Marking its 30th anniversary this year, the Agriculture Students Organization (ASO) has turned over its donation, which includes three native piglets and one sack of commercial feeds, to the College of Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF), this morning, April 4, 2025. CAF Dean Dr. Michael Owen P. Malijan, who founded the student organization on July 28, 1995, expressed his gratitude and emphasized how the piglets would be an invaluable resource for student learning. “These will be used by the students for instructional purposes, such as demonstrating castration, injection of biologics, vitamin supplementation, deworming, and other related activities,” ASO President Edmund Reyes expressed in his letter dated March 12, 2025, addressed to University Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba, Jr., seeking approval for the donation. In addition to supporting instruction, the donation, according to ASO, is intended to kick-start the native pig production under the CAF Livestock project and could eventually become part of the college’s Income Generating Project. The total value of the donation is 11,800 pesos, with the three piglets valued at 9,000 pesos and the 50-kilo sack of commercial feeds priced at 2,800 pesos. The turnover ceremony was led by ASO’s newly-elected president, Romel Evangelista, and officers, along with ASO adviser, Jhomann U. Socito, and was received by Dr. Malijan, who was joined by University Veterinarian Dr. John Joseph Camu, CAF Farm Foreman Renato Lopez, and Supply Unit Head Erlyn Tuno.
Aiming to combat food insecurity and bolster local livelihoods, the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) and its partners broke ground on the Improving Livelihood and Food Security Project at CatSU Panganiban Campus on April 2, 2025. Led by the Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs (REPA), the initiative teams up with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to boost local food sustainability. "Catanduanes faces constant typhoons and high poverty rates, causing recurring income loss during calamities," said REPA Vice President Dr. Rosana S. Abundo in her welcome remarks. "This project, which began planning in October 2024, will equip locals with skills that create real impact." Building on this, CRS Program Manager Errol Merquita detailed the project’s two main components: setting up a food processing hub and selecting beneficiary groups. “For 80 years, CRS has worked to ensure disaster-affected communities have food,” he said. “One key challenge is food security, particularly managing surplus during peak harvests. CatSU’s study confirms market demand for fish processing, and we’re counting on CatSU to help sustain this initiative through marketing and capacity-building.” Reinforcing this vision, CRS Country Representative Jonas Tetangco emphasized the project’s long-term vision. “This initiative represents a shared mission to help vulnerable communities become more resilient,” he stated. “Its impact will be far-reaching, fostering self-reliant local economies.” Welfare and Self-Reliance Manager Ma. Teresa Pangilinan of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints underscored the deeper goal of the project. “We’re not just planting seeds for livelihood but laying the foundation for lasting change and empowerment,” she said. “This is a shared mission of lifting others.” Echoing this sentiment, CatSU Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. hailed the project’s potential. “This symbolizes hope for Catandunganons,” he said. “It goes beyond relief—it strengthens communities. We are grateful for the trust placed in CatSU to lead this effort.” Local officials also echoed their support such as PDRRM Officer Luis Surtida Jr. and DOST Provincial Director Engr. Marie Grace T. Molina who pinned on the project’s impact on the crab industry and its role in enhancing the Catandunganon Food Research and Innovation Hub. Representing Mayor Cesar I. Robles, Ms. Helen V. Salvador reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to sustaining the initiative. Wrapping up the event, CatSU Panganiban Campus Director Dr. Jennifer A. Berces called for continued collaboration. “Let’s move forward together,” she said. “This is a step toward a future where every family has access to essential food resources.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints funded the facility with over P3 million for construction and an additional P500,000 for equipment, reinforcing its commitment to food security and sustainable livelihoods.
Following the three-day evaluation by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Bicol - Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT), the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) received recommendations to offer three new programs starting in 2025-2026 school year. The Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, and Bachelor of Science in Food Technology will be launched once the compliance documents are submitted to obtain the CHED permit to operate, which Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. assured evaluators that these will be fulfilled. From March 18-20, 2025, evaluators also provided positive feedback and recommendations to other existing programs at both the Virac and Panganiban campuses. RQAT members, along with CHED education supervisors led by Officer-in-Charge Chief Education Program Specialist Engr. Janet N. Naag, and Officer-in-Charge Supervising Education Program Specialist Dr. Jean Salalima-Go, commended the university’s facilities, such as the newly established Speech Laboratory, and suggested improvements in areas like staff development, library resources, and additional computers. Dr. Barba likewise expressed his appreciation to the evaluators and committed to meeting the necessary requirements for the issuance and re-issuance of Certificates of Program Compliance (CoPC) for the university’s programs. Programs evaluated for CoPC at the Virac campus included the Bachelor of Library and Information Systems, BS Entertainment and Multimedia Computing (Digital Animation and Game Development), BS Internal Auditing, Bachelor of Arts in English Language, BS Mathematics, AB Political Science, Bachelor of Industrial Technology (per major), BS Agriculture (per major), and Bachelor of Secondary Education (per major). At the Panganiban campus, the BS Agriculture program was evaluated for the re-issuance of CoPC per major. Other programs that underwent monitoring were the Bachelor of Public Administration, BS Biology, BS Economics, BS Information Systems, BS Information Technology, BS Computer Science, BS Accounting Information System, and BS Accountancy. This evaluation is in line with Republic Act 7722, or the "Higher Education Act of 1994," and CHED Memorandum Order No. 9, Series of 2023, which outlines the revised policies and guidelines for the issuance of CoPC to State Universities and Colleges and Local Universities and Colleges.
