A professor from Catanduanes State University's Panganiban Campus is among 10 educators from the Philippines selected to join the 2023 Cohort of Country Ambassadors for the T4 Education Community.Gregorio V. Angeles Jr., Assistant Professor, will serve in this role for a year, ending on January 31, 2024.As an Ambassador, Prof. Angeles must commit to 50 hours, or approximately 4 hours per month, of voluntary service throughout the year.In his capacity as an ambassador, Prof. Angeles will choose a volunteer role in either the Social Media Squad or the Teacher Outreach Squad.As a member of the Social Media Squad, Prof. Angeles will need to be active on at least three platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, or YouTube. His responsibilities will include supporting the community during major events like the Teacher Tech Summit, as well as similar regular events launching in 2023. Additionally, he will assist with co-hosting or supporting live events, such as Twitter chats.As part of the Teacher Outreach Squad, Prof. Angeles will prioritize contacting teachers in the country to recruit them to join the community, including the T4 Communities app, registering them for events, and encouraging participation in research, prizes, and challenges. He will be expected to have methods for contacting and engaging teachers in the country, with guidance from the T4 Ambassadors. He will also take on the role of hosting (or co-hosting with T4) webinars to promote various activities."I am privileged to be one of the Country Ambassadors for the Philippines. As a 2023 Cohort, I am proud to represent our country and offer selfless service to fellow educators not only in our nation but also in other countries. I am honored to be part of this significant advocacy," Prof. Angeles shared.About T4 Education and its Founder, Vikas PotaT4 Education is a digital platform created by founder and CEO Vikas Pota. This platform emerged in response to the global challenges the pandemic posed to education. T4 aims to empower educators and schools by offering opportunities for learning and collaboration, while developing tools to support their global community's progress.Before T4, Vikas was heavily involved in the education sector. He founded and managed a philanthropic foundation dedicated to teachers, launching the Global Teacher Prize to celebrate the teaching profession. He has also advocated for the Sustainable Development Goals at the UN, G20, and various governments. Additionally, he established a technical and vocational skills business in Africa to address youth unemployment, created a corporate venture capital business investing in high-growth edtech companies, and led branding, marketing, communications, and corporate affairs strategies for a renowned K-12 education business.Vikas serves on numerous non-profit boards, including The Education Outcomes Fund, Artists in Residence, Global School Leaders, Queen Rania Teacher Academy, Educate Girls, and Teach for All. He is an Honorary Lecturer at the UCL Institute of Education, a former Visiting Practitioner at Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a Senior Policy Fellow at the University of Cambridge's Centre for Science & Policy. Recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, Vikas has been named one of London's 1000 most influential people, is a member of the Young Presidents Organization, and has received two honorary doctorates for his accomplishments. A frequent voice in the media, Vikas passionately advocates for the transformative potential of quality education and actively works to build a global community of educators and schools to make that vision a reality. #FJBT
Catanduanes State University's Research and Development Services (R&DS) recently organized the Seminar-Workshop Series 1: Research Proposal Writing to improve the quality and quantity of research conducted by faculty researchers on March 15-16, 2023, at the CatSU Accreditation Room.The workshop aimed to equip faculty researchers with the skills and tools needed to write a feasible research proposal, which is crucial for securing internal and external funding. Additionally, the event sought to encourage innovative approaches to writing the key elements of a research proposal, including the problem statement, literature review, research methodology, justification, outputs, and expected results. The workshop also focused on refining the research proposals submitted to the R&DS.The write shop began with a discussion of various topics such as the institutional research process, ethical considerations, structure of a scientific proposal, population selection and sampling, Gantt chart and budgetary considerations, and effective citations and referencing.The resource speakers, who are experts in their respective fields, provided practical tips and advice on how to write effective research proposals. The plenary sessions were conducted and facilitated by Dr. Lily P. Custodio, Executive Vice President (EVP), Dr. Ramon Felipe