Catanduanes State University (CatSU) College of Education (COEd), led by Dean Dr. Ma. Sheila M. Gregorio, successfully organized Pundasyon 2.0 | Pundasyon + Edukasyon, an extension activity aimed at enhancing the instruction competence of Child Development Workers (CDWs) that took place at the Accreditation Room on May 10, 2023.Pundasyon 2.0 is part of the college's initiative to provide professional development opportunities for educators in the field. The program focuses on equipping CDWs with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively use various instructional activities for teaching pre-kindergarten pupils. It also aims to enhance their competence in preparing instructional materials using various information and communication technology (ICT) applications.“This is one of the initiatives that the college is taking to be able to provide professional development opportunities for educators in the field”, Dr. Gregorio said.Dr. Rosana A. Abundo, one of the lead proponents, expressed pride in the progress of Pundasyon 2.0 since its inception in 2022.“We are proud to say that our target participants, mostly the Child Development Workers (CDW), were very active and participative. The first group is composed of the CDWs from the first 30 barangays in Virac which had their initial training completed last December 2022.The next group is set for the first term of SY 2023-2024”, Dr. Abundo said.Dr. Abundo also commended the speakers for the day, Ms. Lilibeth Magtangob and Ms. Emlyn M. Lanon who both lead the wealthy coverage about phonemic awareness, as well as Mr. Charlie Molod, for MS Application and ICT Integration.The activities during Pundasyon 2.0 included lectures, presentations, group discussions, film showings, workshops, experience sharing, report presentations, return demonstrations, and prepared mind games. Both groups also underwent a pre-skills test to assess their learning from the Phase 1 training conducted in the first term of the 2022-2023 school year. Post-assessment activities, such as Phonemic Awareness were led by Prof. Joerandy Tablizo and Prof. John Cyrus B. Francis, and MS Applications, were conducted by Prof. Jane Rose C. Azanza, Dr. Maria Charlene Cantar, along with Dean Gregorio.The faculty and student extensionists of the College of Education are delighted to contribute to the improvement of the literacy rate among pre-kindergarten pupils. Through Pundasyon 2.0, they aim to monitor the application of knowledge and skills learned during the Instructional Enhancement Training for Child Development Teachers and Workers by observing them in actual Child Development Center settings. Dr. Abundo expressed hope for the continued development and sustainability of Pundasyon 2.0 as a productive extension activity dedicated to serving the community. She emphasized the importance of striving to continue the program to achieve their goals. #CIV
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA), in collaboration with the university's Center for Island and Climate Change Solutions (CICCS), recently held its inaugural Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Seminar and Exhibit on May 12, 2023, at the CatSU Auditorium.Under the guidance of Engr. Dexter M. Toyado, Director of CICCS and CEA Faculty, the event aimed to equip participants with the necessary skills in disaster and emergency communications systems while enhancing their knowledge of the latest alternative communication technologies.Renowned experts in the field of disaster and emergency communications systems were invited to share their expertise as resource speakers during the seminar. Among them were representatives from the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), Rapid Emergency Telecoms Team, Philippine Science High School-BRC, and other esteemed organizations.In addition to the informative seminar, the exhibit provided an opportunity for CEA students to showcase their technological innovations and projects in communication and disaster preparedness. The exhibit also featured projects from CICCS, DICT Region V-Catanduanes, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), and various other contributors.The program aligns with the visionary goals of CatSU President, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, who aims to establish CatSU as a National University for Disaster Response and Climate Change Adaptation. The university is committed to implementing data-driven and technology-oriented programs and policies to address these critical issues. The successful Disaster and Emergency Preparedness Seminar and Exhibit signify CatSU's dedication to promoting preparedness, resilience, and innovative solutions in the face of disasters and emergencies. #RJI
