As the Academic Year 2025–2026 draws to a close, a new chapter of excellence unfolded through Gawad UBian 2026, the culminating recognition program of the University of Batangas Lipa City that celebrated the grit, resilience, courage, and inspiring journeys of outstanding UBians and valued partners whose contributions strengthened the university community.
Held with university officials, administrators, faculty members, industry partners, scholarship grantors, parents, and students in attendance, Gawad UBian 2026 served as the annual recognition program of the Student Affairs and External Services Office honoring exemplary students, student organizations, student assistants, scholarship grantors, internship partners, placement partners, and special awardees who demonstrated excellence in leadership, service, academics, sports, culture and arts, journalism, and community involvement.
Present during the ceremony were University President Marlene J. Hernandez-Bohn; Vice President for Student Affairs and Services Mr. Christopher V. Quizon; Member of the Board of Regents and Admissions and Scholarships Officer Mr. Antonio P. Aquino Jr.; Atty. Vicente Bernardo V. Mayo Jr., Member of the Board of Regents and Assistant Vice President for Legal Affairs; Dr. Redentor S. Rodriguez, Director of the Culture, Arts and Publications Office; Dr. Abvic Ryan C. Maghirang, Alumni Relations Officer; Mrs. Ryzza Ranie M. Beron, Internship Officer; together with college deans, program heads, faculty members, and university administrators.
In her opening message, President Hernandez-Bohn underscored the significance of the celebration as the university marks its 80th founding anniversary. She reflected on the vision of the six founders who established the institution in 1946 and emphasized that the leadership displayed by today’s students and partners continues their legacy. “True leadership is not a trophy to be shelved, but a torch to be carried forward,” she said. She likewise reminded students to remain guided by the university’s core values of faith in God, love of wisdom, and service to fellow men, noting that “true leadership does not demand a spotlight. It shines a light so that others may rise.”
Vice President for Student Affairs and Services Christopher V. Quizon highlighted that Gawad UBian 2026 was not merely about awards but about recognizing the people behind every achievement. “Success is not measured solely by grades, medals, or titles, but also by character, leadership, and positive influence you bring to others,” he said, while acknowledging the indispensable support of parents, mentors, faculty members, scholarship grantors, and industry partners.
The ceremony also paid tribute to partner institutions and organizations that continue to support the university’s mission. Recognized as Top Scholarship Grantors were the Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto Scholarship Program, Local Government Unit of Barangay Marawoy Lipa City, CHED-Tertiary Education Subsidy, CHED-Tulong Dunong Program, Local Government Unit of Lipa City, Sen. Christopher Lawrence T. Go, Cong. Ryan Christian Santos Recto, Pondong Batangan, SM Foundation, and the Local Government Unit of Barangay Balintawak Sangguniang Kabataan. Top Placement Partners included the Department of Labor and Employment, Epson Precision (Philippines), Incorporated, Furukawa Automotive Systems Lima Philippines Incorporated, Supervalue Inc., and Waltermart, while Top Internship Partners were Antara Corporation, Batangas II Electric Cooperative, Incorporated, Zama Precision Industry Manufacturing Philippines Incorporated, S.O.L Psychological Services, and the National Bureau of Investigation Regional Office IV-A.
Special recognition was likewise given to The Brahman’s Journal for journalism excellence, UBLC Street and UBLC Vocal Ensemble for culture and arts, and various UB Brahmans teams for their achievements in basketball, volleyball, badminton, chess, table tennis, karatedo, and swimming. The UBLC College Student Government and numerous student organizations from different colleges and institutional groups were also recognized for their active participation and commitment to campus leadership and service.
Among the guests who inspired the audience was Mr. Joshua Ramil Katigbak, the first Outstanding Gawad UBian awardee in 2024, who returned as keynote speaker. Sharing his personal story of overcoming struggles and uncertainties, he reminded the awardees that “Gawad UBian is more than an awarding ceremony. It is a celebration of perseverance, discipline, and a dream that refuses to die.” He further encouraged students to remember that “the true value of an award is not measured by how long it stays on your shelf, but by how many lives become better because you receive it.”
The highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of the Outstanding UBian 2026 award to Ysabelle E. Rodriguez, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology student whose story of resilience, redirection, and servant leadership resonated with the audience. In her acceptance speech, Rodriguez narrated how shifting from another academic program to Psychology became “a beautiful redirection” that enabled her to discover her purpose and passion for service. Reflecting on the rejections and challenges she encountered, she shared that “hindi lahat ng pagtanggi ay pagkatalo” and emphasized that closed doors often lead people to where they truly belong.
She expressed gratitude to her family, mentors, organizations, and the University of Batangas Lipa City for shaping her growth as a student leader. Concluding her address, she left a message that captured her vision of service and social responsibility, declaring, “Ako po si Ysabelle Esteves Rodriguez, lagi, tungo sa lipunang malaya, mapagpalaya, at mapagkalinga.”
In her closing remarks, Student Affairs and External Programs Officer and Gawad UBian 2026 Chairperson Mrs. Milette L. De Torres thanked the university administrators, faculty members, personnel, partners, parents, and members of the Gawad UBian 2026 Committee for making the event possible. She stressed that true success is measured not only by achievements but by the positive impact individuals create in the lives of others, urging everyone to continue pursuing goals with passion, serving with integrity, and leading with purpose.
Through Gawad UBian 2026, the University of Batangas Lipa City reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing transformative leaders and fostering a culture of excellence, service, and holistic development while advancing quality education,decent work and equality among students, partnerships, and lifelong learning aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).