A. Sarmiento, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs (VP-REPA), Dr. Jose Z. Tria, R&DS Director, Dr. Jimmylen Z. Tonio, Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUMSS), Prof. Anne F. Gianan, Assistant Professor of the College of Science (COS), Dr. Lilibeth I. Tubalinal, Associate Professor II of College of Health Sciences (CHS) and Ms. Bernadeth T. Garcia, R&DS Statistician II. Participants engaged in discussions and various activities held online and offline.The workshops provided a hands-on approach to research proposals writing, allowing participants to put into practice what they learned from the resource speakers. Their respective Research Coordinators and the R&DS staff facilitated the workshops, providing guidance and feedback on the proposed studies.At the end of the event, participants refined their research proposals, taking into account all the learnings and experiences gained in the activity. The output of the event was research proposals expected to be submitted by the proponents on or before March 31, 2023.The R&DS expressed gratitude to everyone who participated in the Seminar-Workshop's success. Dr. Tria emphasized that the University should primarily focus on generating knowledge that benefits its community and that everything starts with a research proposal. After such, other research activities such as implementation, presentation, publication, extension, utilization, commercialization, and citation will automatically follow.Moreover, Dr. Tria said that this research activity is anchored in the current administration’s Vision of HOPE which encourages CatSU faculty members to engage in capacity building activities to enhance the quality and quantity of research. The University's next research-related activity will be "INVENTouring: A Proposal Enhancement Writeshop for Filipino Inventors," to be held on March 28-30, 2023, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology – Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST – TAPI). #CVecilles
The CatSU Abaca Technology and Innovation Center (ATIC), under the leadership of its Director, Prof. Abelisa D. Evangelista, conducted a seminar cum-writeshop on the application of Collective Mark of Abaca Fiber in the university accreditation room on March 22, 2023, to increase support for the province's abaca industry.The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Provincial Local Government of Catanduanes, Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) collaborated to organize the workshop.The event served as an information drive and a writeshop for the stakeholders of the abaca industry in Catanduanes, particularly the members of Catanduanes Abaca Industry Development Council (CAIDC), where CatSU is an active member.Prof. Evangelista stressed that the Origin-Based Branding of Catanduanes Goods and Services was critical in strengthening the support to the province's abaca industry."We are here to encourage and enhance the competitiveness of our abaca farmers, traders, processors, government and non-government agencies, researchers, the academe, and other stakeholders," Prof. Evangelista said.The workshop began with an introduction to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines by Mr. Rolan O. Leaño. Succeeding topics included the Importance and Benefits of Protecting Geographical Indications and Collective marks, and Developing a Geographical Indication & Collective Mark: Next Steps, presented by Atty. Joan Janneth M. Estremadura and Ms. Danica M. Muyargas, respectively, of the Bureau of Trademarks.The Director hopes that this significant progress will attract more investors to provide more employment opportunities and sustain the demand and productivity of the province's abaca industry. The workshop also covered salient features of Geographical Indications and Regulations.A day prior to this event, the group visited an abaca farm in San Roque, Bato, to observe the unique farming management and practices of abaca in the island, in relation to the application of the Collective Mark of Abaca Fiber. IPOPHL Consultant Engr. Nino Angelo Torre facilitated the initiatives of the CatSU-ATIC, led by CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, through the Catanduanes Abaca Industry Development Council (CAIDC) headed by Gov. Joseph C. Cua.The preliminary activities of the farm visit were supported by CatSU Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs (REPA), Dr. Ramon Felipe A. Sarmiento, Assistant Vice President REPA, Dr. Kristian Q. Aldea, and CatSU-ATIC Faculty-in-Charge Engr. Jhomann U. Socito. #CVecilles
