Abaca takes centerstage again—and Catanduanes State University (CatSU) is all in. CatSU throws its full support behind Abacanobasyon Year 3, a celebration of science, resilience, and local ingenuity spearheaded by the DOST Provincial Science and Technology Office–Catanduanes, happening May 20–21 in San Miguel town. In a letter from Engr. Marie Grace T. Molina, Provincial S&T Director, CatSU’s Abaca Technology Innovation Center (ATIC) and Research and Development Services were invited to mount an exhibit showcasing breakthrough innovations developed right on campus. This isn’t just about flaunting tech—it’s about rebuilding stories. San Miguel, a Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST) area, was among the hardest-hit when STY Pepito battered the province in November 2024. Thousands of hectares of abaca plantations were laid to waste. That’s why holding this year’s celebration there is more than logistics—it’s symbolic. Themed “Transforming Impacts into Directions and Opportunities for Growth (TINDOG) Abaca”, the event name cleverly echoes “tindog,” the Bicol term for “stand”—a rallying cry for a sector that refuses to stay down. Abacanobasyon Year 3 is set to be more than an exhibit. It’s a convergence: a venue to showcase progress in abaca farming and processing, spark dialogue, and push for collaborative solutions among stakeholders. Expect learning sessions, partnerships, and knowledge transfer—all centered around resilient, value-driven abaca production. CatSU, a long-time DOST partner, continues to be a powerhouse in abaca innovation, bridging lab breakthroughs with grassroots impact. Expected to deliver messages of support during the opening program are CatSU OIC President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., along with key industry and government leaders: Ace William R. Tria (Provincial Agriculturist), Roberto B. Lusuegro (PhilFIDA), Maria Belma Q. Esqueta (DTI), Jaysel T. Evangelista Tapel (PCA), and Joshua O. Tador (JCI Catanduanes).
Farmers in San Andres are set to benefit from a new digital information system developed by Catanduanes State University (CatSU), following a formal agreement that turns academic research into concrete local solutions. Inked on April 21, the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) sets CatSU as lead tech partner in launching a Rice Farmer Information System—born out of a study by San Andres native Dr. Belen M. Tapado. Her 2023 research laid the base for a system that mines and maps farmer data using Knowledge Discovery in Databases (KDD), allowing LGUs to better tag and aid real beneficiaries. Representing CatSU Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., Dr. Rosana S. Abundo, CatSU VP for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs, and Mayor Atty. Leo Z. Mendoza led the signing, locking in joint work on the system’s full use. CatSU will install the tech, train local users, and handle rollout with its College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) faculty at the helm. The system banks on a wide profiling push to update the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and fine-tune farmer records per barangay. San Andres LGU vowed to power the program with gear, web tools, and steady internet. CatSU, in turn, pledged quarterly tech checks and support.
Dr. Belen M. Tapado, Professor VI from the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) of Catanduanes State University (CatSU), brought Philippine research to the global stage as she presented her paper at the Future of Information and Communication Conference (FICC) 2025 held on April 28-29. Tapado’s study, "Rice Farmer Registry Framework: Enhancing Government Support with Knowledge Discovery System," tackled how data systems can be harnessed to sharpen government aid for rice farmers using intelligent registry frameworks. The FICC has cemented its place as a top-tier global meet-up of scholars, PhD candidates, graduate researchers, think tanks, and tech innovators. The 2025 edition spotlighted cutting-edge work on digital systems, with emphasis on innovation, evidence-based results, and system scalability. According to FICC conference manager Supriya Kapoor, submissions underwent a double-blind peer review process, weighing originality, significance, clarity, and scholarly rigor. Accepted papers, including Tapado’s, will appear in the Springer series "Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems," and will be submitted for indexing in Scopus, Web of Science, DBLP, INSPEC, WTI Frankfurt eG, zbMATH, and SCImago.
