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.
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.
BatStateU extends help to typhoon-hit community through Lingap-Kabayan
The Batangas State University, in partnership with the Ayala Young Leaders Alliance – Batangas (AYLA-Eh), brought aid to Brgy. Talahib Pandayan in Batangas City, one of the communities severely affected by the spate of typhoons that recently hit the country. Spearheaded by the Extension Service Office (ESO), the relief operation was conducted through the extension project ‘Lingap Kabayan’ on November 10, 2020. Situated at a coastal area in the southern part of Batangas City, Brgy. Talahib Pandayan was one of the university’s adopted communities in its Adopt-a-Barangay Program. ‘Lingap Kabayan’ is an initiative of the ESO personnel, extension heads and coordinators in the aftermath of the devastating effects of typhoons Quinta (international name: Molave), Rolly (international name: Goni), and Ulysses (international name: Vamco) that hit Batangas province in just a three-week span. A call for donations was made on November 2, and the office received almost P60,000.00 worth of cash and in-kind donations from several private groups and individuals, including Sunlife Seoul Tower Sales Team, who also helped in repacking the goods. The monetary donations were used to purchase hygiene kits and sacks of rice, which were found to be the immediate needs of the community after ESO’s initial assessment of the affected families’ conditions. The relief operation benefited 358 families from three sitios of Brgy. Talahib Pandayan. ESO was assisted by the local government unit of the barangay. Six families from the university’s own Integrated School also benefitted from the operation. In a social media post, the Extension Services Office thanked all the donors who supported the team’s goal of providing aid to the communities that need help the most. The office still accepts donations in kind for the families of Talahib Pandayan.
DA chief visits BatStateU, leads inauguration of stronger DWPB FM 107.3
BATANGAS CITY – Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Dr. William Dar visited Batangas State University for the inauguration of the DWPB FM 107.3 D’AniKita radio station at the School of Development Communication building, Pablo Borbon Main I. The university received a grant from DA for the expansion of its existing radio station. It is now powered with a 100-watt FM transmitter and a full set of state-of-the-art radio broadcast equipment. This is part of a tripartite agreement between BatStateU, DA, and Forefront Broadcasting Company (FBC), which provides the training for the university’s radio anchors. In his speech, Sec. Dar highlighted the significance of the continued use of conventional technology to reach the farming and fishing community, who largely rely on radio programs for information. This new project, he said, will help not only the stakeholders of the university, but also those people who are considered the lifeline of Philippine agriculture. DA’s Assistant Secretary Noel Reyes and CALABARZON Regional Director Engr. Arnel De Mesa were also present in the inauguration. Seasoned broadcaster Mr. Francisco Flores represented FBC in the event. BatStateU President Dr. Tirso Ronquillo expressed his gratitude to DA for trusting the university in running the community-oriented radio program. He underscored the importance of the university’s radio station as a platform to augment the means of communication, information and education among people in remote areas that are hardly reached by modern technology. From L-R: ASec. Noel Reyes, President Tirso Ronquillo, Secretary William Dar, Regional Director Arnel de Mesa and Mr. Francisco Flores during the inauguration ceremonies of the DWPB 107.3 D’ AniKita radio station. After the ceremonies, Sec. Dar, Engr. De Mesa, and Dr. Ronquillo were interviewed at the radio station by one of the station’s program hosts and a core faculty of the Development Communication program, Dr. Vaberlie Mandane-Garcia. They discussed the objectives of establishing the radio program on a university setting, the role of agriculture in times of crisis, and the call for support to DA’s project, “Plant, Plant, Plant.” The radio station was blessed by Rev. Fr. Vic Cisneros. Only select representatives from DA, BatStateU and FBC attended the inauguration and blessing, following the university’s Health and Safety Protocols. Sec. Dar, Dr. Ronquillo, and Director de Mesa being interviewed by anchor Dr. Vaberlie Mandane-Garcia for the station’s first program. On stand-by is the station’s technician, Mr. Nico Manalo. Dr. Benedict Medina, the Department Chair of Undergraduate and Graduate Programs of the College of Arts and Sciences, serves as the OIC Radio Station Manager. Some of the programs to be aired initially are the ‘Buhay sa Bahay’ of Dr. Vanessa Castillo, ‘TALAKalikasan’ of Dr. Vaberlie Mandane-Garcia, programs of the DA central and regional offices, and music programs for students. DWPB 107.3 FM D’AniKita radio airs everyday from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
University Symbols
The Red Spartans is the official mascot of the university. It was launched on 23 September 2014 during the 111th Foundation Anniversary of the institution. Designed by John Jeffrey Alcantara, a Fine Arts major of the university, it was officially registered at the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines on 15 April 2016 with Certificate of Registration No. 4/2014/00013631. Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives, Building the Nation is the official service motto of the university. Following the declaration of Batangas State University as The National Engineering University in 2022, it embraced a new-fangled mandate to build the nation in response to the call for engineering advancement in the country. Parallel to this, the University motto also carries with it its long-standing tradition of service, excellence, and virtue, as specified in its official seal, and is anchored on the goal of maximizing transformative impact through innovations in instruction, research, and community service, and of realizing further contribution to national development. Leading Innovations, Transforming Lives, Building the Nation
Academic, research collab forged between BatStateU and MISI
Batangas State University forged a new partnership with the Malaysia Institute of Supply chain Innovation (MISI) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in a virtual ceremony on September 18, 2020.
BatStateU’s Computer Science program receives ABET-CAC accreditation
The US-based Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology – Computing Accreditation Commission (ABET-CAC) officially awarded international accreditation to the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program under university’s College of Informatics and Computing Sciences.
BATSTATEU REAPS 3-STARS AT THE QS STARS UNIVERSITY RATINGS
The Red Spartan community lauds in high spirits as Batangas State University receives a three-star rating from the QS Stars University Ratings, March 17, 2020.
BATSTATEU SUSPENDS CLASSES; DESIGNS PRECAUTIONARY SCHEMES AGAINST COVID-19
Batangas State University officials headed by University President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, Executive Committee, all concerned Office Directors and College Deans mustered for an emergency meeting, thrashing out on the University’s plan of action for the prevention, control and mitigation of the spread of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
