On a regular Saturday, the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Auditorium and Gymnasium might host classes. But on April 5, it turned into a battleground for ideas—where nearly 1,500 students showed up not to chant cheers, but to question vote buying, call out fake news, and claim power at the ballot. The event? #NXTGENNARRATIVE: Own the Vote, Flip the Script, a voter’s education forum brought to life by JCI Catanduanes in partnership with CatSU. It didn’t just stay within campus walls—Facebook and Radyo Pilipinas-Virac streamed it live, racking up over 30,000 views, proof that the hunger for credible elections is real, and loud. No sugarcoating here. Atty. Pamela Joy T. Herrera-Sanchez from the Department of Justice laid it bare: voting is power—"but only if you know how to use it." Rev. Fr. Mark Anthony Tasarra didn’t mince words either—vote buying? “A betrayal of the future.” And Mr. Anjo G. Tugay, CatSU’s own, armed students with strategies to sniff out misinformation, calling it “the modern-day virus of democracy.” More than a lecture, it felt like a movement—a generation pushing back, asking better questions, and preparing to cast smarter votes. CatSU, already known for academic excellence, is now carving out space as a force in civic engagement, proving that shaping minds isn’t just about lectures and labs—it’s also about teaching students how to stand their ground when it counts.
For 160 aspiring civil engineers of Catanduanes State University (CatSU), April 26 wasn’t just another day at the gymnasium. It was a rite of passage, as the university held its first-ever Hardhatting, Vesting, and Pinning Ceremony—a symbolic shift from classroom theory to field readiness. But it wasn’t the hard hats or safety vests that left the strongest impression—it was a challenge. “The title ‘Engineer’ isn’t just given after passing the board. It’s earned—in muddy fields, late-night calculations, and decisions that affect lives,” said Engr. Roger Reyes, keynote speaker and President of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Catanduanes Chapter. With the theme “The Inception: Transforming Concepts into Monumental Realities,” the event, spearheaded by the PICE-CatSU Student Chapter, marked a pivotal point for third- and fourth-year students gearing up for internships. Reyes didn’t sugarcoat the profession: “Humility will ground you, and grit will carry you.” He urged students to wear their gear not as ornaments, but as symbols of public trust and professional responsibility. Representing OIC President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., Dr. Rosana S. Abundo reinforced that message: engineering isn’t just about building—it’s about being accountable for what you build. Dean Engr. Dexter M. Toyado, in his opening remarks, reminded students that beyond steel and concrete, they are shaping the future. And in leading the pledge, student officers Thomas Miguel T. Dela Peña and Daryl T. Gelito guided their peers to commit not just to competence, but to the ethics and discipline that define real engineers.
Whose sustainability are we really protecting? That question anchored the eye-opening forum delivered by Professor Fumikazu Ubukata of Okayama University, Japan, during his visit to Catanduanes State University (CatSU) on April 24. His lecture, titled “Whose Sustainability Matters? Oil Palm and Indigenous People in Sarawak, Malaysia,” peeled back the layers of environmental discourse and spotlighted those often left out of the conversation—indigenous communities. Joining him was Ms. Nicca Aira Marquez, a proud CatSU alumna, current faculty of the College of Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF), and now a PhD candidate at Okayama University. Together, they brought an insider’s view on how large-scale agriculture and sustainability policies intersect with the lived realities of indigenous peoples in Southeast Asia. Held at the Accreditation Room, the forum drew in students, faculty, and key university officials. Among them were Vice Presidents Dr. Rosana S. Abundo and Engr. Benjamin Hannycel T. Nuyda, while CatSU OIC President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. tuned in via Zoom, currently attending the SCUAA Nationals in Camiguin. The forum is part of CatSU’s push for home-based internationalization, spearheaded by the Center for International Relations and CPD Services under Director Zyra Mae T. Tumala, in partnership with the CAF led by Dean Dr. Michael Owen P. Malijan. “This is how we bring the world to CatSU,” Tumala shared. “Through dialogues like this, our students and faculty gain exposure to real-world issues shaped by global forces—and they learn how to think critically and compassionately across borders.” Also present were ATIC Director Aljon Francis Koji P. Elegado and Open University Director Medie M. Lopez.
