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The creative scene in Catanduanes just got a major jolt. Key government officials, private sector leaders, and cultural advocates converged on May 5 at the ARDCI Skydeck for the first organizational meeting of the Catanduanes Creative Development Council (CCDC)—a bold step aligned with the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (RA 11904). This isn’t just another meeting. It’s the island’s official kickoff into the ₱1.72-trillion creative economy, which—according to the Philippine Statistics Authority—accounted for 7.1% of the country’s GDP in 2023. RA 11904 aims to protect Filipino creativity, grow homegrown talents, and professionalize the country's creative sectors—from performance to tech, heritage to design. At the table: soon-to-be ex-officio and regular members of the council, handpicked from local government offices, national agencies, and Catanduanes’ budding creative industries. Think: audiovisual media, interactive platforms, creative services, publishing, performance, design, cultural sites, and indigenous expressions—a full spectrum of imagination turned livelihood. Representing Catanduanes State University (CatSU) were Dir. Santos G. Sorra Jr. of the Center for Culture and Arts and Dir. Francis B. Tatel of the Center for Catandungan Heritage—both bringing institutional muscle to the culture table. But this wasn’t just about titles. Attendees rolled up sleeves to sketch initial plans for creative programs and projects that could fuel tourism, unlock investments, and finally give Catandunganon artists the spotlight they’ve long deserved. The CCDC is now set to become the island’s creative nerve center—an idea factory, a support hub, and a rallying point for anyone who believes culture is currency. And if the day’s turnout is any sign, Catanduanes is more than ready to make its creative mark.
Abaca takes centerstage again—and Catanduanes State University (CatSU) is all in. CatSU throws its full support behind Abacanobasyon Year 3, a celebration of science, resilience, and local ingenuity spearheaded by the DOST Provincial Science and Technology Office–Catanduanes, happening May 20–21 in San Miguel town. In a letter from Engr. Marie Grace T. Molina, Provincial S&T Director, CatSU’s Abaca Technology Innovation Center (ATIC) and Research and Development Services were invited to mount an exhibit showcasing breakthrough innovations developed right on campus. This isn’t just about flaunting tech—it’s about rebuilding stories. San Miguel, a Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST) area, was among the hardest-hit when STY Pepito battered the province in November 2024. Thousands of hectares of abaca plantations were laid to waste. That’s why holding this year’s celebration there is more than logistics—it’s symbolic. Themed “Transforming Impacts into Directions and Opportunities for Growth (TINDOG) Abaca”, the event name cleverly echoes “tindog,” the Bicol term for “stand”—a rallying cry for a sector that refuses to stay down. Abacanobasyon Year 3 is set to be more than an exhibit. It’s a convergence: a venue to showcase progress in abaca farming and processing, spark dialogue, and push for collaborative solutions among stakeholders. Expect learning sessions, partnerships, and knowledge transfer—all centered around resilient, value-driven abaca production. CatSU, a long-time DOST partner, continues to be a powerhouse in abaca innovation, bridging lab breakthroughs with grassroots impact. Expected to deliver messages of support during the opening program are CatSU OIC President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., along with key industry and government leaders: Ace William R. Tria (Provincial Agriculturist), Roberto B. Lusuegro (PhilFIDA), Maria Belma Q. Esqueta (DTI), Jaysel T. Evangelista Tapel (PCA), and Joshua O. Tador (JCI Catanduanes).
