Marking its 30th anniversary this year, the Agriculture Students Organization (ASO) has turned over its donation, which includes three native piglets and one sack of commercial feeds, to the College of Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF), this morning, April 4, 2025. CAF Dean Dr. Michael Owen P. Malijan, who founded the student organization on July 28, 1995, expressed his gratitude and emphasized how the piglets would be an invaluable resource for student learning. “These will be used by the students for instructional purposes, such as demonstrating castration, injection of biologics, vitamin supplementation, deworming, and other related activities,” ASO President Edmund Reyes expressed in his letter dated March 12, 2025, addressed to University Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba, Jr., seeking approval for the donation. In addition to supporting instruction, the donation, according to ASO, is intended to kick-start the native pig production under the CAF Livestock project and could eventually become part of the college’s Income Generating Project. The total value of the donation is 11,800 pesos, with the three piglets valued at 9,000 pesos and the 50-kilo sack of commercial feeds priced at 2,800 pesos. The turnover ceremony was led by ASO’s newly-elected president, Romel Evangelista, and officers, along with ASO adviser, Jhomann U. Socito, and was received by Dr. Malijan, who was joined by University Veterinarian Dr. John Joseph Camu, CAF Farm Foreman Renato Lopez, and Supply Unit Head Erlyn Tuno.
Aiming to combat food insecurity and bolster local livelihoods, the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) and its partners broke ground on the Improving Livelihood and Food Security Project at CatSU Panganiban Campus on April 2, 2025. Led by the Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs (REPA), the initiative teams up with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to boost local food sustainability. "Catanduanes faces constant typhoons and high poverty rates, causing recurring income loss during calamities," said REPA Vice President Dr. Rosana S. Abundo in her welcome remarks. "This project, which began planning in October 2024, will equip locals with skills that create real impact." Building on this, CRS Program Manager Errol Merquita detailed the project’s two main components: setting up a food processing hub and selecting beneficiary groups. “For 80 years, CRS has worked to ensure disaster-affected communities have food,” he said. “One key challenge is food security, particularly managing surplus during peak harvests. CatSU’s study confirms market demand for fish processing, and we’re counting on CatSU to help sustain this initiative through marketing and capacity-building.” Reinforcing this vision, CRS Country Representative Jonas Tetangco emphasized the project’s long-term vision. “This initiative represents a shared mission to help vulnerable communities become more resilient,” he stated. “Its impact will be far-reaching, fostering self-reliant local economies.” Welfare and Self-Reliance Manager Ma. Teresa Pangilinan of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints underscored the deeper goal of the project. “We’re not just planting seeds for livelihood but laying the foundation for lasting change and empowerment,” she said. “This is a shared mission of lifting others.” Echoing this sentiment, CatSU Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. hailed the project’s potential. “This symbolizes hope for Catandunganons,” he said. “It goes beyond relief—it strengthens communities. We are grateful for the trust placed in CatSU to lead this effort.” Local officials also echoed their support such as PDRRM Officer Luis Surtida Jr. and DOST Provincial Director Engr. Marie Grace T. Molina who pinned on the project’s impact on the crab industry and its role in enhancing the Catandunganon Food Research and Innovation Hub. Representing Mayor Cesar I. Robles, Ms. Helen V. Salvador reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to sustaining the initiative. Wrapping up the event, CatSU Panganiban Campus Director Dr. Jennifer A. Berces called for continued collaboration. “Let’s move forward together,” she said. “This is a step toward a future where every family has access to essential food resources.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints funded the facility with over P3 million for construction and an additional P500,000 for equipment, reinforcing its commitment to food security and sustainable livelihoods.
Following the three-day evaluation by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Bicol - Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT), the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) received recommendations to offer three new programs starting in 2025-2026 school year. The Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, and Bachelor of Science in Food Technology will be launched once the compliance documents are submitted to obtain the CHED permit to operate, which Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. assured evaluators that these will be fulfilled. From March 18-20, 2025, evaluators also provided positive feedback and recommendations to other existing programs at both the Virac and Panganiban campuses. RQAT members, along with CHED education supervisors led by Officer-in-Charge Chief Education Program Specialist Engr. Janet N. Naag, and Officer-in-Charge Supervising Education Program Specialist Dr. Jean Salalima-Go, commended the university’s facilities, such as the newly established Speech Laboratory, and suggested improvements in areas like staff development, library resources, and additional computers. Dr. Barba likewise expressed his appreciation to the evaluators and committed to meeting the necessary requirements for the issuance and re-issuance of Certificates of Program Compliance (CoPC) for the university’s programs. Programs evaluated for CoPC at the Virac campus included the Bachelor of Library and Information Systems, BS Entertainment and Multimedia Computing (Digital Animation and Game Development), BS Internal Auditing, Bachelor of Arts in English Language, BS Mathematics, AB Political Science, Bachelor of Industrial Technology (per major), BS Agriculture (per major), and Bachelor of Secondary Education (per major). At the Panganiban campus, the BS Agriculture program was evaluated for the re-issuance of CoPC per major. Other programs that underwent monitoring were the Bachelor of Public Administration, BS Biology, BS Economics, BS Information Systems, BS Information Technology, BS Computer Science, BS Accounting Information System, and BS Accountancy. This evaluation is in line with Republic Act 7722, or the "Higher Education Act of 1994," and CHED Memorandum Order No. 9, Series of 2023, which outlines the revised policies and guidelines for the issuance of CoPC to State Universities and Colleges and Local Universities and Colleges.