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.”
The oath took seconds. The responsibility behind it? Much heavier. When CatSU’s newly elected student leaders stood before University Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. on May 5, the message was clear: hold your ground, speak your truth, and never trade independence for influence. “Lead, don’t echo,” Barba told them—reminding the new officers that the University Student Council (USC) is more than a seat at the table. “You’re not here to please everyone. You’re here to represent the students and guard their trust.” Sworn in during a formal visit to the Office of the President were USC President-elect and incoming Student Regent John Lester T. Templonuevo, Vice President-elect Anthony Sales, and Senators-elect Alexis Aurea Cabrera and Mel Vincent Arcilla. Barba's challenge came just days after the CatSU Commission on Elections (Comelec) proclaimed the victors of the 2025 USC-CSC Synchronized Elections on May 2. Students cast their votes on April 30 across all colleges and campuses. The OIC emphasized that independence is the USC’s greatest asset—and must be protected at all costs. “When you sit in meetings or face administrators, remember who sent you there. Represent with backbone. Student leadership is not about popularity; it’s about principle.” The new council is expected to take the reins from outgoing USC President Virgilio Jr. S. Cortado, with Templonuevo slated to become the next Student Regent upon formal swearing-in before the CatSU Board of Regents.
There wasn’t a buzzer. But in the final moments of the quiz bee, it was clear—Moises T. Apanti wasn’t just answering questions; he was making history. The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) senior clinched the championship title in the 2025 Carl E. Balita Review Center (CBRC) National Teacher Education Quiz Bee – Provincial Qualifying Round, held May 4. Apanti, a fourth-year Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Studies student, scored 46 points across three rounds—easy, average, and difficult—outclassing fellow contenders from CatSU and Catanduanes Colleges. His win seals a back-to-back victory for the university after last year’s titleholder, Kharlos Miguel T. Bautista, who later stormed the national board exams and landed 8th in the September 2024 Licensure Examination for Teachers. Even more impressive, CatSU swept the top three spots in the provincial leg. Fellow COEd seniors Mike Russel A. Calais and Mike Rienz Vargas secured 2nd and 3rd place, respectively—proving the university’s training ground for future educators is not just consistent, but commanding. Before heading to the nationals, Apanti, together with College of Education faculty member Mark Bonifacio, paid a courtesy visit to CatSU Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., who gave him a rousing sendoff. Dr. Barba wished him big good luck, assuring him that CatSU is fully behind him—cheering him on, believing in his hard work, and confident in what he can do. Apanti now advances to the national finals on May 16 in Malate, Manila, where he’ll square off with regional champions from across the Philippines at the San Andres Sports Complex. “I gave my best during the review. I prayed to God and left the rest to Him,” Apanti said, reflecting on his win with a quiet mix of grit and grace. Despite a week-long grind of mock tests, YouTube reviews, and sleepless nights, the quiz bee threw curveballs that barely matched his notes. But what carried him through, he said, was deep knowledge honed over years, not just days. Apanti takes home a ₱5,000 cash prize, a CBRC scholarship, and a certificate—but more than that, he carries the torch for CatSU as it challenges boundaries and redefines excellence in the age of AI. Themed “Challenging Boundaries, Revolutionizing Competencies with AI,” this year’s provincial tilt drew six competitors—three each from CatSU and Catanduanes Colleges—but in the end, CatSU stood tall, securing a full sweep of the podium.