The Catanduanes State University-National Service Training Program (CatSU-NSTP) participated in a seminar-workshop at Albert Hall, Teacher’s Camp, Baguio City, from March 1-4, 2023.The event was conducted by the Center for Human Research & Development Foundation (CHRDF) Inc. in partnership with the University of the Philippines Baguio (UP Baguio).The seminar-workshop aimed to provide participants with a better understanding of the National Service Training Program (NSTP) Law, by revisiting and unpacking IRR and IGP for NSRC, and aligning NSTP with the vision and mission of the institution.The seminar-workshop also focused on delivering NSTP courses through a learner-centered approach and recalibrating NSTP of each Higher Education Institution (HEI) through designing contextualized NSTP.The four-day Seminar-Workshop held a series of simultaneous sessions for NSTP directors, coordinators, teachers and students of the participating HEIs in the country.Concurrently, the National NSTP Student Leadership Conference 2023 was also conducted, which aimed to provide leadership competency development among Filipino youth, instilling the value of patriotism and nationalism.The Director of CatSU-NSTP, Prof. Emlyn M. Lanon, was accompanied by two NSTP student-trainees, Ms. Karyl M. Tugay from the College of Education-Bachelor of Secondary Education-English, and Mr. Thomas Miguel T. Delapeña from the College of Engineering and Architecture-Civil Engineering. The conference aimed to train students to fully appreciate and understand how NSTP should be regarded as not just a college course but a way of life, as they are expected to develop a deeper sense of its purpose and significance. The program is a source of life skills, a part of social responsibility, and a passion for lifelong learning. #CVecilles
In order to address the high demand for internationalization in Philippine Higher Education Institutions, the Quality Assurance Services (QAS) collaborated with the Center for International Relations and Continuing Professional Development Services (CIRCPDS) to conduct a Seminar-Workshop on March 17, 2023.The objective of the workshop was to strengthen international linkages initiatives and to discuss the University’s internationalization framework.The event was held in the Accreditation Room and was attended by CatSU top officials, College Deans and their respective Chairpersons, and the Unit Directors or Office Heads.The Resource Speaker, Prof. Zyra Mae T. Tumala, who is also the International Relations Director, gave a brief overview of the Philippine government’s initiatives since 1987 and discussed the Structure and Operations of the International Relations office.The seminar-workshop focused on developing and implementing the Internationalization Strategy towards Quality Assurance, developing best practices, scholarship opportunities such as short and long-term programs (including Fullbright, UMAP, MEXT among others), and CatSU’s vision and target projection for the next five years on Internationalization Initiatives.Dr. Edna A. Pante, the QA Head, emphasized the need to set a clear direction for internationalization initiatives, formalize a structure, and formulate implementing guidelines as competition is now international in scope.“A very clear direction has to be set for internationalization initiatives, therefore the formalization of a structure and formulation of implementing guidelines are pivotal,” Dr. Pante emphasized.Dr. Lily P. Custodio, Executive Vice President, commended Directors Pante and Tumala and all participants for a job well done, stressing the need for cooperation to achieve CatSU’s internationalization goals.“It is in our strong support to each other, the collaborative efforts we evidently have, in supporting the administration’s vision of HOPE, and all the hard work that we do, that we can fulfill our mission of putting CatSU on the global scale,” Dr. Custodio said.Dr. Joseph G. Zafe, former Director of CIRCPDS, and now the newly appointed Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, regarded the reorientation to cover internationalization initiatives as a strong action to produce globally-competitive graduates.The whole day seminar-workshop concluded with the presentation of outputs from each group of active participants.Prof. Tumala shared her excitement and motivation, realizing the opportunities to focus on and having a visionary and supportive President, Dr. Azanza, at the helm. She believed that with determination and strength, CatSU could fulfill its mission of putting itself on the global scale. #CVecilles
To strengthen the research efforts and collaboration for Catanduanes State University (CatSU), Dr. Jose Z. Tria, the Director of Research and Development Services (RDS), and Prof. Abelisa D. Evangelista, the Director of Abaca Technology and Innovations Center (ATIC), attended the Research Development and Extension Strategic Planning and Workshop at Patio de San Jose Resort and Convention Center at Malilipot, Albay on March 1-3, 2023.The workshop was organized by the Bicol Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (BCAARRD), with twenty-two consortium member institutions (CMIs) in attendance.During the workshop, Dr. Tria and Prof. Evangelista engaged in knowledge-sharing and discussions on a wide range of themes such as research areas of BCAARRD, strategic R&D roadmap for land-based agriculture and fisheries/marine science, and