Catanduanes State University (CATSU) is set to significantly enhance its wi-fi services after Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza has successfully negotiated with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Provincial Officer Mario John D. Gonzales to secure an additional 100mbps of free wi-fi exclusively for the university students.This boost is in addition to the existing 150mbps dedicated to CatSU offices and the pre-existing 200mbps PLDT line serving the Main Campus.Moreover, Dr. Azanza has extended his commitment to providing even broader connectivity benefits to the university as he has sought DICT's assistance to install free Wi-Fi connections at Panganiban Campus and to secure four Starlink connections for the university. Dr. Azanza has also approved an upgrade of the PLDT wi-fi connection at the Main Campus, increasing its capacity from 200mbps to 400mbps, complete with a state-of-the-art firewall to ensure security and reliability."Under my term, we have upgraded our wi-fi connection from a total of 50mbps when I started at CatSU to 650mbps two years within my term,” Dr. Azanza said.In addition to these enhancements, the university is making significant investments in infrastructure resilience. The President has initiated the installation of an underground fiber optic network throughout all campus buildings. “Kasama na rin sa mga pagbabago ang pagkabit ng underground fiber optic network sa lahat ng buildings ng CATSU para kahit may bagyo ay safe ang ating mga communication lines,” Dr. Azanza said, highlighting this as a forward-thinking move ensuring uninterrupted connectivity during adverse weather conditions. #ATugay
In a move to increase Catandunganon women’s economic capability, the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) and the Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere (CARE) International signed an agreement that aims to benefit Catandunganon women to gain sustainable livelihoods. Dubbed as Women and Youth Economic Empowerment (WE Empower) Project, the residents of four barangays in Bato and four barangays in Virac will be the target beneficiaries of the program.“The project focuses on two commodities: abaca and root crops and [to be] implemented in two municipalities covering eight barangays,” expressed in the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA). Held at the university’s conference room, the joint partnership was signed by CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza and witnessed by CARE’s Asia Regional Director, Dr. Musa Muhammad, together with his staff on Tuesday, September 19.Present also during the MoA signing were the newly installed Vice-President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs Dr. Rosana S. Abundo, Extension Services Director Dr. Adem Nalu V. Rubio, and other university’s key officials. CARE is an international humanitarian organization that works with women and girls to combat worldwide poverty and hunger. #ATUgay
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) had a meeting with President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza regarding the evaluation of the Philippines' DRR needs and priorities, on September 21.This is to support their efforts of reducing climate-related disaster risks, which are aligned with international agreements like the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework on DRR, in line with the UN's ERC flagship initiative.The delegation included Mr. Marcus Oxley and Mr. Benigno Balgos, both Senior Non-Key Experts from the EU NDC Facility, along with Ms. Maria Agnes Palacio of UNOCHA Philippines.The meeting also included Dr. Jose Z. Tria, Engr. Dexter M. Toyado, and Dr. Rosana S. Abundo as requested by UNOCHA. The meeting mainly discussed CatSU’s contributions and contingencies in the occurrence of climate-related disasters like typhoons and the problems that come with it. Dr. Azanza described the many people-centered projects and programs provided by CatSU such as the designation of Evacuation Centers, the use case scenario of the Solar farm, and the creation of food supply establishments such as fish ponds and other foods and amenities required in the event of a disaster. #ATugay
Catanduanes State University (CatSU), in partnership with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Catanduanes Field Office and Catanduanes Council of Human Resource Management Practitioners, Inc. (CCHRMP), organized a two-day seminar-workshop on government benefits, drawing attendees from various government agencies on day 1, September 20, 2023, at the CatSU Auditorium.With the theme "Transforming Public Service in the Next Decade: Honing Agile and Future-Ready Servant-Heroes," this two-day seminar workshop aimed to equip participants with a thorough grasp of leave administration and government-mandated benefits.In his inspirational message, CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza emphasized the crucial impact that human resource practitioners can have on improving people's lives."If we are united, if this council will be strong enough, you can issue support to every HR practitioner na gagibo nin tama. They will see, every head of agency will realize, nag-abot na sa panahon na an boses kang HR practitioners, talagang dapat bag'ohon," Dr. Azanza implored, emphasizing the importance of unity and strength within the council to support HR practitioners who strive to make a positive impact.Dr. Azanza further stressed that their voices have reached a critical juncture in reshaping the future of the province.