The race for the highest seat at Catanduanes State University just got real. Three contenders—each with credentials and a case to make—stood before the public today, May 14, in a high-stakes forum that could shape the university’s next years. Held at the University Auditorium and witnessed by hundreds on-site and thousands more via livestream on CatSU’s official Facebook page, the public forum gave the community a front-row seat to leadership in the making. Before the pitch came the premise—and it hit hard. “This isn’t just another forum,” said CatSU Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. “This is a compass moment. A pause. A pulse check. A choice.” Speaking with the weight of legacy behind him, Barba framed the day as more than academic. He threw it back—VNATS in 1961, CSC in 1971, and finally, the birth of CatSU in 2012—milestones built, he said, on grit, patience, and “quiet labor.” “CatSU isn’t just a name on a gate. It’s a book, rewritten by time and people,” he said, nodding to faculty who taught through brownouts and staff who stayed late while no one watched. “They’re not just figures in history—they're the reason we’re here.” And now, the university stands on another threshold. Barba didn’t sugarcoat it: The presidency isn’t a prize. It’s a burden—best carried with humility, heart, and a whole lot of listening. “To whoever is entrusted,” he said, “this isn’t a crown. It’s a calling.” The three candidates vying for the post are Dr. Gemma G. Acedo, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Maria Edna R. Inigo, former Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs; and Dr. Alex H. Navarroza, former President of Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST). The Search Committee for President (SCP) is composed of respected academic and civic figures: Chairperson Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo and members Prof. Maria Concepcion V. Marquez, Rev. Fr. Paul I. Isorena, Dr. Faye Lea Patria M. Lauraya, and Dr. Raul F. Muyong. This afternoon, the process deepens as the three candidates face the committee behind closed doors for the panel interview, a critical step in deciding who will take the helm. So now, CatSU watches—and waits. Three contenders. One chair. The future? Still unwritten.
On a regular Saturday, the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Auditorium and Gymnasium might host classes. But on April 5, it turned into a battleground for ideas—where nearly 1,500 students showed up not to chant cheers, but to question vote buying, call out fake news, and claim power at the ballot. The event? #NXTGENNARRATIVE: Own the Vote, Flip the Script, a voter’s education forum brought to life by JCI Catanduanes in partnership with CatSU. It didn’t just stay within campus walls—Facebook and Radyo Pilipinas-Virac streamed it live, racking up over 30,000 views, proof that the hunger for credible elections is real, and loud. No sugarcoating here. Atty. Pamela Joy T. Herrera-Sanchez from the Department of Justice laid it bare: voting is power—"but only if you know how to use it." Rev. Fr. Mark Anthony Tasarra didn’t mince words either—vote buying? “A betrayal of the future.” And Mr. Anjo G. Tugay, CatSU’s own, armed students with strategies to sniff out misinformation, calling it “the modern-day virus of democracy.” More than a lecture, it felt like a movement—a generation pushing back, asking better questions, and preparing to cast smarter votes. CatSU, already known for academic excellence, is now carving out space as a force in civic engagement, proving that shaping minds isn’t just about lectures and labs—it’s also about teaching students how to stand their ground when it counts.
For 160 aspiring civil engineers of Catanduanes State University (CatSU), April 26 wasn’t just another day at the gymnasium. It was a rite of passage, as the university held its first-ever Hardhatting, Vesting, and Pinning Ceremony—a symbolic shift from classroom theory to field readiness. But it wasn’t the hard hats or safety vests that left the strongest impression—it was a challenge. “The title ‘Engineer’ isn’t just given after passing the board. It’s earned—in muddy fields, late-night calculations, and decisions that affect lives,” said Engr. Roger Reyes, keynote speaker and President of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Catanduanes Chapter. With the theme “The Inception: Transforming Concepts into Monumental Realities,” the event, spearheaded by the PICE-CatSU Student Chapter, marked a pivotal point for third- and fourth-year students gearing up for internships. Reyes didn’t sugarcoat the profession: “Humility will ground you, and grit will carry you.” He urged students to wear their gear not as ornaments, but as symbols of public trust and professional responsibility. Representing OIC President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., Dr. Rosana S. Abundo reinforced that message: engineering isn’t just about building—it’s about being accountable for what you build. Dean Engr. Dexter M. Toyado, in his opening remarks, reminded students that beyond steel and concrete, they are shaping the future. And in leading the pledge, student officers Thomas Miguel T. Dela Peña and Daryl T. Gelito guided their peers to commit not just to competence, but to the ethics and discipline that define real engineers.
