Former Officer-in-Charge of Catanduanes State University (CatSU), Atty. Septon A. de la Cruz, formally handed over administrative documents to the new Officer-in-Charge, Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., in a turnover ceremony, January 9, 2025. Atty. de la Cruz expressed his well-wishes for Dr. Barba and pinned on the importance of winning the administration's support and streamlining processes to ensure effective leadership. Dr. Barba, in turn, accepted the responsibilities and challenges of leading one of Bicol's premier state universities. As the OIC of CatSU, he aims to strengthen academic standards, develop research facilities, initiate resource generation for sustainability, and simplify processes to enhance efficiency and value-added services to further CatSU's mission and vision for excellence. Appointed by the Board of Regents (BOR) during a special board meeting on January 7, Dr. Barba will serve as OIC pending the selection of a new SUC President III. Prior to this designation, Dr. Barba held several key posts at CatSU, including Dean of the College of Agriculture and Fisheries, BAC Chairman, Executive Vice President, and leader of major university projects. Meanwhile, effective January 10, Atty. de la Cruz assumes the role of Director of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Cordillera Administrative Region. This reassignment follows CHED Special Order No. 141, s. 2024, signed by CHED Chairman Dr. J. Prospero E. De Vera III.
With the theme “Unto the Centerfold: Shaping Stories in the Shine of Catandunganon Faith and Fortitude,” the conference highlighted the vital role of campus journalism in promoting truth and accountability. CatSU Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba, Jr. warmly welcomed the student scribes and coaches and emphasized the importance of honesty and fairness in journalism. “As student journalists, your work bridges the gap between facts and understanding. The battle for truth does not end with machines; it begins and ends with us,” he said, addressing the challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation. Meanwhile, for LabSchools Principal Joerandy C. Tablizo, this year’s theme reflects deeply within every Catandunganon’s heart. “As this reminds us that the stories we tell, the narrative we weave, have the power to inspire, to inform, and to uplift us,” the host school principal expressed. This 2025 DSPC keynote speaker, Bea Jerika J. Amador, content editor of Greenpeace International, shared also her journey from campus journalist to professional writer. She urged students to step out of their comfort zones, ask critical questions, and seek the truth. “To everyone here, go out of your comfort zone, ask more questions, and always seek truth. Do not stop when the information is given to you, ask questions, like the systems we have,” Amador said. “We live in a country where democracy is always challenged. You have the opportunity to challenge what is happening and make a better system for you. The world that you are building now is going to be the world you will live in,” she added. Schools Division Superintendent Cecile C. Ferro also expressed during the opening ceremony the Department of Education’s commitment in nurturing students’ potential through values and competencies that contribute to nation-building. Joining the opening ceremony were Education Program Supervisor and Division Campus Journalism In-Charge Dr. Gina B. Pantino and other key officials from DepEd-Catanduanes and CatSU. The 2025 division press conference will feature various contests, including individual writing events, group events for TV broadcasting, radio broadcasting, collaborative publishing (desktop and online), and school paper category, running until January 19, 2025.
To guide the “would-be workers” on their rights at work and responsibilities, the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) organized a one-day Pre-Internship and Labor Education Seminar among fourth-year students from the College of Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF) on January 20, 2025. Graced by CatSU Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., the former CAF dean noted the seminar's crucial role in preparing students for careers. The seminar featured two sessions: in the morning, Atty. Pamela Joy T. Herrera-Sanchez provided a comprehensive discussion of significant laws addressing sexual harassment, including the Safe Spaces Act, the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, and the Violence Against Women and Children Act. Meanwhile, in the afternoon session, Senior Labor Employment Officer Danilo B. Balilo from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) provided an overview of the labor code's salient provisions. Director of CatSU Alumni Office and PESO Manager Associate Professor Maricel S. Cariaso, presented to the participants the National Skills Registration Program, emphasizing the program’s objective of improving employment facilitation services and providing up-to-date labor market information. The event, with the theme "Equipping Future CAF Professionals: Bridging Academia and Industry", was also attended by CAF Dean Dr. Michael Owen P. Malijan, CAF faculty, and other key university officials, held at the CatSU Gymnasium.
