Lipa City, Batangas – September 13, 2025. The University of Batangas Lipa Campus (UBLC) proudly secured top spot at the Produktong Lokal 2025: Savor the Flavors of Heritage, Craft a Greener Tomorrow!, held on September 13, 2025, under the Junior Tourism and Hospitality Management Association of the Philippines (JTHMAP). The event underscored the importance of cultural preservation and sustainable innovation, bringing together the best student-led ventures from across the country.
UBLC CMT’s Tourism Category team emerged as 1st Place Champion with their business concept BayAni Co., an environmental enterprise that transforms biodegradable and agricultural waste such as post-consumer paper and banana peels into plantable eco-paper products embedded with seeds. Their flagship creation, the Plantable Calendar, allows users to plant pages after use, symbolizing a shift toward circular and sustainable living.
Meanwhile, UBLC’s Hospitality Category team clinched 2nd Place with their venture PaboritaKo Eh!, a brand inspired by Batangas’ iconic kapeng barako–a bold, full-bodied coffee known as the pride of Batangueños–and the Filipino disc-shaped flaky biscuit paborita, which together embody the nostalgic flavors of CALABARZON comfort foods. The concept highlighted traditional Filipino tastes while promoting local identity and culinary heritage. With its playful yet meaningful name, the brand aspires to be more than just a food venture–it seeks to provide a cultural experience.
Both winning teams were guided by coaches Ms. Jinky R. Asugui and Mr. Joshua Ramil D. Katigbak, whose mentorship played a key role in the students’ success.
The competition, organized by JTHMAP, is a prestigious platform designed to inspire future leaders in the fields of tourism and hospitality management. It encourages students nationwide to create entrepreneurial models that promote sustainability while celebrating Filipino heritage.
The achievements of UBLC reflect the university’s strong commitment to developing globally competitive and socially responsible graduates. By championing sustainability, innovation, and cultural preservation, UBLC continues to position itself as a leader in nurturing the next generation of tourism and hospitality professionals.