education (ICEE), the secondary center of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), supported by China Academy of Engineering and Tsinghua University, will deliver the UNESCO Engineering Report 2021 at the first plenary session. Succeeding plenary sessions are to be held respectively by Dr. Sarah Ann Rajala, At-Large Director (2021-2022) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET), and Aldert Kamp, Co-Director of the CDIO Initiative. Correspondingly, session themes are centered on “Quality Assurance in Engineering Education” and “Matching Future-Fit Engineering Education with the CDIO Framework.” Engr. Federico A. Monsada, a fellow member of the CIEE’s advisory board, President of the Philippine Technological Council (PTC), and Former Chair of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organizations (AFEO) will be participating in the panel discussion on “Inclusion and Diversity in Engineering Education,” representing the industry stakeholders in engineering education, along with (1) Prof. Madya Dr. Syed Ahmad Helmi Syed Hassan, Head of the Research Group in Engineering Education (RGEE) and Fellow at the Center for Engineering Education (CEE) of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM); (2) Engr. Yetunde Adeobola Holloway, Chair of Women in Engineering at WFEO and Founding Executive of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) in Lagos, Nigeria; and (3) Engr. Dr. Cho Win Maw, Acting President, Vice President, and Evaluator of the Myanmar Engineering Council (MEC). A separate panel discussion on “Teaching and Learning in the New Normal: Best Practices in Southeast Asia” will be led by three leaders in engineering education in the ASEAN region: (1) Dr. Helene Leong, Director of the Educational Development Department at Singapore Polytechnic (SP) and Co-Director and Asian Region Leader for the CDIO Initiative; (2) Prof. Satesh Narayana Namasivayam, Associate Head for Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society and Professor of Engineering and Science at Heriot-Watt University, Malaysia Campus; and (3) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Natha Kuptasthien, Director of Graduate Office at the Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi (RMUTT) and CDIO Initiative key person for Thailand. Among the masterclasses are: “Advances in Integrated Learning Experiences Using Core Principles of Learning,” to be delivered by Sin-Moh Cheah, Senior Academic Mentor and Head of the Teaching and Learning Unit at the School of Chemical and Life Sciences at SP; “Assessment Methods in Education: ‘How Do I Know What They Know?’” by Dr. Jennifer Culver, Educational Consultant at the Texas International Education Consortium (TIEC); and “Innovation of Engineering Education for the Future Universities,” by Prof. Haydn H.D. Chen, Founding Vice President of the Asian Society for Engineering Education (AsiaSEE) and Professor Emeritus at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The ICIEE 2021 is organized in time for the celebration of the College of Engineering’s 50th anniversary. Since 1971, the College of Engineering in BatStateU, formerly Pablo Borbon Memorial Institute of Technology (PBMIT), has been the institution’s premier college that offers its flagship programs. In the spirit of quality and dedication, the CIEE was established as the university’s official arm in advancing engineering education coincident with the celebration of World Engineering Day (WED) 2021. The CIEE is the first of its kind in the country. The conference will also feature part of the Innovation Challenge Competition, a thematic competition that challenges students of higher education institutions (HEIs) to ideate, innovate, and pitch solutions addressing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The top ten (10) teams of the said competition will be announced prior to the closing of the ICIEE 2021. Said teams shall undergo an innovation program to improve the minimum viable products, conduct validation activities, and prepare for the final demo and pitching day scheduled on December 6 and 7 this year during the 5th International Research Conference on the Innovations in Engineering, Science, and Technology (IRCIEST V). Registration is open and may be accessed here: https://bit.ly/ICIEE2021_Registration. More details on schedule and fees can be accessed via the conference website at https://batstate-u.edu.ph/iciee/#/main/home.
