This year’s Premio Etasor 2.0, a local poetry tilt in Bikol-Catandunganon, drew 25 entries — many penned by young, first-time poets finding voice in their mother tongue. Held at the CatSU Accreditation Room on May 26, the event doubled as an awarding ceremony and book launch, with students and emerging writers sharing space with literary veterans. The contest, now in its second year, honors the legacy of Efren “Etasor” Sorra, a homegrown poet and artist known for championing local language and culture. The tilt is open to all Catandunganons — students, professionals, freelancers, and even those based outside the island. Entries this year came from fresh voices, writing about field work, faith, folk beliefs, longing, and the island’s shifting landscape. Literary journal Tagama (Isyu 1), published by Aklat Ulagad launched its new issue, Kalabira, an anthology of Premio Etasor 2024 winners and select submissions. Each attendee received a copy of Tagama. Winners received books from Aklat Ulagad, along with cash prizes: ₱5,000 for first, ₱3,000 for second, and ₱2,000 for third. Honorable mentions also brought home books from Aklat Ulagad. Karyl Tugay, a CatSU BSED English major, topped the contest with her suite Tunton Balagon, Siram, and Parauma. Fausto Sarmiento and Ian Victor Antonio placed second and third, respectively., while Joshua Marino and Jane Bermejo earned honorable mention. Judges included poet-critic Dr. Alan C. Popa, ESCOM Director Reashiela L. Khan, and national award-winning author Napoleon I. Arcilla III, who also happens to clinch the top spot in last year's Premio. CatSU OIC President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. also took part — throwing in a message of support and reading his own poem during the program. A Certificate of Appreciation was also awarded to Governor-elect Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, former CatSU president and event sponsor. Premio Etasor 2.0 is organized by the Catanduanes State University Sentro ng Wika at Kulturang Filipino, headed by Dr. Jovert R. Balunsay, in partnership with Aklat Ulagad.
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) achieved a milestone by securing 2nd runner-up in the 2025 Institute of Computer Engineers of the Philippines (ICpEP) National CPE Challenge Quiz Bowl—the university’s first-ever national placement since it joined in 2018. Held on May 9, 2025, at the National University Fairview Campus in Quezon City, the event featured top teams from 15 regions. CatSU’s team, composed of Computer Engineering students Mae Carla M. Reyes and Jouse T. Martinez (both 4th year), and Gian Ray G. Sarmiento (3rd year), tied for first place in the main round with 54 out of 60 points alongside Notre Dame of Dadiangas University (NDDU, Region 12) and the University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R, Region 7). A clincher round determined the final rankings. Although all three teams answered correctly, USJ-R was the first to raise its answer board and was declared champion, followed by NDDU (1st runner-up) and CatSU (2nd runner-up). Under the mentorship of Engr. Morris U. Aquino, the students credited their performance to thorough preparation, noting that nearly half of the questions—covering computer engineering concepts, programming, and data structures—had been encountered during online reviews and lectures. “We hope our achievement inspires future Computer Engineering students to aim for national recognition in the ICpEP quiz bowl,” the team shared. “Preparation and teamwork are key—once you compete, every answer becomes a team answer.” On May 26, the team presented their plaque of recognition during a courtesy visit to Dr. Gemma G. Acedo, CatSU Vice President for Academic Affairs. The team earned its spot to represent the Bicol Region after winning the regional round, coached by Engr. Donita Mae Teano, where they outperformed six other schools last January 2025.
“You are not the end product of ROTC—you are the starting point of something bigger.” Catanduanes State University (CatSU) OIC President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. struck both challenge and clarity as he addressed 346 graduates of the Basic ROTC program during the ROTC Graduation and Turnover of Command Ceremony held May 26, with 30 first class cadets and 20 end class cadets completing their final leg of training. With MAJ Renato T. Gianan (INF) PA as the guest of honor, the ceremony marked not just a turnover of saber and command but also of civic duty—one that Barba stressed must live beyond the parade ground. “Let’s get real. Maraming sumali sa ROTC hindi agad dahil sa tapang,” he said. “Minsan, dahil required. Minsan, dahil barkada. O minsan… kasi hindi kasya sa schedule ang NSTP Literacy Training.” But Barba said what began as compliance has now become a symbol of commitment. “You started with a requirement, and now you're graduating with a responsibility,” he declared. The event, held at the university auditorium, also witnessed the symbolic Saber Turnover and Ceremonial Entry of New Reservists, traditions that signify continuity and readiness to serve. Barba reminded the cadets that real life offers no formations, and no drills—just moments that test one's values when no one is watching. “In life, there’s no ‘ready front, march!’ before you enter a job. Walang ‘at ease’ kapag nasasaktan. But the mindset? You’ve built it here,” he said. He framed ROTC as one of the few programs in the country that doesn’t just train young people to salute—but to serve. “ROTC ang isa sa kakaunti kung saan tinuturuan hindi lang sumunod, kundi manindigan. Hindi lang mag-martsa, kundi magmahal sa bayan.” With nearly 14 million Filipinos aged 15 to 24, Barba posed a challenge: how many are trained to lead, to obey when it’s inconvenient, and to step up under pressure? “The saber isn’t passed because someone is strong. It’s passed because someone is willing.” He called on cadets to carry their training beyond ROTC—into homes, workplaces, and communities. “Serve harder. Lead humbler. You are a seed of the next leadership generation. Sana hindi kayo tumubo sa lupa ng yabang o takot, kundi sa lupa ng paglilingkod.”
