Staunch advocates for ecological protection and youth spiritual development, both leaders shared a light-hearted yet meaningful moment discussing their shared ecological advocacies and youth apostolate. Resonating with the recent pronouncement of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in Cagayan De Oro, the first meeting Bishop Luisito attended, he shared how the CBCP has decided to upgrade their diocesan ecology desks to a full ministry focused on 'integral ecology,' making the care for creation a priority pastoral concern.For CatSU, which has taken a firm stand against mining in the province and has been active in "green" initiatives, this connection represents a partnership in advocacy. Moreover, the university's Roman Catholic Campus Ministry, under the advisership of Professor Emlyn M. Lanon, plays a crucial role. This ministry, one of the main programs for evangelization of the Commission on Youth Apostolate (CYA) of the Diocese of Virac, focuses on improving the spiritual, mental, and social well-being of all students, faculty, and staff at CatSU—a mission Bishop Luisito is eager to know more about and strengthen further.
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) alumnus Ron Aldrene Madrigal won the coveted Best in National Costume award with his abaca-inspired attire, during the Ginoong Pilipinas 2024 Coronation Night held at the RCBC Plaza, July 18.The national costume, designed by CatSU faculty Mr. Joven Ombos Añonuevo, is a masterpiece crafted from abaca, which pays tribute to the hard work of abacaleros and the solidarity of the Catandunganons. The costume also honors the parahag-ot families and celebrates the patron saint of the province, Nuestra Señora De La Naval.With CatSU as the in-charge of managing the logistics for the national costume of Madrigal, the intricate details of the costume, from the bahag to the nilubid, was crafted to symbolize the resilience and unity of Catandunganons in times of calamity and uncertainty. The pagbug-ong, showcasing abaca fiber and paper, represents the sacrifices made by abacaleros to support their families.Madrigal, who hails from the municipality of Viga and earned his bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education Major in Social Studies in 2018 at CatSU, expressed his gratitude on Facebook, saying the experience of joining the pageant brought in the value of brotherhood which he will not forget.“Setting foot on the stage of Ginoong Pilipinas to represent my province Catanduanes is an experience that I will be forever grateful of. The brotherhood that we Ginoos forge along the journey will be embedded in my core memory for a lifetime.”Meanwhile Añonuevo, also expressed his gratitude in a social media reel for the support of his family and CatSU.“Dios mabalos sa sakuyang matinuwang na pamilya, sa mga estudyante, at sa mga gatuwang lalo na ang CatSU.”The Ginoong Pilipinas 2024 Coronation Night featured 18 contestants showcasing their heritage and pride through their respective ethnic costumes. Photo Credit:Jomar Franche Photography
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) advanced its flagship initiative, ‘Padagos na Patanos,’ during the Information and Service Caravan organized by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Catanduanes Information Center and the Catanduanes Government Communicators Network (CGCN), on June 29 at Barangay Timbaan, San Andres.PIA Information Center Manager Edna A. Bagadiong explained the caravan’s purpose, describing it as “an initiative to promote a one-stop shop for various social services needed by the constituents of the barangay.”A total of 31 agencies participated in the caravan, which commenced with a tree-planting activity. In addition to providing free services, agency representatives informed the barangay's residents about their programs, projects, and services.Key features of the caravan included a feeding activity for school children, senior citizens, and lactating mothers at the Timbaan Elementary School Covered Court. This initiative was supported by the Provincial Nutrition Office, Philippine Statistics Authority, Provincial Cooperative and Development Authority Office, and Catanduanes State University, which introduced its EduKain Program.CatSU offered medical and dental services, conducting free medical check-ups for 35 individuals and dental check-ups and fluoride applications for 46 primary grade pupils.The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) provided free massages, haircuts, pedicures, and manicures. The Department of Agriculture and the Provincial Agricultural and Services Office distributed vegetable seeds and farm tools to selected farmers' organizations in the barangay.Prominent agency heads actively participated in the event, including Congressman Eulogio Rodriguez, CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, PIA Manager Edna A. Bagadiong, Radyo Pilipinas Catanduanes Manager Arlene O. Bagadiong, DOST Provincial Director Engr. Gram Molina, TESDA Provincial Director Archangel Rodriguez, DTI Provincial Director Maria Belma Escueta, PhilHealth Chief Maria Zaila B. Romero, PAGASA Chief Juan Pantino Jr., and representatives from other agencies.The event also featured a symbolic boodle fight, which PMAJ Rosalinda M. Gaston highlighted as a celebration of solidarity among the participating agencies. Building on the success of this event, organizers plan to cluster barangays for future caravans to serve more constituents effectively.
