In recognition of her exemplary performance after securing the sixth spot in the July 2023 Master Plumbers Licensure Examination, Catanduanes State University, through President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, has announced to award a Php100,000 cash incentive to Engr. Divina V. Gonzales. With a rating of 85.70%, Engr. Gonzales, 25, is presently working as a structural engineer since 2021 in a private construction firm in Quezon City, bested 5,107 other examinees and made it to the list of topnotchers as announced by the Professional Regulation Commission on July 19, 2023. Engr. Gonzales has been a consistent achiever even during her elementary days, as she emerged as their class valedictorian and graduated later on under the Science and Technology Oriented Class (STOC) in high school.During her formative years in college, she became a representative of the university in various engineering quiz competitions and graduated as Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. After graduating in 2019, she took and passed the licensure examination for civil engineers with a remarkable rating of 89.35%, falling short of only two points to the Top 10 spot at the National level.
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) takes a significant step towards enhancing public service and community welfare with the adoption of its "Free Zone" policy. Spearheaded by CatSU SUC President III Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, this policy fosters a collaborative approach to address people's problems and prioritize the community's benefit.President Azanza firmly believes that when leaders work together, solutions to people's issues become attainable, and the community becomes the primary beneficiary. In a heartfelt statement, he explained, "‘Yan ang dahilan kaya I adopted the policy for CatSU to serve as a Free Zone. Meaning bukas sana ang CatSU na magtabang sa gabos na gusto magtabang. Ta pag arog kita kaan, ang magana pirmi an mga tawo… That is what public service is all about…"The "Free Zone" policy aims to create an environment where CatSU is open to assisting anyone in need. The university seeks to contribute to the well-being of the entire community by actively addressing their concerns and offering support to those who require it the most.In line with this commitment, Congressman Leo Rodriguez has collaborated with the Department of Health (DOH) to address the medical expenses of CatSU students availing themselves of vital tests, such as the Complete Blood Count (CBC) and x-ray examinations. Through the Medical Assistance to Individuals Program (MAIP) Funds, facilitated by Congressman Leo, students can have their bills covered for essential medical procedures at partnering hospitals, including Immaculate Heart of Mary Hospital, Eastern Bicol Medical Center (EBMC), and Catanduanes Doctors Hospital Inc. (CDHI).
A groundbreaking initiative led by CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza has brought together the Local Government Unit of Virac and the Catanduanes Medical Society to offer free Complete Blood Count (CBC) test and medical consultation services for all incoming first-year students of Catanduanes State University (CatSU). The program, which commenced on August 1, is set to run until August 4, providing much-needed medical support to students and their families.Dr. Azanza's vision is to establish strong partnerships with local governments, stakeholders, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to address the financial burdens associated with the mandatory medical procedures required for enrollment. This initiative aims to ease the stress on students and their parents and ensure that every incoming student can pursue their academic journey without financial constraints."Our students' well-being is our utmost priority, and we are committed to creating an environment that fosters accessible education for all," emphasized Dr. Azanza. "By joining hands with the Local Government of Virac and the Catanduanes Medical Society, we strive to remove barriers to education and ensure that every incoming student can seamlessly pursue their academic journey without financial constraints."The event, which took place at Virac Plaza Rizal, has garnered significant attention and appreciation from the student community. As queues formed to take advantage of this opportunity, students expressed their gratitude for the university's dedication to their welfare."Dakulang tabang po sa mga estudyante na arog sako na hari sa simpleng pamilya ang free medical check-up," shared May Benavidez, an incoming CatSU BSND student, expressing her gratitude. Present during this event were Virac Mayor Samuel V. Laynes and Vice Mayor Arlynn H. Arcilla, who actively participated in the medical consultation service. VM Arcilla, being a doctor by profession, exemplified the spirit of community service, providing much-needed medical assistance to the students.This collaborative effort between CatSU, the Local Government of Virac, and the Catanduanes Medical Society marks a promising stride toward fostering a more inclusive educational experience for all incoming students.
Through the mandate of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., the Catanduanes State University started the distribution of the one-time 25-kilogram rice subsidy to the university’s 959 qualified employees on July 27–28, 2023.Under Administrative Order No. 2, signed by President Marcos last December 2022, the employees who are eligible to receive the rice aid are those who rendered government service as of November 30, 2022.As cited in the order, the initiative was meant to mitigate the effects of socio-economic challenges and boost domestic production of the Filipino farmers’ homegrown grains.Around 479 bags of rice from the National Food Authority (NFA) were delivered to the university. The 959 CatSU employees were among the 1,892,648 government workers, including Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) personnel, who benefited from the subsidy program.
