Catanduanes State University (CatSU), together with its partners The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and Catholic Relief Services (CRS), officially broke ground on a project designed to fight food insecurity and spark community livelihood in Panganiban Campus. Backed by the Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs (REPA), the initiative introduces a food processing hub and beneficiary groups to help communities build food security, especially in the wake of recurring typhoons and high poverty rates. “This is about real impact,” said REPA Vice President Dr. Rosana S. Abundo, as she welcomed stakeholders. “It’s months of planning finally turning into action.” (The planning phase started in October 2024.) CRS Program Manager Errol Merquita said the project responds to a key pain point in agriculture: surplus management. “We’re addressing not just food access, but also income stability,” he said. “CatSU’s data shows demand for fish processing—and that’s our way in.” Representing CRS nationally, Country Representative Jonas Tetangco described the effort as “a shared mission to build resilient communities,” highlighting the project’s potential for long-term economic stability. From their side, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, through Welfare and Self-Reliance Manager Ma. Teresa Pangilinan, emphasized the people-first approach: “We’re not just starting livelihoods—we’re building lasting empowerment.” In the thick of it all was CatSU Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., who was present at the event and called the groundbreaking a symbol of hope. “This project speaks volumes of what CatSU is capable of. Beyond disaster response, we’re helping communities stand stronger on their own feet.” Also expressing support were local development stakeholders: PDRRM Officer Luis Surtida Jr., DOST Provincial Director Engr. Marie Grace T. Molina, and Virac LGU’s Helen V. Salvador, who cited the project’s alignment with food innovation, especially for the local crab industry. Closing the event, CatSU Panganiban Campus Director Dr. Jennifer A. Berces left attendees with a call to action: “This is only the beginning. Let’s walk together toward a future where no family goes hungry.”