developing action plans through the lens of Futures Thinking.The workshop also covered topics like Research Development and Extension agenda, thrust, and priorities, Philippine development plans for 2023-2028, the national innovation agenda 2032, and Bicol Regional Development plans.Notable resource speakers for the three-day workshop included Dr. Arnulfo M. Mascariñas, Chair, RRDCC, Dr. Lester M. Narvaez, Dr. Marissa N. Estrella, Deputy Director, and Director of BCAARRD, respectively.As a result of their attendance, research centers such as RDS and ATIC brainstormed and agreed to create strategic plans through collaboration with the Office of Vice President, REPA, Deans/Department Chairs and Research Coordinators, and Faculty members as well as faculty researchers, by having orientation and re-orientation for Research Coordinators about the trends and updates of BCAARD, and assist them in preparing and the submission of consortium-type research proposals.“We want to integrate new learnings and policies to gain from Futures thinking approach of strategic planning, as well as revisit and improve, integrate and re-harmonize the University research agenda to the regional RD&E thrusts and priorities.”, Dr. Tria said. BCAARRD expressed its appreciation to all the attendees and participating CMIs for their contributions to the success of the workshop and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among CMIs to achieve sustainable regional development. #CVecilles
To promote awareness and preparedness among students and faculty, the Incident and Calamity Operations (ICO) conducted an Earthquake Drill on March 16, 2023, headed by its Commander, CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza and assisted by Prof. Emlyn M. Lanon, In-charge of Continuing Education, Training, Drills, and Calamity Awareness Campaign.The Earthquake Drill was held in relation to the Memoranda from the RDRRMC regarding the regional conduct of the 1st Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) 2023. Students and employees participated in the drill at exactly 2:00 PM.According to Prof. Lanon, this drill is important to develop and practice muscle memory of the duck-cover-and-hold among students and faculty, build resilient communities in the university, and assess the readiness of students and faculty in times of earthquakes. Engr. Benjamin Hannycel T. Nuyda, Planning and Development Services Director, gave an orientation during the conduct of the drill, while Dr. Ryan T. Timbal, Head of CatSU Security Services, provided necessary assistance and monitoring during the activity. #CVecilles
CatSU Internal Audit Team Head, Engr. Rafael O. Santelices, conducted an ISO 9001:2015 training awareness session at the Accreditation Room on March 7, 2023. The aim of the training was to enhance the knowledge of the newly designated Heads of Offices and Directors regarding the fundamentals of the ISO 9001:2015 Standard.“The adoption of a quality management system is a strategic decision for an organization. In our case at CatSU, we always want to continually improve overall performance and provide quality services to our clients and stakeholders,” Engr. Santelices said.The Internal Audit Services is the university's unit responsible for facilitating opportunities to enhance the clientele's service experience. They ensure that service delivery is demonstrated in conformity to the specified quality management system requirements, based on the international standard for ISO 9001:2015. “Let us always intensify the connection and processes in organizing quality policy and adhering to the quality standards. It is in providing the best quality services that will yield excellent customer satisfaction,” Engr. Santelices emphasized.One of the participants, Prof. John Cyrus B. Francis, Director of the Office of Student Affairs and Development Services (OSADS), emphasized the significance of being aware of the intention of the ISO and being fully guided in terms of office document familiarization.“We will need to be able to identify correction-immediate action in order to solve issues and concerns on a per cause-basis. There’s the preventive action as well as corrective action, best practices to pick up in order to achieve the consistency of providing quality services to the students, very useful in my case being the office that takes charge of student affairs and development concerns,” Prof. Francis said."Ultimately, we are bound to understand the fundamentals of Quality Management Systems parallel to the State College and University (SUC) standards, and the Vision, Mission, and Developmental Goals of CatSU,” he added.Prof. Gregorio Angeles, Jr., Extension Coordinator from CatSU Panganiban Campus, recalled his learnings from the activity."The core of ISO is customer satisfaction. It is in our commitment and strong-will to continue the thrusts and efforts for improvement, and to ensure the attainment of excellence in quality management for societal advancement, that we can achieve customer satisfaction,” Prof. Angeles said. #CVecilles
