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) has landed in the January 2025 Webometrics Ranking of World Universities. Released on Jan. 27, the rankings evaluate universities based on online presence, research impact, and visibility. The latest report remains in its beta phase, with details on specific assessment areas—Impact, Openness, and Excellence—yet to be finalized. Webometrics, published biannually by the Cybermetrics Lab under Spain’s National Research Council (CSIC), measures how institutions share research online. Meanwhile, CatSU pushes to enter the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Stars Rating Audit, a move proposed to gain institutional insights from a global source by receiving a comprehensive analysis of the university’s strengths and weaknesses. This initiative aims to assist CatSU in its levelling as a State University and College (SUC) and attract both domestic and international students. Under OIC Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., the university builds on the legacy of former President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, who led CatSU’s inclusion in major global rankings like THE Impact Rankings, WURI, and UI Green Metric, where it ranked 8th in the Philippines and 481st worldwide. CHED recognizes QS, THE, and WURI as key global ranking bodies under the Transnational Higher Education Act (RA 11448).
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) climbed to the 86th spot among 179 public universities in the Philippines after 13 of its scientist-professors earned places in the 2024 Alper-Doger (AD) Scientific Index World Scientist Rankings.Maintaining its upward trajectory in academic performance and productivity, CatSU has made notable leaps from rank 93rd in 2023 and 135th in 2022. Leading the group is Dr. Jimmy T. Masagca, Professor VI in the College of Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF), who is renowned for his research on agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, with a particular focus on climate change, mangroves, and crabs. Complementing his achievements, Dr. Jimmylen Z. Tonio, Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUMSS), has made substantial contributions to education and foreign language education, specializing in linguistics and sociolinguistics.Another faculty who made it to the ranking is Dr. Jose Z. Tria, Director of Research Services, recognized for his work in music education, educational management, and culture and arts. While Dr. Kristian Q. Aldea, Assistant Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs (REPA), exceled in natural sciences and biological science, focusing on marine ecology and citizen science.The list of acclaimed scientists continues with Dr. Aurora E. Araojo, a retired Professor VI noted for her contributions to education, and Dr. Gemma G. Acedo, Vice President for Academic Affairs, who has made significant strides in information communications technology and engineering.Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, SUC President III, is distinguished for his dual role in administration and research. Despite his extensive responsibilities as president, Dr. Azanza has significantly contributed to education, sociology of education, and information technology, earning a spot among the world’s best scientists.Other notable scientists include Dr. Lily P. Custodio, Professor Emeritus and former Executive Vice President, recognized for her work in business, education, and accountancy; Dr. Belen M. Tapado, Professor VI, for her contributions to information and communications technology; and Associate Professor Maria Concepcion Suarez-Vela, also in information and communications technology.Additionally, Retired Professor Sonia R. Sapico, known for her work on marine ecosystems and sanctuaries, and Engr. Dexter M. Toyado, Dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA), recognized for his contributions to civil and geotechnical engineering, have also been acknowledged. Rounding out the list is Associate Professor Ma. Emmie T. Delluza, Dean of the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT), with her significant contributions to information technology. The AD Scientific Index evaluates academic work using citation scores and author impact indices from Google Scholar, considering both total and recent six-year values. This independent international ranking organization provides a comprehensive analysis of productivity and efficiency, ranking individuals and institutions based on H-index, i10 index, and citation counts.
