๐ฐ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐-๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐จ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ซ๐. ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐๐๐Catanduanes State University (CatSU) was the center of knowledge exchange and collaboration as it hosted a seminar on "Climate, Humans, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change" on February 6 at the CatSU auditorium.Spearheaded by the CatSU Center for Island Climate Change Solutions (CICCS) and its Director Engr. Dexter M. Toyado, in coordination with Balik-Scientist Awardee, Dr. Deborah N. Tangunan, the event drew significant interest from over 500 students and faculty of the university, representing the College of Science, College of Agriculture and Fisheries, and College of Engineering and Architecture.The seminar aimed to shed light on the intricate relationship between climate change and human activities, with a focus on the findings and recommendations of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Dr. Tangunan, a distinguished recipient of the Balik-Scientist Award from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), served as the keynote speaker, sharing her expertise and insights on the subject matter.In her talk, Dr. Tangunan emphasized the impact of climate change on human life, citing examples such as increased flooding and the necessity for agricultural adaptations during planting and harvesting seasons, and also discussion on the Earth's climate, its current trajectory, and the potential implications for future generations, pinning on the urgency of addressing climate-related challenges.Meanwhile, on the topic "Climate and Marine Biodiversity", College of Science faculty, Mr. Aljon Francis Koji P. Elegado, discussed how climate change affects marine life and ecosystems. He also shared how marine ecosystems offer solutions and processes to adapt to climate change.Expressing his gratitude, CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza thanked Dr. Tangunan for selecting CatSU as the host institution for her tenure in Catanduanes. He then articulated the university's aspiration to be recognized in the World University Rankings, emphasizing the importance of collaborations such as this to achieve that goal.โWe aim to be included in the World University Rankings, so collaborating with Dr. Tangunan and the DOST Balik-Scientist Awardee Program, we hope that we can be able to achieve that,โ the President said. Committed to advancing research and education initiatives that contribute to addressing pressing environmental concerns, CatSU is eagerly anticipating more avenues for knowledge dissemination, dialogue, and raising awareness on climate change within local communities during Dr. Tangunan's tenure at CatSU.
๐จ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ With flickering hope and enthusiasm, hundreds of pre-service teachers marched together with their parents and guardians on Wednesday, January 31, to celebrate their 5th Pinning and Torch Lighting Ceremony, marking the start of their teaching internship journey. With the theme โSeedbed of Globally Competitive Future Educators,โ College of Education (COEd) Dean Dr. Maria Sheila R. Gregorio, applauded the dedication and perseverance of the pre-service teachers, including their parents, for reaching this milestone. โI am grateful that you have chosen to be our next generation of teachers because those seven semesters are no joke. You persevered to withstand the weakening of academics despite the [many] adversities and difficulties in this competitive education, and you made it this far with your parents,โ she exclaimed. โTo our pre-service teachers, continue to grow, learn, and lead. You are not just the future; you are the present, making a difference today that will reverberate across generations,โ Dr. Gregorio concluded. Unfolding the reality in the teaching profession, Catanduanes State University (CatSU) President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza expressed that the teaching profession requires โsacrificeโ as difficulties co-existed in the profession. โMinsan malakaw kamo sa baha, minsan may bagyo, maamay na mamata, all the sacrifices, even stories of teachers crossing rivers and climbing mountains whenever they are assigned to far-flung areas just to deliver the services to our children,โ he told the future educators as they convened inside the university gymnasium. โAng pagiging maestro buda maestra maagi sa pagsakripisyo," he implored. Echoing similar sentiment from an official of the education department, Schools Division Superintendent of Catanduanes Socorro V. Dela Rosa, CESO V, shared the various adversities in teaching, including the โlow salaryโ, but these would โblurโ out with the teachersโ commitment and determination to educate the future generation. โI have understood that teaching entails a lot of sacrifices, the distance that makes you apart from your family, the difficulty in traveling, which will take you a day to reach the place, the low salary you have to budget, let both ends meet, โyong paglalakad sa baha, โyong paggising nang maaga, and a lot more. But again, commitment and strong determination blurred all of these,โ she stressed. Describing the pre-service teachers as โbearers of knowledgeโ, the superintendent also believed that they are โnow prepared to become a teacher committed to solving the sins of learning for every child, and light that will illuminate the dark world through teaching and learning.โ
