The University of Batangas (UB) launched a new collaboration with Makarius Smart Innovations Inc. through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing on November 17, 2025, at the UB Patio Café.
The partnership aims to strengthen student preparation for licensure examinations through AI-driven and adaptive learning tools.
UB and Makarius signed the MoU to pursue smarter and more adaptive ways to support UB students preparing for licensure examinations. The agreement includes the use of PathBuilder, an AI-powered adaptive learning platform that adjusts to each student’s learning style. Makarius developed the platform in partnership with DOST–PCIEERD to improve student concept mastery.
Engr. Framces Thea Zaraspe, Program Head of the Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering (BSECE), highlighted the platform’s relevance to UB. “It’s a tool that aligns perfectly with the university’s commitment to quality education and continuous improvement,” she said.
The UB BSECE program will serve as one of the first to pilot-test the technology. Makarius also expressed interest in extending the opportunity to the UB Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA) program.
Representatives from Makarius who joined the meeting included Chief Executive Officer John Andrew Mañacop, Chief Operating Officer Roy Andrew Garcia, and Account Managers May Asuncion and Delaihlah Arguelles.
UB officials in attendance were University President Lily Marlene Hernandez-Bohn; College of Engineering Associate Dean Dr. Leni A. Bulan; BSECE Program Head Engr. Framces Thea Zaraspe; and Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (BSCpE) Program Head Engr. Pablo B. Asi.
Through this partnership, UB advances its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Quality Education (SDG 4) and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). UB affirms that the collaboration enhances the quality of education the university provides while strengthening partnerships that support institutional goals.