University breaks ground for a new facade in Pablo Borbon campus
A new “Gateway to Greatness” will soon open for Batangas State University after University officials held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new University facade at the Pablo Borbon campus, Sept. 23. University President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo led the symbolic time capsule-laying that signaled the official construction of the facade. The project is part of the University’s disaster preparedness measures, through the Adaptive Capacity-building and Technology Innovation for Occupational Hazards and Natural Disasters (ACTION) Center, in anticipation of the bulk of students, faculty, staff, and visitors in the campus once the University’s ‘normal’ operation resumes. It will provide an additional access and egress point in order to avoid traffic in the University during its usual operation and emergency situation. Currently, the campus has two (2) pedestrian access and egress points located near the University Gymnasium and the front main gate beside the Student Services Center Building. In addition, BatStateU also has one (1) access and three (3) egress points for vehicles. The location of the new facade is strategically positioned facing west in front of the newly-inaugurated Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture and Mathematics (STEAM) Library building to allow easier egress and avoid delay if immediate evacuation is required. The new facade, which is facing the Batangas City Convention Center and other infrastructures, also symbolizes potential future developments for the University. The project has a contract budget of PhP 18,819,998.45, and is expected to be completed after six (6) months. Also present during the ceremony were Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension Services Engr. Albertson Amante, Vice President for Academic Affairs Prof. Rogelio Antenor, Project Management Office Director Engr. Antonio Gamboa, Pablo Borbon campus Chancellor Dr. Expedito Acorda, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Dr. Gina Bonifacio, Vice Chancellor for Research, Development and Extension Services Dr. Vaberlie P. Mandane-Garcia, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Charmaine Rose I. Triviño, Vice Chancellor for Development External Affairs Dr. Teodorica Ani, and Construction Engineer Cesar Ramos. Proper social distancing and standard health protocols were observed throughout the conduct of the program.
BatStateU is top performing school in sanitary engineering licensure exam
Batangas State University emerged as the top performing school in the August 2021 Sanitary Engineer Licensure Examination given by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Forty-three out of 51 examinees from BatStateU passed the exam, notching a passing rate of 84.31% for the University. At second place, and the only other university to qualify on the list, is Mapua University with 15 out of 18 passers or 83.33% passing rate. To be a top performing school, one has to have 10 or more examinees with at least 80% passing rate. Meanwhile, BatStateU graduate Rey Vincent R. Coladilla made it to the elite top four of the licensure examination. Coladilla placed fourth with a rating of 80.05%. Coladilla is a BS Sanitary Engineering, cum laude, graduate from the Batangas State University Alangilan campus. BatStateU’s engineering programs remain the flagship in the University which fully implements outcomes-based teaching and learning and the integration of Technopreneurship in the curricula and further train future engineers and engineering professionals to develop cutting-edge technologies towards inclusive and sustainable development. A total of 112 out of 189 passed the licensure examination held in Manila last August 2021. You can view the full list of the sanitary engineer licensure exam here.
BatStateU hosts Int’l Energy and Electricity Market Business Decision Simulation Online Competition
BATANGAS CITY – Participants from countries all over Asia convened for the official opening ceremony of the 3rd International Energy and Electricity Market Business Decision Simulation Online Competition held virtually via Zoom and streamed live through the official BatStateU Facebook page, Sept. 7. Initiated by Shanghai University of Electric Power (SUEP) in 2019, this year’s competition is hosted by Batangas State University, therefore being the first university to host the competition outside China. It aims to enhance business application and innovation capabilities of students in the energy and electric power industry, and build a platform for international friendship among students from all over the world. Participating countries include China, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Senator Joel Villanueva, Chairman of the Philippine Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education served as keynote speaker during the program. In his message, he commended the collaboration between BatStateU and SUEP in utilizing the power of digital technology to enhance the innovative capabilities of the students and encourage international friendship and camaraderie. “I am confident that this international competition will substantially prepare our students for the world of work where business decision-making is a very critical component,” Sen. Villanueva said. BatStateU President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, in his remarks, shared the significant impact of the competition in strengthening the power of innovation and entrepreneurship mindset of students from international partner universities. “This will engage students in real-life cases in power business and other related innovations that are needed in the future energy and power industry market,” Pres. Ronquillo shared in his message. A total of twenty-nine (29) teams will participate in the competition hailing from various universities from participating countries. Five (5) teams composed of Electrical Engineering students from BatStateU will represent the Philippines in the competition. SUEP President