Whose sustainability are we really protecting? That question anchored the eye-opening forum delivered by Professor Fumikazu Ubukata of Okayama University, Japan, during his visit to Catanduanes State University (CatSU) on April 24. His lecture, titled “Whose Sustainability Matters? Oil Palm and Indigenous People in Sarawak, Malaysia,” peeled back the layers of environmental discourse and spotlighted those often left out of the conversation—indigenous communities. Joining him was Ms. Nicca Aira Marquez, a proud CatSU alumna, current faculty of the College of Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF), and now a PhD candidate at Okayama University. Together, they brought an insider’s view on how large-scale agriculture and sustainability policies intersect with the lived realities of indigenous peoples in Southeast Asia. Held at the Accreditation Room, the forum drew in students, faculty, and key university officials. Among them were Vice Presidents Dr. Rosana S. Abundo and Engr. Benjamin Hannycel T. Nuyda, while CatSU OIC President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. tuned in via Zoom, currently attending the SCUAA Nationals in Camiguin. The forum is part of CatSU’s push for home-based internationalization, spearheaded by the Center for International Relations and CPD Services under Director Zyra Mae T. Tumala, in partnership with the CAF led by Dean Dr. Michael Owen P. Malijan. “This is how we bring the world to CatSU,” Tumala shared. “Through dialogues like this, our students and faculty gain exposure to real-world issues shaped by global forces—and they learn how to think critically and compassionately across borders.” Also present were ATIC Director Aljon Francis Koji P. Elegado and Open University Director Medie M. Lopez.
Catanduanes State University (CatSU), together with its partners The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and Catholic Relief Services (CRS), officially broke ground on a project designed to fight food insecurity and spark community livelihood in Panganiban Campus. Backed by the Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs (REPA), the initiative introduces a food processing hub and beneficiary groups to help communities build food security, especially in the wake of recurring typhoons and high poverty rates. “This is about real impact,” said REPA Vice President Dr. Rosana S. Abundo, as she welcomed stakeholders. “It’s months of planning finally turning into action.” (The planning phase started in October 2024.) CRS Program Manager Errol Merquita said the project responds to a key pain point in agriculture: surplus management. “We’re addressing not just food access, but also income stability,” he said. “CatSU’s data shows demand for fish processing—and that’s our way in.” Representing CRS nationally, Country Representative Jonas Tetangco described the effort as “a shared mission to build resilient communities,” highlighting the project’s potential for long-term economic stability. From their side, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, through Welfare and Self-Reliance Manager Ma. Teresa Pangilinan, emphasized the people-first approach: “We’re not just starting livelihoods—we’re building lasting empowerment.” In the thick of it all was CatSU Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., who was present at the event and called the groundbreaking a symbol of hope. “This project speaks volumes of what CatSU is capable of. Beyond disaster response, we’re helping communities stand stronger on their own feet.” Also expressing support were local development stakeholders: PDRRM Officer Luis Surtida Jr., DOST Provincial Director Engr. Marie Grace T. Molina, and Virac LGU’s Helen V. Salvador, who cited the project’s alignment with food innovation, especially for the local crab industry. Closing the event, CatSU Panganiban Campus Director Dr. Jennifer A. Berces left attendees with a call to action: “This is only the beginning. Let’s walk together toward a future where no family goes hungry.”
The oath took seconds. The responsibility behind it? Much heavier. When CatSU’s newly elected student leaders stood before University Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. on May 5, the message was clear: hold your ground, speak your truth, and never trade independence for influence. “Lead, don’t echo,” Barba told them—reminding the new officers that the University Student Council (USC) is more than a seat at the table. “You’re not here to please everyone. You’re here to represent the students and guard their trust.” Sworn in during a formal visit to the Office of the President were USC President-elect and incoming Student Regent John Lester T. Templonuevo, Vice President-elect Anthony Sales, and Senators-elect Alexis Aurea Cabrera and Mel Vincent Arcilla. Barba's challenge came just days after the CatSU Commission on Elections (Comelec) proclaimed the victors of the 2025 USC-CSC Synchronized Elections on May 2. Students cast their votes on April 30 across all colleges and campuses. The OIC emphasized that independence is the USC’s greatest asset—and must be protected at all costs. “When you sit in meetings or face administrators, remember who sent you there. Represent with backbone. Student leadership is not about popularity; it’s about principle.” The new council is expected to take the reins from outgoing USC President Virgilio Jr. S. Cortado, with Templonuevo slated to become the next Student Regent upon formal swearing-in before the CatSU Board of Regents.