In celebration of Earth Month and Earth Day, with the theme "Invest in Our Planet", the CatSU-College of Science in collaboration with Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere (CARE) Philippines, TJORI Foundation, CatSU Extension Services, and CatSU Center for Island Climate Change Solutions organized a series of tree planting activities to nurture the environment of the island province.The tree planting series was kicked off on April 21, 2023, in Barangay Buenavista, Bato, Catanduanes, and was actively participated by a number of CatSU Department Chairpersons, faculty members, and staff, as well as partner-volunteers such as the Brgy. Buenavista Women Volunteers, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Office (MDRRMO), and Local Government Unit of Bato, and other officials.As part of the University's Rehabilitation and Disaster Preparedness program, the organizers came up with the series of tree planting events to raise awareness about environmental conservation and take concrete actions to protect the planet. The organizers worked with partner organizations to secure necessary permits, including the determination of the number and types of trees to be planted.Prior to the event, the organizers prepared the site by clearing any debris, tilling the soil, and marking the areas where the trees will be planted. CatSU officials provided a brief orientation, explaining the importance of tree planting, demonstrating proper planting techniques, and emphasizing the ecological benefits.Participants worked together to dig holes, carefully plant the saplings, and backfill the soil around the roots, ensuring that the trees are planted at the appropriate depth and properly supported with soil to encourage healthy growth.CatSU President, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, who is also actively involved as Adviser of the Catanduanes Clean and Green Movement, commended the efforts of the CatSU community in this undertaking."We need to protect the environment while pursuing economic development for our country," the President said.CatSU is known for its environment-friendly practices such as tree planting, coastal clean-up, waste segregation, and other allied activities, being a green University. The University extended its gratitude to the benefactor of narra seedlings who earlier donated the seedlings to Dr. Azanza. The University aims to continue advocating for environment-friendly practices to protect and nurture the environment. #CIV
A resilient woman and a dedicated leader - these are the words that perfectly describe the newly designated Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) of Catanduanes State University (CatSU), Dr. Gemma G. Acedo.Having devoted 20 years of her life to the university - leading the launch of some of the most important programs and projects in CatSU today, there is no question why CatSU President, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza designated her to be the next VPAA. The Path Toward SuccessDoc Gem, as many commonly call her, started her career at CatSU in 2003. She became the Dean of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) from 2005 until 2009. Doc Gem also provided expert services and leadership as an IT officer and CATNET Administrator at the University from 2009-2014.With her expertise, Dr. Acedo spearheaded the creation of the Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (BSIS) where she also served as the Program Chairperson from 2014-2017. She was also one of the people behind the revision of CatSU's enrollment system and the current cashiering system.Prior to her designation as the VPAA, she was the Dean of the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) and the Assistant Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs (VPREPA). Thanks to her exceptional leadership and the zealous efforts of the entire CICT faculty and staff, they were able to push through the creation of the program, Bachelor of Science in Library and Information Systems (BLIS), which will open in the next academic year.The new VPAA is a proud alumna of CatSU from elementary to college, where she earned a degree in Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. After graduating, she decided to get another degree in Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering at Adamson University. Apart from that, she is also a holder of a Diploma in Public Administration.Doc Gem later pursued a Master's Degree in Information Systems at the University of the Philippines, Los Baños. With her commitment to learning, she continued to pursue the highest level of education and is now a Ph.D. holder in Educational Management after graduating from CatSU. She is also a Doctor in Information Technology, which she completed at the University of Cordilleras as a K-12 CHED scholar. Currently, Doc Gem has published four research articles and is an Associate Professor V at CatSU. Resiliency Amidst AdversityIn addition to being an exceptional leader, Doc Gem is also a supermom who withstood the challenges of being a solo parent. Her unconditional love for her family drives her to become a better person each day and overcome any adversity.During her time as the Dean of CICT, she experienced a loss that any mother would not want to go through. She shared in an interview for National Women's Month that she came to a point where she felt the need to choose between her work and family."I even talked to the President, sabi ko Sir, I think I have to concentrate more on my family. Pero sabi ni Sir, dae ngaya, kaya mo ngaya an," Dr. Acedo said.With her faith and the support of her family, Dr. Azanza, and the people around her, Doc Gem was able to stand back on her feet and move forward in life. She remained strong and stood committed to her roles as a mother and one of the leaders of the University.