HISTORY

Catanduanes State University — the leading and only premier higher education institution in the island province of Catanduanes, founded in 1961, is among the dynamic state universities and colleges in Bicol.

Its origins trace back to Republic Act 3398, which established the Virac National Agricultural Trade School (VNATS) on June 18, 1961. A decade later, Congressman Jose M. Alberto authored Republic Act 6341, which transformed VNATS into Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC) on June 19, 1971.

CatSU began as a tertiary institution on December 1, 1971, offering courses such as Associate in Business Education, Associate in Commerce, Bachelor of Science in Education, Master of Arts in Education, and Master of Arts in Commerce.

By July 8, 1972, additional programs were introduced under Republic Act 6590. In 1996, the Tenth Congress of the Philippines passed Republic Act No. 8292, which standardized the composition and powers of governing boards of state universities and colleges, as well as the appointment and term of office of their presidents.

In 1999, the Catanduanes Agricultural and Industrial College (CAIC) in Panganiban was integrated into CSC, in line with the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) FY 1999 Budget provisions. By 1993, CAIC was renamed CSC Panganiban Campus, following a revised organizational structure approved by the Board in Resolution No. 15, s. 2003.

The long-held dream of establishing a university on the island was realized on March 29, 2011, when then Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento filed House Bill No. 4170 during the 15th Congress.

This bill sought to convert CSC into a state university. A year later, on October 19, 2012, President Benigno Simeon S. Aquino III signed Republic Act No. 10229, officially transforming Catanduanes State Colleges into Catanduanes State University, encompassing two campuses: the Virac/Main Campus and Panganiban Campus.

The main campus is situated at Calatagan Proper in Virac, the capital town, while the CatSU–Panganiban Campus (formerly the Catanduanes Agricultural and Industrial College or CAIC) is located in the northern municipality of Panganiban.

University Leadership History

1. Pedro G. Tabuzo (1971–1972)
2. Dr. Jacinto A. Medallada (1972–1986)
3. Dr. Rodolfo V. Azanza (1986–1990)
4. Dr. Ernestina P. Averilla – OIC (1990–1992)
5. Dr. Adolfo S. Bagadiong (1993–2003)
6. Dr. Asuncion V. Asetre (2003–2011)
7. Dr. Minerva I. Morales (2011–2019)
8. Dr. Freddie T. Bernal – OIC (2019–2021)
9. Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza (2021–2024)
10. Atty. Septon A. de la Cruz – OIC (2024–2025)
11. Dr. Roberto B. Barba, Jr. (2025)

Today, CatSU serves over 15,000 students across its Virac and Panganiban campuses and offers undergraduate and graduate programs, including its newest Juris Doctor program.

Recognized for quality instruction and management, CatSU is the first education institution in the province to earn ISO 9001:2015 certification. It is also a CHED Level III SUC, ranking globally in innovation and sustainability.

Mandated by law, CatSU delivers advanced education and professional training in diverse fields—from agriculture and technology to law and nursing—championing research, innovation, and community service.

Vision and Leadership

Under the leadership of the University’s 8th President, Dr. Gemma G. Acedo, CatSU embraces a bold vision:

“To become a transformative, sustainability-driven university, powered by innovation, and dedicated to a resilient island ecology.”

Strategic Goals

1. Deliver world-class instruction and lifelong learning.
2. Advance groundbreaking research and sustainable solutions.
3. Empower communities through inclusive programs.
4. Lead green initiatives for ecological resilience.
5. Expand global partnerships for academic excellence.

These goals align closely with the Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis and her seven-point ACHIEVE agenda, promoting strategic action.

CatSU’s strategic directions also align with CHED Region V “BICOL” slogan—Building Institutions as Champions of Optimum Life-long Learning—calling on universities to lead with innovation, excellence, and lifelong learning.

The HIGH-FIVE eight-point agenda guides holistic education, equitable access, global partnerships, cultural preservation, future-ready programs, research, collaborations, and community empowerment.

Catanduanes State University — building champions of lifelong learning, innovation, and sustainability.

Together, shaping a better future for Catanduanes, for Bicol, for the Philippines, and for the world.