Emphasizing the crucial role of attitude in shaping one's success, SUC President III Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, echoed Zig Ziglarโs quote, โYour attitude will determine your altitudeโ to incoming student interns from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUMSS) during a Pre-Internship Seminar held at the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) auditorium, January 31, 2024. Ms. Julienne Christine B. Tolentino, Senior Human Resource Specialist of the Civil Service Commission - Catanduanes Field Office, pinned on similar sentiments highlighting the importance of working with passion and giving one's hundred percent, providing a foundation for success in the professional world.โWhen it comes to working, it is important to work with passion, and always give your hundred percent,โ Tolentino said, further urging students to uphold professionalism, follow a strong work ethic, and be mindful of workplace etiquette.The seminar, attended by students from BA Political Science, BS Economics, and Bachelor's in Public Administration, aimed to prepare them for their off-campus internships. Led by Dr. Jimmylen Z. Tonio (Dean of CHUMSS), Prof. Josephine V. Torrente (GAD College Coordinator), Dr. Rommel R. Regala (Chairperson, Social Science Department), and respective Internship Coordinators, the event focused on creating safe spaces for future professionals, promoting work ethics, values, and addressing sexual harassment in the workplace.The seminar also featured Atty. Jozem Niรฑo I. Morales, who provided insights into the Sexual Harassment and Safe Spaces Act, offering practical advice on addressing workplace harassment within the legal framework.
As part of the institutionalization of the Balik-Scientist Program (BSP) under Republic Act No. 11035 which aims to strengthen the scientific and human resources of the academe and public and private institutions, including locally registered enterprises to promote knowledge sharing and accelerate the flow of new technologies into the country, a DOST Balik-Scientist Program Meet and Greet was held at CatSU Accreditation Room, January 29, 2024. The event was in collaboration with the universityโs International Relations and Continuing Professional Development Services office, led by its Director, Prof. Zyra Mae T. Tumala, and Climate Change Solutions Office, headed by Dr. Dexter M. Toyado. Attended by faculty members and students from the College of Science, College of Education, and College of Agriculture & Fisheries, the event highlighted Dr. Deborah N. Tangunan of Cardiff University School of Earth and Environmental Sciences (EARTH), Cardiff, United Kingdom, a DOST Balik-Scientist Program Awardee for CatSU 2024. In his welcome speech, Prof. Vicente Padilla, Dean of the College of Science, expressed his affirmation of support to the Balik-Scientist Program and thanking Dr. Tangunan for choosing Catanduanes State University as the recipient of her engagement. At the outset, Dr. Rosana S. Abundo, Vice President for Research, Extension and Production Affairs thanked the organizers and DOST as this is the first time that CatSU hosted the BSP through the universityโs Center for Climate Change Solutions. Dr. Abundo emphasized two points in viewing the BSP in relation to the Catandunganons and as individuals, with first as Values of Gratitude, and the second as Spirit of Bayanihan. โBSP gives back and shares the knowledge and expertise for the advancement of research and development of the province. For the โbayanihanโ, it is basically part of our culture. Letโs take all these as an opportunity. Let us altogether navigate this path towards a sustainable future for CatSU,โ she said. Dr. Deborah N. Tangunan, with a vision of imparting knowledge, is expected to bring a wealth of expertise in biogeochemistry and paleoclimate research. Her research aligns seamlessly with the instructional, research, and extension activities pursued by the institution. Also in attendance were Faculty Regent Prof. Danilo O. Murillo, and Vice President for Administrative & Financial Affairs, Engr. Benjamin Hannycel T. Nuyda, and Executive Vice President, Dr. Robert B. Barba Jr. Dr. Tangunan aims to offer workshops to interested students with linked topics, propose and contribute through