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The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 5 (DA-RFO 5), through its validation team led by Regional Livestock and Poultry Program Coordinator Marianito A. Tesorero, conducted a site validation on June 18, 2025, at Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Main Campus for the proposed Livestock Economic Enterprise Development (LEED) Project. The team was formally welcomed by CatSU Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba. The delegation included Maria Gracia E. Postigo, Farm Supervisor and APCO-Albay Technical Staff; Herbal De Leon, Farm Supervisor; and staff from the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division. After the inspection, Mr. Tesorero issued a summary of recommendations endorsing CatSU for the LEED Project, which covers livestock initiatives such as goat, honeybee, and layer chicken production, along with support for essential equipment including feed mills, incubators, and pelletizers. The endorsement was confirmed and signed by CatSU Farm Manager Eddie S. Millon, with support from Dr. John Joseph M. Camu, University Veterinarian; Aileen S. Llandelar, Project Coordinator; Planning Officer III Ar. Mae Lizza D. Bublo; and other university personnel who assisted during the visit. The team conducted a comprehensive inspection of the university’s livestock and poultry facilities. Another validation is scheduled at CatSU Panganiban Campus on June 19 to assess the proposed site for the swine production package under the LEED program.
“You are more than your medals. You are hope made visible,” said Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba, Jr. during the 2025 Parangal sa mga Natatanging Mag-aaral held on June 10 at the CatSU Auditorium. Addressing the university’s top-performing students, Dr. Barba emphasized that being outstanding goes beyond awards. “It’s about quiet consistency,” he said, urging the awardees to remain grounded in their values and purpose. He shared practical advice: “Success doesn’t always look like a gold medal. Take real breaks. Learn to really listen. Let kindness outlast competition. Serve, not just succeed.” Dr. Barba underscored CatSU’s deeper mission for its students: “Our vision for you goes beyond diplomas and awards. We want you to be change-makers, bridge-builders, listeners, and leaders.” The event also welcomed Virac Councilor-Elect Hon. Angelo Piolo Laynes as guest of honor, alongside Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gemma G. Acedo and Registrar III Ms. Salvacion Murillo. In his message, Councilor-elect Laynes reminded students of the importance of character in their pursuits: “Kaalaman ang magdadala sa atin sa rurok ng tagumpay, pero integridad ang magtitiyak na mananatili tayong totoo sa ating pinanggalingan at layunin.” He concluded by sharing three guiding principles that shaped his own journey: “Stay grounded. Serve with heart. Embrace your failures. Every failure is a lesson, a redirection—sometimes even a protection.” Organized by the Office of Student Affairs and Development Services (OSADS), the event recognized graduating and non-graduating athletes with regional and national wins, members of the Center for Culture and Arts – Hablon Dawani, academic honorees including President’s Listers for AY 2023–2024 and 2024–2025, and winners in academic and non-academic fields. Kent Richmond D. Antonio from the College of Health Sciences was named this year’s Outstanding Student Leader, chosen from 22 nominees.
Despite heavy rains, Catanduanes State University (CatSU) successfully underwent evaluation on June 11, 2025, by the Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) Region V as it vies to become the second state university in the Bicol Region and the seventh Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) in the province. The DA-ATI LSA validation team, composed of Training Specialist I and LSA focal person Alexander O. Vargas, Planning Officer II Nida H. Garcia, and technical staff, conducted the assessment to verify the university's compliance with LSA standards and guidelines. CatSU Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba, Jr. and designated Farm Manager Eddie Millon welcomed the evaluators and highlighted the university’s readiness, citing its extensive agricultural land, diverse crops and livestock, advanced machinery, and expanding training facilities. The team inspected key areas including the College of Agriculture and Fisheries building with its poultry section, the Extension Building with its training hall, the solar farm, and CatSU’s main farm featuring crops like bitter gourd, eggplant, and pineapple. The DA-ATI team provided feedback and will endorse CatSU’s application to the ATI Central Office. Upon approval, CatSU will be formally certified and a Memorandum of Agreement ceremony will be held. LSAs are part of ATI’s initiative to promote practical, hands-on agricultural education by partnering with institutions and successful farms to demonstrate replicable farming technologies and practices.