No roar of the crowd. Just a sharp breath, a fighting stance—and impact. Ericka Jossaine Gianan, a first-year student from Catanduanes State University (CatSU), stepped onto the mat for her first-ever national match at the SCUAA Games 2025, and walked off with a bronze medal in the kyorugi division of taekwondo. She did it while carrying more than just the weight of competition. Born with a cleft palate, Gianan has lived with a condition often mistaken for weakness. On the national stage, she proved otherwise. “It’s not a hindrance. I trained hard and believed in myself,” the 18-year-old said in Filipino, after finishing third against top fighters from across the country. Representing the Bicol Region, Gianan was the region’s only taekwondo medalist, punching above expectations in a tough bracket. She took up the sport only in senior high school at Calatagan High School and trained nightly after her agriculture classes in CatSU—balancing academics with discipline and sweat. “I had no choice in my course back then, but now I love BS Agriculture. I enjoy it,” she shared. Her path, like her match, wasn't scripted—but it became her own. On the mat in Camiguin, the nerves were real. But so was the preparation. Her coach, Karl Bogabil, stood ringside. “I don’t just train their skills. I build their character.” According to him, Gianan’s focus and quiet determination set her apart. “She listens, she works hard, and she trusts the process.” The CatSU team stood behind her—providing sparring partners, moral support, and an environment where she could grow strong both in body and in spirit. “I’m thankful to my coach, teammates, and friends who believed in me,” she said. Despite her disability, Gianan says she’s never been underestimated in the ring. But she knows what it took to reach the podium: sacrifice, time management, and a refusal to give up. She now juggles her dual life as an agriculture student and a budding national athlete. “I make sure I finish my school tasks so I can train without distractions. I give my best in both.” Next goal? Finish her degree. Help her family. Win gold at SCUAA. And her message to others who may be facing their own battles—physical or otherwise? “Trust in your abilities. Improve for yourself. Don’t let other people’s doubts stop you.” In Camiguin, she didn’t just win a medal. She won something harder: respect, resilience, and a fight well fought.
Farmers in San Andres are set to benefit from a new digital information system developed by Catanduanes State University (CatSU), following a formal agreement that turns academic research into concrete local solutions. Inked on April 21, the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) sets CatSU as lead tech partner in launching a Rice Farmer Information System—born out of a study by San Andres native Dr. Belen M. Tapado. Her 2023 research laid the base for a system that mines and maps farmer data using Knowledge Discovery in Databases (KDD), allowing LGUs to better tag and aid real beneficiaries. Representing CatSU Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., Dr. Rosana S. Abundo, CatSU VP for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs, and Mayor Atty. Leo Z. Mendoza led the signing, locking in joint work on the system’s full use. CatSU will install the tech, train local users, and handle rollout with its College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) faculty at the helm. The system banks on a wide profiling push to update the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and fine-tune farmer records per barangay. San Andres LGU vowed to power the program with gear, web tools, and steady internet. CatSU, in turn, pledged quarterly tech checks and support.
“Heritage is not just preservation—it’s participation.” This was the bold challenge of Catanduanes State University (CatSU) OIC President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. to nearly a hundred students during the university’s National Heritage Month celebration held yesterday at the JD Seminar Hall. Speaking before students, faculty, and staff, Dr. Barba called on the CatSU community to move beyond ceremonial observances and take active roles in living out Filipino identity. “Hindi sapat na i-display lang natin ang kultura. Dapat isabuhay natin ito,” Barba urged. “You don’t have to be a historian to protect heritage. Every time you speak your language, respect traditions, or trace our history—you’re keeping the flame alive.” Barba pressed students to use their platforms—vlogging, podcasting, or digital arts—to amplify untold local stories. He warned that culture dies when treated as a school requirement or yearly program, not as a daily choice. “Heritage will not survive if we only treat it as a requirement,” he stressed. “CatSU dreams global, but beats with a local heart.” He also called on faculty and staff to serve as "culture bearers" and challenged students to deepen their pride—not through nostalgia, but through action. The event kicked off CatSU’s slate of activities for National Heritage Month, led by its cultural steering committee and the Center for Catandungan Heritage headed by Director Francis B. Tatel.
