University of Batangas connects with Silliman University for IT education and business incubation benchmarking

Last June 20-24, 2022, academic representatives from both the Lipa City and Batangas City campuses of University of Batangas (UB) visited Silliman University (SU) in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental to learn about best practices in computer education and business incubation.

Educators and department heads from the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) of University of Batangas-Batangas City (UBBC) and College of Information Technology, Entertainment, and Communication (CITEC) of the University of Batangas-Lipa City (UBLC) met with their counterparts from Silliman University’s College of Computer Studies (SU-CCS) to learn how the host university handles various academic services both before and during the pandemic.

Aside from these, UB’s CITEC and CICT contingent learned how SU-CCS manages its practicum courses, designs its curriculum, and crafts its Capstone Project policies. Other matters discussed include local and international partnerships, faculty loading, research, marketing, and strategies in preparing students for the Licensure Examination for Librarians.

Among the representatives from the two campuses of the University of Batangas include CICT Dean Mr. Alvin Mercado, CITEC Dean Dr. Mayling Capuno and the four program heads which include Mrs. Rhueliza Tordecilla, Mrs. Elvie Pita, Mrs. Kielly Chrizza Mae Tojino, and Mr. Alexander Lunar. Along with these academic heads are faculty members from CICT and CITEC namely Mrs. Bernadet Macaraig, Mr. Rene Magpantay, Mr. Jerome Benigno, and Mr. Russel Reyes.

SU-CCS Officer-in-Charge Dean Prof. Joy Dy welcomed the UB representatives in many ways, among which was a tour of the college’s facilities like the college library, its classrooms, and the faculty room. Also included in the tour was SU’s state-of-the-art App Incubation and Development Laboratory.

Meanwhile, UBLC’s Head of its Center for Business and Innovation (CBI), Mr. Ericson Mendoza, gathered information about SU’s business incubation practices. The CBI head was able to learn how Silliman University handles incubation projects, designates key personnel to handle vital tasks, finds sources of funding, and fosters stakeholder participation in related initiatives.

According to MarketResearch.com, “campus incubators provide a space for students to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, learn best practices, and seek funding from investors.” Research firm Gensler highlights how incubators like these foster job creation and innovation in the local communities where these incubators are located.

Prof. Dy mentioned during the visit that Silliman University has high standards regarding entering into partnerships similar to what her university just participated in with University of Batangas. This is among many indicators that UB continuously forms relevant networks to continuously enhance its delivery of educational services as it faces an era of closer collaboration between businesses, technologists, and educators.