BatStateU officially opens its Gateway to Greatness: Gate 4 Façade, inaugurates the first Learning Development Center
BATANGAS CITY – On September 23, 2022, Batangas State University (BatStateU), The National Engineering University (The NEU), was placed at the forefront of development as it held two (2) inauguration ceremonies for its state-of-the-art infrastructures including the Learning Development Center (LDC) and the Gateway to Greatness: Gate 4 Façade. With a total floor area of 1,731.91 square meters, the first LDC of Batangas State University- Integrated School is a three-storey building which accommodates the school’s increasing population that frames intentional activities and outcomes. It provides a learning space for creative thinking, learning interaction, collaboration, and innovation. More so, the building houses a Robotics Laboratory, Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab), Computer Laboratory, Library, Exhibit Room, three (3) offices, and seven (7) conducive classrooms which support a meaningful learning experience for Red Spartan problem-solvers, innovators, and critical thinkers in the demand of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. The ribbon cutting ceremony and marker unveiling of the LDC were commenced by the University President, Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Charmaine Rose I. Triviño. Following the blessing of the building led by Rev. Fr. Emiliano Magsino, a ceremonial turn-over also took place as Mr. Luis Philip M. Oropesa, Head Teacher III of BatStateU Integrated School, officially accepted the key which signifies responsible stewardship, from Dr. Ronquillo. The two inauguration ceremonies were also attended by the members of the Presidential Advisory Council, vice-chancellors, administrative officials, and the entire Red Spartan Community. “We say that every peso or every centavo spent on the development of our Integrated School is not an expense but rather, our investment for the future… This three-storey Learning Development Center is really meant for the advancement of our Integrated School students attuned to the needs of the STEM track. This new infrastructure will allow them to excel in all aspects of the academic realm”, Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo conveyed, in a special message. He also challenged the students of the university to vigorously participate in providing solutions in confronting problems of the community through advanced Science and Technology. Meanwhile, as the guest of honor of the ceremony, Hon. Marvey A. Mariño graced the event and congratulated BatStateU and its officials led by Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, for the new developments inside the university. He lauded all the people behind the continuous success of BatStateU and shared how happy and proud he is that Batangas State University is the first and only “National Engineering University” in the country. He expressed that he is confident that BatStateU will continue to be a steadfast institution producing the best of the best human capital in the country. Closing the first part of the ceremony was Dr. Expedito V. Acorda, chancellor of BatStateU Pablo Borbon campus, who displayed gratitude to all BatStateU officials and the entire Integrated School community because of their cooperation and continuous efforts towards the realization of the inauguration ceremony. He also challenged not only the faculty members but also the students to keep striving for excellence for the love of Batangas State University, their second home. That day was even made more noteworthy as BatStateU also officially opened its new Gate 4 façade. The said university façade offers convenience to the growing campus community of BatStateU Pablo Borbon, composed of more than 19,000 students and several faculty members and employees, by managing smooth access and egress during its usual operations and emergency situations. Dubbed as “Gateway to Greatness”, the new façade is expected to lead to endless opportunities for holistic personal growth and service to others. It shall open up a world that brings out the best in each Red Spartan to cultivate intellect and unique talents driven by the spirit of empathy, openness, and collaboration. Similarly, it shall usher to a community of thinkers, doers, and builders that celebrate both the joys and lows of exploration, experimentation, and innovation. Upon entering this new gate, every Red Spartan shall signify their commitment to sharpen and enrich thousand-fold their God-given gifts and return the favor by helping transform the lives of families and communities and building the nation. These new developments inside the university are part of BatStateU – The NEU’s commitment to provide cutting edge facilities and technologies for the optimum learning experience of the Red Spartans. Thus, it is entrusted to bring forth an academic atmosphere that synergizes technical learning and exciting opportunities for holistic growth in various fields of interest. Further, it adheres to inculcate critical thinking, creativity, and innovativeness to produce world-class leaders in the knowledge-based economy.