Catanduanes State University College of Engineering and Architecture, Computer Engineering (CatSU CEA CpE), grabbed the 2nd Runner-Up Overall title in the Regional CpE Challenge held from January 16 to 18, 2025, at Bicol University Polangui Campus, earning them the spot to advance in the national tilt in Baguio City. CatSU ruled key events, seizing the championship in the Quiz Bowl and Robothon with coach Engr. Morris U. Aquino. The Quiz Bowl team—composed of Carla Reyes, Josue Martinez, and Gian Ray Sarmiento—proved their edge in the competition. The Robothon team, led by Jordan Tioxon, Corinne Tatad, and Aj Von Zedrix Tud, stunned judges with their concept. In the Robothon, the team tackled a task based on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. They pitched a concept paper, illustration, and prototype for a device that converts noise from vehicles into electricity to power streetlights on busy highways. Corinne Tatad, a fourth-year computer engineering student, shared that poor internet connectivity posed a challenge during the event but stressed the power of teamwork. “Huwag mong i-limit ang iyong capability. Believe in yourself and your teammates,” she said. During their courtesy visit to the Office of the President, the team, with Dean Engr. Dexter M. Toyado, presented their wins to OIC President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. The OIC commended their drive and innovation, and urged them to keep striving for excellence. “Your success proves the caliber of CatSU students. Let this inspire you to reach even greater heights. Rest assured, the administration is behind you all the way,” said Dr. Barba. Meanwhile, Don Dexter Timajo took Second Runner-Up in Programming, using Python. In e-sports, the Mobile Legends team—composed of Zimone Jude Alfaro, Kurt Marcos, Andrei Tribiana, Nong Bryan Dave Baluyot, and Ronald Castromero—earned First Runner-Up. The Valorant team, with Erna Vallespin, Gian Hernan Gianan, Ethan Kenneth Diestro, Justine Bernardino, and Sean Andrew Torres, secured Second Runner-Up.
To equip future educators with insights as they prepare for their teaching internships, the College of Education (COEd) of the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) conducted its pre-internship orientation and seminar, Edukhanda, on January 22, 2025, at the CatSU Auditorium. The seminar opened with remarks from COEd Dean Dr. Maria Sheila R. Gregorio, who welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of the upcoming internship experience in shaping competent teachers. Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gemma G. Acedo also addressed the pre-service teachers, underscoring the role of future teachers in nurturing the young minds. The seminar featured a series of talks, starting with Vernie Robles, who discussed the Child Protection Policy, noting the significance of safeguarding children in educational settings. Dr. Joseph G. Zafe then elaborated on the duties and responsibilities of pre-service teachers, preparing them for the challenges they will face in the classroom. Guidance Counseling and Testing Office Head Noly T. Benavides followed with a session on building resiliency and mental fortitude, offering valuable strategies for teachers to manage stress and maintain well-being. Dr. Jose Z. Tria, on the other hand, addressed online safety, providing guidelines for navigating the digital landscape in the modern classroom. Atty. Nikko Rey Aicetel T. Manlangit-Santelices then presented the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act and Anti-Bullying Act, educating the future educators on their legal responsibilities in creating a safe and respectful learning environment. The seminar concluded with Niño Gerard Ceneta discussing the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, particularly the Department of Education (DepEd), in supporting pre-service teachers throughout their internships.
Advancing collective efforts on shark conservation, marine conservationist Elson Q. Aca, board member of the Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines and Balyena.org, led the session on shark biology, ecology, protective laws, and species identification, January 22, 2025 at the CatSU Gymnasium. Attended by students from BS Biology, BS Environmental Science, and BS Fisheries programs, and organized by College of Science - Natural Science Department and College of Agriculture and Fisheries, the talk shattered myths about sharks as dangerous predators, and instead spotlighted their role in maintaining marine ecosystems balance. Backed by his role on the Philippine Aquatic Red List Committee, Aca urged students to advance shark research in Catanduanes, where studies remain scarce, stressing the need for local data to craft effective conservation plans. With report from Asso. Prof. Ma. Cecilia T. Arcilla Photo: College of Science
Catanduanes State University Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba, Jr., led the flag-raising ceremony on January 27, 2025, and urged strict compliance with Board of Regents policies, tighter research-extension links, and reforms to address gaps in the scholarship contract. He emphasized before the university management, faculty, and personnel, the need for the academic division to strictly adhere to the Board of Regents (BOR)-approved admission and retention policies. “I urge the academic division to ensure full compliance with the BOR’s approved policies and to make necessary adjustments where needed,” he said and pledged to issue a memo to address confusion, particularly in retention policies in the colleges. In addition, Dr. Barba called for simplifying the unit work plan, particularly at the faculty level, encouraging the inclusion of only the essentials. On the part of the Research, Extension, and Production Affairs (REPA) division, he stressed the importance of aligning research efforts with extension activities. “We need to ensure that our research has strong extension potential,” he noted. On scholarship matters, Dr. Barba described the current scholarship contract as ‘disincentivizing,’ particularly in terms of benefits and promotion. He pledged to reach out to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for further clarification. “I am instructing the Federated Faculty Union (FFU) and the Catanduanes State University Employees Association (CASUNEA) to collaborate with the Staff Development Committee (SDC) to review and revise our scholarship contract. For instance, we hope that scholars on leave may still be eligible for promotion if there are vacant items,” he concluded.
