Christmas at Catanduanes State University (CatSU) kicked off with the Tree of HOPE and lighting of lanterns ceremony on December 15, 2022 at the CatSU Front Grounds.The university community composed of students headed by Student Regent, Hon. Angelo Piolo Laynes, faculty members headed by Faculty Regent, Dr. Rosanna Abundo and CASUNEA President Prof. Danilo Murillo and heads of offices, came together for a short program. Dr. Maria Edna R. Inigo, VP for Administrative and Finance and Dr. Ramon Felipe Sarmiento, VP for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs shared inspirational messages to the crowd. Dr. Inigo also welcomed the special guests from the BJMP San Andres District and acknowledged their support for the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) who handcrafted the lanterns and said that the observance is “a moment of prayer and thanksgiving for the generosity of those who made the University Center project come to life." She added in her message the story of the symbolic meaning of the Parol ng Pag-asa (Lanterns).Adding highlight on this year’s collection of Christmas Lights are the big lanterns handcrafted by the Computer engineering students of the College of Engineering and Architecture, and students from the College of Industrial Technology. The lanterns have a special code mechanism skillfully designed by the students. The moment that many students and faculty had been waiting for came as the countdown for the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas Tree of HOPE took place which was led by no less than the president himself, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza. In his message, Dr. Azanza described the ceremony as very symbolic because all would want to light the Tree of Hope and Parol ng Pag-asa for everybody to have brighter days ahead, for all fellow Catandunganons.“May we not forget that the very meaning of this Christmas celebration is our own salvation from the greatest man who ever walked on earth, no other than our beloved savior the Lord Jesus Christ; let’s offer this night to Him and our families”, he added. With loud applause and good cheer, the evening continued a few feet away on the green grounds where the community gathered for the 2nd annual tree lighting ceremony. #CVecilles
In its quest to push for deeper financial education and awareness within the student body as well as members of the university faculty and administration, the Bureau of the Treasury Regional Office V headed by its Director, Ms. Everette E. Villaraza, conducted a Financial Literacy Session at the Accreditation Room on October 7, 2022.The event was a product of collabo - ration between CatSU and the Bureau of Treasury RO V following the initial meetings of possible partnership. With Director Villaraza serving as the resource speaker, salient points of the FinLit sessions were done in separate segments, according to the types of participants.In attendance were teaching and non-teaching personnel as well as heads of the various offices of the university.Dr. Maria Edna R. Iñigo, Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs, expressed her gratitude for the kind gesture and productive proposal of the agency.“This Finlit sessions can definitely be of great help to our employees and students in attaining a clear vision of their financial goals”, she said. Finlit is essentially a part of the activities set in celebration of the 10th University Charter Anniversary. #CVecilles
In less than 24 hours after Severe Tropical Storm Nalgae (locally named Paeng) made its first landfall in Virac, Catanduanes in the early morning of Saturday, October 29, 2022, Catanduanes State University SUC President III, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza personally led the distribution of food packs to 250 CatSU students who were not able to go home in their respective towns due to the calamity. Dr. Azanza, who is also an incumbent Board Member of the Philippine Red Cross-Quezon City Chapter, as well as the Catanduanes Chapter, immediately called for the relief distribution, dubbed as ‘Damayan sa CatSU’ with the help of the Federated College Student Council (FCSC) President Hon. Angelo Piolo M. Laynes and other Student Body Organization Presidents and student volunteers who also extended their time for the relief efforts. The active student leaders of the University started preparing the food packs Saturday morning at the Student Center and the FCSC Office. Inside the food packs are a kilo of rice, noodles, coffee, eggs, and canned goods which were received by the stranded students.Dr. Azanza also distributed free smart load cards to 100 students in order to contact their loved ones at home via their smartphones. The smart load cards given to the students were donated by Congressman Eulogio “Leo” R. Rodriguez to help them with online assignments.With the shutting down of the power supply in the entire island, the CatSUans were also