The race for the highest seat at Catanduanes State University just got real. Three contenders—each with credentials and a case to make—stood before the public today, May 14, in a high-stakes forum that could shape the university’s next years. Held at the University Auditorium and witnessed by hundreds on-site and thousands more via livestream on CatSU’s official Facebook page, the public forum gave the community a front-row seat to leadership in the making. Before the pitch came the premise—and it hit hard. “This isn’t just another forum,” said CatSU Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. “This is a compass moment. A pause. A pulse check. A choice.” Speaking with the weight of legacy behind him, Barba framed the day as more than academic. He threw it back—VNATS in 1961, CSC in 1971, and finally, the birth of CatSU in 2012—milestones built, he said, on grit, patience, and “quiet labor.” “CatSU isn’t just a name on a gate. It’s a book, rewritten by time and people,” he said, nodding to faculty who taught through brownouts and staff who stayed late while no one watched. “They’re not just figures in history—they're the reason we’re here.” And now, the university stands on another threshold. Barba didn’t sugarcoat it: The presidency isn’t a prize. It’s a burden—best carried with humility, heart, and a whole lot of listening. “To whoever is entrusted,” he said, “this isn’t a crown. It’s a calling.” The three candidates vying for the post are Dr. Gemma G. Acedo, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Maria Edna R. Inigo, former Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs; and Dr. Alex H. Navarroza, former President of Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST). The Search Committee for President (SCP) is composed of respected academic and civic figures: Chairperson Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo and members Prof. Maria Concepcion V. Marquez, Rev. Fr. Paul I. Isorena, Dr. Faye Lea Patria M. Lauraya, and Dr. Raul F. Muyong. This afternoon, the process deepens as the three candidates face the committee behind closed doors for the panel interview, a critical step in deciding who will take the helm. So now, CatSU watches—and waits. Three contenders. One chair. The future? Still unwritten.
Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., Officer-in-Charge of Catanduanes State University (CatSU), joined top minds in agriculture as a resource speaker at the Regional Conference on Agricultural Innovation, Resiliency, and Sustainability (RCAIRS) held from April 28 to 30 at the Legazpi City Convention Center. Barba, an expert in crop science, spoke on the topic “Crop Productivity at Work: Yield Strategies, Food Sufficiency, and the P20 Challenge,” tackling real-world solutions to improve crop outputs and meet food targets amid tight budgets. The RCAIRS was organized by the Philippine Association of Agriculturists (PAA) – Canarium ovatum-Bicol Chapter, in partnership with DA-RFU5, ATI-RTC 5, and BCAARRD. This year’s theme, “Empowering Agriculturists for a Transformative Agricultural Development,” aimed to equip professionals and stakeholders with cutting-edge agri-tech insights and tools. Despite a packed schedule, Barba headed straight from Camiguin after attending the National SCUAA, where he supported the CatSU athletes and the rest of the Bicol delegation.
Continuing the legacy of merit-based selection, Louie T. Guerrero, top 1 applicant, took his oath as Legal Assistant III of the University Legal Unit before CatSU OIC Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. on March 13 at the Office of the President. Guerrero, who previously served as Executive Assistant III under the Executive Assistance Services, secured the post through a stringent selection process by the Personnel Selection Board chaired by Vice President Benjamin Hannycel T. Nuyda. Meritocracy stood as one of the hallmarks of then-President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza’s administration, ensuring top-caliber hires for the university.
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) sustained high customer satisfaction ratings for 2023 and the first half of 2024, according to a Management Review held on November 29 by the Office of the Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs and the Quality Assurance Unit.Frontline services at CatSU Main recorded an impressive 99.48% satisfaction rate for the January to June 2024 period, surpassing the same months in previous years. Non-frontline services also posted a slight improvement, achieving a 98.25% satisfaction rate compared to 98.13% in the preceding term.CatSU Panganiban maintained a stellar 99.42% satisfaction rate for its frontline services, though slightly lower than its previous midterm score of 99.60%.Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs, Engr. Benjamin Hannycel T. Nuyda, urged all offices to establish clear quality objectives and work instructions to consistently meet client expectations.“Ensure that each office has clearly defined quality objectives,” the VP emphasized on the importance of client-focused service delivery. Meanwhile, QA Unit Administrative Officer V Josephine D. Rojas tackled internal and external issues requiring resolution and pinned on the need to update the university's work structure, with the support of the Board of Regents (BOR) to strengthen institutional efficiency.