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Seinajoki University of Applied Sciences (SeAMK) today, cementing a collaborative partnership aimed at enhancing academic exchange and cooperation.The signing ceremony took place at the CatSU Conference Room and was attended by SeAMK President Dr. Jaakko Hallila, CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, Executive Vice President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., Vice Presidents, and deans of all colleges.This partnership will facilitate various initiatives, such as the exchange of faculty members and researchers, student exchanges, joint projects, and the development of academic programs. Both universities are committed to collaborating on conferences, sharing information and publications, and engaging in mutually agreed-upon activities.During the signing, Dr. Azanza shared his enthusiasm for CatSU's collaboration, highlighting the university's entry into the global rankings. He expressed optimism about the potential benefits this partnership could bring, emphasizing that there is much more to offer through this collaboration."I am glad that this year, as we enter the global rankings as a university, we feel we have more to offer in our partnership. The presence of all the deans here signifies a strong interest in your university," Dr. Azanza said, adding that the participation of all deans signifies the university's strong interest in expanding its collaboration with SeAMK.Recognizing the importance of learning from the Finnish education system, renowned for its innovative policies, Dr. Azanza stated that CatSU has much to learn from SeAMK, which he described as one of the best in the world due to its cutting-edge policies and practices.Banking on this, he also emphasized the need for strong leadership in education, when he welcomed the recent appointment of Atty. Sonny Angara as DepEd Secretary, as he mentioned during the signing.“A positive development is the recent designation of Atty. Sonny Angara as DepEd Secretary. His deep understanding of our education system, stemming from his role as a commissioner of EDCOM 2, is crucial as we need leaders who will propel progress from basic education to higher education,” he said.Seeing this perspective of strengthening the internationalization efforts of the university under his term, Dr. Azanza further pointed out the potential benefits of the partnership.“With programs offered by Seinajoki University of Applied Sciences, such as nursing, agriculture, and advanced technology in food processing, we believe there is much to gain. Your technological expertise would greatly benefit our initiatives,” he said, referring to areas that are particularly relevant as CatSU develops its agro-industrial post-harvest facilities in its economic zones.Dr. Jaakko Hallila expressed his pleasure at being on the island for the first time, lightly noting that first impressions can be hard to change, but in the case of his visit, “the impression has been very positive.”“I also see a lot of agricultural opportunities, which is particularly interesting to me as I come from a province in Finland known for food processing and manufacturing machinery,” he said, seeing agricultural opportunities on the island as particularly promising.Dr. Hallila also shared how he has been keeping in touch with Dr. Azanza for this cooperation, and that the CatSU president has been very open to this cooperation.“We also wanted to partner with universities that have visionary leadership, and from what we saw, Catanduanes State University definitely has a clear plan and goals,” he said.“The Finnish government has identified several countries for future cooperation in higher education, and the Philippines is one of them. They see great potential for growth and progress in higher education here,” he emphasized, reaffirming the Finnish government's commitment to educational collaboration with CatSU.Still grateful for the partnership under the term of President Azanza, when CatSU has debuted in three global rankings, Dr. Hallila shared how strong leadership could achieve significant breakthroughs.“As the saying goes, if you don’t have a plan, any road will take you nowhere, but with a plan, you can achieve something significant—especially with strong leadership.” Meanwhile, after the signing, Dr. Hallila extended an invitation for future collaboration, encouraging CatSU to participate in their upcoming “International Days” event in February 2025.
𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒈𝒍𝒐𝒃𝒂𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉Catanduanes State University’s (CatSU) USWAG Journal: Philippine Journal of Multidisciplinary Research has achieved another breakthrough by being indexed in the prestigious Philippine E-Journals (PEJ), enhancing its accessibility to international readers and researchers.This achievement was made possible through the approval of the Board of Regents, following the recommendation of SUC President III, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, who advocated for CatSU’s partnership with C&E Publishing, Inc. to join PEJ.Now joining 240 academic publications and 52 multidisciplinary journals within the PEJ, the USWAG Journal, as CatSU’s official research journal, advances the university’s internationalization efforts and global academic engagement. This indexing boosts the likelihood of its articles being cited in global journals.This milestone means that peer-reviewed research articles, reviews, and commentaries across disciplines published by CatSU faculty will now reach a broader audience. These disciplines include mathematics, physical, biological, and environmental sciences, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, agribusiness, social sciences, humanities, language, literature, communication arts, information and communications technology, health and nutrition, engineering, energy, industrial technology, business, accountancy, management, education, medicine, law, and policy studies.Hosted by C&E Publishing, Inc., the Philippine E-Journals is an expanding online repository of academic publications from diverse higher education institutions and professional organizations. Its comprehensive database enables users to easily access abstracts, full journal articles, and related research materials, thereby offering global accessibility to these academic journals.
