Atty. Septon A. de la Cruz, Officer-in-Charge of Catanduanes State University (CatSU), turned over Php 70,500 in cash donations collected by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region V to CatSU Panganiban Director Dr. Ramon F. Samonte on December 5 at the Office of the President.The donation was used to purchase goods for CatSU Panganiban Campus students and personnel, who were severely affected by the destruction caused by Super typhoon Pepito. Dr. Samonte said the financial aid would support the recovery efforts of the campus community and help both students and staff rebuild after the calamity.
Community’s Hope for the Unemployed and Marginalized Sector of Society: Adopted Community Organizations Extension Services (CHUMSS: ACOs) project, led by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, was recognized as Rank 26 under the A8 category: Support for Global Resilience at the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI).WURI is one of three Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) recognized ranking systems for higher education institution internationalization, such as the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS World, Asia, and Stars), and Times Higher Education (THE World, Asia, and Impact Rankings).It evaluates and ranks top universities around the world for the institution’s real contributions to industry and society.Launched in September 2023, the CHUMSS: ACOs Project reflects the university’s drive to community development and sustainable livelihoods. According to CHUMSS faculty member, Ricardo Arcilla Jr., who is also the brainchild of the project, the program supported four ACOs, benefiting 106 members through training and resources to promote self-sufficiency.The college also partnered with TESDA-CSHCI and the Local Government Unit of Bagamanoc to strengthen the project’s impact. CHUMSS ACOs focuses on five key components. First is Capacity Building, equipping ACO members with essential skills in organizational management, financial literacy, and leadership. The second one is Technical Skills Development, where the members receive specialized training in food production and service industries, followed by Sustainable Livelihood Projects and Income-Generating Projects (IGPs), wherein ACOs are guided in creating proposals that align with community needs and available funding opportunities.Another one is Team Building and Leadership Training. This aspect strengthens community cohesion and develops leadership skills through collaborative activities and training sessions.The last component is ACOs Community Outreach, addressing both immediate and long-term recovery needs in times of disasters.On December 4, CHUMSS faculty and students organized an outreach activity to help their adopted organizations recover from the Super Typhoon Pepito’s devastating effects, distributing generator sets funded by CHUMSS faculty and sacks of rice provided by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO). Photo credit: CHUMSS
Through Board Resolution No. 93, s. 2024, some changes have taken place for the Catanduanes State University’s office in charge of the promotion and implementation of cultural heritage programs. Started on November 6, 2024, the Center for Catandungan Heritage and the Arts, or CCHA as known by the CatSU community, became two separate offices: Center for Catandungan Heritage (CCH), and Center for Culture and Arts (CCA) - Hablon Dawani. Former CCHA Director Francis B. Tatel will now lead the CCH with focus on research and academic initiatives in heritage studies. This includes emerging fields such as Cognitive Humanities and Health Humanities. Operating under the Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs, Director Tatel’s office will oversee the university museum, resource material collections, and organize seminars and conferences on culture and heritage.Meanwhile, the CCA-Hablon Dawani, will be led by Santos G. Sorra Jr. It aims to develop the artistic talents of CatSU students while preserving the Catandungan cultural heritage. The center will support various cultural arts groups, including the CatSU Hablon Dawani Performing and Visual Arts groups, Koro Hubilyo, Rondalla, and the Saliw Hangin Concert Band. Activities will include performances, exhibitions, and participation in local to international events, guided by CHED Memorandum Order No. 09 s. 2013.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) - Bicol recognized Prof. Maricel S. Cariaso, the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager and Alumni Relations Officer of Catanduanes State University (CatSU), as the Most Outstanding Job Placement Officer.Prof. Cariaso received the award during the 2024 PESO Year-End Performance Assessment held at Villa Caceres Hotel in Naga City, Camarines Sur on December 4, 2024. The event was attended by PESO managers and Job Placement Officers (JPO) from across Region 5. Joining Prof. Cariaso on stage during the awarding were Robert Andrei L. Cimbracruz (LEO III, Bureau of Local Employment), Marilyn L. Luzuriaga (TSSD Chief), Engr. Julie C. Manalang (Senior LEO, DOLE Catanduanes Provincial Office), Imelda F. Gatinao (Regional Director, DOLE Bicol), Eduardo C. Lovedorial (DOLE Catanduanes Provincial Head), Imelda E. Romanillos (Assistant Regional Director, DOLE Bicol), and Ryan Roberto E. Delos Reyes (Senior LEO, DOLE NCR).