![[MAGANDANG BALITA] 1 Bilyon Smart Campus Project sa CatSU](newsportal/admin/postimages/
f4ed0d0eed6007a473b65bd429e814f01725271834.jpg)
Personal na pumunta sa Appropriations Committee ng kongreso si Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza nitong Agosto 26, 2024 upang mapondohan ang panukalang isang bilyong pisong Smart Campus project sa Catanduanes State University.Nakausap ni Dr. Azanza si Cong. Elizalde Co, Chairman ng komite, na nagbigay ng positibong tugon at tiniyak ang suporta para sa proyekto ng CatSU.“I am very happy that no less than Appropriations Chairman ‘Zaldy’ Co assured me that he will support my proposed Smart Campus Project, and it will be on top of the regular budget of CatSU,” saad ni Dr. Azanza sa kaniyang Facebook post.Dagdag pa ng Pangulo na madali aniya silang nagkaintindihan ng technical staff ng appropriations committee ukol sa proyekto dahil sa kaniyang natapos na post-doctoral program sa Massachusetts Institute of Technology- Institute of Data, Systems, and Society (MIT-IDSS) na Data Science and Machine Learning. “Naalala ko ganito din ang ginawa nating effort dati para sa PhP300 million coliseum (MICES Building) project na ngayon ay under implementation sa loob ng CatSU Campus,” pagtatapos ng CatSU president. Sa huli, nagpaabot ng pasasalamat si Dr. Azanza kina Ako Bicol Party-list representatives Cong. Elizaldy Co at Cong. Alfredo ‘Pido’ A. Garbin Jr dahil sa patuloy na suporta nila sa CatSU. #PadagosNaPatanos
Staunch advocates for ecological protection and youth spiritual development, both leaders shared a light-hearted yet meaningful moment discussing their shared ecological advocacies and youth apostolate. Resonating with the recent pronouncement of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in Cagayan De Oro, the first meeting Bishop Luisito attended, he shared how the CBCP has decided to upgrade their diocesan ecology desks to a full ministry focused on 'integral ecology,' making the care for creation a priority pastoral concern.For CatSU, which has taken a firm stand against mining in the province and has been active in "green" initiatives, this connection represents a partnership in advocacy. Moreover, the university's Roman Catholic Campus Ministry, under the advisership of Professor Emlyn M. Lanon, plays a crucial role. This ministry, one of the main programs for evangelization of the Commission on Youth Apostolate (CYA) of the Diocese of Virac, focuses on improving the spiritual, mental, and social well-being of all students, faculty, and staff at CatSU—a mission Bishop Luisito is eager to know more about and strengthen further.
Eyeing its vision for a greener future, Catanduanes State University (CatSU) will soon launch its first-ever Water Catchment Facility, an innovative project that not only symbolizes environmental stewardship with more sustainable and efficient campus environment but also promises significant cost savings for the university. 𝑨 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆-𝒐𝒇-𝒕𝒉𝒆-𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒔𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎The Water Catchment Facility incorporates a state-of-the-art basin with a capacity of 350 cubic meters, designed to collect rainwater from the 17 university buildings. This harvested water is redirected for non-potable uses, such as toilet flushing and cleaning. CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, who pioneered this innovation said the implementation of this water catchment system is expected to significantly reduce the university's monthly water bill by up to 50%. Thus, it is expected to save the university around Php 43,000 monthly, reducing the average water bill from Php 86,000 during regular classes.Equipped with a solar pump and an automatic booster, the system ensures reliable water distribution throughout the campus, even reaching higher floors of university buildings. Enhancing the overall functionality of the campus infrastructure, this Php 14.4 M facility is part of the University’s Land Use Development Plan, which was created by the present administration and approved by the Board of Regents after being reviewed by representatives from CHED, DPWH, DAR, DENR, and other government agencies.The old covered court, which was severely damaged during Typhoon Rolly, has been demolished with the necessary permit from the Office of the Building Official of Virac, to make way for this innovative structure. The scrap materials were preserved by the Building and Grounds Services (BGS) and were used in constructing a covered basketball court inside the University Sports Complex.𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒁𝒆𝒏 𝒈𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒏Integrating beauty with functionality, the Water Catchment Facility is also home to CatSU's first-ever “Zen Garden.” This space not only serves as a green area but also provides a relaxing environment for students and staff. The president stated that this garden aims to be more than just a visual delight; it will serve as a venue for poetry recitals and other creative arts events, noting that students can access the university's 1.5 GBPS internet connection with Starlink backup there."We place high value on the creative arts, and its related events can be hosted in the garden as an alternative venue similar to practices in prominent universities like UP, as well as other universities in Europe and the US," he said.Aside from its aesthetical appeal, this initiative complies with the open green space requirements for universities in the Philippines. Looking ahead for future plans and sustainability, the university plans potential projects that could arise from the savings generated by the Water Catchment Facility, such as establishing water purification stations on campus to provide free drinking water for students and staff. 𝑨 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚For CatSU administration, its passion to sustainability is not just an internal initiative; it is rooted with the broader community of Catanduanes. “My leadership style is to inspire people to complete our projects at CatSU because, in the end, it benefits not just us but the entire island,” the president said, expounding on the administration’s community-centric approach which aligns with the university's mission for environmental awareness and responsibility among its stakeholders. “All of this requires hard work. It is not about personal gain or honor, but for all Catandunganons,” said Dr. Azanza, underscoring the collective efforts under his leadership, with breakthroughs happening in the university, reflecting CatSU’s mission to serve its stakeholders and the people of Catanduanes.