Catanduanes State University- College of Health and Sciences (CatSU-CHS) continued its three-day research seminar-workshop with a focus on strengthening faculty writing skills, January 11, 2024 at the E-Crown Hotel and Resort.Former dean and retired Professor VI Dr. Aurora E. Araojo, the first lecturer, delivered a comprehensive discussion on conducting quantitative research to over 60 faculty-researchers.She pinned on problem identification and the art of questioning, emphasizing to "dig deeper in questioning, as long as it’s still related to the topic because in research, it requires a skill in the art of questioning."Assistant Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs ((REPA) Dr. Kristian Q. Aldea followed with insights into various experimental designs, including pre-experimental, true experimental, and quasi-experimental designs. He also addressed ethical concerns in research, encouraging participants to not hesitate in conducting research and discover the unknown.In the afternoon session, retired Professor VI and former Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Maria S. Tugano presented on tools and methods of data collection, highlighting the importance of respecting respondent anonymity and confidentiality.The day concluded with practical tips and strategies shared by Prof. Moreno Tabios, Jr., focusing on the sampling and statistical treatment of data.The seminar-workshop, led by CatSU-CHS Research Coordinator Dr. John F. Villegas, spans from January 10–12, aiming to equip faculty members with essential research skills.
The Search for USWAG Awards held on October 5-6 at the E-Crown Hotel and Resort revealed the winners in both the Non-Science and Technology (N-S&T) and Science and Technology (S&T) categories, recognizing top research and contributions from the academe.In the Non-S&T category, which includes research in the social sciences, humanities, business and education, the top spot was clinched by the research titled “Lived Experiences of Typhoon Rolly Survivors in Catanduanes,” authored by Dr. Ramon Felipe A. Sarmiento, Dr. Joel Jordan, Prof. Maricel S. Cariaso, and Prof. Ma. Nena T. Vital. The 2nd Place was secured by the research titled “Gender-Fair Language at Work-Recognition, Beliefs, Willingness, and Challenges from Government Agencies of Catanduanes,” authored by Dr. Jimmylen Z. Tonio from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUMSS). Meanwhile, the 3rd Place was claimed by the research titled “Ang Kuwento Nina Kurakog at Kalarab: Mga Danas, Istorya, at Historya ng mga Bagamanocnon ng Ilihan Point,” authored by Prof. Ma. Sofia S. Llaguno and Dr. Jovert R. Balunsay.In the S&T Category, the top spot was secured by the research titled “Browser-Based Document Tracking System with QR-Code Technology for Catanduanes State University,' authored by Dr. Gemma G. Acedo, Prof. Gregory M. Bola, and Prof. Andrea S. Morales. The 2nd Place was awarded to the research titled “Utilization and Development of Libas (Spondias sp.) Leaves as Powdered Souring Agent,” authored by Ms. Robelle M. Tapado, while the 3rd Place went to the research titled 'Knowledge Discovery in Database (KDO)-based Rice Farmer Registry System at LGU, San Andres, Catanduanes: Prototype Development,' authored by Dr. Belen M. Tapado.Special awards included the Research Productivity Award, which was earned by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUMSS), and the Best Publishable Paper Award in the S&T Category, which went to Ms. Robel L. Tapado for the research titled “Utilization and Development of Libas (Spondias sp.) Leaves as a Souring Agent.” The research titled “Gender-Fair Language at Work-Recognition, Beliefs, Willingness, and Challenges from Government Agencies of Catanduanes” was recognized in the Non-S&T Category.The Best Scientific Poster Award was given to the research titled “Assessment of Blue Swimming Crab Portunus Pelagicus (Linnaeus, 1758) Fisheries in Northern Catanduanes, Philippines,” authored by Prof. Recie B. Bonaos and Prof. Jozem Niño I. Morales in the Scientific Category. In the Non-S&T Category, the award was claimed by the research titled “Pagsusuri sa Pinagmulan ng Pangalan ng mga Barangay sa Catanduanes,” authored by April Grace Lazado-Maca and Josephine T. Tomagan.The board of evaluators for the event included Dr. Rosana S. Abundo, Dr. Kristian Q. Aldea, Dr. Jose Z. Tria, Professor Ma. Cecilia T. Arcilla, Dr. Mary Jean S. Romero, and Engr. Marie Grace T. Molina.Winners and special awardees will receive a cash prize, a certificate, and a plaque and will be honored during the Gabi ng Parangal on October 25, in celebration of the 11th Charter Anniversary of the university. #ATugay