During the orientation meeting on ‘University Policies and Guidelines on Food Services’ held on January 23, 2025, at the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Conference Room, Medical Officer III Dr. Abegail M. Abundo emphasized the prohibition of energy drinks in the campus canteens. As stipulated under Section 7 of Resolution No. 101, s. 2024, energy drinks are not allowed to be sold to students and employees. The university medical officer explained that many students have been reporting to the clinic with complaints of palpitations. Upon investigation, it was found by their office that these students frequently consume energy drinks like Sting. “Maraming dinadalang student sa clinic na nagpa-palpitate, and upon investigation, lagi pa lang umiinom ng Sting,” Dr. Abundo stated. With this, the canteen is required to offer more nutrient-rich options, such as milk, shakes, and juices, which align to the university policy. The said approved policy by the board aims to ensure that food offered on campus is accessible, sufficient, safe, and healthy. In fact, the resolution is also aligned with food safety and sanitary guidelines established by the Department of Health. To ensure the proper implementation of these guidelines, the Office of the Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs, the Office of Student Affairs and Development Services, and the Office of Health Services are tasked with overseeing food service operations on campus. At the end of the meeting, food business operators raised some concerns, and Nurse IV Emeline Francia P. Abrasaldo assured them that the concerns would be communicated to the Office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance for further action. Abrasaldo also shared that regular monitoring of food safety, hygiene, and sanitation practices is conducted by the Health Services on a quarterly basis to maintain high standards for all campus food outlets.
The College of Business and Accountancy made history on Monday, January 27, 2025, after hosting a first-ever vestiture ceremony for the fourth year students of Bachelor of Science in Office Administration (BSOA). Held at the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) auditorium, the ceremony's highlight was the presentation of gray coats and nameplates to each BSOA student. Parents assisted their children in donning the coats, symbolizing the culmination of their years of dedication and sacrifice. Court Legal Researcher II, Atty. Terelyn C. Villareal, a 2010 graduate of the same program, served as the guest speaker. Addressing the students, she acknowledged the anxiety they might feel about their upcoming on-the-job training. Drawing from her own experience, she reassured them: “It’s okay to feel uncertain; it’s part of the journey toward success.” Meanwhile, CatSU Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba, Jr., extended his congratulations, particularly to the parents who supported their children throughout their academic journey. He encouraged the students to embrace curiosity, passion, and patience as they begin their professional careers. “We don’t need an intelligent mind that always speaks but a patient heart that always listens,” he reminded the students. Other key university officials attendees included CBA Dean Ian V. Aranel, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gemma G. Acedo, and BSOA Program Adviser Alice S. Rojas. The event also featured a Memorandum of Agreement signing between the university and Host Training Establishments (HTEs).
Passers of the December 2024 CPA Licensure Exam were honored on January 9, 2025, during a Testimonial Ceremony held at the CBA Function Hall. The event was attended by CatSU Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., Dean Assistant Professor Ian V. Aranel, faculty members, and senior students. The nine passers shared their success stories, which offered insights and inspiration to the aspiring CPAs of the College. Passer Michael Angelo Tomagan reflected on his CPA exam journey, describing it as challenging but manageable. “The review journey wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t too difficult either. With the right mindset, discipline, determination, perseverance, and faith in God, I made it!” he shared. Photo: JPIA/CBA
With just four days left before the province's top campus journalists convene, the Catanduanes State University—Laboratory Schools is ramping up its preparations for its first time hosting of the 2025 Division Schools Press Conference.School Principal Joerandy C. Tablizo shared that the campus is 90% ready for the January 10–12 event. “Buildings are ready. We are now focusing on cleanliness and orderliness to make the venue conducive for all attendees,” he said in an interview today, January 7. Tablizo also shared that he conducted a meeting with all faculty members yesterday, January 6, to prepare the classrooms and even hired additional utility workers to assist with cleaning, as some extra rooms will be utilized that do not have assigned advisers. “On our part, we have to prepare the venue. All our rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with TVs. The rest of the preparations will be handled by the Division Association of Secondary School Paper Advisers (DASSPA), the Catanduanes Association of Elementary School Paper Advisers (CAESPA) and the Department of Education – Schools Division of Catanduanes,” the school principal added.Following the faculty meeting, Tablizo met with the Division Campus Journalism In-Charge Dr. Gina Bonifacio Pantino, and DASSPA President Jefferson