“Otherwise, we will just be under the wings and the prices of people who decide for the lives of many on the island. Naghanda ka para mag-apply, tig-ready mo so sadiri mo, only to realize, useless ta igwa na man plan nakapangaran duman sa posisyon,” he added.The president concluded his message by pressing the Padagos na Patanos Movement program, which extends CatSU's services to the Community."We need CatSU to go out of the University and reach out to the 315 barangays so that the university will be felt by every Catandunganon. Maogma ako na hali kita sa iba-ibang munisipyo digdi, because eventually, you will encounter us. CatSU will be in the barangays," he expressed. Meanwhile, CSC Director Enida B. Abordo, discussed topics such as Government Office Hours, Overview of Leave Privileges, General Types of Leave, Flexible Working Hours, Recording of Work Hours, and Special Emergencies, including leave and study leave. #ATugay
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) is getting closer towards the establishment of its College of Law, as it progresses toward meeting the stringent requirements set by the Law Education Board (LEB).Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza expressed optimism about the university's progress in effectively addressing access to costly law books."Compliance with the law book requirements is no longer a problem as Rex Bookstore (rebranded as Rex Education) has donated books," he said after he secured this generous contribution by Rex Bookstore.Dr. Azanza also acknowledged the role played by CatSU Regent Atty. Santiago T. Gabionza Jr., who is also the legal counsel to Rex Publishing. Furthermore, President Azanza reassured that the moot court's completion is on track to meet the LEB's deadline, with an expected finish date before the end of October. "Nasa 70 percent completion naman po ang satuyang moot court sa third floor kan Main Building," said Dr. Azanza, indicating significant progress in the establishment of a moot court. This moot court, as another LEB requirement, is designed to replicate a real courtroom environment, providing law students with practical experience.He noted that the bidding process was followed diligently to ensure the quality and integrity of the construction materials used in the moot court's construction.President Azanza expressed hope that once CatSU passes the ocular inspection by the LEB and fulfills all requirements, the university will be able to offer the Juris Doctor degree by 2024. He emphasized the significance of this achievement, particularly for the people of Catanduanes."Base sa survey, nasa 200 po ang nagrespond positively sa satuyang feasibility study na requirement nin law board," the President highlighted, underscoring the feasibility and demand for the law program.Additionally, President Azanza revealed that the applications for the College of Law and the College of Medicine are top priorities in the university's plans. Under his leadership, CatSU has already introduced seven new courses in just over two years, including the Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN), Bachelor of Science in Architecture, BS Entertainment & Multimedia Computing with Majors in Game Development and Digital Animation, BS Electronics Communication Engineering, BS Library Science, and BA English Language. These new offerings have significantly boosted enrollment at CatSU, as noted by the President.In a remarkable surge, CatSU has witnessed a substantial increase in enrollment, climbing from 9,060 students in 2021 to an impressive 14,150 this year, marking a substantial growth of 56.09 percent."It is also a help for the people of Catanduanes because students need not go to mainland universities to study, highlighting that CatSU really serves the people," he said, highlighting this achievement. He expressed his concern for students and parents who may face financial challenges when seeking education elsewhere, emphasizing that CatSU has responded to this need by introducing industry-related new courses."Ibig sabihon mas dakula ang naseserbisyuhan nin CatSU. Kung pigpili ta sana, sain daw mapunta ang mga estudyante? Dakulang gastos sa mga magurang," President Azanza empathized, underscoring the importance of making quality education accessible to local students.President Azanza also outlined CatSU's mission to provide opportunities for island residents, both in terms of education and employment. "With our project na i-expand ang enrolment sa paagi nin pag-open nin bagong kurso, natawan nin opportunities ang mga taga-isla lalao sa employment. Iyan po talaga ang saro sa sakuyang programa na gibuhon ang CatSU na maging number one employment organization digdi sa isla," he explained. Dr. Azanza has secured approval for 56 new instructor positions from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and is awaiting approval for another 25 non-teaching positions, including five Administrative Officer V items at Salary Grade 18. #ATugay
