Two students from the College of Science (COS) landed the 3rd and 4th place during the 26th Philippine Statistics Quiz (PSQ) Regional Championship in Legazpi City on November 14, 2022.Hershane C. Lizaso (3rd placer) and Junmar T. Socao (4th placer) are students taking up Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (BSMath). During the PSQ Provincial Elimination, Socao was awarded champion while Lizaso got the 1st runner up. Another student from COS, Kenneth Cole Sermonia also attended the said content. Prof. Moreno D. Tabiors, Jr. served as the coach of the trio. The PSQ is a nationwide annual contest designed to test the knowledge of statistics of first year students enrolled in colleges and universities in the 17 regions of the country. It also identifies and nurture talents especially in the field of statistics. It aims to contribute to the advocacy in the use of Statistics for evidence-based decision-making. #FJBT
Catanduanes State University has produced a new batch of equipped and competitive professionals in the field of Nutrition and Dietetics in the recently conducted Nutritionist-Dietitian Licensure Examination (NDLE) given by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on October 30-31, 2022.The CatSU community is proud to share the news to the public for attaining another commendable passing rate of 56.25%, producing eighteen (18) new nutritionist-dietitians out of thirty-two (32) takers. National passing rate is 64.54% (719/1,114).Here are the newly-licensed Nutritionist-Dietitians:1. ABUNDO, DOREEN MAE TIOXON2. AVILA, ALYSSA KAYE CALDERON3. BAGAY, RECHELLEN MAY FRIAS4. BALTAZAR, JOVANNI IMPERFECTO5. BERNAL, JEMAIMA ALEXIS BULALANG6. CABANOG, MAVY SAKYAT7. DOMINGUEZ, JOAHNA GRACE BALMACEDA8. FAJARDO, HAZEL RAYMUNDO9. FERNANDEZ, SHIRLEY PELAGIO10. INTERNO, JEORGIE BAGAY11. MABALA, FRANZ DANIELLE12. MOSTAZA, AMY JANE SANTELICES13. OBIN, MA. CRISTINE VITALICIO14. PITAJEN, JEANY VALLESPIN15. SARMIENTO COLEEN GO16. TABIRARA, ERIKKA ORENDAIN17. TIMOLA, HONEY DHEL FAUSTINO 18. TURA, GENEVIEVE ANNE OLONAN
Christmas at Catanduanes State University (CatSU) kicked off with the Tree of HOPE and lighting of lanterns ceremony on December 15, 2022 at the CatSU Front Grounds.The university community composed of students headed by Student Regent, Hon. Angelo Piolo Laynes, faculty members headed by Faculty Regent, Dr. Rosanna Abundo and CASUNEA President Prof. Danilo Murillo and heads of offices, came together for a short program. Dr. Maria Edna R. Inigo, VP for Administrative and Finance and Dr. Ramon Felipe Sarmiento, VP for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs shared inspirational messages to the crowd. Dr. Inigo also welcomed the special guests from the BJMP San Andres District and acknowledged their support for the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) who handcrafted the lanterns and said that the observance is “a moment of prayer and thanksgiving for the generosity of those who made the University Center project come to life." She added in her message the story of the symbolic meaning of the Parol ng Pag-asa (Lanterns).Adding highlight on this year’s collection of Christmas Lights are the big lanterns handcrafted by the Computer engineering students of the College of Engineering and Architecture, and students from the College of Industrial Technology. The lanterns have a special code mechanism skillfully designed by the students. The moment that many students and faculty had been waiting for came as the countdown for the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas Tree of HOPE took place which was led by no less than the president himself, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza. In his message, Dr. Azanza described the ceremony as very symbolic because all would want to light the Tree of Hope and Parol ng Pag-asa for everybody to have brighter days ahead, for all fellow Catandunganons.“May we not forget that the very meaning of this Christmas celebration is our own salvation from the greatest man who ever walked on earth, no other than our beloved savior the Lord Jesus Christ; let’s offer this night to Him and our families”, he added. With loud applause and good cheer, the evening continued a few feet away on the green grounds where the community gathered for the 2nd annual tree lighting ceremony. #CVecilles
