For Mr. Juanito B. Pagcaliwagan, Jr., life is about growth. You can see it in the meticulous care he pours into Mhy Garden, his sprawling 5-acre oasis. You can see it in his work as a dedicated landscaper and florist, bringing beauty to the spaces around him. But most importantly, you can see it in Caresiah, Disability Support Services, his company dedicated to nurturing the potential and dignity of others.
This drive to nurture – people, plants, and communities – was itself nurtured during his time at the University of Batangas (UB). A 2007 graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, Juanito is more than just a successful entrepreneur, a loving father, and a community leader. He is a proud product of an institution he calls his “second home.”
“UB is a second home to me,” Juanito reflects warmly, it was within these familiar walls that the foundations for his future were laid, often in unexpected ways.
He points specifically to his time in the ROTC program. “UB ROTC helped me build my discipline – to persevere in life and to pursue my dreams,” he states. This military training, combined with the academic rigor of the nursing program, forged a resilience that would become his hallmark. It instilled in him a simple, powerful rule that he carries to this day: “never give up.”
That perseverance was essential. Juanito’s journey was not without its challenges, but his time at UB taught him a lesson that defines his philosophy.
“Even though you’re unfortunate in life, you can still succeed.”
This simple, profound belief became his anchor. “Once I dreamed of graduating,” he shares, “but because I believed in myself – more importantly, UB believed in my potential, I did it.”
For Juanito, graduating was not the end of the dream; it was the beginning of a promise. “Together with my alma mater, it’s time to return the favor by realizing the dreams of those who are dreaming to graduate.”
His success is living proof. After graduating, Juanito ventured to the United Kingdom, where he was promoted to Deputy Manager within a year. His entrepreneurial spirit flourished, leading to the creation of restaurants in Ayala Alabang and, eventually, two successful businesses. Today, together with his wife, they employ over a hundred people – some of whom, he proudly notes, are also graduates of the University of Batangas.
“Quality education is a must,” Juanito says firmly. “It prepares them for their future.” He sees his own career as a testament to the preparation he received. But for him, the “UB Edge” isn’t just about technical competence or well-equipped anatomy labs, though he remembers those fondly.
Mostly, it’s about the human element.
His advice to every student reveals the deep impact of his mentors. “Enjoy your university life. There will always be failure but don’t give up. The way we face the problem, how we accept failure, that’s what makes us different.”
He credits the university’s nurturing environment for his own ability to face adversity. “And that’s what I enjoy with UB, especially their professors – their warmth fostered me of who I am today – they are like a family to me.”
This combination of competence and compassion is what he believes makes UB graduates stand out globally.
“In my experience in Australia, I hear feedback from people that aside from our competitiveness, we are also easy to get along with and they want to work with us,” he says, a smile in his voice. “Working with us is like conversing with a friend.”
From a dreaming student to a global employer, Juanito Pagcaliwagan, Jr. has cultivated a life of service, discipline, and success. He has built businesses, but more importantly, he has built a family – one that started in his “second home.”
“I always say that I am a proud graduate of the University of Batangas,” he declares. “The university helped me internalize confidence and lifelong learnings to succeed in life.”
When UB nourishes, its students flourish — just like Juanito. But what sets him apart is how he gives back. When UB students flourish, they nurture others and keep their roots alive.