He packed humility, boarded a bus, and left Catanduanes with nothing but grit and a dream. Moises T. Apanti, a BSEd Social Studies student from Catanduanes State University, did not expect to place. He barely had time to prep. Still, he came home with a silver medal from the 2nd National Teachers Education Quiz Bee (NTEQ) held in Manila, May 15–16. The contest, hosted by the Carl E. Balita Review Center (CBRC), wasn’t your average quiz bee. It tested not just brainpower but tech skills and teaching grit. Scores were based on two rounds: a Quiz Bee proper (70%) and a Skill Showdown (30%) that mixed pedagogy with AI and tech know-how. Winners weren’t just smart—they had to be agile, adaptive, and future-ready. To top it off, CBRC required each contestant to build a “Helpline”—a core team of faculty and classmates who served as academic and technical lifelines throughout the competition. Before reaching the nationals, Apanti ranked 2nd in CatSU and bagged 1st place in the provincial leg. In Manila, the stakes rose—but so did his spirit. Backed by his coach, Prof. Amy T. Moraña, Mr. Mark J. Bonifacio, and a squad of senior BSEd students in Social Studies, Science, and Math, Apanti battled through brain-breaking rounds and held his own. His medal wasn’t just for him—it was for the island. He also thanked the CBRC Catanduanes team, led by Ms. Gladelyn Talan, for keeping him grounded, focused, and fueled. Apanti didn’t just win hardware. He and other participants also joined a six-hour RAISE Education Conference—a deep dive into Robotics, AI, and Smart Ed. The talks tackled how teachers can survive—and thrive—in the age of the 5th Industrial Revolution. Now back in Catanduanes, Apanti sets his sights on his next mountain: the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT) this September. He draws strength from those who climbed before him, especially Kharlos Miguel Bautista, a fellow CatSU grad who landed 8th place in the 2024 LEPT.
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Unit improved its standing from 6th place last year to 5th place in the 2025 Regional Annual Administrative and Tactical Inspection (RAATI) among 18 ROTC units in the Bicol Region. With a score of 91.05%, the CatSU ROTC Unit also received three special awards: Best in Unit Briefing, Best in First Aid, and Best in Inspection of Ranks. The awarding ceremony took place on May 10 at Camp Elias Angeles in Pili, Camarines Sur, and the plaques were received by Cadet Colonel Kiel Benedick M. Gianan, the Corps Commander, and ROTC Coordinator Ike U. Marquez. Major General Noe Alberto Q. Peñafiel, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division, served as the guest of honor and speaker at the event. Conducted at CatSU last April 26, the RAATI is an essential mechanism for evaluating the preparedness and operational efficiency of the ROTC unit. Leading the 2025 RAATI were Central Bicol State University of Agriculture – Sipocot Campus (92.25%), Bicol University (92.04%), Tiwi Community College (91.94%), and CBSUA – Pili Campus (91.05%).