Catanduanes State University in collaboration with Agricultural and Rural Development for Catanduanes Inc. (ARDCI) Corporation created a Community Pantry with a particular goal in mind; to help alleviate the food insecurity that students are currently facing specifically at this time when the final exams are coming up in the university.The project called Student Pantry, is an offshoot of a fund-raising activity that was held last month by ARDCI Microfinancing Inc. and its corporate organization, headed by Dr. Ma. Cecilia L. Zantua, Managing Director of ARDCI Foundation.According to Dr. Zantua, the project is envisioned to help the students especially upon learning that most often than not, they would sacrifice to skip meals just to save their allowance for some other school’s needs. She further said that this this project is not just a project to help people in need but also a project of honesty and kindness.“It is a test of kindness as we look for people who can give what they can, and Honesty – for students to get only what they need, and to think about the rest too who like them are also in need. It is a challenge to the heart”, Dr. Zantua said.Ms. Karie Ann V. Santos, Project Manager shared that the general mechanism is like that of the community pantry during the pandemic with those students included in the low-income families as target beneficiaries.“We encourage the students to avail of the program, they can get from here some of their basic daily needs like canned goods, biscuits, and the like. Also we encourage other students, employees, faculty, friends and acquaintances with generous hearts to share your blessing here at the CatSU Student Pantry. We can’t do this alone; we’ll also need help from our community members so we can help our future professionals to be successful by simply providing some of their basic needs”, Ms. Santos said.Meanwhile, Dr. Aida A. Dianela, one of ARDCI’s consultants, and a former CatSU Director of Student Affairs of CatSU, and also a member of the CatSU Board of Regents, was happy to share about the Student Pantry.“We are here to help those who are so disenfranchised in life and I see that the happiness, the love, the caring is so great, it is at its maximum height”, Dr. Dianela gladly shared.Dr. Dianela, in closing, enjoined everyone from CATSU to share, especially those who may already have extras, to help in sharing to those who have little or less in life.“What’s important is we help make people’s lives light, lighter, happier and more meaningful by what we have done. Let us always remember that it is really not what we give that matters, but it is what we share because a gift without the giver is bare”, Dr. Dianela said. The pantry, located at the pavilion of the former Office of Student Support Services, is open from 8AM−6PM, Mondays through Saturdays. All students are welcome to use the pantry once a week, and only need their student ID to gain access to its multitude of free resources — including canned goods, hygiene products, biscuits and more. #CVecilles
Prof. Mark Anthony R. Dalipe, Chairperson of the Physical Education Department, College of Education of CatSU was recently awarded as Most Outstanding Innovative Leader and Educator in Physical Education and Sports in honor of his outstanding qualities, excellence, highest moral standards, honesty, civic accountability and social responsibility. The award was given by the International Organization of Educators and Researchers Inc., (IOER) during its first International Excellence Awards on December 12, 2022 at Grand Ballroom, Okada, Manila, Philippines. The International Organization of Educators and Researchers Inc., (IOER), is an academic organization of eminent educationists, researchers, and practitioners across the globe. It aims to conduct national and international activities related to education and research, such as conferences, research forums, seminars and training, and other events supporting the importance of education and research. The IOER also aims to intensify collaboration and expand partnerships among academic scientists, educators, researchers, research scholars, practitioners, and students worldwide as well as exchange and share their innovative ideas, practices, experiences, and research results in various disciplines. The IOER vehemently strives to engage, thrive, and lead in the international platform through innovative and collaborative research that transforms knowledge and scientific discoveries into action. The organization is committed to strengthening and transforming synergies of expertise in the field of Scientific and Academic Research activities across the globe and provides leadership training and promotes integrated scholarly activities to enhance research productivity. #CVecilles
CatSU held a culminating activity for the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) on December 12, 2022 at the Main lobby of the Administration building. The campaign, observed annually from November 25 to December 12, raises awareness about VAW as an issue of national concern. This year’s theme “United for a VAW-FREE Philippines” focused the campaign on positive advocacy messaging by encouraging everyone to commit their stand and support to end VAW and to actively participate in a joint pursuit to have a VAW-free community.In support of the 18-day campaign period, several activities were implemented by CatSU GAD Services headed by Dr. Maria Edna R. Iñigo, Chairperson of the GAD Focal Point System, and Prof. Melinda V. Abichuela, CatSU GAD Officer-in-charge. Some of the activities include a Eucharistic Celebration, VAW-free community advocacy parade, various contests participated in by bona fide students