To consistently uphold the high standards of service quality in the delivery of goods and services within Catanduanes State University (CatSU), the Quality Assurance Services headed by its Director, Dr. Edna A. Pante, initiated a training-workshop for CatSU units front liners.The training-workshop entitled “Training on the Client Satisfaction Survey System of CatSU cum Customer Service Efficiency held at the university accreditation room, is aimed at empowering participants to facilitate efficient delivery of quality service to their clients with proficiency to adeptly utilize technology in collecting client’s feedback. In attendance were the management personnel from the various office division of the main campus, as well as from the Panganiban campus.“This activity aims to cultivate a comprehensive understanding especially for our front liners, and enhance them with the knowledge, skills, and appropriate attitudes specific to their service areas,” Dr. Pante said.She also emphasized the conception of the training as paramount, with the ultimate objective of empowering each participant to facilitate seamless and efficient delivery of quality to the clients, as this ensures client satisfaction in the fulfillment of their official transactions with the respective units or offices, as well as the stakeholders that the university serve.The morning session included an overview of the training, and discussion on the Key Principles & Fundamentals of Excellent Service, discussed by Ms. Josephine D. Rojas, and Interactive Workshop: Creating a Customer-Centric Culture by Dr. Pante.In the afternoon, topics on the importance of technology in the delivery of quality service were highlighted with Resource speakers from the office of Information Technology Services (ITS) Director, Ms. Mae Ezra Abundo shared her inputs on how the current innovation technology can help to improve the quality of customer service, while Information Technology Services Officer, Mr. Jay-r R. Redita led the Interactive workshop: Navigating the CatSU Client Satisfaction System.The system, according to Dr. Pante, was recently created and launched to make jobs easier specifically in data collection. This will also serve as the platform that integrates technology-driven innovative tools, specifically the Client Satisfaction Survey (CSS) that is ultimately aimed at elevating customer service excellence.Dr. Azanza, CatSU President lauded the efforts of the unit-in-charge in spearheading the said event. “This is important especially for the front liners to ensure quality service for all our stakeholders – you represent CatSU, we all represent CatSU. When we put our best foot forward in terms of service, that’s when we are able to say that we are indeed doing our best as public servants,” Dr. Azanza said.
𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑩𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒌-𝑺𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒔𝒕 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝑫𝒓. 𝑫𝒆𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒉 𝑻𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒖𝒏𝒂𝒏Catanduanes State University (CatSU) was the center of knowledge exchange and collaboration as it hosted a seminar on "Climate, Humans, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change" on February 6 at the CatSU auditorium.Spearheaded by the CatSU Center for Island Climate Change Solutions (CICCS) and its Director Engr. Dexter M. Toyado, in coordination with Balik-Scientist Awardee, Dr. Deborah N. Tangunan, the event drew significant interest from over 500 students and faculty of the university, representing the College of Science, College of Agriculture and Fisheries, and College of Engineering and Architecture.The seminar aimed to shed light on the intricate relationship between climate change and human activities, with a focus on the findings and recommendations of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Dr. Tangunan, a distinguished recipient of the Balik-Scientist Award from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), served as the keynote speaker, sharing her expertise and insights on the subject matter.In her talk, Dr. Tangunan emphasized the impact of climate change on human life, citing examples such as increased flooding and the necessity for agricultural adaptations during planting and harvesting seasons, and also discussion on the Earth's climate, its current trajectory, and the potential implications for future generations, pinning on the urgency of addressing climate-related challenges.Meanwhile, on the topic "Climate and Marine Biodiversity", College of Science faculty, Mr. Aljon Francis Koji P. Elegado, discussed how climate change affects marine life and ecosystems. He also shared how marine ecosystems offer solutions and processes to adapt to climate change.Expressing his gratitude, CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza thanked Dr. Tangunan for selecting CatSU as the host institution for her tenure in Catanduanes. He then articulated the university's aspiration to be recognized in the World University Rankings, emphasizing the importance of collaborations such as this to achieve that goal.“We aim to be included in the World University Rankings, so collaborating with Dr. Tangunan and the DOST Balik-Scientist Awardee Program, we hope that we can be able to achieve that,” the President said. Committed to advancing research and education initiatives that contribute to addressing pressing environmental concerns, CatSU is eagerly anticipating more avenues for knowledge dissemination, dialogue, and raising awareness on climate change within local communities during Dr. Tangunan's tenure at CatSU.