Some walked a little faster, some slower. A few with tears they didn’t try to hide. But all 148 stepped onto the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) gymnasium stage on May 19, 2025—not just to receive a certificate, but to mark the moment they crossed from nursing students to clinical graduates. They had survived simulations and sleepless nights, juggled duty calls and deadlines, endured internal battles and hospital corridors. And now, in a sea of white uniforms and roaring applause, they arrived. “Hindi lang kayo nakaakyat ng stage. Nakakatawid kayo sa panibagong yugto,” said CatSU Officer-in-Charge President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., in a speech that broke from the usual script. “From theories to touch. From handouts to healing. From silence in simulation labs to the noise and nuance of real lives.” Barba acknowledged not just the perseverance of the nursing graduates, but also the sacrifices of their families and the commitment of the faculty behind their journey. “To your parents—salamat po. You trusted your sons and daughters to CatSU. Sa aming mga kamay. We hope we have returned that trust well—with learning that is rooted, rigorous, and real,” he said. Barba also credited the clinical supervisors, instructors, and Dean Dr. Maria Alma V. Tabirara, for turning science into something “makatao”—a nursing education that doesn’t only teach what’s clinical but what’s critical. “Ngayon, nandito tayo. A transition. A turning point. Not the end of learning—but the beginning of doing,” he reminded the graduates, before introducing a man whose lived experience in the field echoed that very truth. 'You are armed with heart' Dr. Roel V. Evangelista, the evening’s guest speaker, did not romanticize the path ahead. Instead, he drew from the rawness of real-life service—maternal and child care, vaccination drives, outreach efforts that brought healing far beyond hospital walls. “Healing is not just about treatment,” Evangelista told the 148 graduates. “It is about presence. The way you listen. The comfort you offer. The dignity you uphold in every patient you serve.” He urged the graduates to remain not only competent, but compassionate. “As CatSUan nurses, you are not only equipped with knowledge—you are armed with heart. In a world that continues to recover from the pandemic, from the inequities in health care, from the mental strain of modern living—we need nurses like you,” he said. 'This dream is for you' For Hazel Talan, named Outstanding Student Nurse of the night, the journey has been nothing short of sacred. Her voice cracked as she addressed her fellow nursing students, recalling the chaos, the exhaustion, the almosts and the breakthroughs. “To Mom and Dad—no words will ever be enough,” she said. “You poured out your blood, sweat, and tears just to get me through nursing school. This success, this moment, this dream—it’s all for you.” To her batchmates, Talan declared: “We didn’t just survive nursing school. We conquered it. And that is something no one can ever take away from us.” Her message was clear: The struggle was real, but so is the strength they’ve built. And now, they face the Board exams—and the world—together. Beyond the white coats As the evening closed, Barba left the graduates with a challenge: “Suit up. Heal. Serve. Transform. Because you are CatSUan. You are called. You are ready.” From handouts to healing—CatSU’s 148 clinical graduates are stepping forward. And the world, with all its wounds and wonders, is waiting.
Around 60 students from Catanduanes State University (CatSU) and the Christian Polytechnic Institute of Catanduanes (CPIC) joined the Water Search and Rescue Orientation and Rubber Boat Handling Demonstration on Thursday, May 15, organized by the National Service Training Program (NSTP). The event was held in collaboration with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) – Coast Guard Station Catanduanes, the Special Operations Unit – Catanduanes, led by Commander CPO Noel C. Bausa, and the Coast Guard District Bicol. According to the Coast Guard Station – Catanduanes, the training aimed to increase awareness among youth about water rescue operations and the correct use of rescue equipment during maritime emergencies. ROTC Coordinator Ike U. Marquez welcomed the CatSU-NSTP students, CPIC criminology students, and PCG personnel. The orientation included lectures and practical demonstrations designed to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills in water survival, emergency response, and maritime safety. Topics covered included swimming techniques, water entry methods, swimming carries, underwater searches, grabbing and escape procedures, and basic life support and first aid. Participants engaged in various hands-on activities such as knot tying, rubber boat handling, and group exercises, with male and female students forming separate groups. Each team had the chance to practice handling a rubber boat under the guidance of PCG personnel.
To maintain a drug-free campus, the newly appointed chief of Virac Municipal Police Station, PLtCol Louie Manuel Dela Peña, who holds a degree in Public Safety and Narcotics, urged Catanduanes State University (CatSU) students to "stay fit, stay healthy, and stay away from illegal drugs" during the Drug Abuse Prevention Education on May 9, 2025. Dela Peña, who previously served as the deputy provincial director for administration at the Catanduanes Police Provincial Office (CatPPO), also emphasized the importance of obeying parents to avoid falling into the trap of illegal drug use. “Unang bagay na gagawin ninyo — sumunod kayo sa magulang ninyo, kasi once ma-involve kayo sa drugs, kawawa ang mga magulang ninyo. Wala ‘yang maidudulot na maganda,” he told the students. Held at CatSU Auditorium, the whole day event was organized by the University Student Council (USC) in partnership with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) of Catanduanes and the Catanduanes Police Provincial Office (CatPPO). Student Regent and USC President Virgilio Cortado, Jr. encouraged his fellow students to promote a university campus that excels academically while upholding strong moral values to combat illegal drug abuse. “Together, let us build a university that is not only excellent in academics but also strong in values—a university that says No to Drugs and Yes to Life,” Cortado stated. In the afternoon, participants engaged in a plenary discussion titled “The Science of Addiction,” which explored the physiological and psychological mechanisms of substance abuse. A follow-up discussion examined the connections between mental health, poverty, and other root causes of drug use. The program concluded with the signing of a Drug-Free Leadership Pledge.