Attended by hundreds of students from five colleges, Catanduanes State University President, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza told the incoming first year, transferees, and returning students to submit their certificate of indigency in the absence of medical tests during the Pre-enrollment Orientation on Monday, July 31. “Do not worry, mag-present sana kamong certificate of indigency sa medical officer, libre man an na makukuha sa mga barangay. No one should be refused to enroll dahil daeng imo para magpa-medical buda laboratory tests,” the president assured the students at the university gymnasium.“Gigibuhan ta an ning paagi, later on, kung papano kamo maka-comply sa mga requirement,” the president added. In response to the president's pronouncement, students, including the faculty from the College of Agriculture and Fisheries, College of Business and Accountancy, College of Education, College of Health Science, and College of Engineering and Architecture, cheered and gave a round of applause. Echoing the directive of the president, the university registrar, Ms. Marilyn G. Tejada, reiterated to the students the importance of securing the above-cited certificate and advised them to counter-check their Certificate of Enrollment (COE) upon issuance with their prospectus to avoid conflicts. “Provide a certificate of indigency before proceeding to your respective deans’ offices and compare your COEs to your prospectus,” Tejada stated while discussing the topic about the policies on admission, registration, evaluation, and grading systems. Meanwhile, Office of Student Affairs and Development Services (OSADS) newly-designated Director Prof. Francis John B. Templonuevo, informed the incoming students about their office’s mandate and urged them to participate in the university’s co-curricular programs and activities.“Partner tayo, if may concern kayo, bukas ang aming opisina para riyan. Kami rin ang in-charge sa pag-monitor at guide sa mga students’ activities,” the OSADS director said. Introducing University Student Council (USC) President Francine Mae T. Tayo to present the new design of the proposed student uniform, Prof. Templonuevo urged the incoming CatSUans to practice wearing their school uniform since this is a ‘form of discipline and will serve as their identities’ as students of CatSU. Also present at the event were Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gemma G. Acedo, the deans of the five colleges, Prof. Noly T. Benavides from the Guidance, Counseling, and Testing Office, and National Service Training Program (NSTP) Director Emlyn Lanon. Tomorrow, August 1, Cluster B students and faculty will attend similar orientations from four colleges: College of Information and Communications Technology, College of Industrial Technology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the College of Science.The start of classes for undergraduate students will be on August 14, and August 19 for graduate students.
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) incoming first-year students will be provided with free medical services by the office of TGP Partylist and Deputy Majority Leader Jose ‘Bong’ Teves Jr. “TGP will cover the cost of the Complete Blood Count (CBC), Chest X-ray, and Drug Test, which are needed to secure a medical certificate through its medical assistance program provided that the students comply with all the requirements for medical assistance for indigent constituents,” wrote on its announcement on July 31. Immediately responding to the pronouncement, CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza extended his heartfelt gratitude to the lawmaker through his Facebook post.The students who will be able to submit all the prescribed documents by the TGP partylist, from August 1-5, will proceed to the Catanduanes Doctors Hospital Social Services Office.
In a significant display of pro-student leadership, Catanduanes State University's President, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, takes proactive measures to address enrollment requirements concerns while unveiling transformative initiatives for the institution.𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬President Azanza, during an interview on Radyo Pilipinas Catanduanes, Inc. today, took a proactive stance in addressing a minor concern about enrollment requirements from a few people who cannot afford the medical laboratory costs such as the CBC, chest x-ray, and Drug Test. However, the President's swift response demonstrated the university's commitment to caring for its students.The university adheres to the guidelines set forth by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Similar policies are also followed by other reputable institutions like Bicol University and the University of the Philippines. Nevertheless, Dr. Azanza empathized with the financially disadvantaged students and vowed to find a solution that would not hinder their enrolment.He stressed that no student should be turned away due to financial constraints, and all students will be allowed to enroll regardless of whether they've completed the medical requirements.“Those students who cannot afford the required tests but can present a Certificate of Indigency will not be denied enrolment,” the President assured the students.Dr. Azanza also emphasized that students who test positive for any condition will be protected under the Data Privacy Act, and appropriate interventions will be provided to support their well-being. “We will protect the privacy of the students. Kung may intervention na gigibuhon, we will help. Dai tabi sinda irerefuse sa enrolment; ang slot nya saiya po iyan. May mga apprehension ang mga magurang, nasasabutan ta po iyan. Never refuse them in their enrolment.”While some may perceive these measures as anti-poor, Dr. Azanza emphasized that his motivations lie in supporting the students and ensuring a fair and accessible educational experience for all. He takes pride in his role as a pro-student leader, as evidenced by the distribution of one thousand tablets to students during online classes in the midst of the pandemic.The President welcomes feedback and criticism, acknowledging that they play a vital role in driving positive changes for the betterment of government service and the university as a whole.