Catanduanes State University's Research and Development Services (R&DS) recently organized the Seminar-Workshop Series 1: Research Proposal Writing to improve the quality and quantity of research conducted by faculty researchers on March 15-16, 2023, at the CatSU Accreditation Room.The workshop aimed to equip faculty researchers with the skills and tools needed to write a feasible research proposal, which is crucial for securing internal and external funding. Additionally, the event sought to encourage innovative approaches to writing the key elements of a research proposal, including the problem statement, literature review, research methodology, justification, outputs, and expected results. The workshop also focused on refining the research proposals submitted to the R&DS.The write shop began with a discussion of various topics such as the institutional research process, ethical considerations, structure of a scientific proposal, population selection and sampling, Gantt chart and budgetary considerations, and effective citations and referencing.The resource speakers, who are experts in their respective fields, provided practical tips and advice on how to write effective research proposals. The plenary sessions were conducted and facilitated by Dr. Lily P. Custodio, Executive Vice President (EVP), Dr. Ramon Felipe A. Sarmiento, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs (VP-REPA), Dr. Jose Z. Tria, R&DS Director, Dr. Jimmylen Z. Tonio, Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUMSS), Prof. Anne F. Gianan, Assistant Professor of the College of Science (COS), Dr. Lilibeth I. Tubalinal, Associate Professor II of College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Ms. Bernadeth T. Garcia, R&DS Statistician II. Participants engaged in discussions and various activities held online and offline.The workshops provided a hands-on approach to research proposals writing, allowing participants to put into practice what they learned from the resource speakers. Their respective Research Coordinators and the R&DS staff facilitated the workshops, providing guidance and feedback on the proposed studies.At the end of the event, participants refined their research proposals, taking into account all the learnings and experiences gained in the activity. The output of the event was research proposals expected to be submitted by the proponents on or before March 31, 2023.The R&DS expressed gratitude to everyone who participated in the Seminar-Workshop's success. Dr. Tria emphasized that the University should primarily focus on generating knowledge that benefits its community and that everything starts with a research proposal. After such, other research activities such as implementation, presentation, publication, extension, utilization, commercialization, and citation will automatically follow.Moreover, Dr. Tria said that this research activity is anchored in the current administration’s Vision of HOPE which encourages CatSU faculty members to engage in capacity building activities to enhance the quality and quantity of research. The University's next research-related activity will be "INVENTouring: A Proposal Enhancement Writeshop for Filipino Inventors," to be held on March 28-30, 2023, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology – Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST – TAPI). #CVecilles
To strengthen the research efforts and collaboration for Catanduanes State University (CatSU), Dr. Jose Z. Tria, the Director of Research and Development Services (RDS), and Prof. Abelisa D. Evangelista, the Director of Abaca Technology and Innovations Center (ATIC), attended the Research Development and Extension Strategic Planning and Workshop at Patio de San Jose Resort and Convention Center at Malilipot, Albay on March 1-3, 2023.The workshop was organized by the Bicol Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (BCAARRD), with twenty-two consortium member institutions (CMIs) in attendance.During the workshop, Dr. Tria and Prof. Evangelista engaged in knowledge-sharing and discussions on a wide range of themes such as research areas of BCAARRD, strategic R&D roadmap for land-based agriculture and fisheries/marine science, and developing action plans through the lens of Futures Thinking.The workshop also covered topics like Research Development and Extension agenda, thrust, and priorities, Philippine development plans for 2023-2028, the national innovation agenda 2032, and Bicol Regional Development plans.Notable resource speakers for the three-day workshop included Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, Chair, RRDCC, Dr. Lester M. Narvaez, Dr. Marissa N. Estrella, Deputy Director, and Director of BCAARRD, respectively.As a result of their attendance, research centers such as RDS and ATIC brainstormed and agreed to create strategic plans through collaboration with the Office of Vice President, REPA, Deans/Department Chairs and Research Coordinators, and Faculty members as well as faculty researchers, by having orientation and re-orientation for Research Coordinators about the trends and updates of BCAARD, and assist them in preparing and the submission of consortium-type research proposals.“We want to integrate new learnings and policies to gain from Futures thinking approach of strategic planning, as well as revisit and improve, integrate and re-harmonize the University research agenda to the regional RD&E thrusts and priorities.”, Dr. Tria said. BCAARRD expressed its appreciation to all the attendees and participating CMIs for their contributions to the success of the workshop and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among CMIs to achieve sustainable regional development. #CVecilles
