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| (Image Source: Facebook/Batangas State University, The National Engineering University) |
A major milestone in Philippine engineering education was formally marked last May 5, 2026 as Batangas State University, The National Engineering University (BatStateU The NEU), received its Tier 1 Higher Education Institution (HEI) Accreditation Certificate from the Philippine Technological Council (PTC) during an awarding ceremony held at BatStateU Alangilan Campus. Officially granted in July 2025 under the PTC Certification and Accreditation System for Engineering Education (CASEE), the recognition affirms BatStateU The NEU’s standing as a Tier 1 Institution — an international distinction awarded to engineering schools that demonstrate robust capacity in national and regional impact, leadership and governance, and quality assurance systems.
Leading the awarding ceremony were PTC President Engr. Federico A. Monsada, Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) Chair Dr. May Rose C. Imperial, and Accreditation and Certification Board for Engineering and Technology (ACBET) Member Prof. Alberto A. Laurito who personally conferred the certificates to the engineering department and program chairs of BatStateU Alangilan. Receiving the certificate on behalf of the University was Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Charmaine Rose I. Triviño-Mañalac. Also present during the awarding ceremony were Center for Innovation in Engineering Education Director Prof. Divina Gracia D. Ronquillo and other BatStateU Alangilan officials. As a Tier 1 Institution, BatStateU’s accredited engineering programs are now granted international recognition under the Washington Accord — an international agreement among accrediting bodies that recognizes the substantial equivalency of engineering education systems and qualifications worldwide. This distinction strengthens the global mobility, employability, and competitiveness of BatStateU graduates.
The University’s programs will also be included in the registry of the Federation of Engineering Institutions of Asia and the Pacific (FEIAP), reinforcing BatStateU The NEU’s commitment to international quality benchmarks and globally aligned engineering education. This achievement further cements BatStateU The NEU’s role in advancing globally competitive engineering education and producing future-ready engineers equipped to contribute to national and international development.
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Justice Through Science: DLSL Joins National Initiative
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| (Image Source: De La Salle Lipa) |
De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) continues to expand its academic and research linkages in forensic science through its participation in the launch and consequent Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing of the Justice Through Science Project held last April 16, 2026. The initiative, led by the University of the Cordilleras in partnership with international and national stakeholders, positions science as a critical driver in strengthening the country’s criminal justice system and advancing public safety.
Representing the institution were Dr. Aristotle P. Balba, Dean of the College of Criminal Justice Education, alongside faculty members Atty. Aldin Gonzales and Ms. Ma. Grazziella De Torres. Through the signed MOA, the school formally joined the project as an institutional partner, committing to support the promotion of forensic science education and to mobilize student and faculty participation in training sessions, seminars, and related activities. The Justice Through Science Project (https://www.justicethroughscienceproject.com/) focuses on enhancing forensic science capacity in the Philippines through a combination of online courses, laboratory-based training, and regional knowledge-sharing initiatives. Anchored on the theme “Science As The Backbone Of Justice”, the program convenes academic institutions, law enforcement agencies, and professional organizations to strengthen collaboration and advance evidence-based practices in the justice sector. Through this engagement, De La Salle Lipa strengthens its academic framework in criminal justice education by integrating science-driven approaches and expanding access to specialized training opportunities. The partnership leads to improved program alignment with national and international standards, enhanced faculty development, and increased institutional participation in interdisciplinary collaborations focused on justice and security.
For current students, the initiative provides access to structured training, expert-led sessions, and exposure to real-world forensic applications, thereby strengthening their academic and professional preparation. For prospective students, it affirms the school’s commitment to delivering programs that are directly connected to national priorities and global developments, ensuring a learning environment that equips them with relevant competencies.
