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| (Image Source: Facebook/Batangas State University, The National Engineering University/Batangas Provincial Public Information Office) |
Batangas State University, The National Engineering University (BatStateU The NEU), President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo has been named among the distinguished honorees of the Notable Batangueño Awards 2026 in the field of education and academe during the ERPAT Day Celebration held last June 22, 2026 at the Provincial Dream Zone in Batangas City.
The recognition forms part of the Provincial Government of Batangas’ continuing efforts, through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), in partnership with ERPAT Batangas and MOVE-ALAV, to honor individuals whose work reflects excellence, service, and leadership in advancing community development. This year’s theme, “Honoring Excellence, Celebrating Service, Inspiring Generations”, underscores the role of leaders whose impact extends beyond their professional fields. ERPAT, which stands for Empowerment and Reaffirmation of Paternal Abilities, is a community-based program that promotes responsible fatherhood, active male participation in family life, and community leadership, with shared accountability in addressing social issues such as the prevention of gender-based violence and the strengthening of family systems. Dr. Ronquillo, an international professional engineer, educator, and academic administrator, leads BatStateU The NEU, a premier national university recognized for producing top-performing graduates in engineering and technology. He also serves as President of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) and is an executive member of the National Innovation Council, reinforcing his influence in shaping higher education and innovation policies in the country. His leadership reflects a broader shift in the role of universities, from being centers of instruction to becoming active drivers of national development, innovation, and social transformation. In the Philippine context, higher education institutions are key contributors to workforce development, particularly in STEM fields where demand continues to grow alongside infrastructure expansion and digital transformation.
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| (Image Source: Facebook/Batangas State University, The National Engineering University/Batangas Provincial Public Information Office) |
The recognition also aligns with broader social development efforts as platforms like ERPAT and MOVE-ALAV advocate for stronger family systems and community responsibility. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1 in 3 women worldwide experience violence in their lifetime, highlighting the continuing urgency for sustained collaboration between education institutions, government, and civil society in advancing prevention, awareness, and empowerment programs for safer communities. During the ceremony, Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto underscored the value of collaboration across sectors, emphasizing that sustainable progress requires strong partnerships among government, academe, and communities. This recognition affirms BatStateU’s commitment to leadership that goes beyond academic excellence, anchored in service, innovation, and meaningful contributions to nation-building and inclusive development. Aside from Dr. Ronquillo, other notable Batangueños honored by the provincial government are Rev. Fr. Leonido “Nonie” C. Dolor for Faith-Based Service and Spiritual Leadership; Atty. Victor Reginald “RD” Dimacuha for Social Service and Civic Engagement; SylPaulJoyce Group of Companies' Charles Solano for Business and Entrepreneurship; Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots Head Coach Lewis Alfred “LA” Tenorio for Sports and Youth Development; Police Brigidier General (PBGEN) Dennis A. Esguerra for Peace, Safety and Disaster Response; Dr. Norberto “Jun” M. Malibiran Jr. for Health and Medicine; and former Justice and Transportation Secretary and University of Batangas President Emeritus Atty. Hernando “Nani” Perez for Legislation, Judiciary and Executive.