Dr. Li Hexing expressed his pleasure with the great interest young students have shown to participate in the event. “As we know, international communication can bring great benefits for each other. For higher education, it can create a better academic atmosphere and provide a good chance for students to learn and exhibit their knowledge and ability.” Dr. Li Hexing said in his message. The mode of competition will be purely online. The competition is composed of various parts including the preliminary round, semi-final round, final round, and online defense which is expected to culminate in December. The simulation platform for the competition will be provided by CESIM company from Finland. Last year, Red Spartan team ‘Spartan Kingsmen’ won 2nd prize in the international competition while two (2) other teams – Red Wanderers and BatStateU Lumiere – both received special prizes. More details about the competition proper can be accessed through the University website at https://batstate-u.edu.ph/the-3rd-international-energy-and-electricity-market-business-decision-simulation-online-competition/ 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. Edzel M. Gamab Director, External Affairs Office Batangas State University +63 917 524 1772 edzel.gamab@g.batstate-u.edu.ph
BatStateU hits 100% passing in architecture licensure examination
The Batangas State University reaps laurel in the recently concluded August 2021 Architecture Licensure Examination administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Nine out of nine of its examinees passed the exam, recording a 100% passing rate for the University. Further, one of its alumni, Ryan R. Adarlo placed third among the new batch of architects in the country. According to the PRC, Adarlo had a 82.90% percentile rating in the exam. Adarlo is a BS Architecture graduate of the Batangas State University Alangilan campus. The University’s Architecture program aims to provide its students with comprehensive knowledge and technical competence in architectural design, putting premium to the preservation, conservation, and promotion of the Filipino architecture heritage within the global context, thus making the architecture curriculum relevant to the present needs and the latest international trends. The full list of new architects from BatStateU includes: Adarlo, Ryan Baja, Joanne Mariz Casao Cepillo, Francis Lacerna Geron, Joshua Evangelista Geronimo, Aaron Joseph Vilela Jose, Jamnel Puso Leonar, Jojo De Belen Matira, Kate Catherine Macuha Rosales, Beatriz Chavez A total of 560 out of 849 passed the licensure examination held in Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo, Koronadal, Legazpi, Lucena, San Fernando (Pampanga), Tacloban and Zamboanga last August 27 and 29, 2021.
BatStateU IS-SHS students bag awards in Outstanding Students search
After a two-month, stringent screening process, the most outstanding students of Batangas City were recognized in virtual awarding ceremonies streamed live via Facebook, August 27, 2021. The 2021 Mga Natatanging Mag-aaral ng Lungsod ng Batangas (MNMLB) awardees include four (4) students from the Batangas State University Integrated School-Senior High School (IS-SHS), shortlisted from over 60 student-aspirants all over Batangas City. Aside from being an Awards and Formation Program, the Mga Natatanging Mag-Aaral ng Lungsod ng Batangas (MNMLB) brands itself as a community dedicated to empowering young Batangueños in community and nation-building. It is organized by (Junior Chamber International) JCI Batangas Caballero, City Youth Development Council of Batangas, SK Federation – Batangas City, DepEd Division of Batangas City, and the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines – CALABARZON. The four outstanding students from BatStateU are Mark Joseph G. Ilagan, Diana Andrei M. Masalunga, John Patrick G. De Guzman, and Mitch Nicole M. Puras. They are among the finalists of the MNMLB, which aims to inspire and mold young Batangueño students in taking part in community and nation-building. Ilagan was selected as one of the top Ten Outstanding Students of Batangas City. He said he felt fulfilled to be recognized as one of the top students in the city, which somehow served as a summary of many life-changing experiences he had throughout his high school life. “Although it is my name that is linked to being one of the ten Mga Natatanging Mag-aaral ng Lungsod ng Batangas, I believe that I also share this recognition with the people and mentors I worked with from the beginning. Without their guidance, I think I would not be able to develop myself as an outstanding student,” he said in an interview. Furthermore, Ilagan, together with De Guzman, emerged as recipient of the Civic Responsibility Excellence Award, which acknowledges students who have established their leadership concerning the community and society by contributions through outreach programs and community extension projects. Moreover, De Guzman expressed that he felt proud after being recognized for the Civic Responsibility Excellence Award. “It felt very nice to know that my works for the youth were recognized and celebrated. It has also motivated me to do better and strengthen my commitment to service,” he stated in an interview. Meanwhile, the IS-SHS student awardees also received the Youth Leadership Excellence Award, which is given to all finalists, crediting their leadership skills and service to the youth. Diana Andrei M. Masalunga claimed that she is blessed and honored to represent BatStateU in striving for a huge award like MNMLB, having the opportunity to share the lessons and values she learned as a Batang IS with other students in Batangas. On the other hand, Mitch Nicole M. Puras, when asked about what she brought with her throughout her journey in MNMLB, stated that hardships will always be worthwhile. “Just keep in mind that success is a journey, not a destination, and we are currently on that journey,” she cited. This is the first organized search for outstanding students of Batangas City, and the organizers plan to continue the program in the future.
