The Political Science Society (PSS) organized the PSS Cup: The Pandemonium on March 1, 2023, at the CatSU Gymnasium to raise awareness among Political Science students about their crucial role in fighting against misinformation, propaganda, and fake news by advocating for information literacy on various platforms.The event also aimed to foster camaraderie among society members, improve their morale, leadership, and skills, and create an effective organization.The theme of the event, "Strengthening and fortifying one's voice within," encouraged students to showcase their passion and voice through various contests such as Extemporaneous Speech, Photo Essay, Poem Writing, Battle of the Brains, Team-Building Activities and Games, Debate, and Talent Showdown.Atty. Rene John M. Velasco, the guest speaker, emphasized the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking among peers and in communities."As Political Science students, you all played a crucial role in combating misinformation, propaganda, and fake news by advocating for information literacy on various platforms. With your understanding of how politics and media intersect, you can promote critical thinking and fact-checking among your peers and in your communities," Atty. Velasco shared.Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUMSS), Dr. Jimmylen Z. Tonio, supported Atty. Velasco's message to the Political Science students."By sharing accurate and reliable sources of information and encouraging others to do the same, political science students could help prevent the spread of false information and promote a more informed and engaged citizenry," Dean Tonio said.Richard Abenir, the President of PSS, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to develop the abilities of Political Science students to become leaders in the fight against misinformation and help build a better-informed society.Alumni from the CatSU Political Science program also attended the fellowship night's closing activity.Atty. Michael Marquez, Mr. Remelito Cabrera, former Vice Mayor of Panganiban, and presently an Instructor I at CHUMSS, as well as Mr. Jomel T. Romero, Mr. Pastor Marquez, Mr. Jozem Nino I. Morales, who are also Instructors from CHUMSS, Ms. Mary Franz O. Soquerata, Nino Joshua Santelices, Lao Ogerio, Arnel S. Clavo, RJ Vela, Abel Tuzara, and Christian Torrena were among the alumni who attended the event. #FJBT
The Office of Student Affairs and Development Services (OSADS) of Catanduanes State University (CatSU) has started its re-orientation program for all college students for the second semester of the school year 2022-2023. The program aims to educate and inform the students about the existing Student Handbook (version 2018) and other laws related to their behavior, discipline, and conduct as premier university students. The OSADS has set objectives that will enhance the understanding of the students in various academic and non-academic approaches. The students will learn the proper ways of addressing issues and concerns that may arise from time to time in their respective colleges. Specific topics such as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act, Bomb Threats, and Anti-Sexual Harassment Law and Violence Against Women and Children and Safe Space Act will be discussed. In addition, the re-orientation program will include reminders on the use of university facilities, University Traffic Laws and Rules, and Respect and Appreciation for Individual and Socio-Cultural Differences. The program is aimed to educate and equip the students with skills to educate their co-students about the appropriate behavior as a student of a premier university of the Island-province. The OSADS believes that this program will help the students to be aware of the laws that are eminent for human existence and to act accordingly. The program facilitators were the Chief of Police - Virac, PMAJ Robert Kevin T Caparroso, PSSG Antonino B. Aquino, PMCS Josephine Bergonio, Prof. John Cyrus B. Francis, Dr. Ryan T. Timbal, Mr. Noly T. Benavides, Ms. Janette O. Labayani, and Engr. Benjamin Hannycel T. Nuyda. The schedules of the University-wide Re-Orientation were as follows: College of Agriculture and Fisheries (March 2), College of Education (March 3), College of Engineering and Architecture (March 6), College of Humanities and Social Sciences (March 8), College of Science (March 13), College of Business and Accountancy (March 15), College of Health Sciences (March 16), College of Industrial Technology (March 17), and College Information and Communications Technology (March 20). Prof. John Cyrus Francis, OSADS Director, hopes that with the re-orientation program, CatSU is confident that its students will become responsible and disciplined citizens who will be instrumental in nation-building. #FJBT
CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza recently distributed Samsung learning tablets to deserving students of the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) in an effort to help the neediest students cope with their academic activities.Among the beneficiaries are Mary Ann Gupa, a first-year student from the College of Business and Accountancy, Earl Joshua Tabian, a first-year BS Education, Social Studies Major, and Junard Matienzo, a student from the College of Agriculture and Fisheries. These students were recommended by their respective faculties and the Office of Student Affairs and Development Services.Mary Ann, who is a person with a disability (PWD), used to borrow online learning gadgets from friends and classmates in order to pursue her academic activities. Earl Joshua, on the other hand, is an honor student who has been persistent in pursuing his college education despite extreme difficulties. Lastly, Junard works part-time at a local pizza and café shop while juggling his studies to ensure that he reaches his dreams and aspirations, not just for himself but for his family as well.The Samsung learning tablets were donated by none other than the SUC President and his wife, Prof. Jane Rose C. Azanza. The tablets are expected to help these students with their online classes and academic activities as they continue to work hard to achieve their dreams. These three stories of grit and determination are a testament to the perseverance of CatSU students amidst challenging circumstances, and the administration's effort to assist its students. #cvecilles
The College of Health Sciences headed by its Dean, Prof. Joel T. Olfindo, has nothing but pride and joy for the sweet victory of its student in the recently completed 1st Anastacia-Giron Tupas Bicol Nursing Quiz Bee held at the ADAMCO Building, Concepcion Grande, Naga City, on January 15, 2023. Patricia Allysa C. Benavidez, a 4th year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) student finished second in the said competition. She was joined by co-participants Amelyn Rose Triumfante and Leila May B. Tomagan, and accompanied by Faculty member, Mr. Arnel Aaron M. Alcantara, as the Assistant Coach. Dean Olfindo who selected the participants and served as the Head Coach had high hopes that the Team of selected students will bring home the bacon. “When we left for Naga City, I was very positive that my kids were going to make it, and I reminded them that for whatever we do and aim for, we are offering it to our beloved CatSU. And for that we are thankful that despite the inclement weather in the country, we returned home safe and with triumph”, Dean Olfindo shared. As one of the HEIs in the island, CatSU is honored to have been given the chance to participate in the event, with eight (8) all other schools chosen in the Bicol region. “I joined the Quiz Bee because I want to get as much motivation that there is in preparation for the Board exams upon graduation. I also feel proud to represent CatSU especially that this is the first ever Anastasia Giron-Tupas Bicol Regional Quiz bee”, Benavidez proudly shared.The competition is an initiative of Dr. Carl Balita Review Center, one of the leading and biggest brand in the Philippines that offers professional exam preparations. Benavidez scored 62 points, just a 2 notch away from the 1st place. The organizers then gave the privilege to participate in the launching and in the proper competition for the National Level this coming March 1, 2023, to be held in CBRC National Office in Manila. “I am more than grateful for the knowledge and learnings from CatSU, and thankful for the all the help of the supportive faculty members, Dean Joel, and of course, to Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, thank you Sir. I am more than honored to bring honor to our beloved CatSU as well as to my parents’, she ended. #CVecilles
A sophomore from the College of Agriculture (CAF) received a free learning tablet from the State to Capitol Tricycle Operator and Drivers Association (STACAP-TODA), one of the University’s stakeholders as part of their support in the campaign to help the poor but deserving students in the institution.Junald Matienzo, who works as a part-time waiter while pursuing his bachelor’s degree at the University and the new recipient of a brand-new Samsung Tablet was endorsed by CAF Dean, Prof. Ma. Jugie R. Ramos, and CAF SBO President Glarmaine Ivy B. Tanales to the Office of the President, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, through the Office of Student Regent and FCSC President, Angelo Piolo Laynes. The turn-over happened last Monday, January 16, 2023 at the Office of the President with the presence of Dr. Azanza, FCSC President Laynes, CAFSBO President Tañales, and the benefactors, headed by STACAPTODA President Gil Alintana and STACAPTODA Board of Directors Bernard Del Rosario and Perfecto Lim. #CVecilles