from the Main and Panganiban Campuses, such as the 20-year Philippine VAW-Gains Quiz bee, painting contest, Bicol Song Writing contest, VAW-Free Photography Contest, Slogan and Poser-Making Contest, and a seminar training focusing on Bridging the Silence on Gender and Violence. Prof. Reashiela L. Khan, Gender Mainstreaming and Monitoring System Focal person (GMMS), led the opening remarks for the culminating activity and thanked everyone who supported the learning and development sessions. Winners of the various contests were also awarded during the program.Prof. Khan also encouraged everyone to continuously support CatSU GAD activities and, in their own little way, be an advocate of anti-violence against women and children. The Magna Carta of Women (Republic Act No. 9710) defines the Gender and Development Program (GAD) as the development perspective and process that is participatory and empowering, equitable, sustainable, free from violence, respectful of human rights, supportive of self-determination, and actualization of human potentials. #CVecilles
Organized last among the college women's clubs, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Women's Club launches to fulfill its calendar of activities starting with the peacefully facilitated VAW-free painting contest held on November 29, 2022. Twelve (12) student-artist participants from the different colleges of CatSU joined in the event namely: 1. Oliver T. Flores - College of Industrial Technology 2. John Patrick A. Zepeda - College of Engineering and Architecture 3. Princess Cel Tria - College of Engineering and Architecture4. Erica S. Chavez - College of Industrial Technology 5. Garry T. Santos - College of Industrial Technology 6. Aila Mae S. Villegas - College of Engineering and Architecture 7. Ezra D. Delluza - College of Industrial Technology 8. JUSTIN MAY DL. SARMIENTO - College of Education 9. Morenz V. Dedicatoria - College of Agriculture and Fisheries 10. Glori Mae Zuniega - College of Business and Accountancy 11. Micko Allen T. Eustaquio - the College of Industrial Technology 12. Paula Mia R. Padayao - College of Science The contest was held in coordination with the Office of the Mayor of San Andres through Hon. Leo Mendoza who provided all the materials and the CatSU Gender and Development Services as a support to the 18-day Campaign to End the Violence against Women, a national simultaneous campaign that runs from November 25, 2022 to December 12, 2022. #GAD
As part of the nationwide 18-day Campaign on violence against women of the Philippine Commission on Women, the Gender and Development Services of the Catanduanes State University headed by Prof. Melinda V. Abichuela held a conference dubbed as “Bridging the Silence on Gender Violence” at the Accreditation Room on December 5, 2022. The event was made possible through the shared efforts and support of the participating LGUs of San Andres and Baras headed by Mayor Leo Mendoza and Mayor Paolo III Teves, respectively.Embarking on another challenging undertaking, the conference aimed to provide the participants a deeper understanding and knowledge of the current state of gender violence in the province. Notable individuals and leaders representing the different sectors and offices with direct hand on women, family and children ably presented their ideas on the services, data, plans, and challenges they encountered as gender advocates of the province. Among the guests were DTI Provincial Director Maria Belma Escueta, PNP-Virac PSMS Josephine Bergonio, Atty. Rene John Velasco, EBMC WCD Officer Dr. Cecile A. Zuniega, Pastor Richard Manlangit Pacora of the Light and Salt of the Earth Christian Church, Sr. Basilides “Daisy” Superable of the Contemplative of the Good Shepherd Convent, and the Emergency Department Head of EBMC Dr. Arman Jefferson Espinola. Without hesitation, they made time to present the roles and experiences of their agencies and offices in responding to women, family, and children concerns in Catanduanes. Participants represent various offices and agencies including Cavinitan Elementary School, Calatagan Elementary School, Calatagan High School, Panganiban MSWDO, Calatagan Brgy. Local Govt. Unit, Camp Camacho Provincial PNP, Eastern Bicol Medical Center (EBMC) Hospital, and Public Attorney’s Office. “Today is a special day for all of us as we continue with our advocacy and in catalyzing urgent and sustained actions to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. Through this, we also hope to be informed and enlightened, and furthermore be able to think and come up with the significant ways on how the island can achieve zero gender violence,” Prof. Khan, GAD-GMMS shared. #CVecilles
