Honoring the vision of the founders during the University of Batangas’ (UB) 80th Founding Anniversary, UB welcomes Atty. Rene “Rebo” Saguisag, Jr., Executive Director of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), as the first guest lecturer of the series of the annual Founders Memorial Lecture (FML), discussing Youth Sports and Development: Building Character and Skills on January 23, 2026 at the Juan Y. Javier Building.
The university commemorated the legacy of its six founding fathers through this year’s FML. The program formally opened with the parade of colors, followed by the opening prayer, the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, and the UB Anthem.
The program then proceeded to the floral offering in honor of the founders, led by their respective kins. Present during the ceremony were one of the members of the Board of Regents Dr. Victor M. Arguelles, son of Atty. Jesus V. Arguelles; UB Auditor Dr. Maria Cecilia Q. Verceles, representing Rev. Fr. Vicente Catapang; UB President Lily Marlene J. Hernandez-Bohn, representing her grandfather, Mr. Juan Y. Javier; President Emeritus Dr. Hernando B. Perez, representing his father, Atty. Francisco G. Perez; Mrs. Heidi Perez-Ver and Mrs. Dinna Perez-Remo, representing Mayor Roman L. Perez; and Mr. Joel Umali Peña, in commemoration of Atty. Pablo C. Umali. A moment of silence followed to pay tribute to the founders.
Also present on the occasion are Local Youth Development Officer Hon. Nelbert D. Magbanua and Senior Education Program Specialist Dr. Caroline C. Gayeta from the Department of Education (DepEd) School Division Office (SDO).
UB President Hernandez-Bohn delivered a welcome message, reaffirming the founders’ vision on sports and holistic education. “Learning extends beyond the classroom and that experiences, which challenge the body and spirit such as sports, play a vital role in forming dedicated and responsible individuals,” said UB President Hernandez-Bohn.
She also emphasized the role of educational institutions in youth development. “In an era where young people are constantly influenced by rapid change and competing pressures, institutions like ours carry a greater responsibility – a responsibility first entrusted to us by our founders.” She added, “We must provide safe spaces where the youth can discover their strengths, learn discipline, and develop a sense of purpose.”
“Through sports, mentorship, and education, we continue the founders’ mission of shaping confident individuals who value fairness, perseverance, teamwork , and service to others.” UB President Hernandez-Bohn reemphasized.
Dr. Verceles introduced the first guest lecturer, Atty. Saguisag Jr., which sprayed some learnings on the essential role of sports to youth in character and skill development – aligned with the vision of UB founders.
In his lecture, Atty. Saguisag Jr. shared his journey from being an unlikely appointee to becoming a promising leader in collegiate sports. He recounted his humble beginnings prior to his appointment as UAAP Executive Director, a position he now holds in his third term, and emphasized that integrity guided his leadership – an attribute he associated with the values upheld by one of the UB founding fathers.
Atty. Saguisag also underscored the importance of sports not only for the youth but for society as a whole. He cited its benefits beyond physical health, including mental well-being, national pride, inspiration, and its influence on school enrollment and student engagement.
As a legal practitioner, Atty. Saguisag Jr. discussed the current condition of Philippine sports, particularly at the grassroots or barangay level and within the education sector. He raised concerns on how community sports initiatives, such as pa-liga, are sometimes utilized as political propaganda during elections and recalled past attempts to remove Physical Education from the academic curriculum.
“Maybe it is not sports that builds character. It is the coaches who build character. That is why it is important to choose the coaches with the proper values,” highlighted Atty. Saguisag, Jr. before he concluded his lecture.
For the closing, Chairman of the Board of Regents, Atty. Jesus V. Mayo transpired a message for everyone.
“Winning is good yet the character that we develop as we go through the process of participation is even greater – it can last a lifetime,” said Atty. Mayo.
With the conclusion of the first lecture, the vision of the founders was gradually being realized. As UB approaches its 80th Founding Anniversary, UB continues to share knowledge and celebrate excellence in commemoration of the enduring legacy left by its founding fathers.
FML is a university commitment to a life-long learning, which lectures intend to actualize and uphold the vision of the founding fathers. For this lecture, the occasion adheres to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 4: Quality Education as the lecture studies the health benefits in participating in activities like sports.