As part of its continued commitment to upholding transparency in public service, the Catanduanes State University, through its Review and Compliance Committee (RCC), guides and facilitates the employees on proper filling out of their Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) forms through orientation-workshop, from January 10-12, and 17, 2024.Designated chairman of the said committee, Chief Administrative Officer for Administration Atty. Gregorio M. Sarmiento Jr. led the discussion on the guidelines for filling out the SALN form and laid out its legal bases."If you are not in the government, nobody will ask you about your income, your money, your connections, or whatever, but if you are in the government, you will be subjected to this kind of requirement," he explained, asking the employees to comply with the SALN’s upcoming submission, as required under Article XI Section 17 of the 1987 Constitution and Section 8 of RA 6713 or the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees”.According to the RCC chair, things to disclose in the SALN are assets, liabilities, business interests, financial connections, and relatives in the government within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity.Employees who fail to submit as well as disclose or even misdeclare SALN will be penalized, which include one to six months work suspension, as declared by the RCC chair.Reiterating the submission deadline of SALN, human resource chief Ma. Sionne May T. Crispino informed the participants to submit four (4) copies of original, and unnotarized SALN, except for joint filing, to their respective immediate supervisors on or before February 28, 2024."It is the duty of the immediate supervisors to collate the SALN and submit it to the HRMS on the second Friday of March 2024," she added.Under the law, RA 6713 requires employees to file SALN on or before April 30 of every year, but the advance deadline set by the university will give the RCC ample time to review and evaluate the submitted SALN forms properly.The said four-day seminar comprises eight sessions, morning and afternoon, where all offices/units/departments have their respective schedule.
𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝑪𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒔: 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒓 𝑩𝒂𝒏𝒆 The Public ForumIn a bid to hear public perceptions on mining in the island province, the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) organized a public forum on mining held on December 11, 2023, which was attended by various groups of individuals from different sectors, highlighting the adverse environmental impact of mining and calling for climate justice. In his remarks, CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza told the attendees that Catandunganons 'must never mortgage' the future."Ang buhay kan masunod na henerasyon dae ta dapat isangla ta bako ta an," he strongly declared. "This resounding 'No to mining from our children, from our future' is heard by no less than those who hold power than those who do not have the power, and I hope those who hold the power should be able to not just listen but put into their hearts that Catanduanes is not for mining," the president added. Meanwhile, one of the speakers from the Catanduanes Clean and Green Movement urged everyone to demand climate justice in the province. The three presidents of student councils from Catanduanes Colleges, CatSU, and Christian Polytechnic Institute of Catanduanes (CPIC) encouraged their fellow youth leaders to stand for the anti-mining campaign to preserve the pristine beauty of the 'Happy Island's nature. "As youth, meron dapat tayong paninindigan. Pangalagaan natin [ang isla] dahil ito ay regalo lamang ng Panginoon. Tayo lang naman ang maapektuhan at iilan lamang ang mabebenipisyuhan," Christal Joy M. Tindugan, CPIC Student Council president, implored. Invited resource speakers talked about the environmental impacts of coal mining via Zoom, and different leaders of religious groups and sectors provided insightful discussions on mining. The moderator of the forum was retired professor Juanita Cervantes who was joined also by the university's students, employees, and key officials.