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) has pledged its support to Gawad Kalinga’s (GK) initiative to mobilize youth volunteers for recovery efforts following the devastation of Super Typhoon Pepito. During a courtesy visit on December 6, 2024, GK Regional Director Marc Sebastian met with CatSU Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Atty. Septon A. de la Cruz, who affirmed the university’s commitment to join in the upcoming Bayani Challenge.Set to bring over 5,000 volunteers to Catanduanes between April and June 2025, the five-day event will focus on house-building, feeding programs, school repainting, coastal clean-ups, and other community-driven activities. Sebastian lauded the university’s support and recognized its role in rallying the local youth for bayanihan efforts.The non-government organization has already extended aid to the province through food pack donations, feeding programs, and school supply distributions in six barangays in Viga. GK also plans to establish the first-ever GK Community in Catanduanes, with 30 to 50 concrete homes slated for construction to benefit families most affected by the typhoon. "We are committed to helping Catanduanes rise again, and the support of institutions like CatSU strengthens our mission," Sebastian said.
"I always tell myself that it's either I top this exam or I fail it. There's no in-between. This achievement has taught me that anything is possible if you put your mind into it,” shared Mikael Angelo Rabino Romero, Catanduanes State University’s (CatSU) lone topnotcher, who secured the 10th spot in the November 2024 Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination.With a rating of 90.60%, the Viracnon topnotcher shared the challenges he faced during his preparation, including unexpected hurdles that tested his resilience."One unexpected challenge was when our review center shifted to online classes due to flooding in Quezon City. When it happened, I relied on the study habits I developed during the COVID-19 lockdown. I paced my studies and ensured I had enough time for myself," Romero explained.The CatSU grad topnotcher completed his elementary education at Virac Pilot Elementary School and graduated from Catanduanes National High School. His father hails from Virac, while his mother is from Batangas.When asked about his motivation for pursuing a career in nursing, the son of engineer parents emphasized his sense of duty to the people around him. He credited the influence and support of his family and community for helping him overcome daily challenges.Looking ahead, Romero plans to pursue medical school. In the meantime, he is dedicating himself to bedside care and teaching. As he aspires to become a doctor, he lives by his guiding principle: “Take one step at a time. Failure is the end only if you stop trying.” Romero is one of the 29,349 passers out of 34,534 examinees in the November 2024 board exam, where the University achieved an outstanding 96.32% passing rate for first-time takers and a 92.36% overall performance rating, surpassing the national passing rate of 84.99%.
The College of Health Sciences (CHS) launched its Health Education and Advocacy for Reproductive and Teenage Health (HEART) Campaign on December 5, 2024, at Calatagan High School, providing 70 Grade 7 students with knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their health during adolescence. In collaboration with the DepEd Catanduanes School Health and Nutrition Unit, the event drew in key stakeholders, including Nurse Irma Pampanga, Head Teacher Cynthia Camano, Extension Services Director Dr. Adem Nalu Rubio, CHS Dean Dr. Ma. Alma V. Tabirara, and CHS Extensionist and Faculty Dr. Helen Romero.
