Catanduanes State University (CatSU) alumnus Ron Aldrene Madrigal won the coveted Best in National Costume award with his abaca-inspired attire, during the Ginoong Pilipinas 2024 Coronation Night held at the RCBC Plaza, July 18.The national costume, designed by CatSU faculty Mr. Joven Ombos Añonuevo, is a masterpiece crafted from abaca, which pays tribute to the hard work of abacaleros and the solidarity of the Catandunganons. The costume also honors the parahag-ot families and celebrates the patron saint of the province, Nuestra Señora De La Naval.With CatSU as the in-charge of managing the logistics for the national costume of Madrigal, the intricate details of the costume, from the bahag to the nilubid, was crafted to symbolize the resilience and unity of Catandunganons in times of calamity and uncertainty. The pagbug-ong, showcasing abaca fiber and paper, represents the sacrifices made by abacaleros to support their families.Madrigal, who hails from the municipality of Viga and earned his bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education Major in Social Studies in 2018 at CatSU, expressed his gratitude on Facebook, saying the experience of joining the pageant brought in the value of brotherhood which he will not forget.“Setting foot on the stage of Ginoong Pilipinas to represent my province Catanduanes is an experience that I will be forever grateful of. The brotherhood that we Ginoos forge along the journey will be embedded in my core memory for a lifetime.”Meanwhile Añonuevo, also expressed his gratitude in a social media reel for the support of his family and CatSU.“Dios mabalos sa sakuyang matinuwang na pamilya, sa mga estudyante, at sa mga gatuwang lalo na ang CatSU.”The Ginoong Pilipinas 2024 Coronation Night featured 18 contestants showcasing their heritage and pride through their respective ethnic costumes. Photo Credit:Jomar Franche Photography
Gearing up for their upcoming off-campus internship, over 500 fourth-year students of Catanduanes State University undertook a seminar series called Career Coaching and Counseling 2024 from January 17-18, which bridged academic learning and real-world application. Organized by CatSU-Alumni Relation Services as the Public Employment Services Office (PESO) and Office of Student Scholarship, Financial Assistance, Career Development, and Placement Services (OSSFACDPS), the invited lecturers from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) - Catanduanes Field Office guided the aspiring interns on workplace dynamics and discussed different labor-related topics that will help them to make a meaningful contribution during their internships. Alumni Office Director and PESO Officer Prof. Maricel S. Cariaso said the activity ensures the graduating students are prepared and well-equipped before deployment."This raises awareness about their rights and responsibilities and instills workplace ethics and the importance of work-life balance," the Alumni Office Director and PESO officer said.DOLE Senior Labor Employment Officer Jomell S. Pasano guided the students on the topics of labor market information, workplace ethics and conflict resolution, work-life balance, and building and maintaining a professional network.Giving insights on legally-mandated employee benefits, DOLE Senior Labor Employment Officer Danilo Balilo walked through the participants on general labor standards.The first day of the seminar series was attended by students from the College of Agriculture and Fisheries for the morning session and in the afternoon session, students from the College of Information and Communications Technology.For today’s session, January 18, College of Industrial Technology (CIT) students are the participants.Other colleges are scheduled on the following dates: January 19, College of Business and Accountancy (morning) and College of Sciences (afternoon); and on January 29, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (morning) and the College of Education (afternoon).Students from two remaining colleges, the College of Engineering and Architecture, and the College of Health Sciences, including the Panganiban Campus, are set to embark on similar activity in March or April this year, according to the alumni office director.