Amidst the numerous academic learning spaces inside the Catanduanes State University (CatSU), it is a haven for dreamers who dare to materialize their imaginations into artfully crafted realities- 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒂𝒕𝑺𝑼 𝑭𝒂𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑳𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚.For the Fablab manager, Mr. Edmund Salvador, the smell of burnt wood and the mechanical whirring sounds of the 3D printers inside the CatSU FabLab is a continuous proof of the university’s innovation in pursuing excellent artistry. With the FabLab building, creative aspirations would not require laborious effort and time to become tangible masterpieces.“Noong wala pang FabLab, mano-manong ginagawa ang mga disenyo at kailangan [talagang] maglaan ng sapat na oras upang magawa ang isang proyekto/produkto. Ang mga estudyante [rin] ay hindi gaano o walang masyadong alam sa paggamit ng digital printers,” Mr. Salvador said, highlighting how the FabLab helped birth creative geniuses inside the campus.“Ngayon ang mga estudyante mismo ay nahahawakan at nao-operate ang 3D printed machine, mas naging creative ang concept ng mga estudyante sa pagdisenyo. Nabigyan ng pagkakataon ang estudyante, teaching and non-teaching [staff] na gumawa ng mga disenyo gamit ang advanced digital manufacturing technology.”Meanwhile, for students like Jeremiah M. Arevalo, 2nd Year Mechanical Technology student, the CatSU FabLab is an avenue for them to further hone their craft.“Dakolang tabang po sako [ang FabLab], sa alog kong students ‘ta may bago nanaman na namatidan. Dakolang tabang po sako ta permi po adiyan sila Ma'am Jeiscelle S. Tomagan, Ma'am Evelyn Romero, and Sir Edmund Salvador para po tabangan ako para makamatid sa pagkumpuni buda mag-engage sa FabLab.”Apart from supporting technology-driven product innovation and prototyping, the CatSU FabLab also opens its doors to locally produced handicrafts, converging technology, arts, and indigenous materials.“[Mahalaga na ma-involve ang students sa paggawa ng local products] para po maipasa ‘mi sa ibang henerasyon [at] ma-sustain po ang pag gibo ning mga local products uya sa Catanduanes,” Jeremiah added, mentioning that he started making locally produced crafts when he was still in 8th grade. As CatSU continues its pursuit of knowledge and academic excellence, the university also places a premium on the profound impact on the ones that breathe life into our existence- the arts. A celebration of love for the arts, the CatSU FabLab is where visions become reality and reality becomes what we envision. #AClemente
𝐵𝑖𝑐𝑜𝑙 𝑆𝑈𝐶’𝑠 𝑃𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐸𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑇𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑚In an effort to transform the tourism sector in Catanduanes, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Office V carried out an extensive evaluation of Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Edu-Eco Tourism Project on September 24, 2023.The visit was related to CatSU's pursuit of DOT accreditation in the Farm Tourism Camp – Day Camp category for its unique Edu-Eco Tourism Project, distinguishing it as an educational tourism destination.Positioned to reshape tourism in Catanduanes, the project places a strong emphasis on education and sustainability, making it as its defining feature.“Dito inaasahang matuto tungkol sa modern agriculture (Aquaponics, Hydroponics at Aeroponocs), abaca innovation, abaca wine making, solar farming, livestock industry, latest technologies na gamit sa CATSU habang sila ay nageenjoy mamasyal sa Isla,” CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza said, highlighting the project’s uniqueness and commitment to impart knowledge and showcase sustainable practices.“Kasama sa mapapasyalan sa CATSU ang Catandungan Heritage at Sentro ng Wikang Filipino na tampok ang ilang display at impormasyon hinggil sa history and culture ng Catanduanes kasama ang mga aklat at obra ng mga manunulat at alagad ng sining na mula sa isla. Isa sa mga rare items na nakadisplay ay ang Bicolano translation ng Noli Me Tangere ni Jose Rizal,” the President furthered.Led by Rommel A. Natanauan, Chief Tourism Operations Officer and Antonio M. Imperial, Tourism Operations Officer II, the DOT inspection team arrived at CatSU with keen interest. The inspection team from DOT V Office of Tourism Standards and Operations saw CatSU’s potential to enhance tourism in Catanduanes significantly with its educational and sustainable tourism initiatives."Buong pusong sinusuportahan namin ang proyektong CatSU Edu-Eco Tourism, dahil ito ay may malaking potensyal na magpataas ng turismo sa Catanduanes. Ang Department of Tourism Regional Office 5 ay nakikiisa sa inisyatibang ito at umaasa sa tagumpay nito," said the team.CatSU's Edu-Eco Tourism Project not only seeks to boost tourism but also aims to inspire visitors with its blend of education and sustainability while simultaneously creating job prospects for the local community.“Sa CATSU Edu-Eco Tourism Project inaasahang may dagdag na kikitain ang mga taga-Isla dahil tataas ang bilang ng turista sa isla.” Dr. Azanza said, highlighting the employment opportunities for the islanders, one key aspect of his ‘Padagos na Patanos Movement’. #ATugay
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