Dr. Jimmy T. Masagca, a leading researcher and professor at Catanduanes State University (CatSU), was named one of the "30 Humans of East Asian Seas 2024" by the Partnership in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) on September 8, 2024, for his impactful work in mangrove conservation.A Professor VI and head of the Academic for Community Empowerment through Holistic and Ecosystem-Based Approach for Mangrove Crab Sustainability (ACE-HEMS), Dr. Masagca has dedicated nearly three decades to mangrove research.“I began working on mangroves in the 1980s, and nearly three decades later, my research continues to evolve alongside the community. Although locally focused, it addresses global issues like climate inequality and poverty,” Dr. Masagca shared.Through ACE-HEMS, he has spearheaded efforts to raise awareness and educate local communities on the critical need for mangrove conservation. The organization’s work has influenced a deeper understanding of sustainable practices and empowered communities to actively engage in mangrove preservation.The initiative has also led several groundbreaking projects that have shaped local strategies for mangrove sustainability. His team has adopted innovative approaches that place local communities at the center of decision-making processes for conservation efforts.ACE-HEMS’ work has attracted significant support, including a P10 million grant consortium managed by Bicol University, which will involve collaborative meetings with Aklan State University.In addition to his academic contributions, Dr. Masagca assisted the Municipality of Pandan for seeking the funding of Php 115 million for the People Survival Fund (PSF) proposal that includes mangrove conservation. Councilor Michael Tidon was assisted by Dr. Masagca to prepare the PSF proposal for funding.His research studies were also recognized both nationally and internationally, which has led to presentations at global conferences and co-authorship of 'Training and Management of Mangroves for Climate Change.'Further cementing his expertise, Dr. Masagca was appointed to the Scientific Advisory Group for Fishermen Management Area 1 (FMA 1) in the Philippines. Representatives from the group will visit Catanduanes soon to observe his work firsthand. Looking forward, Dr. Masagca was invited by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to join Secretary Renato Solidum and the Philippine delegation team to participate in meetings with higher education and research leaders during the Philippine Week in France, which will be held in Paris from December 8-12, 2024.
Faculty and students of Catanduanes State University (CatSU) were urged to critically and ethically integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into education and research during a 3-day workshop held from November 11-13, 2024, at E-Crown Hotel & Resort.Research and Development Services (RDS) Director Dr. Jose Z. Tria pinned on the importance of thoughtful AI use, and its potential to transform teaching and research when applied responsibly. “Our idea is our own prompt. We must consider how we will use AI critically and ethically,” he said. Director Tria also recommended tools such as ORCID, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate to help participants streamline research workflows and boost academic productivity.The workshop, titled “Empowering Innovations through Integrating AI and LLM Tools for Effective Teaching, Learning, and Research,” introduced participants to Brisk Teaching, an AI-powered platform for creating dynamic presentations and lesson plans. College of Education faculty member Emlyn M. Lanon demonstrated the tool, and the need to balance AI with traditional teaching approaches to preserve the human element in education. Director Lanon’s presentation banked on the perspectives from education experts Kovalenko and Baranivska (2024) on integrating technology without compromising pedagogical values.Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs (VP REPA) Dr. Rosana S. Abundo opened the workshop by welcoming participants and stressing the significance of strengthening faculty capabilities in teaching, learning, and research through AI integration. “This workshop empowers us to adapt to innovations while ensuring that these tools enhance, rather than replace, our expertise as educators and researchers,” the Vice President said.