“Permi kong piga isip na God has always a plan for me. Dae ako pakusugon ning Mahal na Diyos kung dae ko ini kaya ang gabos na biga agihan ko. And, pasalamat ako dahil sa gabos na mga nightmares na biga agihan ko, ang pamilya ko, special mention, dae ako biga bayaan ever since.” “I’m a strong woman, babayi kita, ipaglalaban ‘ta an bilang salong ina. Gabos na problemang biga agihan, with the help of the Lord, alam ko makakaya ko an,” she added. Leading the AcademiaAs the new VPAA, Dr. Acedo will take charge and assume overall responsibility for the planning, implementation, monitoring, and supervision of instruction, underscoring, among others, the requirements of ISO and AACUP accreditations, SUC leveling, and OBE. She will also be responsible for the supervision of academic programs, projects, and activities, as well as the preparation of class programs, teaching schedules, and the summary of faculty workload.Additionally, she will be the one to review and evaluate the Individual Performance Commitment and Review (IPCR) of faculty and non-teaching staff of the advanced and higher education units and the academic support services, as well as rate the performance of Deans and Directors under the academic affairs.Furthermore, Dr. Acedo will also serve as the Chairperson of various committees such as the Curriculum Committee, Staff Development Committee, Faculty Selection Board, PER Committee for Academic Division, Accreditation Committee, and Library Advisory Committee. Apart from this, she will also act as a member of the Administrative and Academic Councils.Despite everything that she has achieved and overcome, Doc Gem remains a humble and down-to-earth person. However, her modest outlook on life contrasts with her visionary aspirations for the future of CatSU under the leadership of President Azanza. She revealed in the same interview that years from now, she envisions CatSU as a metaversity, dealing with Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, and the like."With the legacy of the President, siguro may mga AI na tayo, working with the metaversity, marami… Hopefully, with the leadership of the President, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, siguro ganun na tayo after 5 years," Dr. Acedo said. The resilience and dedication of Dr. Acedo as a mother and a leader are indescribable beyond words. Her journey exemplifies how tenacious a woman, mother, and leader can be in the face of adversity. How she can rise above and beyond life's greatest challenges serves as an inspiration for everyone to remain unyielding in whatever life may throw at us. Her outpouring passion to serve, visionary outlook, and compassionate and resilient heart are indeed the qualities of a leader that will lead CatSU's academia to the global forefront. #RJI
The Accreditation Room was filled with joy and excitement during the Exit Conference on April 19, 2023, as the CHED RO V Regional Quality Assessment and Monitoring Team announced that the College of Humanities and Social Sciences - Languages Department has met the minimum requirements to open a new course in CatSU, which is the Bachelor of Arts in English Language (BAEL).Led by Education Program Supervisor II, Dr. Jean Salalima-Go, the team commended the efforts of the university's staff and faculty in achieving this milestone.Dr. Abelardo G. Belleza of the Partido State University, who was also a member of the Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT), shared their findings from the two-day assessment of documents and ocular inspection.Dr. Salalima-Go also mentioned the positive progress of the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Bachelor of Science in Biology programs under the College of Science, and the Bachelor in Public Administration (BPA) under the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, which were also part of their monitoring.CatSU President, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, expressed his excitement for the opening of another course in the university, which will provide more career options for the students. He also shared his aspiration to open Law and Medicine courses in the university.Executive Vice President, Dr. Lily P. Custodio, who worked with CHUMSS Dean, Dr. Jimmylen Z. Tonio, also expressed her delight in the realization of their efforts. “This announcement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff and faculty of CatSU in providing quality education and expanding opportunities for its students,” Dr. Custodio said. #FJBT
