A resilient woman and a dedicated leader - these are the words that perfectly describe the newly designated Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) of Catanduanes State University (CatSU), Dr. Gemma G. Acedo.Having devoted 20 years of her life to the university - leading the launch of some of the most important programs and projects in CatSU today, there is no question why CatSU President, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza designated her to be the next VPAA. The Path Toward SuccessDoc Gem, as many commonly call her, started her career at CatSU in 2003. She became the Dean of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) from 2005 until 2009. Doc Gem also provided expert services and leadership as an IT officer and CATNET Administrator at the University from 2009-2014.With her expertise, Dr. Acedo spearheaded the creation of the Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (BSIS) where she also served as the Program Chairperson from 2014-2017. She was also one of the people behind the revision of CatSU's enrollment system and the current cashiering system.Prior to her designation as the VPAA, she was the Dean of the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) and the Assistant Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs (VPREPA). Thanks to her exceptional leadership and the zealous efforts of the entire CICT faculty and staff, they were able to push through the creation of the program, Bachelor of Science in Library and Information Systems (BLIS), which will open in the next academic year.The new VPAA is a proud alumna of CatSU from elementary to college, where she earned a degree in Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. After graduating, she decided to get another degree in Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering at Adamson University. Apart from that, she is also a holder of a Diploma in Public Administration.Doc Gem later pursued a Master's Degree in Information Systems at the University of the Philippines, Los Baños. With her commitment to learning, she continued to pursue the highest level of education and is now a Ph.D. holder in Educational Management after graduating from CatSU. She is also a Doctor in Information Technology, which she completed at the University of Cordilleras as a K-12 CHED scholar. Currently, Doc Gem has published four research articles and is an Associate Professor V at CatSU. Resiliency Amidst AdversityIn addition to being an exceptional leader, Doc Gem is also a supermom who withstood the challenges of being a solo parent. Her unconditional love for her family drives her to become a better person each day and overcome any adversity.During her time as the Dean of CICT, she experienced a loss that any mother would not want to go through. She shared in an interview for National Women's Month that she came to a point where she felt the need to choose between her work and family."I even talked to the President, sabi ko Sir, I think I have to concentrate more on my family. Pero sabi ni Sir, dae ngaya, kaya mo ngaya an," Dr. Acedo said.With her faith and the support of her family, Dr. Azanza, and the people around her, Doc Gem was able to stand back on her feet and move forward in life. She remained strong and stood committed to her roles as a mother and one of the leaders of the University.“Permi kong piga isip na God has always a plan for me. Dae ako pakusugon ning Mahal na Diyos kung dae ko ini kaya ang gabos na biga agihan ko. And, pasalamat ako dahil sa gabos na mga nightmares na biga agihan ko, ang pamilya ko, special mention, dae ako biga bayaan ever since.” “I’m a strong woman, babayi kita, ipaglalaban ‘ta an bilang salong ina. Gabos na problemang biga agihan, with the help of the Lord, alam ko makakaya ko an,” she added. Leading the AcademiaAs the new VPAA, Dr. Acedo will take charge and assume overall responsibility for the planning, implementation, monitoring, and supervision of instruction, underscoring, among others, the requirements of ISO and AACUP accreditations, SUC leveling, and OBE. She will also be responsible for the supervision of academic programs, projects, and activities, as well as the preparation of class programs, teaching schedules, and the summary of faculty workload.Additionally, she will be the one to review and evaluate the Individual Performance Commitment and Review (IPCR) of faculty and non-teaching staff of the advanced and higher education units and the academic support services, as well as rate the performance of Deans and Directors under the academic affairs.Furthermore, Dr. Acedo will also serve as the Chairperson of various committees such as the Curriculum Committee, Staff Development Committee, Faculty Selection Board, PER Committee for Academic Division, Accreditation Committee, and Library Advisory Committee. Apart from this, she will also act as a member of the Administrative and Academic Councils.Despite everything that she has achieved and overcome, Doc Gem remains a humble and down-to-earth person. However, her modest outlook on life contrasts with her visionary aspirations for the future of CatSU under the leadership of President Azanza. She revealed in the same interview that years from now, she envisions CatSU as a metaversity, dealing with Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, and the like."With the legacy of the President, siguro may mga AI na tayo, working with the metaversity, marami… Hopefully, with the leadership of the President, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, siguro ganun na tayo after 5 years," Dr. Acedo said. The resilience and dedication of Dr. Acedo as a mother and a leader are indescribable beyond words. Her journey exemplifies how tenacious a woman, mother, and leader can be in the face of adversity. How she can rise above and beyond life's greatest challenges serves as an inspiration for everyone to remain unyielding in whatever life may throw at us. Her outpouring passion to serve, visionary outlook, and compassionate and resilient heart are indeed the qualities of a leader that will lead CatSU's academia to the global forefront. #RJI
