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| (Image Source: Facebook/Batangas State University, The National Engineering University) |
Marking another milestone in the University’s global innovation journey, Batangas State University Integrated School (BatStateU-IS) clinched 2nd Place in the Future Innovators – Junior Category during the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Asia-Pacific Open Championship 2025, held last September 18–21 at Le’ Pavillion Metropolitan Park in Manila. Representing the Philippines against teams from 25 countries, the highlight of the competition came from Gracie Clare B. Benedicto, Zac Angelo C. Leyco, and Andrhia Joy P. Perez whose socially relevant innovation project wowed international judges.
Competing under the Future Innovators Category — where teams must research a real-world problem aligned with the year’s theme, design and prototype a functional robotic solution, and present it professionally — the BatStateU-IS team stood out for their well-researched concept, innovative design, and impactful presentation. Coached by Jomari B. Montalbo, the BatStateU-IS team introduced SYLAX (System for Youth Locomotor Assistance and Xploration), an innovative, low-cost mobility device that combines the functions of a wheelchair and an exoskeleton to aid children with cerebral palsy. Designed with safety, accessibility, and affordability in mind, it integrates assistive walking modes, adaptive controls, and monitoring features, while using open-source and locally available parts to make advanced rehabilitation technology more practical and accessible for low-resource settings. This combination of rigorous research, empathetic design, precise engineering, and powerful presentation earned the team the 2nd Best in Asia-Pacific title, demonstrating BatStateU-IS’s commitment to using robotics as a force for social good.
Furthermore, the BatStateU-IS delegation displayed exceptional ingenuity and technical skill, earning Top 15 finishes across all RoboMission divisions. The Junior Category team of Nathanael M. Calayan, Jairus C. Loria, and Brylle Joehan P. Parto secured 8th place while the Senior Category team of Euclid Roi M. Beredo, Enrico Carlo C. Closa, and Mihr Chloe S. Parcon placed 13th. In the Elementary Category, Prince Jethro B. Calderon, Hanz Kean F. Cueto, and Alexa Brielle M. Mapendan ranked 14th, affirming the strength of Red Spartan robotics across all age levels. “This achievement speaks volumes about our students’ dedication and world-class potential. We are incredibly proud of how they carried the Red Spartan banner with excellence, creativity, and heart,” said BatStateU-IS Head Teacher III Luis Philip M. Oropesa.
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BatStateU Engineering Students Shine On Top Of 1st P.I.T.C.H. PH 2025
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| (Image Source: Facebook/Batangas State University, The National Engineering University) |
Once again proving its mettle on the national stage, the outstanding team of Batangas State University (BatStateU) Industrial Engineering students secured first place in the PAES Innovation & Technopreneurship Challenge Hub Philippines (P.I.T.C.H. PH) competition during the 10th International Conference on Engineering Education – Philippines (ICEE-Phil 2025) and 70th Philippine Agricultural Engineering Standards (PAES) General Assembly, held last September 13, 2025 at the University of Sto. Tomas in Manila.
The winning team, Team SABANAYAN composed of Ria Gale M. Asilo, Cleo Graciana R. Aya, Chastine Lyka Antoinette Jade H. Dorado, Alexis M. Granados, and Irish Lyn D. Lardizabal, triumphed over 19 participating universities across the country. With guidance from their coach Engr. Ladyllyn M. Culla, the team delivered a powerful pitch that showcased technical brilliance, societal relevance, and entrepreneurial viability — all aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). Their innovation, SABANAYAN, is a breathable textile, addressing both agricultural waste and the erosion of Filipino textile heritage. The project earned high praise for its financial feasibility, with a projected ₱19M (19 million pesos) investment and an expected return on investment within 4 years, strong validation from tailoring businesses, and support of five key SDGs: SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13 Climate Action, SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being.
From one hectare of banana plantation, 140,000 yards of SABANAYAN fabric can be produced, demonstrating both environmental and economic viability. With a net profit margin of 17–27% and an FIRR of 21%, the project redefines what it means to “engineer the future. P.I.T.C.H. PH 2025 is a premier platform for showcasing innovative ideas and creative solutions toward a better, sustainable future. It aims to empower young engineers to become catalysts of change through innovation and technopreneurship.
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Health And Wellness Mega App mWell Rolls Out UAAP Season 88 Smart Watches
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| (Image Source: One Sports/mWell) |
mWell, the Philippines’ first fully integrated health and wellness mega app, kicks off UAAP Season 88 by launching its Special Edition UAAP Smart Watches featuring a refreshed line-up and striking new designs. Each timepiece showcases updated university watch faces and straps that capture school pride in a bold new way, making them more than accessories but everyday wellness companions. mWell invites the entire UAAP community to get their wrist game on by showing school pride in style while staying healthy every step of the way.
The collection, available in three models, features updated watch faces and straps in team colors. The Prestige Sport Watch comes with GPS, barometer, altimeter, and AMOLED display for training, while the Prestige Watch blends health tracking with a premium look. The Power Watch offers essentials for active users at a lower price point. Each watch is equipped with health tools including blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen monitoring, step tracking, sleep analysis, and access to more than 100 exercise modes. They sync with the mWell app’s wellness score system and promise up to seven days of battery life. Prices start at Php2,499 with an extra strap and free shipping via the mWell app e-shop.