(With words by Cristina Alfarita Larombi, De La Salle Lipa)
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MAD Summit 2026 Celebrates Creativity In Motion On Going The “XtraMile”
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| (Image Source: Facebook/Lipa Status/MAD Summit) |
The creative energy was undeniable last May 2, 2026 as the recently concluded Multimedia Arts and Design (MAD) Summit 2026 transformed De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) Sentrum into a vibrant hub of ideas, passion, and collaboration. With this year’s theme centered on going the “XtraMile”, both organizers and participants proved that creativity thrives when effort meets purpose and they delivered exactly that from start to finish.
From the very first moments of the opening remarks, the tone was set for a day fueled by innovation and artistic expression. Students, creatives, and industry enthusiasts gathered, each bringing their own perspective, ready to explore, learn, and connect. The event seamlessly blended inspiration with interaction, offering a dynamic lineup that kept the momentum strong throughout the day. One of the summit’s highlights was the Alumni Showcase stage which featured accomplished De La Salle Lipa Multimedia Arts alumni including Jena, Charles Andrew Robles, Denesse, and ShaggyBearGames. Each shared their unique journeys in the creative industry and offering real-world insights on growth, challenges, and the evolving landscape of multimedia arts. Their stories resonated deeply with participants, bridging the gap between academic learning and professional experience. The afternoon session carried the same high energy, featuring live performances that added rhythm and excitement to the summit. EKOMS of Musikalista and Charles Andrew Robles took the stage, delivering performances filled with passion, original compositions, and creative expression that captivated the audience. Beyond the stage, MAD Summit 2026 offered a fully immersive experience. Interactive booths, engaging competitions, and hands-on activities encouraged participants to not just observe, but actively create and collaborate. These spaces became platforms for experimentation where ideas were exchanged freely and creativity was pushed beyond limits.
More than just a one-day event, the summit became a meaningful avenue for learning and inspiration. Participants had the rare opportunity to engage with invited creatives gaining valuable insights into their processes, styling approaches, branding strategies, decision-making, and portfolio development. These conversations sparked new perspectives and motivated aspiring artists to refine their craft and pursue their passions with confidence. MAD Summit 2026 was more than an event and it was a celebration of creativity in motion. By going the XtraMile, it successfully created an environment where ideas came alive, connections were built, and the next generation of creatives were empowered to take their talents even further.
(With words by Arven Bravo, Lipa Status
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OPPO Find N6 Now Available Via Smart Infinity, Globe Postpaid
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| (Image Source: Village Pipol/OPPO Philippines) |
OPPO introduces its newest foldable smartphone, the Find N6 — now available for Smart Infinity and Globe Postpaid subscribers. Designed for professionals who need power and flexibility, the OPPO Find N6 unfolds into a large 8.12-inch display that makes multitasking seamless — from reviewing documents to running multiple apps at once. Powered by the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5, it delivers smooth and reliable performance for everyday demands.
It features a new Titanium Flexion Hinge and upgraded flex glass that reduces the screen crease, making it barely visible and smooth to the touch. Built for durability, it supports up to 600,000 folds while maintaining its flat shape and up to one million folds over time. The device also packs a 6,000mAh battery with fast charging for all-day use alongside a 200MP Hasselblad camera system with 4K 120fps Dolby Vision recording for high-quality photos and videos on the go. Designed for real-life use, it comes with IP56 and IP59-rated dust and water resistance and is available in Stellar Titanium and Blossom Orange. Smart Infinity subscribers can enjoy a more premium mobile experience, including priority customer service, a dedicated relationship manager, and access to exclusive lifestyle perks and events. It also offers travel benefits such as concierge support and airport lounge access, along with reliable connectivity, international roaming, and priority assistance. Smart Infinity subscribers availing the OPPO Find N6 can get a free Enco Buds 3 Pro plus one-year warranty while 40,000 Mabuhay Miles await the first 30 customers who have purchased the unit through Smart Infinity.
