The University of Batangas (UB) athletic program reached a new milestone as taekwondo sensation Kevin Andrei Gabia dominated the mats during the Regional Athletic Association Meet (RAAM) 2026. Representing the “Brahman” spirit with precision and power, Gabia captured the Gold Medal in the Taekwondo – Kyorugi event held on March 12, 2026.
Gabia’s victory does more than add silverware to the university’s trophy case; his gold-medal finish officially qualifies him for the Palarong Pambansa 2026. As a national qualifier, Gabia will represent not only UB but the entire CALABARZON region in the country’s most prestigious inter-school athletic competition.
Throughout the regional tournament, Gabia exhibited superior tactical discipline and technical execution. He outmaneuvered a field of elite regional competitors, utilizing a combination of high-impact kicks and defensive maneuvers that defined his path to the podium. His promotion to the national stage underscores the effectiveness of the UB athletic training program and the tireless dedication of the coaching staff in honing world-class student-athletes.
This victory reinforces the university’s reputation for producing athletes who balance academic rigor with physical excellence. The UB community now turns its eyes toward the Palarong Pambansa, where Gabia will test his skills against the finest young martial artists in the Philippines.
UB views athletic success through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), recognizing that sports play a critical role in holistic human development.
By providing a platform for students to excel in competitive sports, the university advances SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. This goal promotes physical fitness, mental discipline, and a healthy lifestyle among the youth. Furthermore, Gabia’s achievement supports SDG 4: Quality Education by demonstrating that quality education extends beyond the classroom to include physical education and the development of character-building life skills. Finally, the university’s commitment to athletic excellence fosters SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by promoting the values of sportsmanship, fair play, and institutional pride within the regional community.