ULille visits BatStateU to bolster int’l academic and research collaboration in Engineering and Technology
BATANGAS CITY – Batangas State University (BatStateU) further widens its international linkages and partnerships after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with University of Lille (ULille), France to strengthen academic and research collaboration on June 29. Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, BatStateU, The National Engineering University President led the ceremony at BatStateU-Central Board Room during the visit of ULille delegates in the Philippines. Their visit aims to foster knowledge sharing through engagement and exchange of good practices in engineering education. The University of Lille (ULille) is a scientific, cultural and professional public institution based in Lille, Hauts-de-France. With more than 76,000 students, it is one of the largest universities in France and one of the prime universities in the research community. The MOU covers academic cooperation through faculty and student exchange for the purpose of engaging in teaching, consulting, research and education, collaborative research projects, and other mutually beneficial activities. “We are very delighted to have the University of Lille delegation as the first university to visit us physically for academic cooperation after BatStateU has been declared as The National Engineering University. I would like to see the two universities collaborating for the improvement of our engineering education specifically in the field of electronics”, Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo said. Meanwhile, Prof. Philippe Cordonier, ULille Chief Operating Officer for International Relations expressed that they are also very grateful of the warm welcome of Dr. Ronquillo and BatStateU being their “first university partner in the Philippines”. Both parties are interested in exploring more opportunities as they open the possibilities of exchange and double-degree programs in the field of electronics engineering, science and technology. Present in the said event are VP for Research, Development and External Services of BatStateU Engr. Albertson Amante, BatStateU-Alangilan Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs Engr. Paulina Macatangay, BatStateU-Alangilan Vice-Chancellor for External Affairs Engr. Alex Magboo, CIEE Director Engr. Divina Gracia D. Ronquillo, Dean of CEAFA Dr. Reynato Gamboa, ECE Department Chair Engr. Anela Salvador, ECE Program Chair Dr. Anton De Ocampo, Senior Faculty Members, Dr. Felicito Caluyo and Dr. Celco Co, BatStateU-Central External Affairs Director Engr. Edzel Gamab, BatStateU-Alangilan Head of External Affairs Dr. Rowell Hernandez, Graduate Program Coordinator Dr. Jeffrey Sarmiento, CIEE Program Specialist in Education and Partnership Engr. Junix Kaalim. On behalf of ULille – Faculty of Science and Technology, delegates present are COO for International Relations Mr. Philippe Cordonnier, International Relations Manager Ms. Emilie Toulet, Assoc. Prof. Mr. Davy Gaillot and Director of Master Nanosciences Nanotechnologies M2 Prof. Sylvain Bollaert. Mr. Terrence Lacuesta, representative from SEIPI, also attended the said event. This partnership is just one among the new international linkages of Batangas State University, the Philippines’ National Engineering University as it steers in developing world-class leaders in the global knowledge economy.
DSWD hails BatStateU as 2021 Gawad Serbisyo National Awardee
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) hails Batangas State University as the Gawad Serbisyo National Awardee during the 2021 PaNata ko sa Bayan Awards: Pagkilala sa Natatanging Kontribusyon sa Bayan held at DSWD Malasakit Auditorium, Batasan Pambansa Complex, Quezon City, February 28. The Gawad Serbisyo Award is a recognition given to institutions that exemplify humanitarian assistance, timely services and logistical support specifically during relief services, emergency assistance, and disaster operation. Batangas State University is the only state university in the country that received this award. Over the years, BatStateU had shown exemplary performance in research and extension service in the areas of technology innovation applied to disaster risk reduction and management, humanitarian assistance, livelihood trainings to Internally Displaced Populations (IDPs) due to Taal Volcano eruption, and information dissemination through Ugnayan: Pamantasan at Pamayanan Radio program among others. The award was received by Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, BatStateU President, Dr. Armando V. Mendoza, Jr., Director for Extension Services Office, Dr. Benedict O. Medina, Assistant Director for Extension Monitoring and Impact Assessment, and Mrs. Kristia Lei A. Reyes, Assistant Director for Community Development Services, along with the other awardees from international and local organizations, volunteer groups and individuals, local government units, and media. Dr. Ronquillo expressed his sincerest gratitude to DSWD Central, Regional and Provincial Offices, faculty researchers and extensionists, and other stakeholders who contributed to this success. “In Batangas State University, we regard community service not only as a core university function, but more importantly as a social responsibility”, he said. Sec. Rolando Joselito D. Bautista of DSWD recognized the contributions of all institutions who continuously support the department’s social welfare and development programs. “May this humble tokens of appreciation inspire you to continue giving aid to the marginalized”, said Sec. Bautista. BatStateU will continue its passion and commitment in building communities to help attain global sustainable development .