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Dr. Aldrin A. Darilag urged the graduates of Catanduanes State University in his commencement address to embody the university’s core values while serving the nation. “Pursue greater heights while serving the nation with utmost sincerity, integrity, and social responsibility,” Commissioner Darilag told the Cluster C graduates of CatSU on the final and third-day graduation rites on Saturday, June 29. He asked the graduates to make a solid contribution to the nation while embodying the CatSU core values: social responsibility, excellence, commitment, respect, and integrity. “Through our graduates, the Philippines can become a prime mover of genuine change and a trailblazer against the status quo,” he said, addressing over 1,100 graduates and certificate holders. The CHED official also called for the graduates to always step forward towards a successful future while rebuking self-pity and indolence. “𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑙𝑜𝑦 𝑡𝑎𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑝𝑢𝑛𝑦𝑎𝑔𝑖 𝑎𝑡 𝑚𝑎𝑔-𝑎𝑚𝑏𝑎𝑔 𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑘𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑡 𝑘𝑎𝑘𝑎𝑦𝑎ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑠𝑎 𝑖𝑘𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑎𝑔 𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑘𝑎𝑢𝑢𝑛𝑙𝑎𝑑 𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑎ℎ𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑎 𝑏𝑎𝑦𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑃𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑠,” the commissioner concluded. Before the keynote speaker spoke, CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza delivered a message and told the graduates Albert Einstein's quote that ‘imagination is better than knowledge’. He cited all the changes that happened in the university for the past three years under his term, including the completion of 18 infrastructure projects with a total of 941 million pesos, the distribution of 1,200 tablets, the acquisition of four buses from the university savings, and the inclusion of the university in the world rankings, to name a few. “These changes happened with our shared imagination, and service to the community is important,” the president said. The University conferred 1,122 graduates and certificate holders from four colleges: Engineering and Architecture, Information and Communications Technology, Industrial Technology, and Sciences, in its 53rd Commencement Exercises at the university gymnasium.
Addressing Cluster B graduates of the Catanduanes State University (CatSU), June 28, Retired Justice of the Court of Appeals Atty. Alfredo D. Ampuan urged them [the graduates] to focus on their impact rather than just their academic achievements."While diplomas, awards, and certificates are important, what is more important are the scars sustained while fighting on the battlefield,” he said to emphasize that the true value lies in the experiences and efforts behind the achievements.Speaking on the theme, "Exemplifying Professionalism and Versatility in an Era of Connectivity: A Challenge to the Graduates," Atty. Ampuan pinned on the value of the struggles and experiences gained in developing the country. Atty. Ampuan referenced Todd Henry's book, Die Empty, when he pressed the graduates to use their abilities and skills fully, ensuring that they do not die with their potential unrealized. Cluster B graduates was composed of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the College of Agriculture and fisheries, and the College of Health Sciences.
Traveling from Taiwan to the ‘Happy Island’ of Catanduanes, Dr. Chao Ming Fu, Vice President of Fu Guang University in Yilan County, delivered his commencement speech on the first day of Catanduanes State University (CatSU) 53rd Commencement Exercises, June 27.Dr. Chao told the 731 graduates to ‘think independently, not be constrained by conventional authority’.He also urged the students to ‘be passionate and maintain consistency on their professional path’ in order to achieve success and overcome challenges.Drawing inspiration from his expertise as a physicist, Dr. Chao included in his speech a lecture about Science and Physics with relation to the commencement theme ‘Exemplifying Professionalism and Versatility in an Era of Connectivity: A Challenge to the Graduates.’He considered professionalism and versatility as a pathway to excellence by embracing, adapting, and nurturing change and making innovative discoveries.Introduced by CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, the keynote speaker, holds a Ph.D. from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium and is a professor of Physics at National Taiwan University.On the first day, the university president conferred degrees to the Cluster A graduates from the College of Business and Accountancy, College of Education, and Graduate School.