Following his lecture about Catanduanes Component of the Bikol Multilingual Corpus at Catanduanes State University (CatSU) on June 26, 2023, Bikolano linguist and Ph.D. student-researcher from the University of Hawai’i, Manoa, Louward Allen Zubiri encouraged language faculty members from CatSU to contribute to the Bicol Multilingual Corpus (BMC) Project, the largest corpus of child-directed and child speech in any Philippine language. According to Zubiri, faculty-participants from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUMSS) and College of Education (COEd) can build the Northern Catanduanes subcorpora by focusing on the varieties on the northern part of the island and investigating the intergenerational transmission through documentation of the input to and output of multilingual Bikolano children. Through this community-driven initiative, faculty members will be capacitated to conduct their own research on the Catandunganon Bikol language using various linguistic approaches, further strengthening CatSU’s advocacy in promoting inclusivity and language diversity on the island through community-based research. Upon the project’s completion, the BMC will serve as a model for combining language acquisition and documentation techniques to study the language development and use of emergent multilingual children. The Hawai’i-based linguist likewise pledged to come back to the island next year to conduct a seminar-workshop on language documentation and its methodologies. Zubiri was invited to serve as the speaker on the above-cited lecture which was spearheaded by the CatSU Research and Development Services (RDS) in collaboration with the Center for International Relations and Continuing Professional Development Services (CIRCPDS). Presently, he is also a Visiting Research Fellow for Summer 2023 at his alma mater school, UP Diliman, where he completed his BA and MA in Linguistics.
To promote sustainable agriculture on the island, the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) College of Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF), in partnership with the Provincial Local Government of Catanduanes and Provincial Agricultural Services Office, conducted the inaugural seminar on Empowering Island Organic Farming Educators Practitioners: Catalyst for Sustainable Agriculture on May 18, 2023, at the CatSU Gymnasium.With the theme, "Technical Advancement in Organic Agriculture Contributions for Food Security in the Island Province," the seminar aimed to gather CAF faculty, students, farm owners, and other stakeholders to address the challenge of promoting organic agriculture in Catanduanes. The event accommodated participants both onsite and online through Zoom and Facebook Live.In her opening remarks, CatSU Executive Vice President Dr. Lily P. Custodio expressed her gratitude to the resource speakers for sharing their expertise on organic farming. She emphasized the seminar's timeliness in light of the adverse effects of global warming.Furthermore, CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza delivered an inspiring message, highlighting the university's commitment to sustainable agriculture. He shared his aspirations to make a significant impact on the island by achieving food security through organic farming.“We hope that by bringing together this field of experts in the field of organic farming, we are able to create an impact in the province because, at the end of the day, our goal is to have food security knowing that we are in an island and unfortunately we are heavily dependent on the importation of food from the Mainland,” Dr. Azanza said.Governor Joseph "Boboy" Cua, represented by Bato Councilor Hon. Joselito Alberto, also delivered an inspirational message, urging support for government programs aimed at empowering island farmers to enhance their efficiency and productivity.The seminar commenced with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between CatSU, the Research Institute of Modern Organic Agriculture (RIM-MOA) at King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) in Bangkok, Thailand, represented by its Director, Professor Dr. Kasem Soytong, and CMCS Agricultural Products Trading Inc., represented by its President and the Country Representative for Envirolizer Ltd. UK., Mr. Miguel P. Delgado Jr.According to Dr. Azanza, these MOUs are essential and will significantly contribute to CatSU's services to the people of Catanduanes.“Hopefully with these MOUs with two significant organizations, mas mapapakaray kan CatSU an serbisyo na kinakaipo itao sa lambang Catandunganon.”Following the MOU signing, Dr. Ma. Jugie R. Ramos, Dean of CAF, introduced the first speaker for the morning session, Professor Dr. Kasem Soytong. He was followed by Professor Dr. Pakkapong Poungsuk, the Executive Vice-President for Student Affairs of KMITL. The afternoon session featured discussions with Dr. Jimmy T. Masagca, Professor VI from CatSU, Mr. Miguel P. Delgado, and Dr. Teodoro Mendoza, a former full Professor and UP Scientist at the University of the Philippines-Los Baños. #RJI