Dr. Jimmy T. Masagca, Professor VI at the Catanduanes State University College of Agriculture, was among the world scientists who gathered at the One Ocean Science (OOS) Congress held from June 3 to 6 in Nice, France. The congress, organized as a special event of the Third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), tackled urgent global concerns including the collapse of marine biodiversity, unsustainable fisheries, and the need for stronger science-based action in ocean governance. Masagca, a member of the IUCN Climate Crisis Commission and DA-BFAR’s Scientific Advisory Group, was one of only three Filipino scientists selected by the French Embassy and the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) to participate in the high-level event. The other delegates were Dr. Cha Amedo Repollo, Deputy Director of the UP Marine Science Institute, and Dr. Connie Ponce, a chemist from UP Visayas. “I am honored to be a Philippine delegate to the UN Ocean Conference Special Event – One Ocean Congress in Nice, France,” Masagca posted on Facebook. “Thank you to the French Embassy and CNRS for selecting me.” The CatSU professor attended sessions on the IUCN Green List for Protected and Conserved Areas, the impacts of non-selective fisheries, the BBNJ (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) Agreement and the Great Blue Wall, and the role of science in supporting BBNJ implementation. “Thank you, French Embassy, for sponsoring my travel to Nice, France,” he added. “The benefits are so immense. I have met and expanded connectivity for collaboration—on coastal restoration.” Masagca also leads the CatSU–Bicol University–Aklan State University Tri-University Consortium, which focuses on coastal and marine research in island regions.
This year’s Premio Etasor 2.0, a local poetry tilt in Bikol-Catandunganon, drew 25 entries — many penned by young, first-time poets finding voice in their mother tongue. Held at the CatSU Accreditation Room on May 26, the event doubled as an awarding ceremony and book launch, with students and emerging writers sharing space with literary veterans. The contest, now in its second year, honors the legacy of Efren “Etasor” Sorra, a homegrown poet and artist known for championing local language and culture. The tilt is open to all Catandunganons — students, professionals, freelancers, and even those based outside the island. Entries this year came from fresh voices, writing about field work, faith, folk beliefs, longing, and the island’s shifting landscape. Literary journal Tagama (Isyu 1), published by Aklat Ulagad launched its new issue, Kalabira, an anthology of Premio Etasor 2024 winners and select submissions. Each attendee received a copy of Tagama. Winners received books from Aklat Ulagad, along with cash prizes: ₱5,000 for first, ₱3,000 for second, and ₱2,000 for third. Honorable mentions also brought home books from Aklat Ulagad. Karyl Tugay, a CatSU BSED English major, topped the contest with her suite Tunton Balagon, Siram, and Parauma. Fausto Sarmiento and Ian Victor Antonio placed second and third, respectively., while Joshua Marino and Jane Bermejo earned honorable mention. Judges included poet-critic Dr. Alan C. Popa, ESCOM Director Reashiela L. Khan, and national award-winning author Napoleon I. Arcilla III, who also happens to clinch the top spot in last year's Premio. CatSU OIC President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. also took part — throwing in a message of support and reading his own poem during the program. A Certificate of Appreciation was also awarded to Governor-elect Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, former CatSU president and event sponsor. Premio Etasor 2.0 is organized by the Catanduanes State University Sentro ng Wika at Kulturang Filipino, headed by Dr. Jovert R. Balunsay, in partnership with Aklat Ulagad.
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) achieved a milestone by securing 2nd runner-up in the 2025 Institute of Computer Engineers of the Philippines (ICpEP) National CPE Challenge Quiz Bowl—the university’s first-ever national placement since it joined in 2018. Held on May 9, 2025, at the National University Fairview Campus in Quezon City, the event featured top teams from 15 regions. CatSU’s team, composed of Computer Engineering students Mae Carla M. Reyes and Jouse T. Martinez (both 4th year), and Gian Ray G. Sarmiento (3rd year), tied for first place in the main round with 54 out of 60 points alongside Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU, Region 12) and the University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R, Region 7). A clincher round determined the final rankings. Although all three teams answered correctly, USJ-R was the first to raise its answer board and was declared champion, followed by NDDU (1st runner-up) and CatSU (2nd runner-up). Under the mentorship of Engr. Morris U. Aquino, the students credited their performance to thorough preparation, noting that nearly half of the questions—covering computer engineering concepts, programming, and data structures—had been encountered during online reviews and lectures. “We hope our achievement inspires future Computer Engineering students to aim for national recognition in the ICpEP quiz bowl,” the team shared. “Preparation and teamwork are key—once you compete, every answer becomes a team answer.” On May 26, the team presented their plaque of recognition during a courtesy visit to Dr. Gemma G. Acedo, CatSU Vice President for Academic Affairs. The team earned its spot to represent the Bicol Region after winning the regional round, coached by Engr. Donita Mae Teano, where they outperformed six other schools last January 2025.