“Sa mga kiritisimo, I am a very open-minded person. Magayon man na may gareparo para mapagayon ang satong serbisyo.”𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐒𝐔’𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲: 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞Understanding the importance of medical tests for students, CatSU is taking a forward-thinking approach to address this concern and enhance its services. The President's visionary plan involves transforming one of the university's buses into a fully functional mobile medical laboratory.Having already acquired four buses and received one donated by Bicol Isarog, the university is setting its sights on creating this innovative medical facility. The mobile medical laboratory will travel across the province to conduct necessary laboratory tests, including CBC, x-rays, and drug testing, benefiting students and the broader community.Expanding medical services is especially significant for CatSU, which has recently opened a Master of Arts in Nursing program and has plans to establish a Medicine course.“Bako sana sa enrolment concerns this time, kundi long term na solusyon sa lambang munisipyo and barangay. Naaraman ko na igwang mga dai nakaka-avail ning health services, pigadaradara ang namati. Gigibuhon ta ang serbisyo with the opening of MAN [Master of Arts in Nursing] ipapakusog ta ang College of Health and Sciences for the extension services.”President Azanza is actively seeking donations from partners like Unilab, Catanduanes Medical Society, and the Philippine Nursing Association Catanduanes Chapter to fund the mobile medical laboratory. The mobile medical laboratory will conduct regular check-ups in barangays across the province, ensuring access to quality healthcare and providing free medicines to those in need. This initiative aligns with CatSU's ongoing EduKain Program, which has been led by Professor Jane Rose C. Azanza for two years.𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲: 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐒𝐔’𝐬 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲In its pursuit of continuous improvement and enhanced services, Catanduanes State University is gearing up for a comprehensive Computerization Program. Under this initiative, the university will implement a range of modern technologies to expedite various processes, ensuring a more streamlined and efficient experience for students and faculty.One of the program's key features will be the introduction of smart IDs for students. These IDs will grant access to the university campus and serve as a safety measure. Parents will be able to track their children's whereabouts, providing peace of mind and strengthening the university's commitment to student welfare.The Computerization Program will extend beyond student-related services, encompassing the HR system, financial processes, and faculty and student portals. Integration of these systems will enable students to access essential information such as enrolment status, subjects, and grades, and faculty members can easily upload grades and share academic updates.Funding for this ambitious endeavor will come from the university's savings, reaffirming the administration's commitment to investing in cutting-edge technology for the benefit of the entire university community.As CatSU moves toward a more computerized future, its proactive and student-centric approach under President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza continues to uplift students, inspire progress, and position the institution as a beacon of quality education and service in the province. “Pirmi kitang gapatanos sa laog kan University; ipadagos ta iyan, for as long as igwa kitang magayon na intensyon, good things will come.”
In a joint effort to promote social responsibility, Catanduanes State University (CatSU) has partnered with the Virac Medical Clinic and Diagnostic Center (VMDC) to offer incoming students a valuable benefit of a 5% discount on a comprehensive service package, encompassing essential medical tests such as chest x-rays, complete blood counts (CBC), and drug tests at VMDC.These medical tests are crucial components of the enrollment process for incoming first-year students at CatSU. Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza personally announced this partnership through his Facebook page. The collaboration came to fruition after successful negotiations between CatSU and VMDC.Dr. Azanza emphasized the significance of this discount, acknowledging its positive impact on students and, notably, their parents. Availing of the discount is a straightforward process; students need only inform the cashier at VMDC about their status as incoming CatSU students.This collaboration further solidifies CatSU's commitment to its students, employees, and alumni. The university has established agreements with various businesses across the island, ensuring they also enjoy similar discounts on products and services simply by presenting their CatSU ID.By fostering such partnerships, CatSU continues to demonstrate its dedication to the welfare and support of its educational community, reinforcing its position as a beacon of learning and progress in the region. #CIV