The creative scene in Catanduanes just got a major jolt. Key government officials, private sector leaders, and cultural advocates converged on May 5 at the ARDCI Skydeck for the first organizational meeting of the Catanduanes Creative Development Council (CCDC)—a bold step aligned with the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (RA 11904). This isn’t just another meeting. It’s the island’s official kickoff into the ₱1.72-trillion creative economy, which—according to the Philippine Statistics Authority—accounted for 7.1% of the country’s GDP in 2023. RA 11904 aims to protect Filipino creativity, grow homegrown talents, and professionalize the country's creative sectors—from performance to tech, heritage to design. At the table: soon-to-be ex-officio and regular members of the council, handpicked from local government offices, national agencies, and Catanduanes’ budding creative industries. Think: audiovisual media, interactive platforms, creative services, publishing, performance, design, cultural sites, and indigenous expressions—a full spectrum of imagination turned livelihood. Representing Catanduanes State University (CatSU) were Dir. Santos G. Sorra Jr. of the Center for Culture and Arts and Dir. Francis B. Tatel of the Center for Catandungan Heritage—both bringing institutional muscle to the culture table. But this wasn’t just about titles. Attendees rolled up sleeves to sketch initial plans for creative programs and projects that could fuel tourism, unlock investments, and finally give Catandunganon artists the spotlight they’ve long deserved. The CCDC is now set to become the island’s creative nerve center—an idea factory, a support hub, and a rallying point for anyone who believes culture is currency. And if the day’s turnout is any sign, Catanduanes is more than ready to make its creative mark.
Abaca takes centerstage again—and Catanduanes State University (CatSU) is all in. CatSU throws its full support behind Abacanobasyon Year 3, a celebration of science, resilience, and local ingenuity spearheaded by the DOST Provincial Science and Technology Office–Catanduanes, happening May 20–21 in San Miguel town. In a letter from Engr. Marie Grace T. Molina, Provincial S&T Director, CatSU’s Abaca Technology Innovation Center (ATIC) and Research and Development Services were invited to mount an exhibit showcasing breakthrough innovations developed right on campus. This isn’t just about flaunting tech—it’s about rebuilding stories. San Miguel, a Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST) area, was among the hardest-hit when STY Pepito battered the province in November 2024. Thousands of hectares of abaca plantations were laid to waste. That’s why holding this year’s celebration there is more than logistics—it’s symbolic. Themed “Transforming Impacts into Directions and Opportunities for Growth (TINDOG) Abaca”, the event name cleverly echoes “tindog,” the Bicol term for “stand”—a rallying cry for a sector that refuses to stay down. Abacanobasyon Year 3 is set to be more than an exhibit. It’s a convergence: a venue to showcase progress in abaca farming and processing, spark dialogue, and push for collaborative solutions among stakeholders. Expect learning sessions, partnerships, and knowledge transfer—all centered around resilient, value-driven abaca production. CatSU, a long-time DOST partner, continues to be a powerhouse in abaca innovation, bridging lab breakthroughs with grassroots impact. Expected to deliver messages of support during the opening program are CatSU OIC President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., along with key industry and government leaders: Ace William R. Tria (Provincial Agriculturist), Roberto B. Lusuegro (PhilFIDA), Maria Belma Q. Esqueta (DTI), Jaysel T. Evangelista Tapel (PCA), and Joshua O. Tador (JCI Catanduanes).
The race for the highest seat at Catanduanes State University just got real. Three contenders—each with credentials and a case to make—stood before the public today, May 14, in a high-stakes forum that could shape the university’s next years. Held at the University Auditorium and witnessed by hundreds on-site and thousands more via livestream on CatSU’s official Facebook page, the public forum gave the community a front-row seat to leadership in the making. Before the pitch came the premise—and it hit hard. “This isn’t just another forum,” said CatSU Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. “This is a compass moment. A pause. A pulse check. A choice.” Speaking with the weight of legacy behind him, Barba framed the day as more than academic. He threw it back—VNATS in 1961, CSC in 1971, and finally, the birth of CatSU in 2012—milestones built, he said, on grit, patience, and “quiet labor.” “CatSU isn’t just a name on a gate. It’s a book, rewritten by time and people,” he said, nodding to faculty who taught through brownouts and staff who stayed late while no one watched. “They’re not just figures in history—they're the reason we’re here.” And now, the university stands on another threshold. Barba didn’t sugarcoat it: The presidency isn’t a prize. It’s a burden—best carried with humility, heart, and a whole lot of listening. “To whoever is entrusted,” he said, “this isn’t a crown. It’s a calling.” The three candidates vying for the post are Dr. Gemma G. Acedo, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Maria Edna R. Inigo, former Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs; and Dr. Alex H. Navarroza, former President of Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST). The Search Committee for President (SCP) is composed of respected academic and civic figures: Chairperson Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo and members Prof. Maria Concepcion V. Marquez, Rev. Fr. Paul I. Isorena, Dr. Faye Lea Patria M. Lauraya, and Dr. Raul F. Muyong. This afternoon, the process deepens as the three candidates face the committee behind closed doors for the panel interview, a critical step in deciding who will take the helm. So now, CatSU watches—and waits. Three contenders. One chair. The future? Still unwritten.
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.