able to charge their gadgets and rechargeable lights as the main building opened its generator set for the students. They were also served porridge for snacks while charging their gadgets. Also present during the Damayan sa CatSU were Atty. Gregorio Sarmiento, Jr., Chief Administrative Officer for Administration, Mr. Rommel Torres, Chief Administrative Officer for Finance, Prof. Ian Aranel, former CBO Director/Dean of CBA, Ms. Lolit S. Sicio, Supply Officer, Ms. Josephine Rojas, Executive Assistant II, Rommel Reyes from Motorpool Services, Aileen Llandelar from the Public Relations and Media Services (PRMS), Jasper Adrian Sidlacan and Caroline Vecilles from the Corporate Communications Services (CCS). Disaster Preparedness Campaign As early as August 2021, Dr. Azanza already organized CatSU’s Disaster Response Team, with Disaster Preparedness and Climate Adaptation Team in partnership with the Provincial Local Government Unit and Municipal Local Government Units, and even with private organizations and companies to be ready in case of calamities or disaster. “It is not that we want another calamity to hit the island after the devastating Super Typhoon Rolly. But we know it is just a matter of time before another disaster might come along. Thus, might as well prepare for it,” Dr. Azanza said in his Facebook campaign last August 23, 2021.“We want to have ready sacks of rice, medicine, drinking water, canned goods, coffee, noodles, blankets, emergency lights, candles, even before the emergency happens.” Dr. Azanza’s campaign for CatSU’s Disaster Preparedness started rolling then. On September 16, 2021, donations started to rain in CatSU. The Fraternal Order of Eagles – Isla de Cobos Eagles Club donated three (3) sacks of rice and a box of canned goods. The alumni group led by CatSU Alumni Regent Atty. Ramil B.Tamayo also donated alcohol and a humidifier. He was joined by Hi-Density President Arturo B. Lumahod who assisted Atty. Ta[1]mayo in securing the donated items. The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) also extended their medical donations thru Mr. Anjo De Leon. Not long after this, the PCSO gave the University earlier this year its first-ever ambulance with the help of Governor Joseph C. Cua. Reaping what was sownA year after Dr. Azanza’s Disaster Preparedness campaign, CatSU students have now benefit - ted because we have food and goods are available. This will, at least, help them survive for a day or two until the stores are open again to the public. It can also be recalled that donations from stakeholders, partners, and generous people and companies were also shared last December with the CatSU community, especial - ly the needy students. Even CatSU partners, the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA), also received such assistance. This shows that the project and campaign planted have now been sown. The Vision to Care and Prepare Dr. Azanza calls upon private organizations and companies such as the Red Cross, PCSO, Rotary Club, Catanduanes Chamber of Commerce, Catanduanes Medical Society, Philippine Nurses Association-Catanduanes Chapter, Church-based organizations, Contractors Association, CIML 291, TFOE-Philippine Eagles, TGP, fraternities and sororities civil society, people’s organization, private companies like ARDCI, Mercury Drug, Watsons, Delex and others to help in this noble cause. Alumni and retirees are also asked to support and take an active role in this initiative. “CatSU has 50 years of experience on how calamities have wrought havoc on the residents of Catanduanes. We do not want to be caught flat-footed the next time. We want to be pre - pared. We want to make sure CatSU is ready to open its gates to the communities when another calamity or disaster strikes. CatSU will be there for and with the communities if and when it happens.”“Para tabi in isa karahayan kan gabos. Magpreparar na tabi kita bago pa mangyari ang emergency situation. Ta dae kita dapat gapreparar nin relief operations o disaster response habang andiyan na sa ngadang-ngadang ang makusog na paros o ang mismong sakuna,” he added. #FJBT
CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza in his official travel to Manila met with Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, the current Chair of Senate Committee on Higher Education to discuss academic concerns including university budget. Dr. Azanza also had the chance to meet 9 members of the legislature during the Committee hearings/meeting of the 19th Congress, including Sen. Mark Villar, Sen. Bong Go, Sen. Grace Poe, Sen. Robin Padilla, Sen. Joel Villanueva, and Sen. Bato Dela Rosa. He also met with Sen. Francis Tolentino and Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla whom the president requested additional classrooms and faculty research center from. Dr. Azanza expressed his gratitude to Cong. Leo Rodriguez for his support to CatSU and fellow Catandunganons, and for personally accompanying