As part of its 80th founding anniversary celebration, the University of Batangas strengthens its commitment to academic excellence and educational leadership through a strategic collaboration with the Philippine Association of Private Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAPSCU), bringing the South Luzon leg of the PAPSCU CARES Education Series to Batangas on April 17, 2026, at the UBLC Multi-purpose Hall located along Gov. Feliciano Leviste Road, Marawoy, Lipa City.
The initiative gathers educators, school administrators, academic leaders, and policymakers from across the region in a unified platform aimed at addressing contemporary challenges in Philippine education while promoting innovation, resilience, and sustainable institutional practices aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 17 (Quality Education and Partnership for the Goals). Through expert-led discussions and collaborative engagement, the event reinforces the role of education institutions in ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality learning opportunities.
PAPSCU, originally organized in 1952 and incorporated on May 8, 1956 as the Philippine Association of Private Secondary Schools (PAPSS), evolved into a national organization representing private schools, colleges, and universities across the Philippines. The association expanded its identity to reflect the growing diversity of its membership, composed primarily of wholly Filipino-owned and managed educational institutions, most operating independently without subsidies or external grants. In 1977, during the presidency of Dr. Jesus Jocson, PAPSCU was accepted as a member of the Coordinating Council for Private Education Associations (COCOPEA), strengthening collaboration among private education stakeholders nationwide and reinforcing the role of private institutions in advancing Philippine education.
Among the organization’s notable leaders was Dr. Abelardo B. Perez, who served as PAPSCU president from 1982 to 1993. A visionary academic leader and distinguished physician, Dr. Perez was also the third installed president of Western Philippine College (WPC), where his tenure marked the beginning of long-term campus development. His leadership reshaped the institution’s identity and ultimately led to its elevation to university status on August 1, 1996, as the University of Batangas, where he was formally installed as its first university president. Anchored on academic excellence, faculty professional growth, cultural identity, and teamwork, his administration left a legacy of structural expansion, institutional pride, and forward-looking governance. The association’s Ruby Anniversary later stood as a testament to PAPSCU’s achievements and its continuing mission to elevate standards in private education across the country.
Guided by its vision of strengthening education quality, PAPSCU continues to implement transformative programs such as the E3 (Empowering Education Executives in the New Reality) Forum Series, the SHINE (Sustainable Higher Education International Networks & Excellence) Research Program, the PAPSCU CARES Education Series, the PEARL (PAPSCU Excellent Academic Research Link) Bulletin, and the Regional Affiliates’ Convergence, all designed to promote leadership development, research collaboration, institutional innovation, and policy engagement across Philippine private education institutions.
The upcoming South Luzon leg of the PAPSCU CARES Education Series features a distinguished lineup of national experts addressing leadership, policy, mental health, and legal governance in education. Ms. Charis Christelle J. Go, President of Berkeley School Baguio and Chairwoman of the Baguio City Association of Private Schools, will deliver a session titled “Leadership in a Multi-Gen School: Making It Work (Without Losing Your Mind)”, focusing on adaptive leadership in diverse academic environments.
Joining her is Dr. Rhodora Angela F. Ferrer, Executive Director of the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) and trustee of the Fund for Assistance to Private Education (FAPE), who oversees programs supporting more than nine million Filipino learners through initiatives such as the Education Service Contracting and Senior High School Voucher Program. Her presentation, “Nation Building through Quality Education: Insights from GASTPE-Related Research”, highlights evidence-based strategies linking education reform to national development.
Addressing educator wellness, Dr. Michele S. Alignay, RPsy, RGC, a respected family psychologist, author, and Miriam College faculty member, will discuss “Behind Strong Schools: Ensuring Mental Wellbeing of Leaders and Educators”. With extensive experience in family life education, digital parenting, and psychological well-being, Dr. Alignay emphasizes the importance of mental health resilience within academic communities.
Completing the roster is Atty. Joseph Noel M. Estrada, Managing Partner of Estrada Law and a leading authority in Philippine education law. His session, “Under the Microscope: Identifying & Mitigating Legal Risks in School Operations”, will provide institutional leaders with practical legal insights grounded in his contributions to landmark legislation, including Republic Act No. 10533 (Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013), Republic Act No. 10931 (Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act), and Republic Act No. 11984 (No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act).
Through this strong lineup of professionals, the PAPSCU CARES Education Series positions learning with national experts as a strategic opportunity for benchmarking best practices, strengthening governance, promoting educator well-being, and fostering innovation across the Philippine education system. Hosting the event reflects the University of Batangas’ enduring role as a catalyst for regional academic collaboration and institutional advancement as it celebrates eight decades of service as a leading higher education institution in Batangas Province.
By convening thought leaders and education practitioners in one venue, the initiative advances collective action toward sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready education systems. The collaboration underscores how partnerships among educational institutions and national organizations can translate shared knowledge into impactful educational reforms benefiting both educators and learners.
Interested participants may register and access complete event details through the official PAPSCU registration portal at: https://papscu.raksoed.com/registration.