The College of Health Sciences headed by its Dean, Prof. Joel T. Olfindo, has nothing but pride and joy for the sweet victory of its student in the recently completed 1st Anastacia-Giron Tupas Bicol Nursing Quiz Bee held at the ADAMCO Building, Concepcion Grande, Naga City, on January 15, 2023.Patricia Allysa C. Benavidez, a 4th year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) student finished second in the said competition. She was joined by co-participants Amelyn Rose Triumfante and Leila May B. Tomagan, accompanied by Faculty member, Mr. Arnel Aaron M. Alcantara, as the Assistant Coach.Dean Olfindo who selected the participants and served as the Head Coach had high hopes that the team of selected students will bring home the bacon.“When we left for Naga City, I was very positive that my kids were going to make it, and I reminded them that for whatever we do and aim for, we are offering it to our beloved CatSU. And for that we are thankful that despite the inclement weather in the country, we returned home safe and victorious”, Dean Olfindo shared.As one of the HEIs on the island, CatSU is honored to have been given the chance to participate in the event, with eight (8) other schools chosen in the Bicol region.“I joined the Quiz Bee because I want to get as much motivation as there is in preparation for the Board exams upon graduation. I also feel proud to represent CatSU especially since this is the first ever Anastasia Giron-Tupas Bicol Regional Quiz bee”, Benavidez proudly shared.The competition is an initiative of Dr. Carl Balita Review Center, one of the leading and biggest brands in the Philippines that offers professional exam preparations. Benavidez scored 62 points, just a 2-notch away from the 1st place. The organizers then gave the privilege to participate in the launching and in the proper competition for the National Level, this coming March 1, 2023, to be held in CBRC National Office in Manila.“I am more than grateful for the knowledge and learnings from CatSU, and thankful for all the help of the supportive faculty members, Dean Joel, and of course, to Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, thank you, Sir. I am more than honored to bring honor to our beloved CatSU as well as to my parents, she ended. #CVecilles
Cris John Anthon Castillo, a 4th year Computer Engineering (CpE) student, was hailed champion during the 2023 Regional Institute of Computer Engineers of the Philippines and CpE Challenge for C++ programming competition last January 14, at the Avenue Plaza Hotel, Naga City, Camarines Sur. Castillo will not only represent CatSU, but the entire Bicol region as he advances in the National level of the CpE Challenge in Ilocos Norte this coming January 19, 2023. The CatSU-CEA victory marks the second time that CatSU has won the same title, and now a back-to-back feat. In the Academic Year 2021-2023, Ivan Nepomuceno, now a licensed Engineer, finished 5th in the National level of the CpE Challenge last year. The recently concluded regional event accommodated nineteen CatSU – CEA students, together with three professors who served as their coach. These students were tested in their skills in Bread Boarding Competition, Quiz Bowl, Pitching Competition and Programming in C, C++, Python, and Java. #CVecillesPhoto Credits: The Cornerstone
Two students from the College of Science (COS) landed the 3rd and 4th place during the 26th Philippine Statistics Quiz (PSQ) Regional Championship in Legazpi City on November 14, 2022.Hershane C. Lizaso (3rd placer) and Junmar T. Socao (4th placer) are students taking up Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (BSMath). During the PSQ Provincial Elimination, Socao was awarded champion while Lizaso got the 1st runner up. Another student from COS, Kenneth Cole Sermonia also attended the said content. Prof. Moreno D. Tabiors, Jr. served as the coach of the trio. The PSQ is a nationwide annual contest designed to test the knowledge of statistics of first year students enrolled in colleges and universities in the 17 regions of the country. It also identifies and nurture talents especially in the field of statistics. It aims to contribute to the advocacy in the use of Statistics for evidence-based decision-making. #FJBT
Catanduanes State University in collaboration with Agricultural and Rural Development for Catanduanes Inc. (ARDCI) Corporation created a Community Pantry with a particular goal in mind; to help alleviate the food insecurity that students are currently facing specifically at this time when the final exams are coming up in the university.The project called Student Pantry, is an offshoot of a fund-raising activity that was held last month by ARDCI Microfinancing Inc. and its corporate organization, headed by Dr. Ma. Cecilia L. Zantua, Managing Director of ARDCI Foundation.According to Dr. Zantua, the project is envisioned to help the students especially upon learning that most often than not, they would sacrifice to skip meals just to save their allowance for some other school’s needs. She further said that this this project is not just a project to help people in need but also a project of honesty and kindness.“It is a test of kindness as we look for people who can give what they can, and Honesty – for students to get only what they need, and to think about the rest too who like them are also in need. It is a challenge to the heart”, Dr. Zantua said.Ms. Karie Ann V. Santos, Project Manager shared that the general mechanism is like that of the community pantry during the pandemic with those students included in the low-income families as target beneficiaries.