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) marked a historic milestone with the official launch and unveiling of its College of Law today, June 28, at the CatSU Ondra Lobby. SUC President III, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, encapsulated the significance of the event when he said, ‘When God wills it, no one can stop it,’ reflecting the belief that divine plans will come to fruition despite any challenges.Dr. Azanza shared the arduous journey of securing approval from the Legal Education Board (LEB), the Philippine government agency tasked with the regulation and supervision of legal education. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to key contributors who played key roles in meeting essential requirements, including donors Mr. Bo P. Rodulfo, Atty. Joselito I. Barceta, Atty. Jose V. Cabrera, and Atty. Lehua Lao-Cabrera. He also thanked Rex Bookstore, Central Book Supply, Inc., Bureau of Fire Protection, and various CatSU offices, particularly under the leadership of Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gemma G. Acedo, Assistant Vice President Dr. Joseph G. Zafe, Associate Dean Atty. Gregorio M. Sarmiento Jr., and CatSU ‘waymakers’ from different offices.The inception of the College of Law, a vision over fifty years in the making, was driven by Dr. Azanza's commitment to the principle that ‘those who have less in life should have more in law.’He emphasized the critical need for lawyers in Catanduanes, which he said is the university's mission to extend legal education and services to the poor and underprivileged sectors of the community. “It is a gift from God,” he added, stressing the divine blessing that this new chapter represents comes this academic year.College of Law Dean, Atty. Santiago T. Gabionza, backed this sentiment when he said, ‘Let go. Let God,’ which emphasizes a faith-driven approach to life's challenges, trusting in divine providence to guide and sustain.The event featured Court of Appeals Associate Justice Atty. Alfredo D. Ampuan as the guest of honor. Speaking to the assembled lawyers and the 86 aspiring law students (via live stream), Justice Ampuan stressed the importance of ensuring equal rights for all.‘The fragrance of the flowers spread only in the flow of the wind; the goodness of the lawyers spread everywhere,’ he said in a metaphor which celebrates the far-reaching impact of lawyers' contributions to society.Following the program is the blessing of new facilities, which include air-conditioned classrooms, a computer laboratory, student and faculty lounges, the Dean’s office, a moot court, and a well-equipped library of the College of Law.
Over 150 employees and students of Catanduanes State University (CatSU) received free tuberculosis (TB) screenings and chest X-rays yesterday, June 25, at the CatSU Main Lobby.The half-day event was organized by the Department of Health (DOH) in collaboration with HealthHub, the Philippine Coalition Against Tuberculosis (PhilCAT), the Rural Health Unit of Virac, the Provincial Health Office, Philippine Business for Social Progress, Culion Foundation, and Catanduanes State University Medical and Dental Services.The mobile X-ray services, part of the Active Case Finding (ACF) for tuberculosis program, aim to raise awareness, provide interventions, and enable early detection of TB and other respiratory diseases.Medical Officer III Dr. Abegail M. Abundo emphasized the importance of health for productivity at the university. “We firmly believe that prioritizing our health is paramount to ensuring productivity. Moreover, early detection and preventive measures are instrumental in mitigating the risk of lifestyle diseases,” said Dr. Abundo.
𝑮𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝑻𝒓𝒊𝒖𝒎𝒑𝒉Maintaining its reputation as a Green University, Catanduanes State University (CatSU) has upheld its vision by clinching the prestigious Saringaya Awards 2024 in the Academe Category.From last year's finalist position, CatSU made a triumphant return, backed by the strong support from university President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, an environmental sociologist with prior experience at the Environmental Research Division (ERD) of the Manila Observatory at Ateneo de Manila University. "We extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire CatSU community for their pivotal role in advancing our vision of HOPE with P—embodying people-centered and planet-friendly policies. This dedication is for the people of Catanduanes and future generations," said Dr. Azanza, dedicating this year’s victory to the community served by CatSU.Central to CatSU's success is the Solar Micro Grid Farm, making it the only state university in Bicol with this initiative. CatSU also runs a Water Catchment Facility, crucial for water conservation and community supply.The award ceremony, held at Marison Hotel in Legazpi City yesterday, saw Executive Vice President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. accepting the award on behalf of President Azanza. Dr. Barba expressed gratitude for this latest accolade, emphasizing its significance to the university and the honor of working alongside the President."We are deeply grateful for the support from the CatSU community, and we remain committed to continuing the administration's initiatives for the benefit of the people of Catanduanes," said Dr. Barba.CatSU's commitment to environmental stewardship has earned it numerous accolades, including the Bicol Saringaya Award for Innovative Environmental Education (2018), National and Regional Winner in the Search for Eco-Friendly Schools (2009 and 2011), and the Greening the Blue Saringaya awards (2014 and 2015).The Saringaya Award, established in 2000 and named after the Bikol word "masaringaya" meaning green environment, abundance, health, and balanced ecology, is considered the highest environmental accolade in the region.
