The University of Batangas Lipa City (UBLC) opened its doors to the students and faculty of Balete National High School (BNHS) for an Educational and Career Exposure Visit held on campus, continuing the institution’s strengthened post-pandemic outreach and marketing initiatives through its flagship program, “Bestination”. Now on its third consecutive year since reopening after the global pandemic, UBLC – through the Corporate Communications Office – has expanded its provincial presence by showcasing its academic programs, innovative facilities, and commitment to holistic student development. As one of Batangas’ leading private educational institutions, the University continues to uphold its longstanding mission of providing quality education anchored on excellence, character formation, and community engagement.
The visit began with a guided campus tour, where various colleges set up exhibits to introduce their program offerings and highlight the modern facilities used for hands-on learning experiences. Faculty members from each department were also present, engaging directly with the students and providing insights into the University’s academic culture, instructional practices, and pathways toward future careers. The interactive setup allowed visiting students to explore laboratories, learning hubs, and activity centers, offering them a clear view of what it means to pursue tertiary education at UBLC.
The program formally opened with welcome remarks from Mr. Edmund Caraos, the Assistant Principal of the UBLC High School Department. Reflecting on a previous Baccalaureate Mass, he shared a meaningful narrative about students carrying candles – symbolizing their identity as bearers of light. “At the high school department, we regard our students as bearers of light – individuals who embody knowledge, truth, and spiritual enlightenment,” he emphasized. Drawing a parallel to UB Lipa City’s iconic campus lights that illuminate the vicinity of Maraouy at night, he added that the University stands as a guiding presence in the community, inspiring learners to pursue wisdom and personal growth.
Representatives from various units under the Student Affairs and Services Division and Academic affairs also joined the program, underscoring UBLC’s commitment to comprehensive student development. These included the Admissions and Scholarships Office, the Counseling and Psychological Wellness Center, the Sports and Development Office, the UBLC College of Law Council, and the Center for Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning. Each office provided students with valuable information on scholarships, mental wellness services, sports programs, legal education pathways, and continuing learning opportunities.
The UBLC High School Department also featured its own student representatives through an open forum, offering BNHS visitors a glimpse of student life within the department. Highlights included a cultural performance and a runway showcase featuring students wearing the various uniforms used across different year levels – demonstrating both diversity and vibrancy within the UBLC high school community. In alignment with UNSDG 4: Quality Education, this initiative reflects the University’s unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive, learner-centered, and future-ready educational experiences. By providing equitable access to enriching academic environments and immersive explorations of student life, UBLC continues to champion globally attuned educational standards, ensuring that every learner is empowered through transformative, high-quality, and socially responsive learning opportunities.
Over the years, UBLC’s growth has reflected the University’s broader vision of expanding its horizons and widening its educational reach across the province. Under the leadership of President Emeritus Dr. Hernando B. Perez, who championed the idea of transcending institutional boundaries to serve more Batangueños, the University began the construction of the UB Lipa campus in 2011 with only a single building. A year later, the national rollout of the K to 12 curriculum opened new opportunities for diversification, and UBLC emerged as one of the pioneering institutions to offer the Senior High School program in the region. This milestone marked the beginning of its rapid expansion.
By 2018, UBLC had envisioned and realized the rise of its third major academic building, an infrastructure designed to accommodate the growing number of college students and to house advanced laboratories, specialized learning spaces, and innovative facilities that support modern instruction. This development strengthened UBLC’s academic landscape and reinforced its commitment to producing industry-ready graduates equipped with relevant skills for the evolving professional world.
Today, this transformative framework continues under the leadership of University President Lily Marlene J. Hernandez-Bohn, who advances the institution’s vision by pursuing the development of another UB campus in Batangas City. Through this expansion, the University reaffirms its dedication to growth, innovation, and accessible quality education, ensuring that more learners across the province can benefit from its evolving academic landscape.
The Balete National High School Educational and Career Exposure Visit served as another meaningful milestone in UBLC’s ongoing initiative to engage young learners, guide them in future career choices, and cultivate an environment where educational possibilities are both accessible and inspiring. As the University of Batangas approaches its 80th year of providing quality education, it remains steadfast in its mission by upholding its core belief in the dignity of every person and the value of nurturing knowledge, skills, and character that contribute to the betterment of the community and the nation. In this spirit, UBLC continues to strengthen its commitment to student development and community partnership, sustaining its legacy as a pillar of academic excellence in the province.