“We encourage the students to avail of the program, they can get from here some of their basic daily needs like canned goods, biscuits, and the like. Also we encourage other students, employees, faculty, friends and acquaintances with generous hearts to share your blessing here at the CatSU Student Pantry. We can’t do this alone; we’ll also need help from our community members so we can help our future professionals to be successful by simply providing some of their basic needs”, Ms. Santos said.Meanwhile, Dr. Aida A. Dianela, one of ARDCI’s consultants, and a former CatSU Director of Student Affairs of CatSU, and also a member of the CatSU Board of Regents, was happy to share about the Student Pantry.“We are here to help those who are so disenfranchised in life and I see that the happiness, the love, the caring is so great, it is at its maximum height”, Dr. Dianela gladly shared.Dr. Dianela, in closing, enjoined everyone from CATSU to share, especially those who may already have extras, to help in sharing to those who have little or less in life.“What’s important is we help make people’s lives light, lighter, happier and more meaningful by what we have done. Let us always remember that it is really not what we give that matters, but it is what we share because a gift without the giver is bare”, Dr. Dianela said. The pantry, located at the pavilion of the former Office of Student Support Services, is open from 8AM−6PM, Mondays through Saturdays. All students are welcome to use the pantry once a week, and only need their student ID to gain access to its multitude of free resources — including canned goods, hygiene products, biscuits and more. #CVecilles
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) held its 49th commencement exercises, this time apart from the usual ceremonies every year due to the Covid-19 scare. Preceded by a Holy Mass in the morning at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, the activity was done through virtual mode in the afternoon at the CatSU main campus, on August 17, 2020 with the theme, “Sustaining Excellence Amidst the Challenges of the New Normal.” There were 751 who graduated during the AY 2019-2020 where 66 of them came from the University’s Panganiban Campus. Officer –in-Charge President and CHED RO-V Regional Director, Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, led this year’s commencement exercises, together with the different Deans, other school officials, and the faculty. This year’s commencement speaker was Dr. Aldrin A. Darilag, Commissioner in the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Chairman of the CatSU Board of Regents. Dr. Bernal, the University OIC President congratulated this year’s batch of graduates as he exhorted them “to pursue one’s dream, no matter what setbacks may come.” He noted the difficult times that the graduates have come through with the onset of Corona virus pandemic. “All of a sudden, our lives have become perplexing, unusual and uncertain, as we try to gather a sense of normalcy amidst the new normal. As recession, unemployment and health crisis beset our country today and the rest of the world, may you have every reason to earn a decent living commensurate to what you have attained, and be among the conscientious citizens as a nation,” OIC President Bernal said in his message to the graduates. Meanwhile, Commissioner Darilag expressed his appreciations to the graduates and challenged them to use their education to work for the nation. “You are fortunate to have been given the opportunity to earn your respective college degrees, at a time that the pandemic has significantly hit our education sector—that is, according to the UNESCO Covid-19 Educational Disruption and Response Task Force through its Global Monitoring Report on School Closures, more than 3.5 million Filipino college students have been affected by the pandemic,” Comm. Darilag said. “Your experiences and your perspectives,” said Comm. Darilag, “will shed light on the university’s pursuit to better understand how the challenges in the new normal can be addressed; and we invite you to continue your commitment to the values and truths of the university, that is, to sustain excellence not only to yourselves but for the advancement of Catanduanes and of the entire country.”
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Federated College Student Council (FCSC) did not take it sitting down during new normal times. Aside from attending to their various schedules in the online learning, they found it worthy to look the other way for other humanitarian causes to their fellow students especially those living in the distressed areas of the province.Mr. Renz Mickenly Tanael, FCSC Vice-President, disclosed that the student body pooled resources and conducted donation drive to CatSU students in the different barangays in Bato, and those who are temporarily residing as boarders in Virac. The body distributed some 105 pcs of hygiene kits on September 4, 2020 with fellow officers as well from Student Body Organizations (SBOs) in the different Colleges.