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) broke new ground as it launched its first out-of-province extension activity titled “Resilient Infrastructure and Communication Systems” at Craigville Resort, Goa, Camarines Sur, held April 9 and 11, 2025. Engineers, disaster risk officers, and tech experts delivered high-impact technical sessions, arming participants with life-saving knowledge in emergency communications and infrastructure resilience. Engr. Morris U. Aquino kicked off the two-day training with an intensive session on VHF radio systems, followed by Engr. Lino Nero Sorra’s practical rundown on basic radio operations. Engineers Ronnie Santelices and Lyndon Buenconsejo unpacked the integration of advanced technologies into traditional radio systems, pushing the boundaries of conventional communication tools. College of Engineering and Architecture Dean Engr. Dexter M. Toyado, PhD, stunned participants by demonstrating how to send emails without internet access, enabling cross-border communication in disconnected zones. Toyado also led a hands-on workshop on building functional antennas using affordable, easily sourced materials — a skill critical in post-disaster scenarios. Adding to the technological arsenal, Mark Anthony M. Del Rosario of the Philippine Science High School Bicol campus introduced participants to Slow-Scan Television (SSTV), a method to transmit images over radio for emergency use. He also guided attendees in capturing NOAA satellite imagery using improvised gear. The training drew barangay and municipal disaster risk reduction and management officers (BDRRMO/MDRRMO) from across Goa, equipping them with actionable, low-tech solutions for real-world emergencies.
"Kung CIT student ka, saludo na agad ako sa’yo." With this unapologetic opener, CatSU OIC President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. fired up the crowd at the College of Industrial Technology Fest 2025, held May 6 at the university gymnasium. With the theme “Gems of Excellence: Unleashing Hidden Potential,” the fest drew future builders, coders, welders, and makers into a celebration not just of projects, but of perseverance. Barba threw away the typical speech formula and spoke from the gut. “Let’s face it—your journey isn’t easy,” he said. “You work with your hands, think with precision, problem-solve on the spot, and often build something out of almost nothing. Hindi lahat kayang gawin 'yan.” He hailed the grit behind the grind—long hours under the sun, debugging sessions that stretch through the night, and projects completed despite missing parts. “Excellence isn’t the end product,” Barba declared. “It’s the journey… the trial-and-error that led to your aha moment.” Slamming the “shortcut culture” of today's digital age, he challenged students to embrace the messy process of learning. “Hindi lahat ng magaling, viral. Sometimes, the best innovations happen quietly—inside dusty workshops, small classrooms, or over simple conversations.” Barba’s message struck deeper than motivation; it was a challenge to reframe failure, to collaborate with heart, and to create with intention. “Ang galing, hindi agad dumarating. It’s earned—through broken tools, wrong turns, and unexpected discoveries,” he said. Urging students to “fail forward,” Barba reminded them that the value of their work goes beyond grades or recognition. “This Fest isn’t just about showing off what you’ve made—it’s about recognizing who you’re becoming.” Closing with a powerful rally cry, he affirmed their worth: “You are the gems that make CatSU shine.”
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) kicked off its campus-wide mock accreditation on Monday, May 5, a five-day quality assurance drill spearheaded by the university’s Quality Assurance Unit. Held at the Conference Room, the opening session drew key university officials and was led by Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. The mock aims to prepare 13 academic programs for upcoming AACCUP accreditation visits, covering different levels and campuses. The simulation covers the following: First Survey Visit: • Bachelor of Science in Fisheries • Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education • Bachelor of Physical Education Second Survey Visit: • Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Management • Master of Arts in Teaching Chemistry • Master of Arts in Industrial Education Second Survey Re-Visit (Library): • Bachelor of Technical-Vocational Teacher Education – Panganiban Campus Third Survey Re-Visit (Phase 2): • Master of Arts in Mathematics Education • Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship • Bachelor of Science in Information Systems • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Fourth Survey Re-Visit (Phase 2): • Bachelor of Arts in Economics • Bachelor of Science in Mathematics The mock will run until May 9. Internal assessors are tasked to flag gaps and align documentation with AACCUP standards.