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) athletes shined in the 2025 Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) Games, hauling 88 medals—20 gold, 38 silver, and 30 bronze—marking a major leap from last season’s 13-gold tally. Battling against eight other Bicol universities, CatSU clinched 5th place overall in the meet, held from February 17 to 21 at Camarines Norte State College. Kudos to our athletes, coaches, and staff for this stellar run!
In a tribute to National Arts Month, a poetry writeshop titled Balhag: Pagsulat ng mga Akdang Nakaugat sa Danas ng Komunidad was held on February 20, 2025, at the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Little Theater, sharpening the literary craft of participants through community-rooted storytelling. Mounted by the Sentro ng Wika at Kulturang Filipino (SWKF) in tandem with the Center for Culture and Arts - Hablon Dawani (CCA) and Virac-based Aklat Ulagad, the session pulled in aspiring poets eager to refine their voices. Dr. Allan C. Popa, renowned writer, author, and editor, urged participants to mine their communities for poetic material, asserting that the most resonant narratives often emerge from lived experiences. He pressed writers to embrace the depth of local culture, to reinforce the power of intimate, place-based storytelling. Attendees sharpened their skills through guided writing exercises, with select participants stepping forward to deliver their freshly penned works before the audience. CCA-Hablon Dawani Director Santos G. Sorra Jr. kicked off the event, while Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs Dr. Rosana S. Abundo extended institutional support in a brief message. Capping the session, SWKF Director Dr. Jovert R. Balunsay commended the participants and lauded Popa for steering the conversation toward a deeper appreciation of community-driven poetry.
“Let’s make it happen. Let’s make it Bicol.” This was the challenge posed by CHED Regional Director Dr. Demetrio P. Anduyan Jr., CESO III, as he urged student journalists to dominate the Luzon-wide Higher Education Press Conference (LHEPC). Speaking at the opening of the 22nd Regional Tertiary Schools Press Conference (RTSPC) at Catanduanes State University (CatSU), Anduyan rallied the 416 participants from 33 student publications to sharpen their craft and take responsibility for their influence. “We have this RTSPC as we wish to add more to the reservoir of talents in our region—more presentable and confident personalities with the ability to write and present information accurately and concisely,” he stressed. Anduyan, a former TESDA provincial director in Catanduanes, praised the record turnout, noting that Bicol’s participation had tripled compared to other regional press conferences. He challenged the campus scribes to push the region to the top, declaring that five of the ten best LHEPC winners should come from Bicol. “Be a good influencer,” he urged, reminding student journalists to uphold truth and public welfare in their writing. The RTSPC, co-hosted by the Association of Tertiary Schools Publication Advisers of Bicol, Inc. (ATSPAB), features competitions in individual and group journalism categories. The top five winners in each event, along with the champion in Radio Script Writing and Broadcasting, will advance to LHEPC in Lucban, Quezon, from April 2 to 4.
Political Science team from Catanduanes State University (CatSU) ruled the 2nd Bicol Political Science Consortium on February 21-22, 2025, at the University of Nueva Caceres, Naga City, beating teams from Ateneo de Naga University, Bicol College, the University of Northeastern Philippines, the University of Saint Anthony, and the host UNC. Czymon Balmadrid, Mikayla Soliveres, and Joshua Cariño topped the Politica Scientia Quiz Bee, while Aira Suplig seized 2nd place in Extemporaneous Speech. The 31-member team, led by Asst. Prof. Kristine Anne Razal and PSS Adviser Mr. Jobesan Yusores, also joined forums with lawyer-speakers, including senatorial aspirant Atty. Luke Espiritu, tackling elections, human rights, and political dynasties. During their courtesy call to OIC President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., he praised their wins and hailed the Political Science Society’s role in pushing CatSU’s mark of excellence. The team also set plans with OIC Barba for CatSU’s bid to host next year’s meet, which would raise the program’s name across Bicol. With report from Mr. Jobesan Yusores
Inaugurated on June 28, 2024, the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) College of Law officially became a member of the Philippine Association of Law Schools (PALS) when Dean Atty. Santiago T. Gabionza Jr. and Associate Dean Atty. Gregorio M. Sarmiento Jr. represented the institution and joined the 2025 PALS Annual Convention. The CatSU-College of Law was one of the law schools in the country that received an invitation letter dated November 29, 2024, from PALS President Teodoro A. Pastrana for the event, recognizing its successful membership application to the organization. In collaboration with the Legal Education Board (LEB), the three-day in-person convention brought together law school deans, assistant deans, and professors from across the country to exchange insights, share best practices, and strengthen partnerships between PALS and LEB. Notable speakers included Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, Associate Justice Amy C. Lazaro-Javier, chairperson of the 2025 Bar Examinations, and Associate Justice Mario V. Lopez, chairperson of the 2024 Bar Examinations. With the theme "Excellence in Legal Education: Transforming Society through LEB-PALS Collaboration," the convention took place from January 20 to 22, 2025, at the Park Inn by Radisson Clark, Clark Freeport Zone, Mabalacat City, Pampanga.