Graduates often take diverse journeys as they pursue their careers following the conferral of their degrees. Each path is unique, shaped by personal dreams and professional aspirations. Yet, how truly remarkable it is when alumni not only excel in their chosen fields but also seek ways to give back to their alma mater and communities, with their stories becoming a source of pride for the university.Such exceptional achievement was celebrated at the CatSU Parangal 2024 on October 18 at the gymnasium, where two outstanding alumni who have stood out among others were recognized for their success in their fields.Following a rigorous selection process by the Search for Outstanding Alumni of CatSU, chaired by College of Law Associate Dean Atty. Gregorio M. Sarmiento Jr. with Alumni Relations Director Maricel S. Cariaso, two exemplary alumni emerged as this year’s honorees – Department of Agrarian Reform Provincial Officer Dr. Nerisa B. Aldea and Dean of CatSU Graduate School Dr. Arthur I. Tabirara.Notably, Dr. Aldea has advanced agrarian reform and community development in Catanduanes. Her work focuses on improving service efficiency, overseeing the distribution of land ownership certificates, and implementing various programs that support farmers and beneficiaries. Under her leadership, several cooperatives and associations received support for climate-resilient agricultural practices, boosting productivity and sustainability. Moreover, she established a Farmer's Business School and secured funding for farm machinery, which provided much-needed resources for local agriculture.Meanwhile, CatSU's Graduate School has been stepping up under the leadership of Dr. Arthur I. Tabirara. As Dean, he introduced reforms such as updating the Graduate School Manual and enhancing curricula to meet current needs. He facilitated program upgrades and proposed the opening of doctoral programs to meet growing demands.In community service, Dr. Tabirara actively leads the Knights of Columbus, an international religious-based organization committed to serving different community sectors. He was recently appointed district deputy, covering six councils in the province. He also played a principal role in local legislation, particularly in environmental conservation and waste management, which have earned him awards and recognition.Dr. Tabirara viewed the award as a reminder for all CatSU graduates to uphold the university’s core values. He also emphasized that such recognition serves as encouragement to continue their commitment to community service and faith-driven leadership, extending blessings to the university for its role in inspiring service to others."Receiving this award is an enduring reminder for CatSU graduates to embody the university’s core values in serving others and honoring God,” he shared. As these stories of achievement and service unfold, it is clear that the legacy of CatSU thrives through its graduates. Dr. Aldea and Dr. Tabirara are just two shining examples of the many alumni whose service to their communities and fields of expertise serves as an inspiration to future generations. It is certain that many more exceptional alumni will be recognized as the search continues, further solidifying the reputation of the university as a catalyst for change, progress, and service, and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
“The program's community service initiative is a testament to the university's dedication to mold socially responsible service oriented public administration.” This was expressed by Dr. Aristeo C. Salpa, the accreditor from the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP), after the Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration program of the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) had undergone a three-day 3rd Survey Revisit Phase 2 on November 6-8, 2024. Expressing his positive impression of the accreditation process, the USeP accreditor likewise commended the program's efforts on empowering the marginalized sectors in the island.With the results, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Planning (REPA) Dr. Rosana S. Abundo congratulated the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHumSS) faculty as the three-day event concluded. “As we move forward, we embrace the challenges and opportunities, diligently implement recommendations, and foster a culture of innovation in critical thinking and lifelong learning,” VP Abundo said.
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Laboratory School’s career symposium featured career journeys from alumni who gave testimonials before 170 students, November 12 at the gymnasium. Dr. Joyce Ann Cabrera-Mendez (Dentist), Fredel Janssen C. Bagadiong (business owner, host, and floor director), JO1 Kevin A. De Leon (registered nurse and Jail Officer), Atty. Pamela Joy Herrera-Sanchez (Associate Provincial Prosecutor), and Francis Jhan E. Rojas (singer-songwriter) were invited to speak, and shared their experiences and the steps they took to achieve their professional goals.School Principal Joerandy C. Tablizo told the grades 10 and 12 participants to ‘dream bigger, work harder, and never give up’ on their aspirations in life, drawing inspiration from the alumni testimonials, with the principal himself also being an alumnus.Building on this, University’s Guidance Counselor III Janette O. Labayani urged the students to take their future seriously and to resist being swayed by external pressures, which could undermine their genuine passions.The guidance counselor also emphasized that the programs they choose should align with the career track they are currently pursuing.For Mark Jesus P. Alcantara, a Grade 12 student, the event has allowed him to ‘envision a clearer goal’ that will steer him toward a more achievable job. “The lessons I have learned will serve as a tool to improve my decision-making skills - not only in choosing a career but also in becoming a more responsible person,” he shared.
