LIPA CITY, Batangas — A new partnership between industry and academia is taking shape in Batangas as business leaders from some of the country’s largest manufacturing companies formally joined the Industry Advisory Council (IAC) of Batangas State University (BatStateU), strengthening efforts to produce graduates whose skills match the evolving needs of Philippine industries.
The council was officially launched during an induction and onboarding program held at the Talent Edge Hub inside LIMA Estate, one of Southern Luzon’s largest industrial and business parks developed by Aboitiz Economic Estates.
The initiative brings together BatStateU, the country’s National Engineering University, and major employers operating within LIMA Estate to ensure that engineering and technology education keeps pace with rapid advances in manufacturing, automation, logistics, and industrial innovation.
According to Aboitiz Economic Estates President and Chief Executive Officer Rafael P. Fernandez de Mesa, stronger collaboration between schools and industries is essential in preparing young Filipinos for tomorrow’s jobs.
“Preparing talent for the future requires stronger connections between education and industry. Through the Industry Advisory Council, companies can help shape learning experiences, develop relevant skills, and give students greater exposure to real-world work environments,” Fernandez de Mesa said.
The Industry Advisory Council will provide BatStateU with regular feedback on workforce trends, emerging technologies, and future skills requirements to help guide curriculum development and strengthen the university’s industry-based learning model.
Beyond curriculum recommendations, council members will also support mentorship programs, guest lectures, internships, plant visits, and other experiential learning opportunities that allow students to gain firsthand exposure to modern manufacturing environments.
Among the companies represented in the council are some of the country’s leading manufacturers and multinational firms, including Yamaha Motor Philippines, Furukawa, JTEKT, Proterial (formerly Hitachi Metals), Japan Tobacco International, Littelfuse, and Aice, among others operating inside LIMA Estate.
Batangas State University President Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo said the partnership will help ensure that graduates possess not only technical knowledge but also the competencies and professional attributes demanded by today’s industries.
“The Industry Advisory Council provides a structured mechanism for industry to help shape the continuous improvement of our academic programs. These insights help keep our programs responsive to emerging industry developments and future skills requirements,” Ronquillo said.The initiative forms part of Talent Edge, Aboitiz Economic Estates’ workforce sustainability platform, which seeks to strengthen the talent pipeline by connecting education, employment, and industry.
The council also complements the development of the Batangas State University–LIMA Campus, a 10-hectare facility located inside LIMA Estate that is envisioned as the country’s first industry-based engineering learning hub.
The campus is scheduled to welcome its pioneering batch of 800 freshman engineering and engineering technology students in August 2026, giving students direct access to manufacturing facilities, industry experts, and modern production technologies throughout their academic journey.
For Yamaha Motor Philippines Chief Green Officer Arnel Recolizado, the initiative demonstrates how industry can play a more active role in shaping the country’s future workforce.
“Building a future-ready workforce requires industry to play an active role in education. This collaboration benefits both industry and society by developing skilled talent while strengthening the long-term competitiveness of the Philippine economy,” he said.
With Batangas continuing to attract investments in manufacturing, logistics, and industrial development, the partnership is expected to reinforce the province’s position as one of the country’s leading centers for engineering education, advanced manufacturing, and workforce innovation.|