With Globe Postpaid subscribers can gain access to a more premium mobile experience — combining reliable connectivity, curated plan options, and exclusive benefits that complement OPPO’s latest foldable — when they avail of the OPPO Find N6 thru Globe GPlan 2499 (with Php73,600 cashout and one-year extended warranty). The OPPO Find N6 brings together innovation, performance, and durability in one premium foldable built for the way you work and live.
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Angry Birds Marks New Milestone With Induction Into The World Video Game Hall Of Fame
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| (Image Source: Rovio Entertainment Ltd.) |
Angry Birds, created by Rovio Entertainment Ltd., has been officially inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, U.S.A. Originally launched in 2009 – just one year after the debut of the Apple App Store – Angry Birds helped define a new era of mobile gaming, introducing tens of millions of people to intuitive, touch-based mobile gaming when smartphones were only beginning to take over globally. With more than 5 billion downloads worldwide, a slate of live games, and new entertainment on the horizon – including The Angry Birds Movie 3, arriving in theaters this December 2026 – Angry Birds remains one of the most widely recognized and adaptable franchises in gaming.
While the mobile game market remains one of the most competitive in the industry, Angry Birds’ staying power comes down to more than timing. Its simple, satisfying gameplay, expressive characters, and globally resonant humor have helped it evolve alongside its audience – expanding from a breakout mobile hit into a global, multi-platform entertainment brand. Angry Birds Creative Officer Ben Mattes credits attributes the franchise's longevity to a combination of factors: a simple but enduring core idea, a deeply engaged fan community, a richly developed world, and a distinct style of physical humor with global appeal. “What started as a game with incredibly simple mechanics and instantly recognizable designs has conquered transmedia categories far beyond its origins. We’ve got our live games, but Angry Birds can also be enjoyed as licensed products, animations, feature films and activity parks. While the brand is very versatile and the different forms it takes allow our fans to experience their world in new ways, at the end of the day, it’s still all about iconic birds, their crafty antagonists, and the conflict between them that results in entertaining and spectacular consequences, all doused with humor.”
Building on that foundation, Angry Birds continues to engage fans worldwide. The brand has expanded significantly through licensing, making the Angry Birds characters a familiar sight in many consumer products around the world. Fans can also enjoy thousands of immersive experiences around the world. “Characters, emotion and story are what keeps our fans coming back to our games year after year. The induction to the World Video Game Hall of Fame means we are standing shoulder to shoulder alongside the very greatest of gaming. This is a truly special recognition for us and we’re deeply honored by it,” says Mattes.
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Respect Starts Young: EastWest Rural Bank Honors Values-Driven Students Nationwide
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| (Image Source: EastWest Banking Corporation) |
Respect learned early creates a force for good that lasts a lifetime. Guided by this belief, EastWest Rural Bank (EWRB), EastWest Banking Corporation’s rural banking arm, continues its annual I RESPECT Awards campaign — honoring young Filipino students who demonstrate respect for people, the environment, and social, cultural, and spiritual beliefs.
This year, 83 elementary students from regions across the country were recognized during their graduation ceremonies. Each awardee received a cash incentive as part of the recognition. Now in its 10th year, the I RESPECT Awards celebrate children whose everyday actions reflect empathy, kindness, and responsibility — values observed and affirmed by their teachers. Awardees are recognized not only for academic performance, but also for how they treat others, care for their surroundings, and practice good citizenship in simple, meaningful ways. Through the campaign, EWRB reinforces its core value of RESPECT and underscores that values-based leadership can begin early. By spotlighting children who choose compassion, inclusion, and integrity, the Bank aims to inspire more young Filipinos to be positive influences in their schools and communities.
“Respect is shaped through example, and these young awardees remind us that values can be lived at any age. By recognizing children who choose respect — for people, for culture, and for the environment — we invest in a future led by empathy, responsibility, and shared humanity,” said EWRB President Sheila Marasigan-Bajado. The I RESPECT Awards campaign is part of EWRB’s broader advocacy for community development, reinforcing the belief that nation-building starts with character — and that when values are nurtured early, their impact can span generations.