advanced scientific knowledge, and showcase the geological history of Catanduanes. Throughout her informative talk, she shows her interest in collaborating with the students in studying with her proposed activities. Prior to this Meet and Greet event, Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) personnel Mr. Sherwin Delos Reyes, visited CatSU on January 4, 2024, and met with President, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, in line with the signing of Contract of Award of Dr. Deborah N. Tangunan under the Balik Scientist Program. ๐ฎ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ฒ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐Dr. Deborah Tangunan is a geologist and climate scientist and currently a Marie Sklodowska Curie Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences in Cardiff University, United Kingdom. She works on the biochemistry of marine phytoplankton, and what they can tell us about past climate, ecology, ocean productivity, and marine carbonate chemistry, to better understand the present and future climate scenarios. She obtained her BS degree in Agriculture major in Soil Science and MS degree in Geology at the University of the Philippines in Los Baรฑos and Diliman, respectively, before moving to Germany to undertake her PhD in Geosciences at the University of Bremen, while working as a research scientist at the Center for Marine Environmental Sciences. After earning her PhD in 2017, she then took a role as a Postdoctoral Investigator at the University of Salamanca in Spain and is now working on her project funded by the European Research Council in Cardiff University. Dr. Tangunan is also keen on outreach work, participating in the Once Upon a Time series of science short stories, written to engage the public about climate change and the importance of the marine environment, and has taken part in and won a number of science engagement and impact activities and grants such as Science slams, Falling Walls Lab, American Geophysical Union Centennial grant, among others. In 2019, she had a short stint as a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Balik Scientist, with the UP Institute of Environmental Sciences as the host institution. With CatSU CICCS and the College of Science as host institution, Dr. Tangunan aims to collaborate with CatSU researchers, scientists, and faculty in the fields of climate, oceanography, and geosciences. Dr. Tangunan hails from Lanao, Virac, Catanduanes, such a Catandunganon pride.
Intended for the universityโs techno-demo farm, the Catanduanes State University, through the Academe for Community Empowerment Through Holistic and Ecosystem-Based Approach for Mangrove Crab Sustainability (ACE-HEMS), received one Starlink kit from Help.NGO.Sponsored by Amazon Web Services (AWS), the donated satellite communication kit was personally accepted by ACE-HEMS head, Professor Jimmy T. Masagca, from Help.NGO officials led by Philippines Innovation and IT Director Matthew Cua on Monday, January 29. It can be noted that one of the development goals under the present administration of University President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza is partnering with reputable private entities โto help broaden knowledge, skills, and values that protect the natural environment and promote the achievement of sustainable development.โAligning with this goal, as the Starlink kit satellite takes its place at CatSU's techno-demo farm, there is optimism that this technology will greatly support ACE-HEMS initiatives and the university's commitment to mangrove crab sustainability.
๐จ ๐บ๐๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฉ๐ Hundreds of the faithful flocked to the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) main building lobby on Monday, January 29, to witness the first-class relic of St. Padre Pio.The venerated relic of the 20th-century Saint was welcomed by University President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, along with key officials, employees, and students.Rev. Fr. Leonell A. Magtagnob presided over the healing mass, emphasizing in the homily that relics are not worshiped but treated with religious respect.โTouching or praying in the presence of such an object helps a faithful individual focus on the saint's life and virtues so that, through the saint's prayer or intercession before God, the individual will be drawn closer to God,โ the priest-celebrant said.A Prayer Vigil led by the University Campus Ministry followed after the mass, before the relic was sent off to Immaculate Conception Seminary Academy (ICSA).St. Padre Pio, who spent most of his life in monasteries in San Giovanni Rotondo and Pietrelcina, became famous for his healing abilities, drawing thousands of people from around the world to visit him.He was also known for having the stigmata, which are the same wounds that Christ had on his hands, feet, and side.