CatSU-Koro Hubilyo proudly presented their learnings from the Empowerment and Development of University Choirs (EDUC) Program's culminating activity, organized by the Philippine Madrigal Singers and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), held on March 12, 2023.The Philippine Madrigal Singers, a renowned musical group, mentored and trained aspiring singers and chorale groups from selected higher education institutions in the Philippines through sessions on vocal and conducting techniques, choral literature, and arts management. Prof. Mark Anthony Carpio, Artistic Director and Choirmaster, along with Prof. Joey G. Vargas and Prof. Anna Tabita Abeleda-Piquero facilitated the online sessions.CatSU Koro Hubilyo was grateful for being one of the groups chosen to participate in the program and expressed their appreciation. The EDUC program helped them enhance their singing techniques and deepen their appreciation for choral music.During the culminating activity, all the participating groups showcased their pre-recorded performances through the Philippine Madrigal Singers' YouTube channel, celebrating Filipino culture and music. The event showcased how music can unite people, inspire them, and foster a sense of community - an embodiment of a Singing Philippines.The EDUC program not only improved the group's skills but also provided them with an unforgettable experience.The platform enabled them to showcase their talents, interact with fellow music enthusiasts, and learn from industry experts.The CatSU Koro Hubilyo is a major performing musical group in Catanduanes State University, emphasizing Bicol cultural music to preserve and promote the rich culture of the province.Founded in 2020 by Dr. Jose Z. Tria, the group comprises students from various programs in the institution and performs various musical genres. The name "Hubilz" combines the Bicol term "koro," which means choir, and "hubilyo," which means tying threads of abaca fibers to produce a strong rope. It signifies the group's mission to bring together diverse voices and instruments to produce a harmonious and well-balanced musical group.Today, Hubilz is on a mission to spread music throughout the island of Catanduanes. #CCS
To ensure that the plans and programs under the Vision of HOPE are properly implemented, CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza created the position of Executive Vice President, a first for the institution in 62 years. Because of her integrity and proven track record as a faculty member and an administrator, the first Executive Vice President came on top of the list and personal choice for Dr. Azanza. Upon approval by the Board, he recommended the designation of Dr. Lily P. Custodio – and was endorsed as the first ever Executive Vice President of Catanduanes State University by the Administrative Council during its meeting on January 9, 2023. Her designation was unanimously approved by the Board of Regents during its 212th (Regular)/4th Quarter Board of Regents Meeting on January 18, 2023. As EVP, Dr. Custodio holds the second highest position in terms of authority.Fondly called "Doc Lily" by many, she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce Major in Accounting from the Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC) in 1979, and subsequently became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).Dr. Custodio completed her Master of Science in Management, Major in Business Administration in 1989, where she received the Outstanding Research award for her thesis titled "Comparative Cases of Growth Rates Among Small Scale Manufacturing Businesses in Region V: Implications to Financial Management."She was among the faculty members sent to study in Australia for her graduate studies during the time of then visionary CSC President, Dr. Rodolfo V. Azanza, the father of the present CatSU President, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza.She finished her Master of Educational Administration (MEdAd) at Flinders University of South Australia and continued to pursue her Post Graduate studies in the same institution, earning her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Strategic Management in 1996 with a dissertation titled "Career Perceptions in the Philippines: Study of Academic Executives."Dr. Custodio began her CatSU journey in 1980 as an Instructor and climbed up the ranks, achieving her current academic position as Professor VI.She also served as the Dean of the College of Business and Accountancy from 1998 to 2009, and held several administrative designations, leading major divisions such as Academic Affairs (AA), Administrative & Financial Affairs (AFA), and Research, Extension and Production Affairs (REPA).She also chaired the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) and served as the Dean of the Graduate School.Prior to her appointment as the first ever CatSU Executive Vice President, Dr. Custodio was the Vice President for Academic Affairs. In