In recent years, Catanduanes State University (CatSU) has been making remarkable strides in the field of sports. The addition of the 𝗢𝗹𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗰-𝘀𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝘄𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗼𝗼𝗹, an 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗹𝗮𝘄𝗻 𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁, and an 𝘂𝗽𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 within the main campus marks a significant turning point for athletics at CatSU. The construction of the university's sports complex long-course swimming pool began in 2021. After a year of construction, CatSU now boasts the 10-lane Olympic-sized pool, complete with separate quarters for male and female athletes featuring comfortable changing rooms equipped with benches, shower rooms, and toilets. These amenities ensure that student-athletes have a convenient and enjoyable experience during sports activities.Moreover, today’s sports complex has three grandstands with a 329-seating capacity each and features two additional rooms downstairs. These rooms will serve dual purposes, accommodating physical education classes and gym sessions as well as providing space for various sports activities. The grandstand is a versatile space that complements the sporting facilities, fostering a well-rounded athletic environment for students.𝑭𝒖𝒍𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝑽𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏During a swimming practice session for the National SCUAA delegates, CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza expressed how fortunate CatSU athletes are to have access to these top-notch facilities. Dr. Azanza emphasized the crucial role of quality facilities in fostering a strong team. He acknowledged that for years, the needs of the athletes had not been adequately addressed, especially in terms of training facilities. However, with the establishment and improvement of the university's sports complex, CatSU is poised for greatness.The transformation of a once-barren hectare of land into a flourishing sports complex is a testament to CatSU's commitment to providing a world-class education. These infrastructural developments contribute to students' holistic growth and solidify CatSU's reputation as a leading educational institution. #AClemente
𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐴𝐼 𝐼𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑡Catanduanes State University (CatSU) President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza inked an MOU on September 12 to form a partnership with Bicol University and National University, solidifying their commitment to the "eParticipation 2.1: Harnessing Natural Language Processing (NLP) for Community Participation" project, which has secured funding and approval from CHED.This partnership, scheduled to last until September 2024, represents a major milestone for the universities as they unite to leverage the capabilities of Artificial Intelligence-Natural Language Processing (AI-NLP) technologies.One of the cornerstones of this partnership is the inclusion of CatSU in the AI-NLP training and capacity-building initiative, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of higher education institutions in the Philippines. Dr. Azanza expressed his excitement for the collaboration, highlighting its potential to transform community engagement and problem-solving using advanced technology. #ATugay
Consultants from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Philippines met with Catanduanes State University (CatSU) President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza to discuss project updates and opportunities for strengthening their collaboration, particularly in renewable energy solutions, September 13.IOM's initiatives in Catanduanes encompass a wide range of critical areas, including comprehensive skills training programs, campaigns promoting safe migration practices, and the construction of robust and typhoon-resilient safe houses strategically located across the province. These projects are aimed at uplifting local communities and enhancing their resilience to environmental challenges.As a testament to their commitment to these projects, IOM plans to conduct extensive site visits to witness the direct impact of their initiatives and extend their courtesies to the recipient's offices, including the Catanduanes State University. During the meeting, Dr. Azanza provided an overview of the university's people-centric projects. These initiatives include EduKain, an educational empowerment program, and robust Typhoon response protocols designed to prioritize community safety. Dr. Azanza also emphasized the innovative Solar Farm initiative, underscoring CatSU's dedication to sustainable energy solutions and environmental stewardship. Following the productive meeting, several IOM representatives, including their expert in Solar Grids and related technologies, visited the Solar Microfarm in the university campus. #ATugay
𝑻𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑽𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝑯𝒐𝒑𝒆In a recent General Orientation event organized by the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Office of the Registration Services, President Azanza emphasized his rallying cry, "𝑷𝒂𝒅𝒂𝒈𝒐𝒔 𝒏𝒂 𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒔 𝑴𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕," as he encouraged students to unite and actively engage with their community and province, September 11 at the university gymnasium.He stressed the significance of CatSU's participation in the Commission on Higher Education's (CHED) free education program, urging the 4, 201 first-year students to proudly carry the title "𝐈𝐬𝐤𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫" and represent the university with honor."