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) athletes shined in the 2025 Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) Games, hauling 88 medals—20 gold, 38 silver, and 30 bronze—marking a major leap from last season’s 13-gold tally. Battling against eight other Bicol universities, CatSU clinched 5th place overall in the meet, held from February 17 to 21 at Camarines Norte State College. Kudos to our athletes, coaches, and staff for this stellar run!
Juris Doctor student Cloyd Roland I. Bernardo and BS in Internal Auditing student Remy T. Teves of Catanduanes State University (CatSU) claimed their FAAV Sponsor-Based Philippine Scholarship Stipend Certificates on February 21. CatSU Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. and former CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, FAAV’s authorized representative, handed the certificates, affirming their inclusion in the program. Bernardo and Teves draw 50,000 pesos each for SY 2024-2025 under the Filipino-American Association of Vancouver (FAAV) grant. FAAV Scholarship Committee Chair Maria Rita Schaljo stated in a letter that the aid backs costs for books, transport, food, school supplies, tech, and other needs. Azanza, who helped link FAAV’s scholarship to CatSU along with Mr. Hurbert Gianan and Ms. Theresa Mallari, noted that the selection process was tough, ensuring that only deserving students gained support. Teves, an ROTC cadet and honor student, shared that the aid let her secure key books on internal auditing, easing her studies. OIC Barba urged scholars to grasp the rare break, stressing that both sponsors and CatSU expect them to rise in their fields.
In a tribute to National Arts Month, a poetry writeshop titled Balhag: Pagsulat ng mga Akdang Nakaugat sa Danas ng Komunidad was held on February 20, 2025, at the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Little Theater, sharpening the literary craft of participants through community-rooted storytelling. Mounted by the Sentro ng Wika at Kulturang Filipino (SWKF) in tandem with the Center for Culture and Arts - Hablon Dawani (CCA) and Virac-based Aklat Ulagad, the session pulled in aspiring poets eager to refine their voices. Dr. Allan C. Popa, renowned writer, author, and editor, urged participants to mine their communities for poetic material, asserting that the most resonant narratives often emerge from lived experiences. He pressed writers to embrace the depth of local culture, to reinforce the power of intimate, place-based storytelling. Attendees sharpened their skills through guided writing exercises, with select participants stepping forward to deliver their freshly penned works before the audience. CCA-Hablon Dawani Director Santos G. Sorra Jr. kicked off the event, while Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs Dr. Rosana S. Abundo extended institutional support in a brief message. Capping the session, SWKF Director Dr. Jovert R. Balunsay commended the participants and lauded Popa for steering the conversation toward a deeper appreciation of community-driven poetry.
“Let’s make it happen. Let’s make it Bicol.” This was the challenge posed by CHED Regional Director Dr. Demetrio P. Anduyan Jr., CESO III, as he urged student journalists to dominate the Luzon-wide Higher Education Press Conference (LHEPC). Speaking at the opening of the 22nd Regional Tertiary Schools Press Conference (RTSPC) at Catanduanes State University (CatSU), Anduyan rallied the 416 participants from 33 student publications to sharpen their craft and take responsibility for their influence. “We have this RTSPC as we wish to add more to the reservoir of talents in our region—more presentable and confident personalities with the ability to write and present information accurately and concisely,” he stressed. Anduyan, a former TESDA provincial director in Catanduanes, praised the record turnout, noting that Bicol’s participation had tripled compared to other regional press conferences. He challenged the campus scribes to push the region to the top, declaring that five of the ten best LHEPC winners should come from Bicol. “Be a good influencer,” he urged, reminding student journalists to uphold truth and public welfare in their writing. The RTSPC, co-hosted by the Association of Tertiary Schools Publication Advisers of Bicol, Inc. (ATSPAB), features competitions in individual and group journalism categories. The top five winners in each event, along with the champion in Radio Script Writing and Broadcasting, will advance to LHEPC in Lucban, Quezon, from April 2 to 4.