BatStateU awarded as 2021 Outstanding Project Implementer
The CALABARZON Regional Development Council (RDC) awarded Batangas State University (BatStateU) as the 2021 Outstanding Project Implementer during its 4th Quarter Full Council Meeting held via Zoom video conference on Dec. 9. University President Dr. Tirso Ronquillo accepted the award during the virtual ceremonies led by RDC Chairperson Batangas Governor Hermilando I. Mandanas. Later on Dec. 17, Engr. Luis G. Banua, Director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) IV-A handed over the Plaque of Recognition to Pres. Ronquillo at the NEDA Bldg. in Calamba City, Laguna. According to the NEDA, the Search for Outstanding Project Implementer (SOPI) is an annual activity of the CALABARZON Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) which aims to promote the efficient and effective implementation of development projects in the Region. The project implementer is evaluated based on its efficiency in project management and implementation, innovations and good practices, and budget utilization. Engr. Antonio A. Gamboa, Director of the Project Management Office (PMO) submitted the Construction of the Two-Storey Student Services Center Building (SSCB) II Project of the JPLPC-Malvar Campus in the Search. The project started last December 2019 and was completed in December 2020 with a total project cost of Php 22.5 million. During the validation meeting of the Evaluation Committee last Oct. 28, BatStateU was recommended for the award after passing the evaluation criteria. Last Nov. 4, the CALABARZON RPMC formally endorsed BatStateU to the RDC Adhoc Committee on Awards as the SOPI awardee. Among the best practices and innovations of BatStateU in the project include the creation of multiple-layered Project Management Team (PMT); well-structured project implementation and management processes through coordination meetings and quality assurance and cost control methods, provision of project inspection and corrective action reports; and the continuous evaluation of existing external providers for ongoing and other completed projects. Since 2014, the University has witnessed massive infrastructure development, through the leadership of Pres. Ronquillo, that is faithful to its mandate of providing a world-class university atmosphere to its students and responding to the challenges of the 21st century. Through strategic planning and sound project management, the University was able to complete 98 infrastructure projects amounting to nearly Php 1.6 billion from 2014-2021. These projects include the construction of additional higher education buildings, libraries, student centers, research and development facilities, technology park, and improvement of campus environment. Currently, BatStateU has 19 ongoing infrastructure development projects in all of its constituent and extension campuses with a total contract amount of over Php 627 million under the strict monitoring of the PMO. 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.