𝐷𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑡 𝑎𝑛 𝑠𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑠𝑖𝑝𝑜𝑛 𝑝𝑎𝑘𝑎-𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑤𝑎𝑟 𝑖𝑦𝑜 𝑎𝑛 𝑘𝑢𝑛 𝑝𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑛𝑜 𝑘𝑎𝑚𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑦-𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑠𝑎 𝑠𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑦𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑠𝑙𝑎," 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐴𝑧𝑎𝑛𝑧𝑎 𝑒𝑚𝑝ℎ𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑖𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑦.Meanwhile, Ms. Marilyn G. Tejada, University Registrar III, expressed her enthusiasm for the orientation's success, highlighting the importance of students being well-informed about key members of the university's divisions and departments, including Central Management, Admin and Finance, Academic Affairs, Research, Extension and Production, and Panganiban Campus."𝐼𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑒 𝑛𝑎 𝑎𝑛 𝑠𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑦𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑔𝑎 𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑦𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑒 𝑎𝑦 𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑙-𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑒𝑑, 𝑖𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑎𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑑𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑡 𝑚𝑎𝑦 𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑎 𝑠𝑖𝑙𝑎 ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛 𝐶𝑎𝑡𝑆𝑈," Ms. Tejada stressed. This year's General Orientation aimed to empower and inform the student body about the university's structure, resources, and commitment to community service. #ATugay
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU), in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), organized a livelihood workshop to more than hundred Catandunganon families on Monday, September 11.Gracing the event, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza pledged support, through its Technical Assistance Program for Local Government Units (TAP-LGU), in facilitating the participants to qualify for and avail the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program. “Tutulungan sila ng CATSU na ihanda ang business proposal upang makakuha ng pampuhunan sa DOLE sa halagang P500K hanggang P1.5M depende sa kanilang proposal,” the president stated. DOLE explained that the amount of livelihood grant to be availed will depend on the number of members of the registered association and the business' budgetary requirement. #ATugay
In a two-day event titled "Bridging RD and E Programs of BIOTECH-UPLB to State Universities and Colleges: Introduction to Biotechnology Research on Industry, Energy, and Environment," academia met industry head-on at CatSU's Auditorium on September 7-8, 2023.The event drew attendees from the College of Science Faculty, Researchers, Staff, and Students.Dr. Francisco B. Elegado, the training coordinator, and Research Professor from UPLB, delivered a lecture emphasizing the importance of industrial biotechnology in converting agricultural materials to high-value products.He also discussed the applications of Nano biotechnology for the rapid detection of environmental contaminants.Dr. Ronilo P. Violanta presented BIOTECH innovations for agriculture, food, and feed industries, while Dr. Silvino D. Merca, a seed pathologist, addressed Human Factors in the Environment and Socio-Economic Changes.University Researcher Dr. Kristine Rose M. Ramos shared strategies for screening and characterizing microbes for heavy metal bioremediation, and Dr. Richard D. Tambalo explored the microbiological degradation of plastics and bioplastics.University Researcher Johnry S. Maloles provided technical insights into the screening of enzyme-producing microbes, while University Researcher Irene G. Pajares discussed the latest methods for isolating and screening yeasts with the potential for bioethanol and biodiesel production. Day two featured pre-lab lectures and hands-on laboratory activities, applying the concepts learned during the symposium, enriching participants' understanding and practical skills." #ATugay
The construction of Catanduanes People’s Center inside the campus of the Catanduanes State University, which will serve as one-stop-shop for satellite offices of national agencies, is set to start this week. CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, represented by Executive Vice President Dr. Bernardino C. Abundo Jr., along with Congressman Eulogio ‘Leo’ Rodriguez, Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) Assistant District Engineer Max Eleda and other government officials, witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony for the P47 million project on Friday, August 11.“I remember the numerous times Cong. Leo Rodriguez and I met with Senator Francis Tolentino in the halls of Senate to seek budget for the People’s Center that shall rise inside CATSU to serve as a one-stop-shop for processing important documents needed to be able to study, work, travel, and for other purposes,” the president recounted on how it was started. “Surely, this is going to help many Catandunganons and I wish to congratulate Cong. Leo for having turned this into reality during his term of office,” he added.The said one-stop-shop facility in the island-province will help Catandunganons to efficiently secure pertinent documents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for clearances, Philippine Regulation Commission (PRC) for identification cards and other certifications, and passports to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to name a few.It can be remembered that in 2022, CatSU offered at least 1,000 square meters of its lot under a usufruct agreement with the congressional office in order to house the facility. Joining also the event were Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs Engr. Benjamin Hannycel Nuyda, Philippine Information Agency - Catanduanes chief Edna Bagadiong, Radyo Pilipinas Station Manager Arlene O. Bagadiong, CatSU Information Officer Anjo G. Tugay, and other officials. #AGC
