The University of Batangas traces its history
as a small school then named Western Philippine Colleges which started with 48 students
in a small rented house in Rizal Avenue, Batangas City more than half a century
ago on April 28, 1946. It was founded by Mr. Juan Y. Javier together with Rev. Fr.
Vicente Catapang, Atty. Francisco Perez, Atty. Jesus Arguelles, Atty Roman Perez
and Atty. Pablo Umali. This noble group of men saw the need to put up an institution
that would provide the youth, particularly the residents of Batangas, an opportunity
to pursue higher education. Through their pioneering efforts and the inspiration
they left as a legacy for succeeding administrators, the school has grown steadily
to become one of the largest higher education institutions in the whole Southern
Tagalog Region, a major University offering a wide range of academic and professional
programs to a diverse student body of over 10,000. Throughout that time, the commitment
of the University of Batangas to academic excellence and community service has continued
to reflect the values and vision of the University’s founding fathers.
The UB students are part of a select academic
community. They study under more than 400 full-time and part time faculty. They
study in a strategically located port city- a political, social, educational and
industrial melting pot- with unlimited opportunities for professional experience
after graduation.
The University of Batangas is committed to serving diverse student body, with a
wide range of religious, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds who come not only
from the CALABARZON area but also from the neighboring island provinces as well.
The University sponsors outreach programs such as tuition free secondary night school
serving disadvantaged students in the community.
A tradition of excellence is complemented by
a strong commitment to community responsibility and service. The University’s faculty,
staff and students are active participants in community outreach programs and projects
working to meet the needs of the province. Some examples include the regular Community
Health Services, the Legal Aid Clinic, Mangrove research and preservation, and University’s
own “Alalay Kita” project which seeks to assist the poorest barangays in selected
municipalities.
The University of Batangas is an active force
in the cultural and artistic life of Batangas. Its well-acclaimed theater groups
Tanghalang Dal’wa Singko and Teatro Anino together with the popular UB Dance
Company have performed various audiences through out the province. The University
is also home to the Batangas Heritage Center which aims to promote the rich cultural
history of the province, depicted through songs, dances, costumes, and other historical
artifacts borne of the province.
Through its example of educational excellence,
community leadership, service and opportunities for lifelong learning, the University
of Batangas is linked to its graduates in other ways than through the degrees they
receive. The UB graduates have succeeded in an environment that values professional
competence and proper moral and social attitudes. They are inculcated with the values
of faith in God, love of wisdom and service to fellowmen- values that will be with
them throughout their lives and careers as they carry on the vision of the University’s
founding fathers.