As they prepare for their upcoming off-campus internship, students of Catanduanes State University (CatSU) from the College of Science (COS) and Womenโs Club undertook a Gender and Development orientation seminar on Anti-Sexual Harassment, held at the Little Theater on January 24, 2024.A total of 195 incoming OJT students from COS attended the orientation, as per requirements and preparation to the students who will take an On-the-Job training program outside the campus.Present in the orientation seminar are the College of Science faculty, Prof. Maribel Ralla (GAD College Coordinator), Prof. Ma. Luz Floralde (Chairperson, Natural Science Department), Prof. Cecille Arcilla, and the invited resource speaker, Atty. Rene John M. Velasco.Atty. Velasco delivered an informative talk on the Republic Act 7877, the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995, focusing on its provisions declaring sexual harassment as unlawful in employment, education, or training environments.Through his talk, he gave insights about the law, and gave advice on how the interns should act and respond when they encounter incidents in their internship that are related to this law such as unwanted touching, receiving gifts, private messages, and hearing malicious words and catcalls from the employer to his/her employee.โThe purpose of having this discussion is to protect you and make you aware, especially since you will be deployed to various companies and may encounter different types of harassment,โ Atty. Velasco said.During the open forum, Atty. Velasco clarified that the law deems gifts as problematic if they are "unwanted, unwarranted, uninvited, and unwelcome," cautioning against assuming dark motives without discerning the context.Atty. Velasco also discussed the Safe Spaces Act, or the Bawal Bastos Law, as an updated version of RA 7877, underscoring the need for awareness of potential harassment scenarios in future professional experiences.
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) partners with Help.NGO, an international organization specialized in emergency response and preparedness, convened employees from local government units, national agencies, and academe for a two-day training, exploring the operations of unmanned aerial systems.Philippines Innovation and IT Director of Help.NGO Matthew Cua, explained on the first day, January 25, the fundamentals of drone operations, enumerated the different types of drones, and demonstrated on how to use the unmanned aircrafts.He also underscored the technology's important role in disaster response and preparedness."Drones can assess and identify high risk areas, document damaged infrastructure in post-disaster situations, and even spot safe sites and evacuation routes," he exclaimed.With the drone mapping, he added that it encourages locals to build safer and more sustainable locations.Apart from disaster response, drones are also a tool in assessing the health of crops according to Director Cua.Present also in the activity was Help.NGOโs Philippines Expert on Mission Jose Felix, together with Poland Communications Director Agata Klat and Provincial Administrator Eulalia Talaran who represented Gov. Joseph C. Cua, as well as other CatSU officials. Prior to this, the team had already met CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain Azanza who expressed his delight and gratitude on the said partnership. He further emphasized the significance of disaster management projects that the partnership could bring in realizing the goal of making the institution a National Center for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management. The two-day training, in collaboration with ACE-HEMS through Professor Dr. Jimmy T. Masagca, and Abaca Technology Innovation Center led by its director, Assistant Professor Abelisa Evangelista, will run from January 25-26.