BatStateU University Student Council AY 2021-2022 sworn in office
The new set of officers of the University Student Council (USC) of Batangas State University for the Academic Year 2021-2022 took their oath during a formal ceremony held at the Executive Board Room, Student Services Center Building, Pablo Borbon campus, Aug 26. University President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo administered the oath of office of the nine-member USC including the President-elect and incoming Student Regent Euclid Reign M. Beredo. The oath-taking ceremony was also attended by the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS) Director Dr. Lucille P. Evangelista, Scholarship and Financial Office Asst. Dir. Dr. Jennifer G. Manalo, Testing and Admission Office Asst. Dir. Dr. Anna Maria V. Rivera and USC Adviser Dr. Daryl M. Magpantay. In his message, Pres. Ronquillo reiterated the duties and responsibilities of the new USC leaders and solicited their support in fulfilling the mission and vision of the University. “It is our sacred obligation to our country and the youth to do the best that we can for the advancement and furtherance of education at Batangas State University,” he said. Pres. Ronquillo, in return, assured his full support in all future endeavors of the USC. Outgoing USC President Faith Avery T. Generoso posed a challenge to the newly elected officers to “serve the students with respect, dignity, and integrity” and to “continue to uphold the students’ core and support the University”. Generoso is re-elected to the USC Executive Council as Vice President for Finance and Resource Management. In a separate message, Pres. Ronquillo expressed his gratitude to Generoso and recognized her significant contributions to various programs and activities of the University during her term as Student Regent especially in the midst of the pandemic. Meanwhile, the new USC President Euclid Reign M. Beredo humbly accepted the challenge. In her acceptance speech, she expressed her confidence in the skill and dedication of the new set of officers which will ultimately lead them to many breakthroughs. Furthermore, Beredo committed her best performance in her assumed position and encouraged her fellow officers to empower each other to be able to empower other students and the whole Red Spartan community. The ceremony was concluded with a message from USC Adviser Dr. Magpantay who commended the outgoing student leaders for their passion for service. Dr. Magpantay shared that despite many challenges, they “continued to serve and continued to believe what is right for the students”. Dr. Magpantay also thanked the administration for its support, guidance, and appreciation to the USC. As his final message, he challenged the new officers to “continue to serve with a pure heart and uphold the students’ core”. Standard health protocols and proper social distancing were observed throughout the conduct of the program.
BatStateU KIST Park to accelerate startups through DTI partnership and funding
Ten promising Philippine startups are poised to get support for a Global Acceleration Program from the Department of Trade Industry (DTI) through the Batangas State University Knowledge, Innovation and Science Technology (KIST) Park. Plans and strategies for the implementation of the program were conceptualized through a formal meeting with DTI key officials on July 17 at the KIST Park Center, STEER HUB Building, Batangas State University, Alangilan Batangas City. DTI Assistant Secretary Dr. Napoleon Juanillo, Innovation and Collaboration Division of the Competitiveness and Innovation Group Chief Karl Lyndon Pacolor, BatStateU University President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, and Vice President for Research, Development and Extension Services Engr. Albertson Amante, were among those who were present at the meeting. According to DTI, the initiative was made possible through the implementation of the Innovative Startup Act which provides benefits, incentives, and other forms of support to the startup ecosystem. This is at the forefront of the government’s initiatives in forging partnerships, bridging gaps, and enabling stakeholders to ensure a competitive, innovative, and inclusive country. DTI has allocated funding for the program and is targeting to benefit five (5) to ten (10) startups with a seed funding of between P5 million to P25 million pesos. This partnership will essentially boost the startup acceleration program of the University through the country’s first KIST Park. BatStateU is known as an institution that promotes an active research culture through collaborative research to address problems of the community and the industry. With 15 development centers, it is recognized by the Regional Development Council of CALABARZON as the Regional Center for Technology Business Incubation and Development, the Regional Center for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Environment Research, and the Regional Inclusive Innovation Center.
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
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/)