Giving emphasis on the milestone reached by the Catanduanes State University (CatSU), Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, SUC President III shared in his inspirational message that the gift of universityhood is the fruit of all the labors of every Catandunganon.Dr. Azanza delivered his message during the celebration of the 10th Charter Anniversary of the institution on October 19, 2022 with the theme, “CatSU @ 10: Spreading the Vision of HOPE.”“The university was not created by just one man. The university is the fruit of all the labors of every Catandunganon of the past, the present, and the future”, he said.The SUC President also shared that it is the hard work of the previous presidents and all of the hardworking employees of CatSU who made the universityhood possible. He said that the conversion of Catanduanes State Colleges to a University is not a single act of one man, or a congressman or any politician, but the conglomeration of everyone who prepared everything and made efforts to make this happen.Dr. Azanza also acknowledged the professors, students, researchers, administrative staff, and all stakeholders whose dedication to service is unparalleled. He also reminded every - one not to be timid and shy, but instead, take an active role in helping the university reach greater heights.After the program, Dr. Azanza, together with Dr. Maria Edna R. Inigo, the Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs and Dr. Adem Nalu V. Rubio, Director of Extension Services, led the unveiling of the renovated building of the CatSU Extension Services.“The good thing about this renovated building is that it will also be an office for the extension coordinators of every college. This will help us to have easy connection and communication to every coordinator so we can update each other and prepare for our programs,” Dr. Rubio said.Another event that took place after the program was the launching of CatSU Solar Microgrid (Hybrid Solar Farm) along with the ceremonial switching of the 750KVA Generator Set, another of the few firsts of the university under the leadership of Dr. Azanza. President Azanza also addressed that he will continue to look for opportunities that will surely help the entire university. #FJBT
In its quest to push for deeper financial education and awareness within the student body as well as members of the university faculty and administration, the Bureau of the Treasury Regional Office V headed by its Director, Ms. Everette E. Villaraza, conducted a Financial Literacy Session at the Accreditation Room on October 7, 2022.The event was a product of collabo - ration between CatSU and the Bureau of Treasury RO V following the initial meetings of possible partnership. With Director Villaraza serving as the resource speaker, salient points of the FinLit sessions were done in separate segments, according to the types of participants.In attendance were teaching and non-teaching personnel as well as heads of the various offices of the university.Dr. Maria Edna R. Iñigo, Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs, expressed her gratitude for the kind gesture and productive proposal of the agency.“This Finlit sessions can definitely be of great help to our employees and students in attaining a clear vision of their financial goals”, she said. Finlit is essentially a part of the activities set in celebration of the 10th University Charter Anniversary. #CVecilles
In less than 24 hours after Severe Tropical Storm Nalgae (locally named Paeng) made its first landfall in Virac, Catanduanes in the early morning of Saturday, October 29, 2022, Catanduanes State University SUC President III, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza personally led the distribution of food packs to 250 CatSU students who were not able to go home in their respective towns due to the calamity. Dr. Azanza, who is also an incumbent Board Member of the Philippine Red Cross-Quezon City Chapter, as well as the Catanduanes Chapter, immediately called for the relief distribution, dubbed as ‘Damayan sa CatSU’ with the help of the Federated College Student Council (FCSC) President Hon. Angelo Piolo M. Laynes and other Student Body Organization Presidents and student volunteers who also extended their time for the relief efforts. The active student leaders of the University started preparing the food packs Saturday morning at the Student Center and the FCSC Office. Inside the food packs are a kilo of rice, noodles, coffee, eggs, and canned goods which were received by the stranded students.Dr. Azanza also distributed free smart load cards to 100 students in order to contact their loved ones at home via their smartphones. The smart load cards given to the students were donated by Congressman Eulogio “Leo” R. Rodriguez to help them with online assignments.With the shutting down of the power supply in the entire island, the CatSUans were also able to charge their gadgets and rechargeable lights as the main building opened its generator set for the students. They were also served porridge for snacks while charging their gadgets. Also present during the Damayan sa CatSU were Atty. Gregorio Sarmiento, Jr., Chief Administrative Officer for Administration, Mr. Rommel Torres, Chief Administrative Officer for Finance, Prof. Ian Aranel, former CBO Director/Dean of CBA, Ms. Lolit S. Sicio, Supply