Creativity thrived at Catanduanes State University as CatSU and the Catanduanes Provincial Police Office (CatPPO) launched Women’s Month with a creative crafts workshop, March 5, 2025 at the CatSU Extension Training Hall. Over 80 policewomen and non-uniformed personnel teamed up in crochet, card making, corsage crafting, and certificate holder production. Dr. Rosana S. Abundo, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs, stood in for Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., who is attending the 2025 SUC first quarter governing meeting in Marikina. She lauded the CatSU-CatPPO partnership, citing its personal and professional impact on participants. CatPPO Provincial Director PCol Edward D. Quijano, through his representative, pushed the event’s aim to spark creativity, resilience, and resourcefulness among CatPPO’s women personnel. He also linked this year’s theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” to a vision of inclusive progress. The College of Industrial Technology led the workshop, with Extension Coordinator Jade Jean P. Uchi and CIT Indigenous Creative Crafts Manager Jeiscelle Tomagan steering the activities. Tomagan pointed out that the certificate holder-making activity supports local abaca farmers by using abaca-based materials.
The latest Uswag Journal: Philippine Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (Vol. 2, Issue 2, July – December 2024) is now available on the Catanduanes State University website, featuring twice the number of research articles from its previous issue. Submitted by Research and Development Services (RDS) Director Dr. Jose Z. Tria, the journal presents 10 peer-reviewed studies across various fields, each rigorously reviewed, revised, and finalized by experts. Uswag, meaning “development,” serves as CatSU’s official research journal. Indexed in the Philippine E-Journals (PEJ) since 2024, it ensures wider global access. Visit this link https://catsu.edu.ph/uswag.php
Welcoming new sponsors and honoring outgoing batch, the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) staged the Presentation of Sponsors and Escorts this morning, March 11, at the Front Grounds of the CatSU Administrative Building. Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., CatSU Officer-in-Charge, fired up over 400 cadets with his speech, recalling his days as a CAT battalion commander at Catanduanes National High School. He shared his dream of joining the military but was barred by height limits, noting that destiny takes its own path. “Today, I may not be standing here as a soldier, but as the Officer-in-Charge of this university, leading a different kind of mission—one that builds future leaders, instills discipline, and nurtures service-oriented individuals like you,” Dr. Barba said. He pinned on the impact of ROTC beyond drills and commands and its role in shaping discipline, grit, and leadership. He challenged cadets to value time, noting that in ROTC, “there is no ‘Filipino time’—only ‘military time.’” Dr. Barba stressed true leadership, saying real leaders earn respect rather than demand it. Addressing the Sponsors and Escorts, he commended them as pillars of support, strength, and excellence in ROTC. “You are more than just the faces of this occasion. You represent the values of ROTC—the grace in discipline, the strength in leadership, and the commitment to excellence,” he asserted. Closing his speech, Dr. Barba left cadets with a message on service and character. “In life, it doesn’t matter how tall you are. What matters is how high your dreams reach,” he declared. “Yes, I was 5’3, and yes, I didn’t make it to the military. But did that stop me from serving? No. Because true service is not defined by height—it is defined by heart.”