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) is gearing up to participate in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2023, set to be announced in December 2023.Led by Prof. Zyra Mae T. Tumala, the Director of the Center for International Relations and Continuing Professional Development Services (CIRCPDS), a meeting was held on April 25, 2023, where the guidelines, methodology, and questionnaire were presented.The meeting also identified the adequacy or inadequacy of evidence and documents, and the formulation of working committees for the UI GreenMetric 2023 Task Force.CatSU key officials headed by President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza attended the said event.“We are creating the future of CatSU. We are doing our best to give the best to our students and our community. And putting CatSU on the world map is one thing that we can achieve if we work together. It is our collective effort that will bring us to this goal,” Dr. Azanza said.The UI GreenMetric World University Ranking is a ranking of green campus and environmental sustainability initiated by Universitas Indonesia in 2010. The ranking is determined through 39 indicators in 6 criteria, which evaluate universities' environmental commitment and initiatives.The vision of UI GreenMetric World University Rankings is to be an open and respected world university ranking, which brings sustainable impacts to universities around the world. Its missions are to organize annual world university rankings on sustainability, encourage sustainability practices in universities worldwide, provide sustainability-related services for universities worldwide, and facilitate international partnership on sustainability.UI GreenMetric World University Rankings recognized the need for a uniform system appropriate for universities worldwide, based on a numerical score that would allow ranking. The system would allow comparisons between universities' rankings based on their commitment to addressing issues of sustainability and environmental impact. The ranking system uses 39 indicators and 6 criteria: Setting and Infrastructure (SI), Energy and Climate Change (EC), Waste (WS), Water (WR), Transportation (TR), and Education (ED). "We will be the ones who will put our university on the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings, and I am certain we can do this," said Dr. Lily P. Custodio, Executive Vice President. #FJBT
In order to address the high demand for internationalization in Philippine Higher Education Institutions, the Quality Assurance Services (QAS) collaborated with the Center for International Relations and Continuing Professional Development Services (CIRCPDS) to conduct a Seminar-Workshop on March 17, 2023.The objective of the workshop was to strengthen international linkages initiatives and to discuss the University’s internationalization framework.The event was held in the Accreditation Room and was attended by CatSU top officials, College Deans and their respective Chairpersons, and the Unit Directors or Office Heads.The Resource Speaker, Prof. Zyra Mae T. Tumala, who is also the International Relations Director, gave a brief overview of the Philippine government’s initiatives since 1987 and discussed the Structure and Operations of the International Relations office.The seminar-workshop focused on developing and implementing the Internationalization Strategy towards Quality Assurance, developing best practices, scholarship opportunities such as short and long-term programs (including Fullbright, UMAP, MEXT among others), and CatSU’s vision and target projection for the next five years on Internationalization Initiatives.Dr. Edna A. Pante, the QA Head, emphasized the need to set a clear direction for internationalization initiatives, formalize a structure, and formulate implementing guidelines as competition is now international in scope.“A very clear direction has to be set for internationalization initiatives, therefore the formalization of a structure and formulation of implementing guidelines are pivotal,” Dr. Pante emphasized.Dr. Lily P. Custodio, Executive Vice President, commended Directors Pante and Tumala and all participants for a job well done, stressing the need for cooperation to achieve CatSU’s internationalization goals.“It is in our strong support to each other, the collaborative efforts we evidently have, in supporting the administration’s vision of HOPE, and all the hard work that we do, that we can fulfill our mission of putting CatSU on the global scale,” Dr. Custodio said.Dr. Joseph G. Zafe, former Director of CIRCPDS, and now the newly appointed Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, regarded the reorientation to cover internationalization initiatives as a strong action to produce globally-competitive graduates.The whole day seminar-workshop concluded with the presentation of outputs from each group of active participants.Prof. Tumala shared her excitement and motivation, realizing the opportunities to focus on and having a visionary and supportive President, Dr. Azanza, at the helm. She believed that with determination and strength, CatSU could fulfill its mission of putting itself on the global scale. #CVecilles