him to the offices of Senator Francis Tolentino and Senator Bong Revilla. In the quest for working on CatSU’s budget to abate the decline in the annual budget of CatSU, Dr. Azanza continues to work in lobbying for more budget allocation for the university. It can be recalled that due to low absorptive capacity (the inability to spend the money given by the National Government) and other related reasons, CatSU’s capital outlay budget and the proposed budget for 2022 was placed in reduction. Dr. Azanza worked to ensure that the succeeding annual budget will be approved for the benefit of the whole university, thus the Php595.168M approved under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2022, inclusive of the 35M Infra project coming from Senator Sherwin Gatchalian. For Year 2023, Dr. Azanza hopes to have a bigger budget for CatSU. Thus, his efforts to lobby for assistance from Congress and Senate. #CVecilles
In a recent official travel to Mainland Bicol, CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bicol University on the sharing of academic resources, including the use of BU’s hospital for the training of CatSU nursing and medicine students.The agreement was made between CatSU President Dr. Azanza and BU President Dr. Noli Mascariñas on September 26, 2022. “The ultimate goal is to realize the dream of Catandunganons to have a working relationship with BU given its proximity to the island and also because of the vast resources and opportunities that can be shared by both SUCs”, Dr. Azanza said.It is specifically noted in the memo that nursing program as well as the envisioned medicine and law programs shall be strengthened as the MOU includes the sharing of academic resources, faculty and student exchange, and even the sharing of tertiary hospital and law library facilities of BU with CatSU. The agreement also stated that incoming nursing, medicine and law students of CatSU will be given permission to cross-enroll at BU. Also covered are academic consultations, participation in seminars and academic meetings, extension activities, joint research collaboration, sharing of faculty and research/library resources, promotion and peer review of research outputs, co-sponsorship of national and international conferences and research publication opportunities, publication of articles in each other’s Journals, exchange of educational materials, research publications and instructional information, provision of expertise in areas of strength of both parties, and sharing of technologies generated through research, among others. #CVecilles
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony followed by a panel discussion between the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) and Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC) was held at the Catanduanes State University, Virac, Catanduanes on August 31, 2022. CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza and CSPC President Dr. Charlito P. Cadag officially signed the documents in the presence of the VP for Academic Affairs, Dr. Lily P. Custodio; VP for Research, Extension and Production Affairs, Dr. Ramon Felipe A. Sarmiento; thr newly designated Director for International Relations and Continuing Professional Development Services (CIRCPDS), Prof. Zyra Mae T. Tumala, and the Deans, Directors, and Heads of Offices.The event affirmed the partnership between CatSU and CSPC in areas such as faculty and student exchange for research and study, academic consultations, participation in seminars and academic meetings, extension activities, sharing of faculty and research resources, exploring the potential of co-sponsoring national and/or international conferences, provide expertise in the areas of strength of each party including among others in areas such as health sciences, computers studies, engineering and education, and other collaborations that are mutually beneficial to both institutions.The two (2) Presidents of the partnering Institutions expressed their gratitude in making the partnership possible. It was also emphasized during the panel discussion that Universities in the Bicol Region must not compete with one another, and instead, should be happily collaborating and sharing best practices to cater the needs of Bicolanos and ultimately be acknowledged even in the global setting. #CVecilles