UAAP executive director Rene “Rebo” Saguisag said the partnership highlights the league’s Season 88 theme, “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action”, by encouraging athletes and fans alike to prioritize health and wellness. mWell chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan added that the watches are daily reminders of discipline and resilience learned through sports. The UAAP collection will be available at mWell booths during games at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum, as well as online.
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Thousands Of Carlos Hilado Memorial State University Students To Benefit From BPI’s Financial Literacy Programs
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| L-R: BPI Foundation’s Senior Program Manager Manolo Nava and Executive Director Carmina Marquez with Carlos Hilado Memorial State University’s President Dr. Norberto Mangalubnan, College Dean of Business Management and Accountancy Dr. Marissa Quezon, and Director for Internationalization and External Relations Rhoderick Samonte (Image Source: Manila Standard/Carlos Hilado Memorial State University) |
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), through its social development arm, BPI Foundation (BPIF), has officially entered into a four-year partnership with Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) to provide financial education to thousands of students across its four campuses in Negros Occidental. Through the agreement, BPIF will bring its flagship financial education programs to CHMSU, benefiting nearly 40,000 students over four years.
“We are excited to work together with Carlos Hilado Memorial State University on this initiative. BPIF, together with our partners, recognizes the essential role of financial literacy in achieving greater financial inclusion, which is why we continue to do our best to reach more communities. We are optimistic that through this program, we can empower more individuals and households in underserved communities with financial knowledge and skills and promote responsible financial behavior for a more financially resilient future,” said BPI Foundation Executive Director Carmina Marquez. This long-term collaboration underscores BPIF’s mission to build financially resilient and empowered communities by working with academic institutions that play a vital role in shaping future generations.
The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing was attended by key representatives from both institutions. Representing CHMSU were University President Dr. Norberto Mangulabnan, Director for Internationalization and External Relations Rhoderick Samonte, and College Dean of Business Management and Accountancy Dr. Marissa Quezon. From BPIF, attendees included Executive Director Carmina Marquez, Senior Program Manager for Financial Education and Arts Management Manolo Nava, and Program Manager for Financial Education Gladys Malapo.
To learn more about BPIF’s financial education programs, visit www.bpifoundation.org or follow BPI Foundation on Facebook (@BPIFoundation) and Instagram (@bpifoundationinc).
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DSWD's Cash-For-Work Program Benefits 294 Students And Graduates Of Kolehiyo Ng Lungsod Ng Lipa
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| (Image Source: The Beat Publication/LIKHA) |
A total of 294 beneficiaries, consisting of 197 graduates and 97 students from the Kolehiyo ng Lungsod ng Lipa (KLL), recently received their payout under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Cash-For-Work (CFW) program inside the Lipa City Youth Cultural Center. The CFW program provides temporary employment and financial assistance to vulnerable individuals and families while contributing to community development. Through the program, beneficiaries earn daily wages for their administrative support to their assigned offices such as KLL, Local Government of Lipa and other municipalities.
In his inspirational message, DSWD Region IV-A Regional CWF Program Coordinator Nelson Robles Jr. emphasized that the program goes beyond providing financial aid, stating, “Hindi tulong pinansyal lang ang programa kundi tulong [din] sa mga graduate at students bilang paghahanda [nila] sa pagiging professional individuals in the future.” The event featured welcoming remarks from KLL College Secretary and Higher Educational Institution Cash-For-Work Program Focal Person Glendel V. Lunar followed by a kamustahan session facilitated by KALAHI-CIDSS Region IV-A Representative Goldieran Bayran which allowed beneficiaries to share their experiences and feedback about the program.
According to DSWD, the initiative aims to support participants not only by meeting their immediate financial needs but also by equipping them with valuable work experience to prepare them for future professional endeavors.
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Big Ben Complex Holds Annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony Highlighting 'Good Deeds'
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| Musicalipa and The Lipa Choral Ensemble collaborated for a unique musical performance during Big Ben Complex's Christmas 2025 Lighting Ceremony. (Image Source: Facebook/Lipa Status/Big Ben Complex) |
The festive spirit officially began at the Big Ben Complex as it once again held its annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony, a tradition that signals the start of the 100-day countdown to Christmas, last September 16, 2025. The much-awaited event has become a beloved gathering for the community, drawing families, friends, and visitors who eagerly await the sparkling lights that transform the complex into a holiday wonderland.
This year, however, the celebration went beyond the dazzling displays and joyful music. The program carried a deeper message, as selected individuals were invited to speak about the importance of Good Deeds, a theme that resonated strongly with the audience given the current political issues in the country. Each speaker shared personal experiences and reflections on how simple acts of kindness, integrity, and compassion can have a lasting impact on society. Among them were actress Yayo Aguila and Noel Comia Jr. as the younger 'Matmat' version of the hit series and Filipino adaptation of 'Its Okay To Not Be Okay'. Their words served as reminders that the Christmas season is not only about festivities, but also about fostering unity, understanding, and a collective commitment to positive change. The highlight of the evening was the grand lighting of the Christmas tree at Big Ben Complex façade with musical performances from MusicaLipa and The Lipa Choral Ensemble. Organizers emphasized that this year’s ceremony aimed to inspire people to carry the spirit of goodwill beyond the holidays.
The Christmas Lighting Ceremony at Big Ben Complex continues to be a symbol of hope, joy, and togetherness in Lipa City. By intertwining tradition with timely social reflection, the event not only welcomes the holiday season but also strengthens the community’s values during these pivotal times.
(With words by Arven Bravo, Lipa Status)