Eyeing its vision for a greener future, Catanduanes State University (CatSU) will soon launch its first-ever Water Catchment Facility, an innovative project that not only symbolizes environmental stewardship with more sustainable and efficient campus environment but also promises significant cost savings for the university. 𝑨 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆-𝒐𝒇-𝒕𝒉𝒆-𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒔𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎The Water Catchment Facility incorporates a state-of-the-art basin with a capacity of 350 cubic meters, designed to collect rainwater from the 17 university buildings. This harvested water is redirected for non-potable uses, such as toilet flushing and cleaning. CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, who pioneered this innovation said the implementation of this water catchment system is expected to significantly reduce the university's monthly water bill by up to 50%. Thus, it is expected to save the university around Php 43,000 monthly, reducing the average water bill from Php 86,000 during regular classes.Equipped with a solar pump and an automatic booster, the system ensures reliable water distribution throughout the campus, even reaching higher floors of university buildings. Enhancing the overall functionality of the campus infrastructure, this Php 14.4 M facility is part of the University’s Land Use Development Plan, which was created by the present administration and approved by the Board of Regents after being reviewed by representatives from CHED, DPWH, DAR, DENR, and other government agencies.The old covered court, which was severely damaged during Typhoon Rolly, has been demolished with the necessary permit from the Office of the Building Official of Virac, to make way for this innovative structure. The scrap materials were preserved by the Building and Grounds Services (BGS) and were used in constructing a covered basketball court inside the University Sports Complex.𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒁𝒆𝒏 𝒈𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒏Integrating beauty with functionality, the Water Catchment Facility is also home to CatSU's first-ever “Zen Garden.” This space not only serves as a green area but also provides a relaxing environment for students and staff. The president stated that this garden aims to be more than just a visual delight; it will serve as a venue for poetry recitals and other creative arts events, noting that students can access the university's 1.5 GBPS internet connection with Starlink backup there."We place high value on the creative arts, and its related events can be hosted in the garden as an alternative venue similar to practices in prominent universities like UP, as well as other universities in Europe and the US," he said.Aside from its aesthetical appeal, this initiative complies with the open green space requirements for universities in the Philippines. Looking ahead for future plans and sustainability, the university plans potential projects that could arise from the savings generated by the Water Catchment Facility, such as establishing water purification stations on campus to provide free drinking water for students and staff. 𝑨 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚For CatSU administration, its passion to sustainability is not just an internal initiative; it is rooted with the broader community of Catanduanes. “My leadership style is to inspire people to complete our projects at CatSU because, in the end, it benefits not just us but the entire island,” the president said, expounding on the administration’s community-centric approach which aligns with the university's mission for environmental awareness and responsibility among its stakeholders. “All of this requires hard work. It is not about personal gain or honor, but for all Catandunganons,” said Dr. Azanza, underscoring the collective efforts under his leadership, with breakthroughs happening in the university, reflecting CatSU’s mission to serve its stakeholders and the people of Catanduanes.