Aimed to ensure the establishment of a clear vision of the university’s direction and goals for 2023, the office of Vice-president for Administrative and Financial Affairs, headed by Dr. Maria Edna R. Iñigo, held a one-day training workshop entitled “Orientation/Workshop on preparation of Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS)”, on December 6, 2022 at CatSU Accreditation Room. The activity likewise intends to promote awareness of responsibilities among the employees of their significant organizational roles, how to run their respective units, and work effectively towards the realization of the CatSU President’s Vision of HOPE. The objectives include the preparation of SPMS Forms that consists of Division/Unit Work Plan (D/UWP) for 2023, Office Performance Commitment Review (OPCR) Form, Individual Performance Commitment Review (IPCR) Form, D/O/IPCR Monitoring Schedule, and the Discussion of the workflow of submission of SPMS Forms and Updated SPMS Calendar. The workshop which is mandated by the Civil Service Commission, was facilitated by the university’s Human Resource Management Services headed by Ms. Ma. Sionne May Crispino. The Head of Offices of the University from the Administrative and Financial Affairs Division and the Central management, were in attendance. Also in participation were the CatSU Performance Management Team from the Panganiban Campus, SPMS Technical Working Group, and Unit representatives. This mirror activity is a follow up of the pioneering initiative made only after 50 years of the university’s conception and further intends to strengthen the current leadership’s call for transparency, integrity, and accountability, thus would help and motivate employee performance according to or beyond the expectations of the taxpaying public. “This activity serves as a focal point of the university in making sure that we are able to refocus our direction and review the different activities that we do in the Performance Management Systems. Having a PMS in place is an integral component of the Human Resource Management”, Dr. Iñigo said. “May we have that sense of belongingness, take responsibility, claim ownership for the attainment of the institution’s VMGO. Today, I hope that you have picked up all the information which should pave the way to a clear direction in the preparation of SPMS forms”, she ended. SPMS is focused on linking individual performance vis-à-vis the agency’s organizational vision, mission, and strategic goals. It is envisioned as technology composed of strategies, methods, and tools for ensuring fulfillment of the functions of the offices and its personnel as well as for assessing the accomplishments. #CVecilles
The city leader of Mandaluyong and party are here as guests of LGU - San Andres in consonance with the sisterhood inked by the two municipalities. His visit will likewise be highlighted by his guestings for the groundbreaking ceremony and awarding of Outstanding Calolbonganons today. Dr. Maria Edna R. Inigo, Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs, and also an adopted daughter of San Andres led the CatSU team in welcoming the guests. Dr. Inigo are joined by Prof. Zyra Mae S. Tumala, Director of CIRCPDS and Prof. Francis John B. Templonuevo, Director of Corporate Communications Services. Mayor Leo S. Mendoza of San Andres is also joined by DILG Provincial Director Uldarico Razal, Jr., Mayor Paolo Teves of Baras, and the top leaders of PNP Catanduanes in welcoming the visitors.
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) through its Human Resource Management Services headed by Ma. Sionne May T. Crispino conducted the Orientation-Seminar on newly appointed employees including personnel hired under Contract of Service and Job Order on March 16-19, 2021 at CatSU Accreditation Center.The activity was graced by Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, CatSU Officer-in-Charge President and CHED RO-V Regional Director. In his speech, he emphasized the qualities and traits that an employee should possess when entering the public service. Dr. Bernal further challenged them to be better public servants who can contribute to the productivity and overall success of the institution. He also hoped that of all things considered they should especially enjoy their stay in the University as government employees and continue to strive harder to achieve professional development and personal growth.Atty. Gregorio M. Sarmiento Jr., Vice-President for Administrative and Financial Affairs and Chief Administrative Officer discussed about the institution’s VMGO, Core Values, and Organizational Structure of the University so as to give the employees a good glance of the institution. He also talked about the rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service where he gave emphasis on the legal principle, ‘Ignorance of the law, excuses no one’, where government employees are expected to know what the law says.Meanwhile, Atty. Nikko Rey Aicetel T. Manlangit-Santelices, Attorney IV-Legal Office discussed topics on Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct & Ethical Standards) and Data Privacy Act wherein she reminded everyone that as government employees they should always be wary about all the data they share to anyone because as public servants we all have the duties to protect the personal information of the clients and also of the institution.Dr. Erlinda F. Tabor, Quality Assurance Officer, on the other hand, discussed the topics on 7s Good Workplace Organization, Anti-Violence Against Women (Anti-VAWC), Magna Carta of Women, Anti-Sexual Harassment and Safe Spaces. She mentioned that everyone, both male and female, especially those in the workforce, should always know how to protect themselves as employees by being fully aware of their rights. Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Maria S. Tugano and Ma. Sionne May T. Crispino, AO-V, HRM Services, likewise discussed topics on the personal and professional qualities of good employees, office decorum, government working hours, appointment (probationary period) included in the SPMS, leave laws and other matters. Topics on CSC-DBM Circular Joint Circular No.2, s. 2020, Gratuity Pay and BIR and Pag-ibig were also discussed by Ms. Ma. Alma B. Santos, Accountant II, Accounting Services. The four-day orientation-seminar aimed to help new employees be familiarized of CatSU rules and regulations defined by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Polices as well as to help them further understand the commitment and job performance expected from them by the institution. #GZafe
In preparation for the Institutional Sustainability Assessment (ISA) set in the first quarter of 2021, the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office V (CHED ROV) conducted the Typology-ISA Orientation-Workshop on October 13-14, 2020 at the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Auditorium. Dr. Ma. Teresa G. de Alban, CHED RO V Chief Education Program Supervisor, together with other three (3) Education Supervisors, Dr. Jean Paulette S. Go, Dr. Pamela S. Viñas and Dr. Jean E. Cardiño, led the orientation participated by the Vice-Presidents (Area Leaders), Directors (Area Leaders) and faculty members of CatSU. The two-day orientation-workshop is meant to help university prepare for the assessment of the 5 Key Result Areas: Governance and Management, Quality of Teaching and Learning, Quality of Professional Exposure, Research and Creative Work, Support for Students and Relations with the Community. The University Officer-in-Charge President and CHED-ROV Director, Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, expressed appreciation for the cooperation extended by the University officials and concerned faculty members during two-day event. The workshop, held on the second day, was the highlight of the event. The Area Leaders facilitated the competition of the required information in the instrument provided by CHED in preparation for the workshop. Higher Education Institutions, like CatSU, are encouraged to develop a culture of quality and ISA is one of the ways to achieve it. #JManlagnit
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) led by OIC President and CHED RO-V Regional Director, Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, joined the rest of the Philippine public sector in celebrating this year’s 120th Civil Service anniversary in a kick-off ceremony held September 7, 2020 at the CatSU grounds. The event started with an Invocation led by CBA Dean, Prof. Esperanza P. San Juan, followed by flag raising, and later community singing of Inang Catandungan and the CatSU hymn. OIC -President Bernal emphasized in his message before the school officials, heads of offices, Deans, faculty and non-teaching staff during the activity the essentials of outstanding public servant anchored on public trust. He said that it could be gained through dedication and commitment to service. “The CatSU needs a stronger collaborative effort of all employees to be at par with the trends and demands of the academic sector, especially with the advent of new technology that has brought so many changes in the education system,” Dr. Bernal said. The OIC-President likewise announced the need to fortify establishment of smart campuses, including the CatSU, to help face the challenges of education in the new normal,” Dr. Bernal said. Later in the ceremony, a photo-op of CatSU community was held at the University grounds. This year’s theme for the 120th Philippine Civil Service anniversary is “Philippine Civil Service @ 120: Public Sector in the Age of Digital Transformation.”
CatSU OIC President at Panganiban Campus The school officials, faculty and non-faculty members of the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) – Panganiban Campus were met by the Officer-in-Charge President of the Catanduanes State University, Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, who is also concurrently Regional Director of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office No. 5. Campus Administrator, Dr. Edna A. Pante led the Panganiban Campus community in meeting the OIC President during the general conference held on August 17, 2020. Dr. Bernal infused re-direction of thrusts and discussed matters pertaining urgent development planning concerns for the CatSU Panganiban Campus. Other stakeholders and agency representatives were likewise present during the discussions held at the CatSU Panganiban Campus function hall.