There wasn’t a buzzer. But in the final moments of the quiz bee, it was clear—Moises T. Apanti wasn’t just answering questions; he was making history. The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) senior clinched the championship title in the 2025 Carl E. Balita Review Center (CBRC) National Teacher Education Quiz Bee – Provincial Qualifying Round, held May 4. Apanti, a fourth-year Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Studies student, scored 46 points across three rounds—easy, average, and difficult—outclassing fellow contenders from CatSU and Catanduanes Colleges. His win seals a back-to-back victory for the university after last year’s titleholder, Kharlos Miguel T. Bautista, who later stormed the national board exams and landed 8th in the September 2024 Licensure Examination for Teachers. Even more impressive, CatSU swept the top three spots in the provincial leg. Fellow COEd seniors Mike Russel A. Calais and Mike Rienz Vargas secured 2nd and 3rd place, respectively—proving the university’s training ground for future educators is not just consistent, but commanding. Before heading to the nationals, Apanti, together with College of Education faculty member Mark Bonifacio, paid a courtesy visit to CatSU Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., who gave him a rousing sendoff. Dr. Barba wished him big good luck, assuring him that CatSU is fully behind him—cheering him on, believing in his hard work, and confident in what he can do. Apanti now advances to the national finals on May 16 in Malate, Manila, where he’ll square off with regional champions from across the Philippines at the San Andres Sports Complex. “I gave my best during the review. I prayed to God and left the rest to Him,” Apanti said, reflecting on his win with a quiet mix of grit and grace. Despite a week-long grind of mock tests, YouTube reviews, and sleepless nights, the quiz bee threw curveballs that barely matched his notes. But what carried him through, he said, was deep knowledge honed over years, not just days. Apanti takes home a ₱5,000 cash prize, a CBRC scholarship, and a certificate—but more than that, he carries the torch for CatSU as it challenges boundaries and redefines excellence in the age of AI. Themed “Challenging Boundaries, Revolutionizing Competencies with AI,” this year’s provincial tilt drew six competitors—three each from CatSU and Catanduanes Colleges—but in the end, CatSU stood tall, securing a full sweep of the podium.
No roar of the crowd. Just a sharp breath, a fighting stance—and impact. Ericka Jossaine Gianan, a first-year student from Catanduanes State University (CatSU), stepped onto the mat for her first-ever national match at the SCUAA Games 2025, and walked off with a bronze medal in the kyorugi division of taekwondo. She did it while carrying more than just the weight of competition. Born with a cleft palate, Gianan has lived with a condition often mistaken for weakness. On the national stage, she proved otherwise. “It’s not a hindrance. I trained hard and believed in myself,” the 18-year-old said in Filipino, after finishing third against top fighters from across the country. Representing the Bicol Region, Gianan was the region’s only taekwondo medalist, punching above expectations in a tough bracket. She took up the sport only in senior high school at Calatagan High School and trained nightly after her agriculture classes in CatSU—balancing academics with discipline and sweat. “I had no choice in my course back then, but now I love BS Agriculture. I enjoy it,” she shared. Her path, like her match, wasn't scripted—but it became her own. On the mat in Camiguin, the nerves were real. But so was the preparation. Her coach, Karl Bogabil, stood ringside. “I don’t just train their skills. I build their character.” According to him, Gianan’s focus and quiet determination set her apart. “She listens, she works hard, and she trusts the process.” The CatSU team stood behind her—providing sparring partners, moral support, and an environment where she could grow strong both in body and in spirit. “I’m thankful to my coach, teammates, and friends who believed in me,” she said. Despite her disability, Gianan says she’s never been underestimated in the ring. But she knows what it took to reach the podium: sacrifice, time management, and a refusal to give up. She now juggles her dual life as an agriculture student and a budding national athlete. “I make sure I finish my school tasks so I can train without distractions. I give my best in both.” Next goal? Finish her degree. Help her family. Win gold at SCUAA. And her message to others who may be facing their own battles—physical or otherwise? “Trust in your abilities. Improve for yourself. Don’t let other people’s doubts stop you.” In Camiguin, she didn’t just win a medal. She won something harder: respect, resilience, and a fight well fought.
Honest service.
Outstanding and globally-competitive educational standards.
People-centered and planet-friendly programs where social safety nets are in place and harmony with the ecosystem is considered sacred. And above all, we shall provide for
Equal opportunity and fair treatment to all, where meritocracy, qualifications and potentials are given premium, instead of patronage and kinship relations.
By: Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza
SUC President III
“The University is the fruit of all the labors of every Catandunganon. The university is us”.
By: Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza
CatSU SUC President III