Ahead of its 80th Founding Anniversary, the University of Batangas (UB) conferred degrees on new engineers, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees during the 81st Commencement Exercises at the UB Millenium Gymnasium (ML) on September 17, 2025.
Present in the ceremony were: UB President Lily Marlene J. Hernandez-Bohn, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Aurora P. Tolentino, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Lolita F. Tegon, Assistant Vice President for Legal Affairs Atty. Vicente Bernardo V. Mayo, Jr., Senior Vice President for Administration Mr. Alex A. Ramos, President Emeritus and Board of Regents member Dr. Hernando B. Perez, and Member of Board of Regents and Admission and Scholarship Officer Mr. Antonio P. Aquino Jr.
Guest of honor and speaker, Hon. Leandro Antonio L. Leviste, Congressman of the First District of Batangas, urged graduates to begin their journeys with integrity and to serve as catalysts of change amid the country’s challenges with corruption. “In fact, a very good step that many engineers can take is not to shun the opportunity to be part of systems like this in government, but in fact to be part of it, so that we can change the system from within,” Cong. Leviste said.
He added, “We have in our hands the opportunity to build a much brighter future for our whole country and when that happens, of course, a much brighter future for our province and our hometowns.”
Delivering the farewell address, Ms. Kyla Mharee V. Guinhawa, Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering alumna, reflected on her journey as a UBian from grade school to college. “Standing here today feels incredibly surreal, because this is actually the third time I’ve been given the honor to deliver a farewell speech, all within the walls of this university,” she shared.
She acknowledged the sacrifices behind her achievements, saying, “They are the result of many unseen sacrifices, but none of it would have been possible without the encouragement of those who believed in me.” Before concluding, she left the graduates with a reminder: “As you continue to face the ups and downs of life, remember this: the legacy you leave by choosing to do what is good and what is right will always outlast your setbacks and even your successes. May we carry the name of the University of Batangas not just in our diplomas, but in the way we live, the way we lead, and the way we serve.”
For its final graduation ceremony of the year, UB produced 652 graduates–new engineers in various fields, doctors of philosophy, master’s degree holders, and bachelor’s degree recipients.