For 25-year-old Engr. Divina V. Gonzales, acing the 6th spot in the Master Plumbers Licensure Examination (MPLE) was not easy, defying all odds to achieve greatness as a full-time structural engineer while self-reviewing for the board examination.But through her hard work and perseverance, the cum laude civil engineering graduate of the Catanduanes State University turned the impossible into possible after the results of the July 2023 MPLE unfolded, and was still in utter disbelief.Raised in Hawan Grande, in the capital town of Virac, this young achiever attained a rating of 85.70 percent and bested 5,107 other examinees across the country. “Hanggang ngayon ‘di pa rin ako makapaniwala dahil kaonti po ‘yong oras ko sa review at sinabay ko po ‘iyon sa trabaho. May mga tanong na ‘di ko na-encounter during self-review,” Gonzales shared in an interview.“Pero sobrang saya ko kasi knowing na nagbunga ‘yong pinaghirapan ko, kahit maraming beses ako pinanghinaan ng loob. Ipinagpatuloy ko lang para sa sarili at pamilya ko,” she added.Chartering a different pathUnlike many aspiring master plumbers who join review centers, Engr. Gonzales decided to take a different route. With her full-time job, she undertook a self-review journey.“Pagkatapos ng office hours, pagod na physically at mentally, ‘di na po ako nakaka-review nang maayos. Wala rin akong maayos na space para mag-review dahil may mga kasama po ako sa staffhouse at lights off na usually ng 10-11 p.m., kaya nagbabasa na lang po ako ng reviewer sa phone,” she shared.But drawing inspiration from her parents’ struggle in raising five children, the daughter of a surveyor and a housewife persisted in achieving her ultimate goal.“Nakita ko ‘yong hirap nila para makapag-aral kaming magkakapatid. Gusto ko lang po silang mabigyan ng mas maayos na buhay. Ang sarap lang po sa pakiramdam na nakakatulong na ako sa kanila,” Gonzales said. Mapping out opportunitiesDuring her five years stay at CatSU after graduation in 2019, the native Viracnon not only excelled in academics but also in off-campus competitions, learning to always enter a door of opportunities.“As CatSU student, you have to make the most out of every opportunity na binibigay sayo. Ilang beses din ako nabigyan ng chance para i-represent ang CatSU sa iba’t ibang contest, at dahil dito na-invite ako ng isang review center upang bigyan ng free review for civil engineering board exam kasama na lodging,” she recounted. One of the contests she joined with flying colors was the 37th National Civil Engineering Students Quiz as a grand finalist, after notching first place at the regional level.Her achievement did not end after graduation, falling short of only two points to the Top 1o spot at the National level, she attained an incredible rating of 89.35% during the November licensure examination for civil engineers. Setting wise cues Imparting advice to fellow CatSUans to pass and even top the board exam, Engr. Gonzales shared some important tips to follow: study routine, possess self-discipline, take care of one’s health, focus, and avoid distractions.“Be consistent and make studying a habit. Kailangan sanayin ang sarili sa pagsagot ng exams sa reviewers para pagdating ng actual na board exam ‘di ka na mabibigla at medyo confident ka nang sumagot,” Gonzales stated.“Gumawa ka ng sarili mong schedule at magbigay ng extra effort para masundan ito. Make studying easier. Hindi mo kailangang kabisaduhin lahat ng nasa reviewer word by word. Puwede kang gumawa ng patterns and mnemonics, or i-relate mo sa ibang bagay ‘yong inaaral mo,” she added. Also, the master plumber topnotcher advised the takers to avoid distractions and always set priorities.“Magpahinga rin nang tama sa oras at alagaan ang katawan. Balewala lahat ng aral mo kung magkakasakit ka sa mismong araw ng exam,” Engr. Gonzales added. With her unwavering spirit, Engr. Gonzales has proven that she is not just a master plumber but a master of life's extraordinary journey. She has now etched her name in the records of CatSU’s historical feats and serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring engineers, especially for young women, for taking the uncharted path and now standing with pride in the middle of a less traveled road. #AGC
Master Plumbers Licensure Examination (MPLE) 6th Placer Engr. Divina V. Gonzales receives her P100,000 cash incentive and a certificate from Catanduanes State University (CatSU), through President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, along with Gonzales’ parents and Radyo Pilipinas - Catanduanes Station Manager Arlene O. Bagadiong today, August 7. “Dakulang tabang ini sa samong pamilya and para sa mga ma-take ning board exam mag-adal ning patanos para igwang balik,” Engr. Gonzales said in an interview at Radyo Pilipinas. Joining her daughter to receive the cash incentive, Vilma V. Gonzales, the mother of the topnotcher, extended her gratitude to the university and recognized the effort of Dr. Azanza as this was the first-time in the university’s history to grant a P100,000 cash incentive to a board topnotcher. “Gapasalamat ning dakula buda pareho ning aki, dae man ako makapaniwala sa inot na nag-topnotcher siya,” Engr. Gonzales’ mother shared.With a rating of 85.70%, Engr. Gonzales, 25, bested 5,107 other examinees and made it to the list of topnotchers as announced by the Professional Regulation Commission on July 19, 2023.