Officer, Ms. Josephine Rojas, Executive Assistant II, Rommel Reyes from Motorpool Services, Aileen Llandelar from the Public Relations and Media Services (PRMS), Jasper Adrian Sidlacan and Caroline Vecilles from the Corporate Communications Services (CCS). Disaster Preparedness Campaign As early as August 2021, Dr. Azanza already organized CatSU’s Disaster Response Team, with Disaster Preparedness and Climate Adaptation Team in partnership with the Provincial Local Government Unit and Municipal Local Government Units, and even with private organizations and companies to be ready in case of calamities or disaster. “It is not that we want another calamity to hit the island after the devastating Super Typhoon Rolly. But we know it is just a matter of time before another disaster might come along. Thus, might as well prepare for it,” Dr. Azanza said in his Facebook campaign last August 23, 2021.“We want to have ready sacks of rice, medicine, drinking water, canned goods, coffee, noodles, blankets, emergency lights, candles, even before the emergency happens.” Dr. Azanza’s campaign for CatSU’s Disaster Preparedness started rolling then. On September 16, 2021, donations started to rain in CatSU. The Fraternal Order of Eagles – Isla de Cobos Eagles Club donated three (3) sacks of rice and a box of canned goods. The alumni group led by CatSU Alumni Regent Atty. Ramil B.Tamayo also donated alcohol and a humidifier. He was joined by Hi-Density President Arturo B. Lumahod who assisted Atty. Ta[1]mayo in securing the donated items. The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) also extended their medical donations thru Mr. Anjo De Leon. Not long after this, the PCSO gave the University earlier this year its first-ever ambulance with the help of Governor Joseph C. Cua. Reaping what was sownA year after Dr. Azanza’s Disaster Preparedness campaign, CatSU students have now benefit - ted because we have food and goods are available. This will, at least, help them survive for a day or two until the stores are open again to the public. It can also be recalled that donations from stakeholders, partners, and generous people and companies were also shared last December with the CatSU community, especial - ly the needy students. Even CatSU partners, the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA), also received such assistance. This shows that the project and campaign planted have now been sown. The Vision to Care and Prepare Dr. Azanza calls upon private organizations and companies such as the Red Cross, PCSO, Rotary Club, Catanduanes Chamber of Commerce, Catanduanes Medical Society, Philippine Nurses Association-Catanduanes Chapter, Church-based organizations, Contractors Association, CIML 291, TFOE-Philippine Eagles, TGP, fraternities and sororities civil society, people’s organization, private companies like ARDCI, Mercury Drug, Watsons, Delex and others to help in this noble cause. Alumni and retirees are also asked to support and take an active role in this initiative. “CatSU has 50 years of experience on how calamities have wrought havoc on the residents of Catanduanes. We do not want to be caught flat-footed the next time. We want to be pre - pared. We want to make sure CatSU is ready to open its gates to the communities when another calamity or disaster strikes. CatSU will be there for and with the communities if and when it happens.”“Para tabi in isa karahayan kan gabos. Magpreparar na tabi kita bago pa mangyari ang emergency situation. Ta dae kita dapat gapreparar nin relief operations o disaster response habang andiyan na sa ngadang-ngadang ang makusog na paros o ang mismong sakuna,” he added. #FJBT
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Laboratory High Schools visited five big schools outside the island to benchmark on the school’s best practices in terms of School Governance and Operations, Curriculum Implementation, and Instructional Practices.Leading the team is Prof. Ditas T. Manlangit, School Principal with Prof. Joerandy C. Tablizo, Head Teacher, and Dr. Julius S. Antonio, Guidance Facilitator as her company.The team visited the Bicol University College of Education Integrated Laboratory Xavier School in Greenhills, San Juan, Philippine Normal University (PNU) Institute of Teaching and Learning, and University of the Philippines (UP) Integrated School in Metro Manila.During their visit at UP Integrated School, the Lab School top leaders were meet by Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, CatSU SUC President III and Prof. Jane Rose C. Azanza who happened to be on official travel at UP.According to Prof. Manlangit, the benchmarking activity is conducted for the continued pursuit of excellence and providing premium experiences to the pupils and students, and the teacher education students for their experimental learning courses.The school principal also stated that the insights learned in the travel will be used to further improve the quality of teaching and learning activities of Laboratory Schools. #FJBT