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) SUC President III Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza has been selected to present his latest research study at the Southeast Asian Conference on Education (SEACE2023) at the Singapore EXPO Convention & Exhibition Centre in Singapore on February 10 to 13, 2023,His research study, co-authored by Prof. Jane Rose C. Azanza, and Patricia Marie Azanza, titled "Modular Learning as an Alternative to Face-to-Face Teaching: An Evaluation," has passed the rigorous blind peer review process and has been accepted for oral presentation at the conference, according to a letter sent by Dr. Joseph Haldane, Chairman & CEO of The International Academic Forum (iAFOR), the organizer of the event.This will be the second international forum where Dr. Azanza's research will be presented this year.Recently, his paper "Problems Encountered by Teachers During Online Learning at the Time of the Covid-19 Pandemic: The Catanduanes State University Experience," and his wife, Prof. Jane Rose C. Azanza's research "Modular Learning Approach at the Catanduanes State University During the Covid-19 Pandemic," were accepted for oral presentation at the 8th International Academic Forum (IAFOR) International Conference on Education and the 3rd International Conference on Arts and Humanities on January 5 to 8, 2023, in Honolulu, Hawaii, and online. The SEACE2023 conference is organized by The International Academic Forum (iAFOR) in partnership with its global and event partners. #FJBT
𝐃𝐫. 𝐉𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐙. 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐚, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐑𝐃𝐒 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐃𝐒 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 The meeting was called for to discuss the 2023 Research targets, clarifications on utilized research and the upcoming Strategic Planning Workshop, all in line with CatSU's goal to take a spot in the world university rankings.
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU)- Research and Development Services together with the Nutrition and Dietetics Department of the College of Health Sciences spearheaded the 6th BIOME (Biodiversity meeting) through a web conference on Research and Creative Works on Food, Health and Environment with the theme, “Impacts of Covid-19 Pandemic on Society, Education, Environment and Development (S.E.E.D.)- Ageing happily and living sustainably with healthy diets and functional local food systems” on October 22-23, 2020. The three-day web conference was in collaboration with the Pacifictech NGO, Inc. and Hechanova & Co. Inc and The International Union for the Conservation of Nature- Commission on Education & Communication (IUCN-CEC) Switzerland. Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, CatSU Officer-In-Charge and CHED and Regional Director ROV gave his welcome message to the guests, presenters/lecturers and participants present and extended his great appreciations to the organizers of taking such initiative to conduct the event in which he said, “…a timely and relevant one because as the theme suggests, it touches the base of our current situations mired and yet unbowed by the privations of worldwide pandemic.” He further said that research as hallmark of a university, plays a very pivotal role in making it more relevant and responsive over cross –cutting issues and addressing various societal concerns. Also present as keynote speakers are Hon. Joseph “Buboy” Cua, Provincial Governor and Hon. Hector Sanchez, Congressman of Lone District of Catanduanes. Topics discussed by respective competent lecturers and speakers were presented during the program proper. Plenary sessions and research talks regarding Research & Innovation at CatSU, Biodiversity and Food, Mangroves and Ocean Science, Agriculture, Agro-forestry & Fisheries, Food and ABACA production, Research Management, Technology and Covid-19 pandemic were given as well. Invited keynote presenters who delivered their presentations during the second day of the event were Hon. Felizardo “Sarge” Colambo, Vice President of AMA University and Former Regent of Catanduanes State University, with his topic on challenges and prospects of blended learning. Atty. Editha R. Hechanova, President/CEO of Hechanova & Co. Inc. who talked about Intellectual Property and Technology Licensing in SUCs. Dr. Custer C. Deocaris, Philippines Nuclear Research Institute (DOST) had his topic on Organ Bioprint and Human Immortality and lastly, Dr. Efren Abueg, Writer and Professor at De La Salle University- Manila who discussed about Ageing Happily and Living Sustainability during Covid-19 pandemic. The 6th BIOME which tackles the link of Biodiversity with Food, Health and Environment during the Covid-19 pandemic was facilitated by Research and Development Services Office led by then Research Director, Dr. Jimmy Masagca, the convenor of the research conference, under the Research, Extension and Production Affairs Division headed by Vice-President Lily Custodio. The event primarily aimed to drive sustainable solutions through leading communication, learning and knowledge management to prepare more inclusive, environmentally sustainable and resilient food system, and to ensure no one is left behind.