“You are not the end product of ROTC—you are the starting point of something bigger.” Catanduanes State University (CatSU) OIC President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. struck both challenge and clarity as he addressed 346 graduates of the Basic ROTC program during the ROTC Graduation and Turnover of Command Ceremony held May 26, with 30 first class cadets and 20 end class cadets completing their final leg of training. With MAJ Renato T. Gianan (INF) PA as the guest of honor, the ceremony marked not just a turnover of saber and command but also of civic duty—one that Barba stressed must live beyond the parade ground. “Let’s get real. Maraming sumali sa ROTC hindi agad dahil sa tapang,” he said. “Minsan, dahil required. Minsan, dahil barkada. O minsan… kasi hindi kasya sa schedule ang NSTP Literacy Training.” But Barba said what began as compliance has now become a symbol of commitment. “You started with a requirement, and now you're graduating with a responsibility,” he declared. The event, held at the university auditorium, also witnessed the symbolic Saber Turnover and Ceremonial Entry of New Reservists, traditions that signify continuity and readiness to serve. Barba reminded the cadets that real life offers no formations, and no drills—just moments that test one's values when no one is watching. “In life, there’s no ‘ready front, march!’ before you enter a job. Walang ‘at ease’ kapag nasasaktan. But the mindset? You’ve built it here,” he said. He framed ROTC as one of the few programs in the country that doesn’t just train young people to salute—but to serve. “ROTC ang isa sa kakaunti kung saan tinuturuan hindi lang sumunod, kundi manindigan. Hindi lang mag-martsa, kundi magmahal sa bayan.” With nearly 14 million Filipinos aged 15 to 24, Barba posed a challenge: how many are trained to lead, to obey when it’s inconvenient, and to step up under pressure? “The saber isn’t passed because someone is strong. It’s passed because someone is willing.” He called on cadets to carry their training beyond ROTC—into homes, workplaces, and communities. “Serve harder. Lead humbler. You are a seed of the next leadership generation. Sana hindi kayo tumubo sa lupa ng yabang o takot, kundi sa lupa ng paglilingkod.”
He packed humility, boarded a bus, and left Catanduanes with nothing but grit and a dream. Moises T. Apanti, a BSEd Social Studies student from Catanduanes State University, did not expect to place. He barely had time to prep. Still, he came home with a silver medal from the 2nd National Teachers Education Quiz Bee (NTEQ) held in Manila, May 15–16. The contest, hosted by the Carl E. Balita Review Center (CBRC), wasn’t your average quiz bee. It tested not just brainpower but tech skills and teaching grit. Scores were based on two rounds: a Quiz Bee proper (70%) and a Skill Showdown (30%) that mixed pedagogy with AI and tech know-how. Winners weren’t just smart—they had to be agile, adaptive, and future-ready. To top it off, CBRC required each contestant to build a “Helpline”—a core team of faculty and classmates who served as academic and technical lifelines throughout the competition. Before reaching the nationals, Apanti ranked 2nd in CatSU and bagged 1st place in the provincial leg. In Manila, the stakes rose—but so did his spirit. Backed by his coach, Prof. Amy T. Moraña, Mr. Mark J. Bonifacio, and a squad of senior BSEd students in Social Studies, Science, and Math, Apanti battled through brain-breaking rounds and held his own. His medal wasn’t just for him—it was for the island. He also thanked the CBRC Catanduanes team, led by Ms. Gladelyn Talan, for keeping him grounded, focused, and fueled. Apanti didn’t just win hardware. He and other participants also joined a six-hour RAISE Education Conference—a deep dive into Robotics, AI, and Smart Ed. The talks tackled how teachers can survive—and thrive—in the age of the 5th Industrial Revolution. Now back in Catanduanes, Apanti sets his sights on his next mountain: the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT) this September. He draws strength from those who climbed before him, especially Kharlos Miguel Bautista, a fellow CatSU grad who landed 8th place in the 2024 LEPT.