To foster social relations and in effect improve the interpersonal ties and work relationships as well as address gender sensitive issues in the workplace, the Catanduanes State University College of Education conducts a team building activity dubbed as BUROGKOS: A team Building Activity developing Committed and Gender Sensitive CoEd Faculty and Staff on April 16, 2023 at Amenia Beach Resort, Barangay Palawig, Virac, Catanduanes. Before subjecting the faculty and staff of CoEd to fun and puzzling and sometimes physically-challenging activities which also encourage teamwork, two topics were discussed by its invited resource speakers: Developing Committed faculty and Staff with the CatSU’s Guidance, Counseling & Testing Officer, Mr. Noly Benavides and Physical, Social, Mental, Psychological, and Spiritual Well-being with GAD Focal Person, Ms. Reashiela L. Khan.Specifically, the activity aimed at sustaining healthy working relationship anchored on value-laden principles and committed towards excellence in government services and living out core values enabling to respond to colleagues’ varied needs and to promote others’ physical, mental, psychological, social and spiritual well- being which are gender-responsive. The said activity was initiated by the CoEd Faculty Association President, Prof. Jowi B. Resayaga and supported by the college’s GAD Coordinator, Ms. Ena Marie M. Sarmiento. “We will certainly meet our goals for the College of Education and for this University, if we work committedly together as a team- as a family.”, said Dr. Maria Sheila R. Gregorio, Dean of the College of Education. #CoEd
CatSU's Sentro ng Wika at Kultura, in partnership with the Language Department of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, held a Visual Arts Workshop at the Accreditation Room last April 17, 2023.The workshop aimed to teach Art Appreciation students, particularly BSEd majors in English and Math, as well as BTVTEd students, about the basics and practical applications of different elements of visual arts. Dr. Jualim Vela from the University of the Philippines, Los Baños, was the event's speaker. Dr. Jovert Balunsay, together with Prof. Ma. Sofia Llaguno and Prof. Jaime Amante Jr., organized the activities. #civ
The Languages Department of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUMMS) organized "Lektura Palihan sa Sining Pantanghalan", a workshop aiming to educate and train students about the basic concepts of stage art.The workshop was held at the auditorium on April 19, 2023, and provided a comprehensive overview of the different elements of theater, including lighting, sound, set design, acting, and directing.The workshop facilitated by Ms. Emmalyn B. Baltar, a faculty from Catanduanes National High School, who is a Speech and Theater Arts graduate, and an experienced stage and film artist. During the workshop, the participants learned about various techniques and strategies used in stage production, such as improvisation, stage blocking, and characterization. They were also taught how to use different types of stage equipment and how to work with other members of a production team. The workshop culminated with the students performing short stage plays and receiving constructive feedback on their performances. The participants were mostly students from the College of Education who were taking Bachelor of Science in Education, majoring in Filipino, English, Mathematics, and BTVTEd. #civ
Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, President of Catanduanes State University (CatSU), recently announced on Facebook the completion of several infrastructure projects on the campus.Among the newly built facilities are a Grandstand located near the Oval and an Olympic-size swimming pool, complete with separate male and female quarters, equipped with benches, shower rooms, and toilets. These additions provide convenient and comfortable changing facilities for students participating in sports activities.The Grandstand also includes two spacious rooms downstairs, offering versatile options for physical education classes, gym sessions, or other sports activities. This expansion provides students with additional indoor spaces dedicated to physical education and sports, enhancing their overall experience on campus.Starting from the 2023-2024 academic year, swimming subjects will be included in the physical education curriculum, adding excitement among students. This addition reflects the university's commitment to offering a well-rounded education that includes a variety of physical activities.Moreover, tennis courts are now available on campus, with basketball courts and a multi-purpose hall in the pipeline. These infrastructural developments and the inclusion of swimming subjects in the curriculum are positive steps that contribute to the holistic growth and well-being of the students at CatSU. #civ