On his fourth visit to Catanduanes State University (CatSU), Professor Satoshi Kubota of Kochi University, Japan shared about Biotechnology/Molecular Systems of Food Resources and Aquatic Organisms with the professors and students at the CatSU Conference Room on March 1, 2023.Dr. Kubota specifically discussed Collaborative Research under Kuroshio Science Network including the region’s History and Current Status of Biotechnological Research. He also related the Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) in Higher Education to the Current Status of Biotechnology Education in the Philippines.Kubota sensei also elaborated on the importance of the establishment of a biotechnology laboratory, such as the biotech lab in BUTC where researchers and students can have productive scientific engagements.The Kochi University Research and Education Faculty also introduced Kochi University, the Kuroshio Science Program, and other postgraduate scholarship opportunities to the attendees. The activity concluded with a forum in which Dr. Kubota and the participants discussed possible collaborations and partnerships in the future."We want to strengthen our partnership, and we are always committed to collaborating with Catanduanes State University, especially in knowledge generation and technical support in research," Dr. Kubota said.This was also emphasized by the Japanese professor in his last visit on February 21, 2019, when he said that collaboration is a must, and that the aim at Kochi University is for their students as well as exchange students not to be constrained in the laboratory.Dr. Kristian Q. Aldea, the Assistant Vice-President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs (AVP-REPA), expressed his gratitude for Sensei's timely visit and discussion of biotechnological research updates. According to him, the visit brought new ideas and development to the dynamic biotechnological field, which is applicable in many instructional and research undertakings for students and faculty members alike.Dr. Aldea, a graduate of Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Science at the Benthic Ecology at the Kochi University, Japan, emphasized the need for stronger linkage and collaboration among institutions in the Kuroshio region to achieve regional development. The visit of his Sensei highlighted the importance of biotechnological innovations and their role in advancing the field of marine science.Meanwhile, after his lecture, Dr. Kubota went to the College of Agriculture and Fisheries to check its Soil Laboratory. Several inputs were suggested to the Dean, Professor Jugie Ramos, on how to improve the laboratory's operation.Dr. Kubota, accompanied by Dr. Kristian Q. Aldea, also visited the Agoho Marine Sanctuary in San Andres and the Marilima Sanctuary in Virac. He also visited the Science laboratory of the College of Sciences and met its faculty members.On his arrival on February 28, Dr. Kubota was welcomed by Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, the SUC President III, and Dr. Ramon Felipe A. Sarmiento, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs (VP-REPA), Dr. Kristian Q. Aldea (AVP-REPA), Dr. Jose Z. Tria, Director of Research and Development Services (RDS), and Professor Zyra Mae T. Tumala, Director of the Center for International Relations and Continuing Professional Development Services (CIRCPDS).“Kubota sense's visit highlights the significance of collaborations in academic and research pursuits. Through partnerships and collaborations, institutions can achieve greater heights and contribute to regional development,” Dr. Azanza said. Prior to his visit to CatSU, Dr. Kubota also went to Benguet State University, University of the Philippines Visayas, and Bicol University. He will also visit Partido State University in Goa, Camarines Sur. #FJBT
The Director of the Center for International Relations and Continuing Professional Development Services (CIRCPDS), Ms. Zyra Mae T. Tumala, has qualified for the 3-Week Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) Training Program under the University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP).The training program, which started on January 20, 2023, consists of asynchronous activities that participants will complete independently, as well as three mandatory 90-minute synchronous meetings. The program will conclude on February 3, 2023.Of the 200 applicants from 50 member institutions in 12 UMAP countries, Tumala was selected as one of 80 participants. She expressed her excitement and honor to represent CatSU in this international academic endeavor.“I feel honored and elated to represent our beloved CatSU in this international academic endeavor. I am excited about the learnings and be able to share it as well” Tumala shared.The COIL program aims to provide participants with increased self-awareness, cross-cultural communication skills, abilities to work in interdisciplinary teams, and virtual study-abroad experiences. These opportunities will enhance their professional and personal growth, despite limitations or global constraints. #CVecilles