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) made headlines as a trailblazer in green, inclusive, and sustainable development, with the groundbreaking of the first Knowledge, Innovation, Science and Technology (KIST) park in the Bicol region.The initiative was driven by CatSU President, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, who actively advocated for the project's approval from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), working closely with Governor Joseph "Boboy" C. Cua and the then Director General Charito "Ching" B. Plaza.PEZA Director General Tereso "Teo" O. Panga played a crucial role in providing essential information at the national level, ensuring the success of the endeavor with the full support of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos.On May 25, 2023, the groundbreaking ceremony for the KIST Park and agro-industrial processing zone took place, marking a significant milestone in CatSU's history. This is considered major milestone at CatSU, as these KIST Park and agro-industrial processing zone exemplify model economic zones that prioritize environmentally conscious and sustainable practices.The projects will utilize idle lands at CatSU, mobilizing cooperation among farmers, non-government organizations, business chambers, scientists, researchers, and key players in the information technology and agro-sector supply chains.The conversion of idle lands of CatSU into a KIST Park and Agro-Industrial Economic Zone will potentially change the future of the whole province of Catanduanes and benefit its 263,000 residents. The projects are projected to bring in a total of P1.55 billion in investments, promising a significant boost to the local economy.
Through the joint efforts between the Catanduanes State University (CatSU), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and other stakeholders, various projects involving rice component, livestock/dairy, and AgroForestry were presented during the launching of the Panganiban Rural and Agricultural Development Project on June 28, 2023. Following the launching, Dr. Renato Vega from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and a UP Los Baños professor, gave a lecture and distributed a sample of 20 rice varieties to the rice farmer-participants. Dr. Liborio S. Cabanilla, executive director of the UPLB College of Economics and Management Alumni Foundation, Inc. extended his gratitude to CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza for accepting the invitation to implement the project at Panganiban Campus. “As the premier Agricultural Educational Institution in the community, CatSU is seen as a vital partner in achieving the project's objectives,” he expressed.Among the other stakeholder partners was the Panganiban Local Government Unit (LGU), and the partnership aims to drive sustainable rural and agricultural development in the island-province.The event featured presentations outlining the project components and delineating the specific responsibilities of each partner. Following a short program, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding was held between the community stakeholders involved, symbolizing their strong commitment to the pursuit of empowering the local communities and paving the way for a vibrant agricultural sector in Panganiban.
Through the mandate of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., the Catanduanes State University started the distribution of the one-time 25-kilogram rice subsidy to the university’s 959 qualified employees on July 27–28, 2023.Under Administrative Order No. 2, signed by President Marcos last December 2022, the employees who are eligible to receive the rice aid are those who rendered government service as of November 30, 2022.As cited in the order, the initiative was meant to mitigate the effects of socio-economic challenges and boost domestic production of the Filipino farmers’ homegrown grains.Around 479 bags of rice from the National Food Authority (NFA) were delivered to the university. The 959 CatSU employees were among the 1,892,648 government workers, including Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) personnel, who benefited from the subsidy program.
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza led the turnover of 150 packs of assorted vegetable seeds to the Provincial Local Government of Catanduanes on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.The said seeds, comprised of upo, ampalaya, cucumber, and pole sitaw, were donated to CatSU by the University of the Philippines Los Baños' Institute of Plant Breeding through Ms. Virma Rea G. Lee, University Researcher II and Head of the Extension and Business Development Division.This green initiative aligns with the President's vision of promoting sustainable agriculture not only within the campus but throughout the province. It can be remembered that one of his advocacy campaigns is the One Million Trees Project as the adviser of the Catanduanes Clean and Green Movement. #AGC Photos Credit to PLGU Catanduanes