The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources (PCAARRD) has approved the Catanduanes State University’s (CatSU) request of funding assistance for the project “S&T-based Rehabilitation of Damages caused by Super Typhoon Rolly in Catanduanes”. In the letter received last November 23, 2020, the Php5 million project aims to address several agricultural and communal needs that have emerged at the aftermath of STY Rolly, such as securing food packs and hygiene kits, conducting technical trainings on crop production, aquaculture, native animal-raising, and stress debriefing, procurement and distribution of seedlings and other planting materials to affected families. Mrs. Nena V. Santos, CatSU’s Science Research Specialist, is the Project Leader of the S&T based project which will commence on December 1, 2020 until May 31, 2021. The project is expected to be implemented by CatSU in collaboration with local government units and other government institutions. The funding assistance is part of the PCAARRD’s S&T Action Frontline for Emergencies and Hazards (SAFE) Program that addresses rehabilitation of areas affected by natural disasters. #JManlagnit
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) approved a research proposal from the Catanduanes State University (CSU) Research and Development Services (RDS) Office. In its information sent to the RDS Director, Dr. Jimmy T. Masagca on January 6, 2020, the CHR through its Officer-In-Charge for Human Rights Policy Advisory Office, lawyer Erwin M. Caliba disclosed its approval of a research proposal entitled, “Breaking the Silence of Island-based Teachers: Experiences of Teachers Principal Support and Mistreatment of Teachers.” Dr. Jimmy T. Masagca, currently Professor III of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), authored the said proposal. Caliba said that the CSU-RDS’ proposal was given the nod as one of the recipients of the Commission on Human Rights Research Grants-In-Aid Program. “We strongly believe and trust that your research can contribute to the growing knowledge and understanding of human rights in the Philippines,” Caliba said. The CHR looked forward in engaging with CSU in the said research until its completion while a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) will be sent later for approval of CSU President, Dr. Minerva I. Morales.
The Research and Development Services (RDS) led by its Director, Dr. Jimmy T. Masagca, under the Research, Extension and Production Affairs (REPA) Division headed by Vice-President, Dr. Lily P. Custodio, conducted a seminar-workshop in research publishing on January 22-24, 2020 at Kemji Resort and Restaurant Function Hall, Virac, Catanduanes. “Publish or perish, “ said Dr. Minerva I. Morales, CSU President, “ has long been the burden of every aspiring university or college faculty or professor. But the quest6ion the island-based Catanduanes State University must decide on how to explore ways to improve research publishing—to print journal copies or to have open access publishing.” Dr. Morales added that the project attempts to contribute to the national development objectives of improving the quality of research and innovation in the Philippines. Research enthusiasts in the province, graduate school students, together with some participating teachers in the Division of Catanduanes and other faculty researchers of the Catanduanes State University (CSU) were in attendance during the two-day research event. Invited also in the seminar were those researchers who were working on their manuscripts, thesis or dissertations wherein they were at least done with their data collection. Dr. Masagca said that the activity is aimed to cascade best practices in research writing and journal publishing; thus, ensuring quality in research publishing as well. Topics covered during the session were: Retrieval of digital documents from the Internet; Use of Statistical Software; Scientific Paper Writing and Publication Process; and the Publication Process in CSU Academic Journal.