The Catanduanes State University successfully passed its first surveillance audit for its ISO 9001:2015 certification evaluated by the representatives from TUV Rheinland Philippines, Inc., on February 25. With the College of Health Sciences’ "very high passing rate" in the nursing board exam over the past two years, the auditors lauded the university’s above the national average performance. They also noted the implementation of the Quality Management System (QMS) in university documents. Meanwhile, for areas that need further improvements, the auditors made some recommendations. The audit team, led by Ms. Lynn Gerzon with auditors Ms. Mary Grace Balobalo, Ms. Jessy Jessica Rosit, Mr. Eufronio Alonzo, and Mr. Rafael Magsino, confirmed that CatSU complied with the ISO 9001:2015 standards with no major non-conformities. “The Catanduanes State University has established and maintains an effective system to ensure compliance with its policy and objectives. The audit team confirms that the organization’s management system complies with, adequately maintains and implements the requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 standard,” the lead auditor expressed. The audit began with an Opening Meeting attended by top university management and unit heads on February 24, followed by an audit to assess compliance with the certified management systems. Interviews were conducted with key officials from both Main and Panganiban campuses to verify conformance on the processes. Class observations were also carried out in colleges and laboratory schools. Joining the closing meeting were ISO Chairperson and Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs Engr. Benjamin Hannycel T. Nuyda, and Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba, along with other officials from top management and unit heads.
Political Science team from Catanduanes State University (CatSU) ruled the 2nd Bicol Political Science Consortium on February 21-22, 2025, at the University of Nueva Caceres, Naga City, beating teams from Ateneo de Naga University, Bicol College, the University of Northeastern Philippines, the University of Saint Anthony, and the host UNC. Czymon Balmadrid, Mikayla Soliveres, and Joshua Cariño topped the Politica Scientia Quiz Bee, while Aira Suplig seized 2nd place in Extemporaneous Speech. The 31-member team, led by Asst. Prof. Kristine Anne Razal and PSS Adviser Mr. Jobesan Yusores, also joined forums with lawyer-speakers, including senatorial aspirant Atty. Luke Espiritu, tackling elections, human rights, and political dynasties. During their courtesy call to OIC President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., he praised their wins and hailed the Political Science Society’s role in pushing CatSU’s mark of excellence. The team also set plans with OIC Barba for CatSU’s bid to host next year’s meet, which would raise the program’s name across Bicol. With report from Mr. Jobesan Yusores
Inaugurated on June 28, 2024, the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) College of Law officially became a member of the Philippine Association of Law Schools (PALS) when Dean Atty. Santiago T. Gabionza Jr. and Associate Dean Atty. Gregorio M. Sarmiento Jr. represented the institution and joined the 2025 PALS Annual Convention. The CatSU-College of Law was one of the law schools in the country that received an invitation letter dated November 29, 2024, from PALS President Teodoro A. Pastrana for the event, recognizing its successful membership application to the organization. In collaboration with the Legal Education Board (LEB), the three-day in-person convention brought together law school deans, assistant deans, and professors from across the country to exchange insights, share best practices, and strengthen partnerships between PALS and LEB. Notable speakers included Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, Associate Justice Amy C. Lazaro-Javier, chairperson of the 2025 Bar Examinations, and Associate Justice Mario V. Lopez, chairperson of the 2024 Bar Examinations. With the theme "Excellence in Legal Education: Transforming Society through LEB-PALS Collaboration," the convention took place from January 20 to 22, 2025, at the Park Inn by Radisson Clark, Clark Freeport Zone, Mabalacat City, Pampanga.
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) has landed in the January 2025 Webometrics Ranking of World Universities. Released on Jan. 27, the rankings evaluate universities based on online presence, research impact, and visibility. The latest report remains in its beta phase, with details on specific assessment areas—Impact, Openness, and Excellence—yet to be finalized. Webometrics, published biannually by the Cybermetrics Lab under Spain’s National Research Council (CSIC), measures how institutions share research online. Meanwhile, CatSU pushes to enter the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Stars Rating Audit, a move proposed to gain institutional insights from a global source by receiving a comprehensive analysis of the university’s strengths and weaknesses. This initiative aims to assist CatSU in its levelling as a State University and College (SUC) and attract both domestic and international students. Under OIC Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., the university builds on the legacy of former President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, who led CatSU’s inclusion in major global rankings like THE Impact Rankings, WURI, and UI Green Metric, where it ranked 8th in the Philippines and 481st worldwide. CHED recognizes QS, THE, and WURI as key global ranking bodies under the Transnational Higher Education Act (RA 11448).
Creativity thrived at Catanduanes State University as CatSU and the Catanduanes Provincial Police Office (CatPPO) launched Women’s Month with a creative crafts workshop, March 5, 2025 at the CatSU Extension Training Hall. Over 80 policewomen and non-uniformed personnel teamed up in crochet, card making, corsage crafting, and certificate holder production. Dr. Rosana S. Abundo, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs, stood in for Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., who is attending the 2025 SUC first quarter governing meeting in Marikina. She lauded the CatSU-CatPPO partnership, citing its personal and professional impact on participants. CatPPO Provincial Director PCol Edward D. Quijano, through his representative, pushed the event’s aim to spark creativity, resilience, and resourcefulness among CatPPO’s women personnel. He also linked this year’s theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” to a vision of inclusive progress. The College of Industrial Technology led the workshop, with Extension Coordinator Jade Jean P. Uchi and CIT Indigenous Creative Crafts Manager Jeiscelle Tomagan steering the activities. Tomagan pointed out that the certificate holder-making activity supports local abaca farmers by using abaca-based materials.