“Your classroom will be a microcosm of the world," Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Officer-in-Charge laid bare the realities of teaching before student-interns at BEED Mentoring Program, March 12 at the gymnasium. Speaking to Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) interns deployed in public schools, Dr. Barba urged them to embrace both the joys and struggles of the profession—balancing lesson plans, managing diverse learners, handling workplace dynamics, and shouldering unexpected responsibilities. “Minsan, mapapatanong ka rin: ‘Pinili ko ba ito o pinili ako nito?’” he quipped, drawing laughter from the audience. As a father of three, Dr. Barba likened teaching to parenting, saying educators shape not just academic knowledge but also values and character. He reminded the interns that every classroom mirrors the larger world, where they will face challenges requiring both adaptability and compassion. “Teaching is beyond textbooks. It’s about understanding your students, responding to their needs, and preparing them for the real world,” he said. He also gave a candid glimpse into school realities—handling parent-teacher relationships, managing professional dynamics with colleagues and superiors, and handling the inevitable pressures of the job. He ended with a call for resilience, reminding them that teaching demands both intellect and heart. “Kung may pagkakataong mapagod, magpahinga pero huwag sumuko.” The BEED Mentoring Program is spearheaded by the College of Education with its Dean Dr. Maria Sheila R. Gregorio and Teacher Education Chairperson Dr. Edna A. Pante. The program continues to equip student-interns with firsthand insights from experienced mentors who are alumni of the university.
A blood donation drive on March 8 at the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Gymnasium yielded 150 bags, totaling 67,500cc of blood, in a daylong activity led by the 503rd Community Defense Center. Lt. Col. Josephus Emar M. Rempillo, director of the 503rd CDC, said the initiative is part of their sustained efforts as Citizen Army Builders, working alongside line government agencies, local government units, and volunteer groups to extend essential services to Catandunganons. In a letter dated March 13 to CatSU OIC Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., Rempillo commended the university’s support in providing critical resources and logistics for the event. He assured their continued commitment to similar undertakings in the province.
San Andres Hall of Justice opened its doors to the pioneer law students of Catanduanes State University College of Law (CatSU-COL) for a court observation under Hon. Judge Catherine A. Baldos of the San Andres Municipal Trial Court, March 12, 2025. The students sat in on a pre-trial hearing, in real courtroom proceedings as part of their Civil Procedure course. Judge Baldos lauded their eagerness to grasp court protocols and witness cases at their pre-trial stages.
“Please do not argue with someone’s suicidal thoughts, just listen,” advised Dr. Rucelle C. Zuniega, head of the Eastern Bicol Medical Center (EBMC) Psychiatric Unit, during a mental health awareness seminar for College of Education (COEd) students on February 5, 2025. She emphasized the importance of allowing individuals to express their distress without judgment. “Encourage them to talk and truly listen,” she urged, reminding students never to leave someone feeling suicidal alone and to check on them regularly. For those experiencing psychosis, substance abuse, or severe distress, she recommended seeking emergency assistance immediately. If help is delayed, she suggested taking the person to a safe space like in a church. Supporting this, Rev. Fr. Nestor ‘Butch’ R. Buena encouraged students to bring individuals with suicidal thoughts to church for spiritual counseling. “Spirituality connects us to ourselves, to others, and to God,” he said, sharing his experiences in guiding those struggling. Organized by COED Guidance Service, the seminar also tackled depression where Mr. Noly T. Benavides, head of the university’s Guidance, Counseling, and Testing Office, described it as a serious medical condition and the leading cause of disability among American adults. He clarified that depression is often mistaken for sadness, highlighting biological factors such as genetics, hormones, and brain function. Before concluding, Dr. Zuniega left the participants, together with the COEd faculty, with a powerful reminder: “Remember that despite your best efforts, some people will still die by suicide. However, always do your best for the person you are helping.” The event was originally scheduled in October 2024 but was postponed and rescheduled due to typhoon.
After successfully hosting the Division Schools Press Conference for elementary and secondary journalists last January, Catanduanes State University (CatSU) is now gearing up to host the Regional Tertiary Schools Press Conference (RTSPC) on February 26–28, 2025. Co-hosted with the Association of Tertiary Schools Publication Advisers of Bicol Inc. (ATSPAB), led by President Dr. Rafael V. Oñate, the event's opening and closing ceremonies will take place at Rakdell Inn in San Pedro, Virac. Meanwhile, some participants will be accommodated at Gab’s Place, a resort in Barangay Pajo San Isidro, Virac, according to Dr. Jovert R. Balunsay, adviser of The CatSU Statesman, the official student publication of the university. Dr. Balunsay assured that preparations are well underway, covering logistics, venue arrangements, certificates, and stage decorations. The Office of Student Affairs and Development Services (OSADS), headed by Director Ma. Nena V. Masagca, is overseeing logistical preparations, including coordinating the use of CatSU buses to transport participants between venues. An ocular inspection of the sites was conducted on January 21 in collaboration with ATSPAB. The opening ceremony is expected to be attended by CatSU’s Officer-in-Charge, Dr. Roberto B. Barba, Jr., along with key officials from Local Government Units. RTSPC is an annual gathering of campus journalists from private and public higher education institutions across the Bicol region. Participants will compete in various individual and group events, including news writing, editorial writing, and radio broadcasting to name a few. Photo: Dr. Jovert R. Balunsay