In recognition of her exemplary performance after securing the sixth spot in the July 2023 Master Plumbers Licensure Examination, Catanduanes State University, through President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, has announced to award a Php100,000 cash incentive to Engr. Divina V. Gonzales. With a rating of 85.70%, Engr. Gonzales, 25, is presently working as a structural engineer since 2021 in a private construction firm in Quezon City, bested 5,107 other examinees and made it to the list of topnotchers as announced by the Professional Regulation Commission on July 19, 2023. Engr. Gonzales has been a consistent achiever even during her elementary days, as she emerged as their class valedictorian and graduated later on under the Science and Technology Oriented Class (STOC) in high school.During her formative years in college, she became a representative of the university in various engineering quiz competitions and graduated as Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. After graduating in 2019, she took and passed the licensure examination for civil engineers with a remarkable rating of 89.35%, falling short of only two points to the Top 10 spot at the National level.
In line with the university's mission to guide students in choosing the right career path, the Guidance, Counseling, and Testing Office (GCTO) of Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Laboratory Schools, in partnership with the Alumni Relations Office, organized a symposium titled "Career Guidance Symposium for High School Students: Experience-based Insights from Successful Laboratory Schools Alumni."The symposium aimed to provide insights on how to succeed in the chosen career based on the experiences of successful Laboratory Schools alumni. It also aimed to raise awareness of the university's admission procedures, requirements, and program offerings, as well as the programs and activities of the Alumni Relations Office.Facilitated by Grade 9-12 Class Advisers, the event was held on April 4, 2023, at the CatSU gymnasium and was attended by all Grade 9-12 CatSU Laboratory Schools students. The symposium was implemented by CatSU Laboratory Schools under the leadership of its Principal, Ms. Ditas T. Manlangit, assisted by Prof. Joerandy C. Tablizo, Head Teacher, and Senior High School Coordinator, and Dr. Julius S. Antonio, Guidance Facilitator/Project Leader.The symposium provided students with valuable insights into different career paths, highlighting the experiences of successful alumni. The event was an excellent opportunity for students to learn more about the university's offerings and to prepare them for their future careers. #CIV
The Catanduanes State University Alumni Relation Services, and Office of Student Scholarship, Financial Assistance, Career Development and Placement Services, led by Prof. Maricel S. Cariaso and Dr. Gemma M. Samas, respectively, conducted a Labor Education Seminar Workshop for Graduating Students of Academic Year 2022-2023.The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) Alumni Coordinator collaborated to organize the seminar workshop. The objective was to prepare graduating students to enter the workforce and familiarize them with employment facilitation, workers' protection, and social security coverage for employees.Held at the university gymnasium on April 3, 2023, the first in a series of workshops kicked off with the College of Engineering and Architecture as the audience. The seminar for graduating students in the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) and Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (BSCpE) programs commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Samas, followed by an inspirational message delivered by Engr. Pedro R. Arcilla Jr., Dean of CEA.Engr. Arcilla believes that the career guidance workshop can provide students with practical support in areas such as resume writing, interview skills, and job search strategies. He added that we need to help students make a successful transition into the workforce and achieve their goals.Notable resource speakers for the day's workshop included Engr. Frank Mendoza from Zeniark Philippines Consulting Corp., Engr. Robert Joshua M. Valeza from JCC Construction and Supply, and Engr. Alyssa T. Tomagan from DICT MIMAROPA, all alumni of the institution.The afternoon sessions featured an interview with CEA Guidance Facilitator, Engr. Nanette M. Valeza. Prof. Cariaso, also the PESO Manager, provided a short orientation with a discussion on the Alumni FAA Membership fee and Alumni ID."Leveraging career guidance for our students can definitely help in acquiring the knowledge, information, skills, and experience necessary to identify career options and narrow them down to make one career decision. This career decision then results in their social, financial, and emotional well-being throughout," Prof. Cariaso shared.Afternoon speakers included Mr. Danilo B. Balilo and Ms. Lorraine Del Valle from the Department of Labor and Employment, Catanduanes.The speakers expressed their commitment to assisting students by offering customized, unbiased, and prompt guidance and resources, enabling them to make well-informed choices about their futures. They aimed to present a better understanding of various career opportunities, including details on diverse sectors, job positions, and the necessary abilities and qualifications needed to excel in specific fields.The closing remarks were delivered by Engr. Mark D. Rojas and concluded with a Unity Dance by the participants.The series of Labor Education Seminar workshops will continue and are scheduled in May to June for all expected 2,550 graduating students from all programs, including CatSU Panganiban Campus. #CIV