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) signed today, January 11, 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA). A virtual signing ceremony via Zoom was held to signify the start of the partnership between the two institutions. CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza and SEARCA Director Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio inked the said agreement and this was witnessed by the key officials from both institutions. “We need to stay visible and relevant during these times,” said Dr. Gregorio. The SEARCA Director also emphasized in his opening message the importance of partnership with key institutions to carry out their goals. Likewise, Dr. Azanza of CatSU assured that the MoU is just the beginning of the impactful and relevant programs that will be put into action in the coming days. The MoU has been concluded to collaborate in areas such as education, training, and research. Different forms of cooperation may be concretized through collaboration in undertaking programs and other related activities; exchange of scientific materials, publications, and information; and execution of separate agreements for any undertaking which will be jointly implemented in the future. SEARCA is an institution focused on agricultural and rural development in Southeast Asia. It commits to elevate the quality of life of agricultural families through sustainable livelihoods and access to modern networks and innovative markets. #CIRCPDS
In his recent travel on Official business through the invitation of CHED Chairman Dr. J. Prospero De Vera III, CatSU President, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza visited Hong Kong University and participated in the preliminary talks for possible academic partnership and benchmarking activities. Exploring the Hong Kong University (HKU) Metaversity Campus, Dr. Azanza said that we need to SHIFT in order to catch up with the rest of the world. Even the medical courses have already been included by the HKU for the great shift. HKU was founded in 1910, and rated by Quacquarelli Symonds as No. 22 in the whole world and No. 3 in Asia. Dr. Azanza believes that this is a good Asian basis for university benchmarking.In his facebook page, Dr. Azanza shared that like the University of the Philippines (UP), HKU is a government-funded university and offers Law, Medicine, Education, Business, Agriculture, Marine Science, Arts, Social Sciences. “CatSU and UP have a lot to learn from (and share with) HKU in terms of improving its curricular offerings, teaching and learning methodologies, research and international linkages”, Dr. Azanza said. #CVecilles
A Virtual Preliminary Meeting between the Catanduanes State University and Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) was held today, September 21, 2022.Having the main objective of exploring common areas for collaboration between SEARCA and Catanduanes State University, the meeting was made possible through the initial efforts of CatSU President, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza. It can be remembered that the President visited the main office of SEARCA in Los Banos just recently. The meeting was attended by the SEARCA Director, Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio together with the SEARCA Program Heads: Dr. Maria Cristeta N. Cuaresma, Program Head, Education and Collective Learning Department- Graduate Scholarships and Institutional Development Unit; Asst. Prof. Glenn N. Baticados, Program Head, Emerging Innovation for Growth Development; Dr. Gerlie Tatlonghari, Program Head, Research and Thought Leadership Department; Mr. Sonny Pasiona, Senior Associate for Communication; and Ms. Sharon A. Malaiba, Unit Head, Partnerships Unit. Participants from CatSU include the President himself, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza; Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs, Dr. Ramon Felipe A. Sarmiento; Director for Research Development Services, Dr. Jimmylen Z. Tonio; Dean of the College of Agriculture of Fisheries, Prof. Ma. Jugie Ramos; CAF Research Coordinator, Prof. Roberto Barba Jr. and Faculty Members; and Director for Center for International Relations and Continuing Professional Development Services (CIRCPDS), Ms. Zyra Mae T. Tumala. In the meeting, different areas of collaborations were discussed such as capacity building for faculty members, training components, mobility programs, joint-scholarship programs, research opportunities, benchmarking undertakings among Southeast Asian countries, curriculum designs, to name a few. #CVecilles