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Unit improved its standing from 6th place last year to 5th place in the 2025 Regional Annual Administrative and Tactical Inspection (RAATI) among 18 ROTC units in the Bicol Region. With a score of 91.05%, the CatSU ROTC Unit also received three special awards: Best in Unit Briefing, Best in First Aid, and Best in Inspection of Ranks. The awarding ceremony took place on May 10 at Camp Elias Angeles in Pili, Camarines Sur, and the plaques were received by Cadet Colonel Kiel Benedick M. Gianan, the Corps Commander, and ROTC Coordinator Ike U. Marquez. Major General Noe Alberto Q. Peñafiel, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division, served as the guest of honor and speaker at the event. Conducted at CatSU last April 26, the RAATI is an essential mechanism for evaluating the preparedness and operational efficiency of the ROTC unit. Leading the 2025 RAATI were Central Bicol State University of Agriculture – Sipocot Campus (92.25%), Bicol University (92.04%), Tiwi Community College (91.94%), and CBSUA – Pili Campus (91.05%).
Some walked a little faster, some slower. A few with tears they didn’t try to hide. But all 148 stepped onto the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) gymnasium stage on May 19, 2025—not just to receive a certificate, but to mark the moment they crossed from nursing students to clinical graduates. They had survived simulations and sleepless nights, juggled duty calls and deadlines, endured internal battles and hospital corridors. And now, in a sea of white uniforms and roaring applause, they arrived. “Hindi lang kayo nakaakyat ng stage. Nakakatawid kayo sa panibagong yugto,” said CatSU Officer-in-Charge President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., in a speech that broke from the usual script. “From theories to touch. From handouts to healing. From silence in simulation labs to the noise and nuance of real lives.” Barba acknowledged not just the perseverance of the nursing graduates, but also the sacrifices of their families and the commitment of the faculty behind their journey. “To your parents—salamat po. You trusted your sons and daughters to CatSU. Sa aming mga kamay. We hope we have returned that trust well—with learning that is rooted, rigorous, and real,” he said. Barba also credited the clinical supervisors, instructors, and Dean Dr. Maria Alma V. Tabirara, for turning science into something “makatao”—a nursing education that doesn’t only teach what’s clinical but what’s critical. “Ngayon, nandito tayo. A transition. A turning point. Not the end of learning—but the beginning of doing,” he reminded the graduates, before introducing a man whose lived experience in the field echoed that very truth. 'You are armed with heart' Dr. Roel V. Evangelista, the evening’s guest speaker, did not romanticize the path ahead. Instead, he drew from the rawness of real-life service—maternal and child care, vaccination drives, outreach efforts that brought healing far beyond hospital walls. “Healing is not just about treatment,” Evangelista told the 148 graduates. “It is about presence. The way you listen. The comfort you offer. The dignity you uphold in every patient you serve.” He urged the graduates to remain not only competent, but compassionate. “As CatSUan nurses, you are not only equipped with knowledge—you are armed with heart. In a world that continues to recover from the pandemic, from the inequities in health care, from the mental strain of modern living—we need nurses like you,” he said. 'This dream is for you' For Hazel Talan, named Outstanding Student Nurse of the night, the journey has been nothing short of sacred. Her voice cracked as she addressed her fellow nursing students, recalling the chaos, the exhaustion, the almosts and the breakthroughs. “To Mom and Dad—no words will ever be enough,” she said. “You poured out your blood, sweat, and tears just to get me through nursing school. This success, this moment, this dream—it’s all for you.” To her batchmates, Talan declared: “We didn’t just survive nursing school. We conquered it. And that is something no one can ever take away from us.” Her message was clear: The struggle was real, but so is the strength they’ve built. And now, they face the Board exams—and the world—together. Beyond the white coats As the evening closed, Barba left the graduates with a challenge: “Suit up. Heal. Serve. Transform. Because you are CatSUan. You are called. You are ready.” From handouts to healing—CatSU’s 148 clinical graduates are stepping forward. And the world, with all its wounds and wonders, is waiting.
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