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) President, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, met with Prof. Estrella Tribiana, a faculty member at the College of Science, and visitor friends from Canada, Mac Voisin and Marcela Bahar on May 5, 2023. They were joined by Engr. Aldrin Soriao, and Engr. Hermenia T. Jamer, an alumnus and former faculty of the CatSU College of Engineering, respectively. Engr. Aldrin Soriao, and Hermenia T. Jamer, who are alumni of the CatSU College of Engineering, on May 5, 2023.The meeting focused on discussing potential collaboration in developing housing projects for CatSU employees. The collaboration aims to provide better housing options and support for the university's staff.Aside from the housing project, the visitors also shared the good news of providing scholarship grants to 27 deserving CatSU students. This significant contribution will enable these students to pursue their education with financial assistance, opening up opportunities for their academic and personal growth.The meeting was productive and showcased a commitment to supporting the university's employees and students through collaborative projects and scholarship initiatives. #civ
The Catanduanes Artistic Minds and Outstanding Talents (CAMOT) artists, led by master artist in tissue paper, Paul Tindugan, recently met with Catanduanes State University (CatSU) President, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, to discuss staging an art exhibit featuring local artists' works. The exhibit will run from May 20 to June 15 at the CatSU Main Lobby, coinciding with the 7th Provincial Abaca Festival.The CAMOT artists expressed their excitement about using abaca paper as their canvas and the possibility of having their artwork featured in a book that Dr. Azanza is currently working on, which also includes the Effusive Catanduanes Artistry Foundation (ECAF) artists on the island.“This is a great opportunity to showcase the talents of our young, local artists. The use of abaca paper as a canvas adds a unique and creative touch to their artwork, and I am more than willing to help them through a book piece feature so that it will reach more and more art enthusiasts in the country”, Dr. Azanza said.Dr. Azanza also mentioned that featuring local artists is part of his vision of HOPE, not just for CatSU but for the whole province of Catanduanes. The collaboration between the CAMOT artists and Dr. Azanza is expected to create a significant impact on the local art scene, particularly with the focus on using abaca paper as a medium. This exhibit will showcase the artists' creativity and contribute to the promotion and preservation of indigenous materials in art, especially since Catanduanes is the abaca capital of the country. #civ
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) has been recognized as one of the top three universities in the Bicol region by the FindUniversity.ph Philippines Universities Ranking. The ranking was based on the aggregated passing rates of each school in all board exams that their graduates participated in.FindUniversity.ph Philippines Universities Ranking is the first Philippine Universities Ranking that is based on relevant, up-to-date, and measurable data. The ranking takes into account over 60 different board exams conducted by the PRC. The results of these board exams are aggregated and used to rank each school in each board exam. The rankings are then aggregated for each school to come up with a Weighted Board Exams Ranking.The methodology used in the ranking involves aggregating the board exam passing rates of each school in each board exam, in the past four exams. Only first-time takers were counted. The schools were then ranked in each exam based on their aggregated passing rates. Schools with less than 10 examinees for a particular board exam during the past four exams were not ranked for that specific exam.The weighted position of each school in each board exam was calculated, with the highest-ranked school in an exam getting a score of 100, and a school in the 10th percentile receiving a score of 90, and so on. Finally, the average weighted position of each school in all board exams that school was ranked in was calculated.The official ranking presented by FindUniversity.ph Philippines Universities Ranking contains schools that were ranked in at least seven board exams. The ranking takes into account the different campuses of the same university, ranking them separately since they differ in location, facilities, faculty, and programs offered.CatSU's placement in the top three universities in the Bicol region is a testament to the school's commitment to providing quality education to its students. The ranking highlights the school's success in preparing its graduates for their respective board exams and ensuring that they excel in their chosen fields. #fjbt