this role, she worked hard with the President to create 11 new academic programs, including those that required accreditation.As EVP, Dr. Custodio's principal responsibilities include overseeing and administering the planning process of the University, providing leadership to all academic programs and Units, leading the assessment of the University's strategic plan, promoting linkage and modification of academic programs to meet the evolving missions of the University, aligning academic programs with the University's strategic plan, and meeting the needs of students and faculty.The EVP is also expected to provide leadership to departments and offices responsible for the following functions: diversity and equal opportunity, external academic affairs, faculty development, academic assessment, institutional research, international programs, undergraduate affairs, and others as assigned.Furthermore, she is expected to provide leadership and guidance to all College Deans to enhance effective operation, cost efficiency, and high-quality academic programs while working with all constituency groups to ensure that the University's academic programs have achieved or are approaching high national ranking or are well-placed with respect to the University's peer or aspirational benchmark group.Lastly, the EVP is responsible for ensuring effective communication with the Office of the President, monitoring the agenda for inclusion in different councils such as the Administrative Council, Academic Council, University Research Council and Extension Council, and Resource Generation and Utilization Council.With her exceptional knowledge, intellect, and leadership skills, Dr. Lily P. Custodio is undeniably the ideal one for the position. #CVecilles
The Shared Services Facility (SSF) or Foodlab Center, under the auspices of CatSU College of Industrial Technology (CIT), was filled with bakers and local pili processors participating in a Skills Training on Pili-based pastries held on Friday, March 10, 2023.The training is a collaborative project of CatSU CIT and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) under its One Town product (OTOP) program, aimed at developing food products utilizing pili nuts as one of the main ingredients to strengthen the Pili Industry Cluster of the province.“We are always excited about skills training like this being held here in CatSU and really glad to note that we are a part of the community members’ learning and growth in business,” said Ms. Jessa Tria, CatSU SSF Supervisor.DTI Provincial Director Ma. Belma Q. Escueta expressed her gratitude and thanks to CatSU President, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, for the strong partnership and providing a venue within the CatSU premises for business learnings and undertakings.Dr. Azanza responded that the university is here to serve a purpose, not just for its students and clientele, but for the community as a whole.“The university is for everybody; we exist not just as a higher learning institution in developing students to become future professionals, but also as a university that offers its services, expertise, and resources to help every individual in building their dreams and creating value-laden lives."Pastry Chef Marlon Dy, an Albay-based Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprise engaged in the same line of business, served as the Guest Trainer for the day. Mr. Dy shared his Mayon Treats recipes and techniques and was also joined by Mr. Medel Pasion of RFM Corp. #CVecilles
As part of the current administration's efforts to provide the best quality of education to its students, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, Catanduanes State University (CatSU) President, attended the EduCanada Pathways to Partnerships: Higher Education Forum held on March 8, 2023, at the Makati Diamond Residences in Makati City.During the forum, Dr. Azanza and his wife, Prof. Jane Rose C. Azanza, met with Canadian Ambassador David Hartman and exchanged discussions about the higher education sector, various approaches towards internationalization, including plans and programs useful to education delivery and research, as well as potential opportunities for collaboration towards internationalization.The event was attended by representatives of Canadian colleges and representatives from state universities and colleges (SUCs) in the Philippines."As we aim to achieve our target sustainable development goals for the university, it is very important and useful to become a part of this forum as we will also be able to apply and mirror the partnership opportunities here in CatSU," Dr. Azanza said.Presentations during the forum included an overview of Canadian colleges, institutes, and polytechnics to establish international partnerships, delivering micro-credentials, and enriching applied research. Moreover, the forum highlighted the one-on-one meetings between Canadian and Philippine Higher Education institutions, including Catanduanes State University. #CVecilles