The school officials of the Catanduanes State University (CastSU) composed of its Vice-Presidents for Academic Affairs, Finance and Administrative Affairs, and Research, Extension and Production Affairs, the Campus Administrator in Panganiban, the Deans, Directors, Laboratory School Principal, and the Chief of Offices were met in a conference by the University’s Officer in Charge (OIC), Dr. Freddie T. Bernal on August 7, 202 at the CatSU Gymnasium. Dr. Minerva I. Morales, SUC President III, was likewise present during the general conference. Dr. Bernal is presently the Regional Director of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional No. 5 in Legazpi City. He hails from San Miguel, Catamduanes and likewise an alumnus of the University. He was also recipient of the Outstanding Catandunganon Award in Education. The Board of Regents(BOR) of the Catanduanes State University in its Special Board meeting on July 30, 2020 designated Dr. Bernal who also sits as Resource Person in the BOR, as Officer-in-Charge of the University effective August 1, 2020 through a Referendum Letter No. 4, S. 2020.
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) conducted its Mid-Year Physical and Financial Performance Review on August 11, 2020 at the University Auditorium, following health safety protocols in light of the current Covid-19 pandemic. Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, the CatSU Officer –in-Charge (OIC) and currently Regional Director of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office No. 5 based in Legazpi City, presided over the activity. In attendance were the University’s Vice-Presidents, Campus Administrator, Deans of the Colleges, Directors, Principal Laboratory School, Officers of Student Support Services, Chiefs of Offices, Chairperson of the Project Monitoring Committee, BAC Secretariat Head, Federated Faculty Union President, Federated College Student Council President, and the CASUNEA President. The activity laid out the key sectors’ mid-year accomplishment, including their respective catch-up plans while major issues and concerns regarding their targets and performance were threshed-out with Dr. Bernal, the University OIC. Key inputs to the plan, including directives and re-calibrations on presented reports were discussed during the whole day activity. Dr. Bernal emphasized that tracking planned activities or programs must be thoroughly monitored on a monthly basis, while parameters must be based on quality. He stated the value of passion in dedicating their work to accomplish the plans as reported during the review session, and encouraged aligning them with that of the Provincial or Local Development Plans of the province as well. On the other hand, Dr. Bernal said that the University could take advantage of the province’s unique ecology while at the same time, ventured on expanding tie-ups with other local agencies and other international bodies which could support funds and other resources needed to supplement the University’s research agenda.
The Administrative and Financial Affairs (AFA) Division headed by Vice-President, Prof. Ma. Theresa E. Sarmiento, conducted a one-day echo-training workshop on the re-orientation of Accounting Policies, Procedures and Updates on January 22, 2020 at the CSU Audio Visual Room. There were 70 participants from the different Colleges and Offices in the University that were enlisted in said activity. Mr. Rommel S. Torres, Accounting Services Office Chief, discussed details of current accounting rules. Specifically, Torres emphasized the objectives of the training so that participants would be aware of the documentary requirements required in each type of transaction, and how laws and rules are applied in the preparation of disbursement vouchers, and thus, minimize errors and shorten processing time. Torres explained among others, those topics on: Fundamental principles and basic requirements of expenditures and disbursements; Disbursement process and legal provisions; Foreign/ local travel rules and regulations; and Documentary requirements of the Commission on Audit. Meanwhile, Dr. Minerva I. Morales, SUC President III expressed appreciations to the training organizers while she hoped to have a repeat of the same activity to those who were not enlisted to attend the training considering its value in the administrative operations of every College/ office concerned.