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza led the turnover of 150 packs of assorted vegetable seeds to the Provincial Local Government of Catanduanes on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.The said seeds, comprised of upo, ampalaya, cucumber, and pole sitaw, were donated to CatSU by the University of the Philippines Los Baños' Institute of Plant Breeding through Ms. Virma Rea G. Lee, University Researcher II and Head of the Extension and Business Development Division.This green initiative aligns with the President's vision of promoting sustainable agriculture not only within the campus but throughout the province. It can be remembered that one of his advocacy campaigns is the One Million Trees Project as the adviser of the Catanduanes Clean and Green Movement. #AGC Photos Credit to PLGU Catanduanes
Inscribed with the slogan ‘HOPE resides in the Happy Island’, the Catanduanes State University unveils the donated air-conditioned bus from Bicol Isarog Transport System Inc. during the blessing and turnover ceremony today, July 22.Witnessing the ceremonial turnover, CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, together with Mr. Bonifacio Brian Cu, extended his gratitude to Bicol Isarog."Dakulang tabang ini para sa mga estudyante lalo so mga ga-join sa contest," the president said.When Dr. Azanza asked the student-attendees in the ceremony if they were happy about the donated bus, the students loudly cheered, ‘Yes!’.Dr. Gemma G. Acedo, Vice President for Academic Affairs, implored the students to take care of the said donation."After so long, magkakaigwa na naman kita ning bus, kaya alagaan ta, pahalagahan ta," the vice president stated.Meanwhile, Mr. Cu was glad to help and grateful for the university’s contribution to their company, especially in manpower since they have employees who are products of CatSU.It can be recalled that Dr. Azanza requested an air-conditioned bus unit from Mr. Brian Cu of Bicol Isarog on April 20 this year during his visit, along with Engr. Hechanova at the Office of the President. He also expressed his profound gratitude to Gov. Joseph “Boboy” Cua for all the help extended in securing the requested unit.The blessing was presided over by Rev. Father Eric John T. Rojas,and among the present were Dr. Kristian Q. Aldea, OIC Vice President for Research, Extension and Production Affairs (REPA), Mr. Robert Cabilao,and Engr. Romel Hechanova, HR consultants from Bicol Isarog, and the College of Industrial Technology (CIT) Dean, Dr. Edwin T. Romero, represented by Prof. Jonathan B. Capsa.
In collaboration with Catanduanes State University – Extension Services (CatSU-ES) and Philippine Coconut Authority, Grameen Foundation USA, Inc. (GFUSA) organized a one-day assessment and closeout meeting along with the beneficiaries of the Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) Cocos Program on Friday, July 21.With the technical assistance provided by the foundation to capacitate Catandunganon farmers, the seven Coconut Farmer Organizations shared their insights and lessons learned during the implementation of the program particularly in the aspect of financial management.Acknowledging the university’s steadfast commitment and support to the project, Regional Director in Asia and the Pacific Christine Jeanne G. Violago gladly expressed that CatSU is ‘the only state university’ that they have been ‘very successful’ and will now serve as their benchmark to enter other state college or university. GFUSA is a non-profit registered organization that aims to empower the poor, especially women, and eradicate poverty as well as hunger. It ties up with CatSU through a Memorandum of Understanding in 2021 with a mission of promoting sustainable agricultural productivity and profitability initiatives. #AC
Serving as an accessible and strategic venue, Catanduanes State University (CatSU), through its auditorium, accommodated for free over 2,000 Catandunganons who availed the three-day mobile services of the Professional Regulation Commission Region V (PRC V), sponsored by the Office of Congressman Eulogio ‘Leo’ Rodriguez.Extending his gratitude to Congressman Rodriguez, CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza expressed that the outreach program of PRC, through the initiative of the lawmaker, benefitted the Catandunganons, saving them both time and travel expenses. “First of all, we would like to thank Cong. Leo Rodriguez for this initiative of providing accessible service to our fellow Catandunganons. CATSU is always willing to support projects such as this that directly benefits our beloved kababayans,” the president shared.From July 18–20, at least 2,566 transactions were processed and finished through the PRC’s mobile services.Among these services offered, the highest number of recorded transactions within three days of the said activity, is the authentication of certificates, with a total of 1,014.Followed by certification with a total of 911 recorded transactions, while 247 newly registered Catandunganon professionals applied for the initial registration.Meanwhile, a total of 204 transactions were recorded in the renewal of professional identification cards; 148 aspiring professionals filed their applications; and 42 applied for changes of entries and status.Before the start of the application, the applicants were advised by the PRC V ‘to register online at https://prc.gov.ph to secure an appointment before proceeding to the mobile service venue’. Dr. Azanza reaffirmed the university’s commitment to serving the Catandunganons particularly those residing in remote areas, emphasizing that as a public institution, CatSU is always open and ready to cater to their needs. #AGC