In a night of celebration for the unsung heroes in the medical field, one Catandunganon stood out from the rest. Dressed in a dapper coat and tie rather than his usual hospital scrubs, Romeo Valeza received the prestigious Bronze award in the Vascular Access Nurse of the Year category from the British Journal of Nursing (BJN) at the Banking Hall in London, United Kingdom on March 8, 2023, making him the only Catandungan to win such an award that night. Valeza, who hails from Virac, Catanduanes, currently serves as an Apheresis Charge Nurse at Hammersmith Hospital under Imperial College Healthcare Trust. His introduction of a unique apheresis procedure using ultrasound guidance in 2017 was a breakthrough from the usual use of femoral lines and has since created a significant impact on his patients’ lives.His outstanding dedication, excellence in his work, compassion, and unmatched work ethic made him worthy of receiving the award, which recognizes the achievements of vascular access nurses responsible for progress, continued professional development, and improved patient care within vascular access. Furthermore, Valeza is a highly skilled hematology-oncology nurse who worked as a lead nurse for apheresis in a major NHS hospital in London. This type of work specializes in providing patients with access to their circulatory system to perform red cell exchange treatment. As this work requires rigorous focus, attention to detail, and expertise, they are often expected to become miracle workers who make even the most impossible cases possible. During his time, he has performed miracles and helped countless patients receive safe and effective vascular access. His list of expertise goes on, as he is also skilled in bone marrow aspiration and ultrasound-guided peripheral cannulation. With more than 30 years of experience in stem-cell transplantation, chemotherapy administration, and general surgical nursing, he has already acquired numerous awards and commendations, such as Outstanding Alumnus, Presidential Awardee, ASFA’s Choosing Wisely Initiative Champion, Terumo’s Advancing Apheresis award (runner-up), and the most recent BJN Vascular Nurse of the Year bronze medal award. In addition, he is a published researcher with two abstract publications in the Journal of Clinical Apheresis and British Society for Haematology, earning him recognition and awards in the UK and the USA. However, before all the commendations and accolades, he was once a student from the small island of Catanduanes at Catanduanes State University, which was then Catanduanes State Colleges. He graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1990, with a full scholarship from the Gabriel Sorra Scholarship Foundation. His time at the University served as his stepping stone and training ground for his chosen field. Later on, he pursued a Master of Arts in Nursing at the University of Santo Tomas under a full scholarship from the Philippine Civil Service Commission Local Scholarship Program. He then enrolled in different universities in London to continue his professional development. As an alumnus of CatSU and the College of Health Sciences (CHS), he consistently supports the College’s agenda of providing quality nursing education to its students by participating in various donation drives organized by the College. He continues to be an inspiration to students, particularly student nurses, as well as his nursing colleagues and fellow alumni, proving that even a former student from a small island can stand out in the world.
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Federated Alumni Association, in cooperation with the University’s Alumni and Placement Services Office facilitated the election of the new set of Federated Alumni Association officers on October 9, 2020 at the CatSU Covered Court. Mrs. Thelma T. Sosito, former Alumni Relations Officer, spearheaded the election proceedings. Lawyer Ramil Joselito B. Tamayo of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) batch ’94 got elected as President of the Federation and that entitles him a seat in the CatSU Board of Regents (BOR) representing the Alumni Sector. He was once the President of the College of Arts and Sciences Student Body Organization (CASSBO) and is currently a managing partner of Tamayo, Agunday & Zuniega Law Offices. Tamayo will lead the FAA Board as it embarks on a strategic planning process to ensure strengthened spirit of collaboration of all alumni, and the revitalization of partnership between alumni organization, bigtime establishments in the major cities and successful alumni abroad. Alongside this platform of Tamayo is also the application, accreditation, approval and operation of the College of Law in the University. With Tamayo in the Alumni Association were other officers that were elected, namely: Fidel A. Vegim (Vice-President), Eulalia T. Talaran (Secretary), Nestor Sr. Robles, Jr. (Treasurer), Jonathan B. Capsa (Auditor), Eduardo D. Peña (Public Relations Officer), Eddie S. Millon, Erickson T. Salazar, Joel T. Olfindo (Board of Directors). #JManlagnit