The Catanduanes State University is an Academic Partner in the 9th International Conference on Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022 (ICFA 2022) organized by The International Institute of Knowledge Management. https://aquaconference.com/organizers-and-partners/ "ICFA 2022 is a proud part of celebration of the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022 (IYAFA 2022). FAO of the United Nations is the lead agency for commemorating the year in collaboration with other relevant organization. ICFA 2022 is in line with the celebrations, which bring together diverse research and case studies from around the world in parallel sessions, while also providing numerous networking and publishing opportunities in the field, as well as discovering the latest trends and challenges in the field of artisanal fisheries and aquaculture." "ICFA 2022 has been designed as a knowledge sharing platform to provide an opportunity to highlight the potential and diversity of small-scale artisanal fisheries and aquaculture, as well as the benefits that can be gained by facilitating partnerships and cooperation with fish farmers, fish workers and also, to achieve the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)." For more information, please visit https://aquaconference.com/ ICFA 2022 is in collaboration with the 2nd International conference of Politeknik Ahli Usaha Perikanan (AUP), which will be held in Jakarta, Indonesia via Hybrid Mode from the 25th – 26th of August 2022 under the theme “Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture: The Vision, Benefits, Roles, and Responsibilities. #CIRCPDS
Taking on another step to boost internationalization efforts of the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) under the leadership of its Officer-in-Charge (OIC) President and Bicol CHED Regional Director, Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, is the university’s sealed agreement with UMAP International Secretariat based in Japan on October 8, 2020 paving the way for multilateral student exchange program. Dr. Joseph G. Zafe, CatSU’s Director for International Relations and Continuing Professional Development Services (CIRCPD) revealed that the university has been entered in the University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP) Multilateral Student Exchange Program (UME) through its UMAP International Secretariat (UMAP IS) represented by Dr. Etsuko Yaguchi, its Secretary General in Tokyo, Japan. The UMAP will implement exchanges of undergraduate or graduate students in participating universities. Founded in 1991, it is a voluntary association of government and non-government representatives of the higher education (university) sector, particularly countries and territories in the Asia-Pacific region. Its number of full members has increased from 9 to 22 since Tokyo University took on the role of UMAP IS in 2016, allowing even broader student exchange mobility. Thailand is its current Chair country through Chairperson/ Secretary General, Dr. Sumate Yamnoon, having taken the role from Malaysia which was Chair country in the past four years from 2015 to 2018.The agreement stated that all participating exchange students should be currently enrolled students from participating universities; however, their selection is subject to the discretion and authority of each host university where the maximum number of inbound and outbound exchange students for each university will not exceed two per semester under Program A. The CatSU will participate in Program A, but it does not prevent its students from participating in Program B and/or Super Short-Term Programs (Program C) before the university hosts or participates in Program A. Dr. Zafe said that under the pledge of agreement signed by CatSU OIC President Dr. Bernal and UMAP IS Secretary General Dr. Yaguchi, exchange students shall be permitted to stay at the host university not longer than one year and will not be subject to fees for examinations, admission and tuition at the host university but they will be notified of VISA application for a length of time equivalent to the exchange term in the country where the host university is located.Under this term, exchange students may enroll into any courses or classes offered by the host university, except courses with specific requirements determined by the university, while the latter shall provide the students with accommodation or help them acquire their own accommodation. The agreement likewise noted that all participating universities agree to accept credits and to transfer credits earned by students from the exchange program via the UMAP Credit Transfer Scheme (UCTS), subject to the regulations and procedures of the respective universities. The agreement signed by CatSU with UMAP started at the date of its signing on October 8, 2020. UMAP currently comprises 35 countries /territories with over 570 member universities. Its membership is open to countries /territories in the Asia-Pacific region.