In its quest to strengthen the public and private sector partnership to help resilient communities, Catanduanes State University (CatSU) officials led by University President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, welcomed the officials from Help.NGO, Monday, January 22, 2024.The team, composed of Matthew Cua, Philippines Innovation and IT Director, and joined by Adam Marlatt, USA Operations Director, Agata Klat, Poland Communications Director, and Jose Felix, Philippines Expert on Mission, were welcomed by Executive Vice President Dr. Robert Barba, ATIC Director, Prof. Abelisa Evangelista, and Dr. Jimmy T. Masagca, CatSUโs seasoned professor and member of National Panel of Technical Experts of the Climate Change Commission. Help.NGO, an International Non-Governmental Organization specializing in emergency response, preparedness, risk mitigation and prevention operates as a non-profit organization in the European Union and a UN Standby Partner with operations across the globe. The organization employs cutting-edge technological solutions and expertise to improve national and international disaster response mechanisms prior to, during, and after emergencies.Having pioneered global training and resiliency initiatives, Help.NGO focuses on conducting impactful programs, including UAS (Unmanned Aerial System), LEO (Low Earth Orbit) Connectivity, and Cloud Computing training and capacity-building programs in various regions, spanning countries such as the European Union, Mexico, Haiti, Philippines, Colombia, Ethiopia, among others.The University President expressed satisfaction with this international collaboration, expressing his gratitude to the organization.โWe are happy with the collaboration that we have with Help.NGO. We appreciate the efforts now that they are set to do training for our university along with our partner organizations,โ Dr. Azanza shared.In addition to training programs, Help.NGO also offers UAS and Cloud Computing support such as mapping and surveying mangrove forests, rehabilitation sites and nurseries as well as abaca plantations and nurseries throughout Catanduanes Island. The organization will offer a free one-year resource to process drone data into usable maps in the cloud, allowing CatSU to utilize its own UAS for various projects.President Azanza highlighted the importance of disaster management projects for supporting the island's livelihood, emphasizing their role in achieving the institution's goal of becoming a National Center for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk ManagementโDisaster management projects to support the islandโs livelihood are indeed necessary and significant in our goal to make the institution a National Center for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management. We are thankful and grateful for the opportunities like this that we get to be visited by experts,โ the president ended.
From the modern exterior design of the building to its welcoming lobby, the first-ever Student Development Center at the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) seeks to build a space that encourages collaboration among its students.Construction of its ground floor began in the first quarter of 2023, this P24.9 million building is the first-ever facility built in the universityโs 62-year history, intended to be utilized and managed by the students. With a total floor area of 770 square meters, phase 1 was officially completed in December 2023. Although the construction of its phase 2, second floor, is not running yet, the ground floor is now ready for occupancy, according to the chief of university's Project Management Office (PMO). "Technically hindi pa tapos ang project kasi igwa pang phase 2, pero puwede nang gamiton 'yong ground floor kasi usable na siya," Project Development Officer III Engr. Renato T. Chong said. ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐This newest facility has become possible through the collaborative effort of Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza and former student regents Renz Mickenly Tanael (2021) and Angelo Piolo Laynes (2022), and incumbent student regent Francine Mae Tayo. While the project funding was facilitated by Sen. Juan Edgardo 'Sonny' Angara, Sen. Pia Cayetano, and Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Elizaldy S. Co, according to the university president. "Alay natin ito sa mga CatSU students upang higit nilang ma-enjoy ang academic freedom sa loob ng campus," the president wrote in his Facebook post on September 18, 2023, after inspecting the construction site. Here's a glance at the new building, which will house the Office of the Student Regent, University Student Council, Office of Student and Development Services (OSADS), Office of Student Scholarship Financial Assistance, Career Development & Placement Services (OSSFACDPS), and registered student body organizations.As a hub of resources and opportunities, OSADS Director Francis John B. Templonuevo expressed optimism about the transformative impact of the center on the campus community.โDedicating a well-equipped student center holds immense significance for the holistic development of CatSU students. A place where a sense of community will be fostered, as this encourages collaboration, communication, and the exchange of ideas among students under one roof, nurturing not only their academic success but also their personal growth,โ This newest facility will convene student leaders to share their passion and knowledge to better serve the studentry. Located near Menโs Dormitory, the entrance of the Student Center boasts a wide lobby, setting an inviting atmosphere.With seven purpose-built rooms, this building has reserved space for student lounge, student activity area and meeting room, and includes two comfort rooms for male and female, respectively. โIt is an open area for collaboration, not just for student leaders, but for CatSU students to utilize [the facility] in its full-capacity,โ the incumbent USC president said.Acknowledging also the facilityโs amenities, former student regent Tanael shared in his post that this will be โa place for the students to study, [where they can also avail of] computer and printing [services], and [use this] to practice for performances or even hold a symposiumโ. With the possible services to be offered, Angel Clemente, a first year student from the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA), looked forward to its full operation. โMalaking tulong sa aming mga estudyante, dahil makakatipid kami sa gastusin,โ she exclaimed. Planning is also underway for the installation of wifi, partition walls, and aircon to the new building before its turnover, according to the incumbent student regent.