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Seinajoki University of Applied Sciences (SeAMK) today, cementing a collaborative partnership aimed at enhancing academic exchange and cooperation.The signing ceremony took place at the CatSU Conference Room and was attended by SeAMK President Dr. Jaakko Hallila, CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, Executive Vice President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., Vice Presidents, and deans of all colleges.This partnership will facilitate various initiatives, such as the exchange of faculty members and researchers, student exchanges, joint projects, and the development of academic programs. Both universities are committed to collaborating on conferences, sharing information and publications, and engaging in mutually agreed-upon activities.During the signing, Dr. Azanza shared his enthusiasm for CatSU's collaboration, highlighting the university's entry into the global rankings. He expressed optimism about the potential benefits this partnership could bring, emphasizing that there is much more to offer through this collaboration."I am glad that this year, as we enter the global rankings as a university, we feel we have more to offer in our partnership. The presence of all the deans here signifies a strong interest in your university," Dr. Azanza said, adding that the participation of all deans signifies the university's strong interest in expanding its collaboration with SeAMK.Recognizing the importance of learning from the Finnish education system, renowned for its innovative policies, Dr. Azanza stated that CatSU has much to learn from SeAMK, which he described as one of the best in the world due to its cutting-edge policies and practices.Banking on this, he also emphasized the need for strong leadership in education, when he welcomed the recent appointment of Atty. Sonny Angara as DepEd Secretary, as he mentioned during the signing.“A positive development is the recent designation of Atty. Sonny Angara as DepEd Secretary. His deep understanding of our education system, stemming from his role as a commissioner of EDCOM 2, is crucial as we need leaders who will propel progress from basic education to higher education,” he said.Seeing this perspective of strengthening the internationalization efforts of the university under his term, Dr. Azanza further pointed out the potential benefits of the partnership.“With programs offered by Seinajoki University of Applied Sciences, such as nursing, agriculture, and advanced technology in food processing, we believe there is much to gain. Your technological expertise would greatly benefit our initiatives,” he said, referring to areas that are particularly relevant as CatSU develops its agro-industrial post-harvest facilities in its economic zones.Dr. Jaakko Hallila expressed his pleasure at being on the island for the first time, lightly noting that first impressions can be hard to change, but in the case of his visit, “the impression has been very positive.”“I also see a lot of agricultural opportunities, which is particularly interesting to me as I come from a province in Finland known for food processing and manufacturing machinery,” he said, seeing agricultural opportunities on the island as particularly promising.Dr. Hallila also shared how he has been keeping in touch with Dr. Azanza for this cooperation, and that the CatSU president has been very open to this cooperation.“We also wanted to partner with universities that have visionary leadership, and from what we saw, Catanduanes State University definitely has a clear plan and goals,” he said.“The Finnish government has identified several countries for future cooperation in higher education, and the Philippines is one of them. They see great potential for growth and progress in higher education here,” he emphasized, reaffirming the Finnish government's commitment to educational collaboration with CatSU.Still grateful for the partnership under the term of President Azanza, when CatSU has debuted in three global rankings, Dr. Hallila shared how strong leadership could achieve significant breakthroughs.“As the saying goes, if you don’t have a plan, any road will take you nowhere, but with a plan, you can achieve something significant—especially with strong leadership.” Meanwhile, after the signing, Dr. Hallila extended an invitation for future collaboration, encouraging CatSU to participate in their upcoming “International Days” event in February 2025.
𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒕Catanduanes State University (CatSU) has taken a significant step towards community empowerment and sustainable livelihoods with an innovative training session on processing "Turay" fish into bottled sardines and ice cream, held at the College of Industrial Technology’s SS FoodLab on July 12." 𝑷𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒉𝒂𝒃𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒖𝒉𝒂𝒚 𝒏𝒂 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒐 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒂 𝒔𝒂 𝒑𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚𝒂," said SUC President III Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, emphasizing the long-term benefits for the families of the 22 trainees, who are residents from Barangays Cabungahan and Manambrag, San Andres. This session marks the second run of the training, following the first all-women training for 60 participants held in Manambrag a few months ago.Under President Azanza's leadership, CatSU has consistently engaged in community outreach through its Padagos na Patanos Extension Service. The university's scientist-professors and extension service workers have diligently worked on initiatives to alleviate poverty and enhance industry standards in the province.The training, attended by Extension Service Director Dr. Adem Nalu V. Rubio and CIT Dean Dr. Edwin T. Romero, introduced participants to the production processes of Turay Sardines and Turay Ice Cream, focusing on creating marketable products from the province's abundant natural resources. They learned to make three flavors of Turay Ice Cream: sorbetes, plain, chili-infused.CatSU ensured full participation by providing transportation for the participants to the training venue. Prof. Tugay explained that in two days, a maximum of 80 bottles of Turay Sardines could be produced, with a break-even price of Php 139.12 per piece.President Azanza assured the marketability of the trainees' products, which will be showcased at the CatSU Pasalubong Center and ARDCI Mart. This initiative aims to provide the fisherfolk community with additional sources of income and sustainable livelihoods, creating new market opportunities and promising long-term progress for the families involved.