BatStateU to host 5th int’l conference on innovations in eng’g, science and tech
The University is set to host its 5th International Research Conference on Innovations in Engineering, Science and Technology (IRCIEST V) to be held virtually via FLOOR, a virtual event platform, on December 6-7. With the theme “Innovations in Engineering, Science and Technology for the New Normal and Beyond”, the IRCIEST V aims to serve as a platform for science, technology, and engineering students and professionals, technopreneurs, and researchers from various local and international universities, organizations, and institutions to share advances in various fields and stages of technology applications and commercialization. “Preparing the university to produce graduates, researchers, and innovators to be industry-ready is of paramount importance despite the challenges of the new normal. Globalization and high competition highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation for the modern-day universities,” reads the conference brief. The two-day virtual event will feature keynote speeches, plenary sessions, paper presentations, and masterclasses as well as the Innovation Challenge Competition and virtual exhibits. The conference will highlight topics on artificial intelligence, automation and control, biochemistry and molecular biology, data science and analytics, electronics, energy and environment, S&T education, engineering education, food and agriculture, ICT, instrumentation and control, marine science, materials science, nanotechnology, and technopreneurship. Further, the top 3 winners out of the 10 finalists in the Innovation Challenge Competition are expected to be announced during the conference. The Innovation Challenge Competition is a challenge-driven innovation addressing the Sustainable Development Goal 9 and co-creation arena aiming to support the transition towards a more sustainable society. Participating universities in the top 10 finalists are BatStateU Alangilan, BatStateU Nasugbu, Nueva Vizcaya State University – Bambang Campus, Visayas State University, Mindanao State University- Iligan Institute of Technology and University Rizal System. P100,000 worth of total cash prize shall be awarded. IRCIEST is a biennial conference organized and spearheaded by Batangas State University since 2013. Registration is open and may be accessed here: https://batstate-u.edu.ph/IRCIESTV/#/main/registration. More details on schedule and fees can be accessed via the conference website at https://batstate-u.edu.ph/IRCIESTV/. 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.
BatStateU-IS hailed as overall champion in KAT inter-school competition
The Batangas State University Integrated School (BatStateU-IS) was hailed as overall champion after it bested 25 other public and private schools from Batangas in this year’s Online Karibok ang Tuktok (On-KAT): “The Batangueño Youth as Vanguards of Science, Research and Truth” held from Nov. 9-13, 2021. The On-KAT is an academic inter-school competition organized by the University of the Philippines (UP) Batangan featuring different contest categories including essay writing, poster and digital art making, photo essay, quiz bee, impromptu speaking, and filmmaking competition for all Batangueño students. UP Batangan is a duly recognized organization of Batangueño students in UP Diliman. This victory is a reclamation for BatStateU-IS since its first win as KAT overall champion last 2005. Mr. Luis Philip M. Oropesa, BatStateU-IS head teacher, recognized the collaborative efforts of their teachers, coaches, participants, and the support of the parents that enabled them to reclaim the KAT victory after 16 years. “As we reflect on this success, we realized that it is not the pandemic nor the difficulty of being physically apart that can stop the Batang IS to be at their best. May this recognition be an inspiration to the entire IS Community as we continue to hone the young members of the University to become Mahusay, Mabuti, at Mapanagutan.” Five (5) Batang IS senior high school (SHS) students were hailed as winners which include Julienne Marie A. Parizal, 1st place, Poster Making; Anthonina Dhapniella C. Vael, 1st place, Photo Contest, Lindsay R. Gutierrez, 2nd place, Digital Art Making, Gerr Sonn R. Villena, 3rd place, Pagsulat ng Sanaysay; and Justeen Kharla M. Manalo, 5th place, Dagliang Talumpati. Moreover, the BatStateU-IS Junior High School (JHS) was also awarded as the 1st runner up overall winner after garnering seven (7) awards in this level of the competition. The Batang IS JHS winners are namely Allynah H. Macatangay, 2nd place, Essay Writing; Aedele Mae G. Beloso, 2nd place, Pagsusulat ng Sanaysay; Carmelo Emanuel O. Echanez, 2nd place, Poster Making; Vanessa Marie M. Lorida, 3rd place, Photo Contest; Jaurice Margaret M. Macalalad, 4th place, Dagliang Talumpati; Portia S. Antenor, 4th place, Impromptu Speech; and Frances Ysabelle E. Agdamag, Reinald Arne I. Bool and Mihr Chloe S. Parcon (Team B), 1st runner up, Quiz Bee Finals. Further, two (2) IS elementary students namely Zofiyah Kyle D. Almario and Lance Gabriel B. Panaligan won 2nd place in Digital Art Making and 5th place in Poster Making respectively. Following BatStateU as overall champion is the Philippine Science High School – CALABARZON Region Campus as overall 1st runner winner up and The Mabini Academy as overall 2nd runner up winner. Image source: https://www.facebook.com/BatanganKaribokAngTuktok/
The BatStateU College Admission Test for AY 2022-2023 is Waived
Online College Application 2022 starts on November 22, 2021. In response to the current restrictions caused by the COVID-19 health crisis, The Batangas State University waives the College Admission Test for Academic Year 2022-2023! The university offers over 100 academic programs, which you can see here. Interested applicants must download the College Admission Grades Form here. For graduates of Alternative Learning System (ALS), download this form. Admission requirements and procedure can be seen here. IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER: November 22 2021 – Start of Online Application and Submission of Documents March 5, 2022 – Deadline of Filing and Submission of Documents Once applicants have completely filled out the College Admission Grades Form, they may access the application for admission portal at https://dione.batstate-u.edu.ph/tao/#/application For more details, visit the Testing and Admissions page at http://tao.batstate-u.edu.ph/. Be a Red Spartan! Apply now!
