29/11/2025
BatStateU LIMA Campus Debuts Industry-Based Learning Hub, Ushering in New Model for PH Engineering Education
MANILA -- Batangas State University – The National Engineering University (BatStateU The NEU) formally opened its BatStateU LIMA Campus on November 11, introducing a pioneering Industry-Based Curriculum (IBC) that aims to redefine engineering and technology education in the Philippines.
Established in partnership with Aboitiz Economic Estates, the new campus is situated at the center of the LIMA Estate—one of the country’s most advanced industrial zones—placing students in direct proximity to leading industrial operations. The strategic location, BatStateU officials said, is essential to the University’s vision of merging academic instruction with real-world practice.
“Industry-Based Learning (IBL) is not merely a pedagogical innovation—it is a transformative educational philosophy,” University President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo said. “Students learn with the industry, in the industry, and for the industry, ensuring they graduate not just work-ready, but industry-ready.”
Bridging the Academic-Industry Divide
Under the IBC framework, academic programs are co-designed with industry experts to ensure alignment with evolving workforce needs. The approach includes mentorship programs, jointly delivered courses, and project-based learning rooted in real industrial challenges.
A key feature of the curriculum is the Extended Professional Placement (EPP), a two-semester industry immersion that exceeds conventional internships. Through the EPP, students work with partner companies on long-term projects while receiving continuous academic supervision, giving them deeper exposure to day-to-day engineering operations and advanced technologies.
Industry as a Full Learning Partner
BatStateU LIMA’s educational model positions industry partners as active collaborators from student admission to graduation. Company representatives help evaluate prospective students, deliver selected classes, and co-supervise capstone projects addressing real operational problems.
Industry experts also participate in assessing competencies and program outcomes, ensuring the curriculum remains responsive to technological shifts and global industry standards.
Industry Partnership Center: Strengthening Collaboration
Central to the campus’ industry integration is the Industry Partnership Center (IPC), which manages engagements in curriculum co-development, faculty immersion, professional placements, and collaborative innovation initiatives.
Two advisory bodies—the Industry Advisory Board (IAB) composed of senior executives, and the Industry Advisory Council (IAC) made up of technical specialists—provide strategic and technical guidance to sustain the program’s relevance and impact.
A Call for Broader Collaboration
The University encouraged more companies and government partners to take part in co-developing the future of engineering education. Organizations that join the partnership gain access to a strong talent pool, collaborative research opportunities, workforce upskilling programs, and co-branding initiatives.
The BatStateU LIMA Campus launch followed Aboitiz Economic Estates’ donation of 10 hectares of land on June 13, 2025. This was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement signed on August 12, 2025.
About Batangas State University
Batangas State University, the Philippines’ National Engineering University, is the country’s largest engineering institution and the only state university with ABET-accredited engineering and computing programs. It is globally recognized for innovation and sustainability, ranking 401–600 in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, 111th in the 2025 WURI, and 304th in the 2024 UI GreenMetric.
About Aboitiz Economic Estates
Aboitiz Economic Estates is Asia’s leading developer of smart, sustainable, industry-anchored townships, managing over 2,000 hectares across Southern Luzon, Central Luzon, and the Visayas. Its portfolio includes LIMA Estate in Batangas, Mactan Economic Zone 2 Estate in Cebu, West Cebu Estate in Balamban, and TARI Estate in Tarlac City.
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