University of Batangas

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The University of Batangas (UB) is a private university established in 1946 in Batangas City in the Philippines.

[edit] History of the University of Batangas

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The University of Batangas was originally founded as Western Philippine Colleges on April 28, 1946. It started with only 48 students and the classes were conducted in a small rented house at Rizal Avenue. The founders led by Mr. Juan Y. Javier saw the need to put up an institution that would provide the youth, particularly the residents of Batangas, an opportunity to pursue higher education. The Reverend Father Vicente Catapang, Atty. Francisco Perez, Atty. Jesus Arguelles, Atty. Roman Perez and Atty. Pablo Umali shared with Mr. Juan Javier an interest in the venture to open a private college. Through their pioneering efforts and the inspiration they left as a legacy to succeeding administrators, the school eventually expanded into the biggest private school in Batangas operating strong kindergarten, elementary, secondary, undergraduate and graduate programs.

The first colleges to be established were those of Commerce, Liberal Arts and Education. They started with the founding of the institution. The next few years in the operation were devoted to the addition of major subjects in the courses. Later, other colleges and departments were opened: Highschool Department in 1948; College of Law in 1949; Elementary Department in 1950; Secretarial Department in 1961; College of Graduate Studies in 1968; Technological-Vocational Department in 1973; and the College of Engineering in 1978. The most recent addition to the academic program is the College of Allied Medical Sciences and the College of Nursing and Midwifery which were established in 1993 and 1994 respectively. With the various programs and varied fields of specialization, the College affords the students the opportunity to pursue a course best suited to his goals and capabilities.

The College was organized as non-sectarian, non-stock corporation institution and since then it has been governed by a Board of Regents elected yearly. The first President was the late Reverend Father Vicente R. Catapang. He was succeeded by the late Juan Y. Javier three year the school was administered by an Executive Committee headed by Chairman Atty. Manuel Panganiban. In 1967, Dr. Abelardo B. Perez was named President while concurrently Chairman of the Executive Committee. It was during has administration that the officers of the Board of Regents decided to have the institution changed to a stock corporation and it was registered as such with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 23, 1967. For two school years, 1971-1972 and 1972-1973, Atty. Juan V. Ramos was the Chairman of the Board of Regents. In June 1972, Mrs. Flordeliza Arguelles became the fourth President. She served the institution for three years, from S.Y. 1972-1973 to SY 1974-1975. Atty. Vicente A. Mayo assumed the position of Chairman of the Board of Regents in June 1973 and he has been serving the institution in that capacity since then. In June 1975, Dr. Abelardo B. Perez took over the presidency for the second time, a position he holds up to the present.

The initial total enrollment of only 48 college students in 1947 gradually increased to 3,458 in 1972 after twenty-five years of operation and then to 13,969 in 1995. Along with the steady flow of enrollment is the corresponding increase in the size of the faculty. From the ten members in 1947, the number increased to 141 in 1972 and to 332 in 1995.

WPC reached its 50th year in 1996. The yearlong celebration was launched on April 28, 1995 with the administration of scholarship competitive tests. That year 50 college students, 30 high school and 20 elementary pupils enjoyed free tuition.

Founders Memorial Lecture series also marked the golden year, in addition to an array of festivities that included parade, exhibits. Faculty and Employees Night and students activities.

After undergoing development efforts WPC was granted University status by the Commission on Higher Education on July 26, 1996. The Board of Regents, the Administration, the Faculty, the Staff and the Students welcomed guests and friends to an Open House which showcased the achievements of the different departments, literary - musical contests and cultural presentations. The three-day affair was highlighted by a Thanksgiving Mass and the Founders Memorial Lecture. The inaugural program culminated with the colorful parade headed by officers of the school and participated in by the entire non-teaching groups and studentry to demonstrate a spirit of unity.

The investiture of the first President of the University, Dr. Abelardo B. Perez was held on November 11, 1996. It was a great experience for the school officials, faculty, employees.