BatStateU, PPSI to honor national scientist Dr. Gavino C. Trono, Jr. in a virtual symposium
The Batangas State University (BatStateU), through the Verde Island Passage Center for Oceanographic Research and Aquatic Life Sciences (VIP CORALS), and in partnership with the Philippine Phycological Society, Inc. (PPSI) will be co-hosting the 9th National Symposium and Scientific Meeting of the PPSI on Nov. 12-13 to which they will pay homage to the 90th birthday of national scientist Dr. Gavino Trono Jr., a Filipino biologist dubbed as the “Father of Kappaphycus farming”. Dr. Trono was conferred the rank of National Scientist of the Philippines for contributions to the study of tropical marine phycology, focusing on seaweed biodiversity. He is currently a professor emeritus at The Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines Diliman (UP MSI), where he works on the bio-ecology and cultivation of the brown seaweeds Sargassum spp. and refining his recently developed culture technology for the red seaweed Halymenia durvillei. The symposium carries the theme “Phycology Under New Normal and Beyond” which headlines four (4) international scientists as plenary speakers: Dr. Victoria Chraibi, Assistant Professor of Biological Science, Tarleton State University, USA; Dr. Roberta D’Archino, Marine Biologist – Coast and Oceans, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA); Dr. Suzanne McGowan, Professor of Freshwater Science, Netherlands Institute of Ecology; and Dr. Joel Cuello, Professor of Biosystems Engineering, University of Arizona, USA. According to PPSI President Dr. Wilberto D. Monotilla, this year’s scientific program also features oral and poster sessions from professionals and students presenting a broad range of research findings related to phycology. “The symposium will provide the ideal forum to stimulate ideas and establish collaborations as well as encourage and initiate discussions. As we journey towards our third decade in providing professional and scientific education, we aim to create a new engaging online experience with aspiring professionals by providing innovative insights and invaluable guidance and assistance from experts in the field of Phycology,” Dr. Monotilla added. Established in 2007, PPSI is steadfast to its mission of promoting the science of phycology (study of algae) in the Philippines, being the country’s primary and foremost phycological society in education, research, and industry, and serving as repository of information on the phycological culture and resources in the country. This will be the first time that the symposium will be held virtually. PPSI conducts its symposium biennially with partner organizations and universities in some localities which include UP MSI (2007 and 2011), UP Los Baños (2009), Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) (2013), Mariano Marcos State University (2015), Mindanao State University (2017), and De La Salle University (2019), and Batangas State University (2021), thus serving its constituents from different regions of the country. For more details about the virtual symposium, you may visit the official event website at https://batstate-u.edu.ph/ppsi2021 and Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ppsialgae. 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. CONTACT: VIP CORALS Batangas State University vipcorals@g.batstate-u.edu.ph
University gears toward future-proofing engineering through its 1st Int’l Conference on Innovations in Eng’g Education
The University’s Center for Innovation in Engineering Education (CIEE)—the first of its kind in the country—is set to stage its 1st International Conference on Innovations in Engineering Education (ICIEE 2021) to be held virtually via Zoom Webinars on November 10 and 11, 2021. This is the first major-scale event of the Center since its establishment in December 2020 and formal launching earlier in March coincident with the celebration of the World Engineering Day 2021. The CIEE serves as the University’s official arm in advancing engineering education. As the industry undergoes radical technological advancement, the University remains true to its mission of producing leaders by providing a 21st century learning environment through innovations in education, further driven by the ICIEE 2021. In addition, the Center believes that the conduct of the conference is both timely and relevant to the education and industry sectors as they catch pace in producing future-proof graduates who will become professionals capable of meeting the industry’s rising demands. “As engineering moves forward, so must engineering education. Innovation is vital to our economic, social, and environmental futures, and the present situation encourages urgent, collaborative investments on both the local and global levels necessary for the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” reads the conference brief. 