Sebastian Arcilla, along with top university officials, including Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gemma G. Acedo and Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs Engr. Benjamin Hannycel T. Nuyda, to finalize the event venues.The university gymnasium will host the opening program, which is expected to welcome approximately 1,500 participants from across the province, including coaches. Additional venues include the Juris Doctor (JD) rooms and accreditation room, located at the third floor of the university’s Administrative Building, which will accommodate events like photojournalism, cartooning, sports writing, and Bicol Catandungan poetry writing. Meanwhile, most individual competitions will take place in the Laboratory Schools building, while group events such as television and radio broadcasting will be prepared there but presented in the gymnasium. In terms of the sound system and LED operations, Tablizo shared that the University Library Services will facilitate the said tasks. For the transportation of participants from billeting schools: Juan M. Alberto Memorial Elementary School and Gogon Elementary School, the university bus will be used. Anchored on the theme ‘Unto the Centerfold: Shaping Stories in the Shine of Catandunganon Faith and Fortitude’, the three-day event is expected to be attended by the schools division superintendent of DepEd-SDO Catanduanes, the officer-in-charge of the university, the principal of the Laboratory Schools, and other key officials. Photo: DASSPA Catanduanes
Though often associated with bad luck, for Kharlos Miguel T. Bautista, Friday the 13th last December 2024 was his lucky day. It was the day the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced he ranked 8th among 48,875 passers in the secondary level of the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT).‘‘It feels surreal that I am finally one with my dreams’’ Bautista said during his speech at EduKahusayan event on December 22, 2024, recalling how he celebrated the news with his father and siblings — crying and jumping together. With a 93.00% rating, the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) cum laude graduate dedicated his success to his “first teacher,” his late mother, who taught him to read and write. “She’s always been there for my wins and losses,” he said, admitting to himself that he was not a ‘hundred percent happy’ despite his achievement knowing that his mother is not physically present to celebrate with him.However, he believed that his mother was proudly looking down on him at that moment—not just for passing but for topping the board exam—and for fulfilling their long-held dream of him becoming a teacher, a goal he had cherished since childhood.A valedictorian at Gogon Elementary School and a Science, Technology, and Engineering (STE) program graduate of Catanduanes National High School, Bautista earned his degree in secondary education major in Science at CatSU as a DOST scholar. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, he excelled in both distance and face-to-face learning for four years as a consistent dean’s list. At the start, Bautista did not aim to top the board exam. However, after losing in a national quiz competition organized by Carl Balita Review Center, he vowed to redeem himself. “Babawi ako sa board exam, magkikita-kita kami ulit, doon ang tunay na laban,” he expressed.Secretly setting his sights on the top to avoid external pressure, he intensified his preparation, including daily drills, flashcards, and studying late at night. A pre-board exam ranking of 3rd in the Bicol region and inspiration from a friend who ranked 10th in the nursing board exam further fueled his aspiration to top the board exam.Sharing tips during review, the topnotcher said that ‘distractions’ had no place, describing his focused routine of reviewing complex concepts in physics and professional education. “No distractions during review, nakatago ang cellphone sa drawer, nakaharap sa reviewer and laptop. Minsan inaabot ng 2AM sa pag-review especially sa majorship, mahihirap na concepts, and problem solving sa physics,” Bautista explained, allocating more time in Professional Education and Majorship, since both equally contributed 80% in the overall rating. His disciplined approach paid off, but he emphasized that success isn’t just about recognition. For Bautista, being a topnotcher is not just about recognition, rewards, and incentives: this is God’s way to inspire and help more people, to serve our countrymen, to teach the students, to shape young minds, and to inspire them to dream and help them to reach their utmost potential. For those aspiring to become topnotcher, his message was ‘dreaming big is the first step, but dedication, perseverance, and faith will take you further that you can’t imagine’“The journey won’t be easy, sleepless nights, breakdowns, and doubts. Believe in your capabilities. You want to pass the board exam? Exert efforts, and be consistent. You want to top the board exam? Double your efforts, and be consistent,” he shared. Bautista expressed gratitude to CatSU for fostering a supportive learning environment and thanked his family, comparing their influence to a beautiful melody in his life. In fact, CatSU produced 274 passers in the September 2024 LEPT, including 64 in elementary education and 210 in secondary education, continuing its tradition of surpassing the national average. “Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground,” he advised, urging aspiring educators to balance effort with rest and trust in God’s timing.