In line with the Five –Year Development Plan (FYDP) for 2019-2023 of the Catanduanes State University (CSU), Dr. Minerva I. Morales, CSU President, presided over a stakeholders’ consultative forum held at the CSU Auditorium on February 20, 2020. The activity is one of the series of presentations for the CSU-FYDP to create awareness and generate greater involvement of various sectors, Dr. Morales said.Present to grace the occasion were: Dr. Ma. Teresa G. de Alban (representing Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, CHEDRO V Regional Director), Hon. Shirley A. Abundo, Catanduanes Acting Governor who likewise represented Hon. Hector S. Sanchez, Congressman of the Lone District of Catanduanes, and Ms Alma T. Villanueva (representing Hon. Jose “Bong” J. Teves Jr, Representative-TGP Partylist). CSU partner institutions, members of the local press, NGOs, Peoples’ Organizations (POs), Heads of different National Government Agencies (NGAs), Local Chief Executives, Religious Sector, Farmers’ Sector, Women’s Group, and Legislative body were likewise represented in the affair.Meanwhile, the CSU community was also present with its key officials, chiefs of offices, the Deans of the various Colleges, faculty, and student organizations. Dr. Morales underscored the University’s strengths during the forum in which it has excellent performance of beating higher than the national passing rate in licensure exams in Nursing, Engineering, Accountancy and Teacher Education, while producing Board top placers in Civil Engineering, Nursing and Teacher Education as well aside from its record of high employment rate of graduates. Further in its feat, Dr. Morales said that its undergraduate programs-- AB Political Science, BS in Economics, BS Math, BS in Nursing, BS in Accountancy, BSED, BS in Industrial Technology, BEED, BSND and BS in Business Administration) are Level III accredited. Whereas, the AB in Public Administration, BS Office Administration, BS Agriculture, BS in Information Technology, BS in Biology, BS in Entrepreneurship, BS in Civil Engineering, and BS in Information Systems are Level II re-accredited. In the graduate programs, Dr. Morales revealed that the Master of Arts in Educational Management and Master in Public Administration are Level III re-accredited, while the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Management, MA in English, MA in Teaching Biology, MA in Mathematics Education, and Master in Business Administration are Level II re-accredited, and MA in Filipino, Level I re-accredited. In the Panganiban Campus, BS in Agriculture and BEED are Level II re-accredited. The CSU boasts of 2 Centers of Development in the Teacher Education and the Business Administration. Dr. Morales also said that along these developments, the University has achieved the PRIME-HRM Maturity Level II conferred by the Civil Service Commission (CSC). She said that the Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM) is a distinction given by CSC to empower government agencies by developing their human resource management competencies, systems and practices toward HR excellence.“Maturity level II entails that CSU is able to perform routine task with reliable results and works with minimal supervision,” Dr. Morales added. Aside from its uptrend accomplishment, Dr. Morales bared that the CSU has 75% of its programs issued with Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC), 100% compliant to Public Financial Management (PFM), and surpassed 2019 targets in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for Instruction, Research, and Extension. “With the adoption of Performance-Based Budgeting of the Government,” Dr. Morales said, “ the CSU’s budget for Capital Outlay (CO) increased (and) the highest among the 9 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Bicol in 2019 and 2020, and the 4th highest CO budget among the 114 SUCs in 2020 nationwide.” In its internationalization efforts, the University was accredited by the Bureau of Immigration to accept foreign students in the following programs, namely: BSND, BS Biology, BS Mathematics, BS Accountancy, BS Business Administration, and Secondary and Elementary Teacher Education. At present, the University holds the distinction as ISO 2001:2015 Certified institution.Dr. Morales emphasized further that in the five-year period, that is from 2019 until 2023, the CSU’s niche will revolve around research and innovation, excellence and internationalization. Whereas, the University has 22 proposed programs in the undergraduate level and 6 in the graduate level. Asked of the prospects of opening Bachelor of Laws (Ll. B), Dr. Maria S. Tugano, Vice-President for Academic Affairs replied that it could be in 2022 pending the University’s search of its College’s Dean who must be a Master of Laws degree holder. For AY 2019-2020, the University (both the Main Campus and the Panganiban Campus) has a total of 47 curricular offerings, while it proposes clustering of 72 curricular offerings beginning AY 2023-2024. “This is a rare moment for the Catanduanes State University…” declared Dr. Morales during the forum as she noted the importance of gathering of stakeholders that would make the Plan “designed with its character responsive … in the context of local resources… and being cornerstone for global comparability and excellence.”