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. The two-day event is charged with 16 distinguished speakers from across the globe to cover a number of relevant thematic areas in plenary sessions, panel discussions, and masterclasses. Notable speakers include Dr. Sheryl Sorby, immediate past president and fellow of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) and CIEE advisory board member to serve as the event keynote speaker, and Prof. Dr. Gong Ke, World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) President to discuss, alongside the International Centre for Engineering Education (ICEE), “The Continuing Role of Engineering Education in the Attainment of the SDGs: UNESCO Engineering Report 2021”, among many others. 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. 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 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 during the 5th International Research Conference on the Innovations in Engineering, Science, and Technology (IRCIEST V). The CIEE welcomes academicians, educators, researchers, industry practitioners, and leaders of global organizations in engineering education to join the international conference. 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. 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.
DOST grants funding to BatStateU for Regional Inclusive Innovation Center implementation
BATANGAS CITY – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Region 4a entered into partnership with the Batangas State University (BatStateU) through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the initial implementation of the Regional Inclusive Innovation Center (RIIC) in Calabarzon, on October 7. An initiative by DTI and DOST, supported by the USAID Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Development (STRIDE), the RIIC is one of the cornerstones of the 2018 Inclusive Filipinnovation and Entrepreneurship Roadmap to strengthen the capacity for innovation to drive inclusive economic growth in the countryside. Under the Grants-In-Aid program, DOST-4a has committed Php 1.4M funds for strengthening the operation of RIIC in Calabarzon including support for the Barako coffee sector, establishment of a Business Innovation Unit (BIU) under BatStateU Knowledge, Innovation and Science Technology (KIST) Park and other innovation programs. The BIU aims to be a dynamic one-stop-shop for prospective innovators in the region, with the goal of increased utilization and uptake of innovation programs/services and R&D outputs among MSMEs. The MOA was signed by DOST-4a Regional Director Emelita Bagsit and Assistant Regional Director for Technical Operations Mr. Francisco Barquilla, with counterparts from BatStateU President Tirso Ronquillo, and Vice President for Research, Development and Extension Services Engr. Albertson Amante. The agreement builds on the approval of the Regional Development Council (RDC) for the establishment of the Calabarzon RIIC last December 2020, with DOST-4a and DTI-4a as lead government agencies, and BatStateU as the anchor academe institution and lead implementor. This is only the first phase of the implementation and is expected to produce outcomes for a more developed and accessible innovation environment across the region. A ceremonial awarding of funds will be held on October 19, during the launch of the RIIC Innovation program and official brand, dubbed as “Linking Innovation Networks for Competitiveness in Calabarzon” –or– “LINC Calabarzon.” The event will also unveil the LINC Calabarzon Website that houses a regional innovation database, consolidating local innovation resources for increased access among MSMEs and other stakeholders. For more details, you may visit the website at https://linccalabarzon.com and Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/LincCalabarzon/. 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.