Gearing up for their upcoming off-campus internship, over 500 fourth-year students of Catanduanes State University undertook a seminar series called Career Coaching and Counseling 2024 from January 17-18, which bridged academic learning and real-world application. Organized by CatSU-Alumni Relation Services as the Public Employment Services Office (PESO) and Office of Student Scholarship, Financial Assistance, Career Development, and Placement Services (OSSFACDPS), the invited lecturers from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) - Catanduanes Field Office guided the aspiring interns on workplace dynamics and discussed different labor-related topics that will help them to make a meaningful contribution during their internships. Alumni Office Director and PESO Officer Prof. Maricel S. Cariaso said the activity ensures the graduating students are prepared and well-equipped before deployment."This raises awareness about their rights and responsibilities and instills workplace ethics and the importance of work-life balance," the Alumni Office Director and PESO officer said.DOLE Senior Labor Employment Officer Jomell S. Pasano guided the students on the topics of labor market information, workplace ethics and conflict resolution, work-life balance, and building and maintaining a professional network.Giving insights on legally-mandated employee benefits, DOLE Senior Labor Employment Officer Danilo Balilo walked through the participants on general labor standards.The first day of the seminar series was attended by students from the College of Agriculture and Fisheries for the morning session and in the afternoon session, students from the College of Information and Communications Technology.For todayโs session, January 18, College of Industrial Technology (CIT) students are the participants.Other colleges are scheduled on the following dates: January 19, College of Business and Accountancy (morning) and College of Sciences (afternoon); and on January 29, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (morning) and the College of Education (afternoon).Students from two remaining colleges, the College of Engineering and Architecture, and the College of Health Sciences, including the Panganiban Campus, are set to embark on similar activity in March or April this year, according to the alumni office director.
As part of its continued commitment to upholding transparency in public service, the Catanduanes State University, through its Review and Compliance Committee (RCC), guides and facilitates the employees on proper filling out of their Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) forms through orientation-workshop, from January 10-12, and 17, 2024.Designated chairman of the said committee, Chief Administrative Officer for Administration Atty. Gregorio M. Sarmiento Jr. led the discussion on the guidelines for filling out the SALN form and laid out its legal bases."If you are not in the government, nobody will ask you about your income, your money, your connections, or whatever, but if you are in the government, you will be subjected to this kind of requirement," he explained, asking the employees to comply with the SALNโs upcoming submission, as required under Article XI Section 17 of the 1987 Constitution and Section 8 of RA 6713 or the โCode of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employeesโ.According to the RCC chair, things to disclose in the SALN are assets, liabilities, business interests, financial connections, and relatives in the government within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity.Employees who fail to submit as well as disclose or even misdeclare SALN will be penalized, which include one to six months work suspension, as declared by the RCC chair.Reiterating the submission deadline of SALN, human resource chief Ma. Sionne May T. Crispino informed the participants to submit four (4) copies of original, and unnotarized SALN, except for joint filing, to their respective immediate supervisors on or before February 28, 2024."It is the duty of the immediate supervisors to collate the SALN and submit it to the HRMS on the second Friday of March 2024," she added.Under the law, RA 6713 requires employees to file SALN on or before April 30 of every year, but the advance deadline set by the university will give the RCC ample time to review and evaluate the submitted SALN forms properly.The said four-day seminar comprises eight sessions, morning and afternoon, where all offices/units/departments have their respective schedule.
