No roar of the crowd. Just a sharp breath, a fighting stance—and impact. Ericka Jossaine Gianan, a first-year student from Catanduanes State University (CatSU), stepped onto the mat for her first-ever national match at the SCUAA Games 2025, and walked off with a bronze medal in the kyorugi division of taekwondo. She did it while carrying more than just the weight of competition. Born with a cleft palate, Gianan has lived with a condition often mistaken for weakness. On the national stage, she proved otherwise. “It’s not a hindrance. I trained hard and believed in myself,” the 18-year-old said in Filipino, after finishing third against top fighters from across the country. Representing the Bicol Region, Gianan was the region’s only taekwondo medalist, punching above expectations in a tough bracket. She took up the sport only in senior high school at Calatagan High School and trained nightly after her agriculture classes in CatSU—balancing academics with discipline and sweat. “I had no choice in my course back then, but now I love BS Agriculture. I enjoy it,” she shared. Her path, like her match, wasn't scripted—but it became her own. On the mat in Camiguin, the nerves were real. But so was the preparation. Her coach, Karl Bogabil, stood ringside. “I don’t just train their skills. I build their character.” According to him, Gianan’s focus and quiet determination set her apart. “She listens, she works hard, and she trusts the process.” The CatSU team stood behind her—providing sparring partners, moral support, and an environment where she could grow strong both in body and in spirit. “I’m thankful to my coach, teammates, and friends who believed in me,” she said. Despite her disability, Gianan says she’s never been underestimated in the ring. But she knows what it took to reach the podium: sacrifice, time management, and a refusal to give up. She now juggles her dual life as an agriculture student and a budding national athlete. “I make sure I finish my school tasks so I can train without distractions. I give my best in both.” Next goal? Finish her degree. Help her family. Win gold at SCUAA. And her message to others who may be facing their own battles—physical or otherwise? “Trust in your abilities. Improve for yourself. Don’t let other people’s doubts stop you.” In Camiguin, she didn’t just win a medal. She won something harder: respect, resilience, and a fight well fought.
Farmers in San Andres are set to benefit from a new digital information system developed by Catanduanes State University (CatSU), following a formal agreement that turns academic research into concrete local solutions. Inked on April 21, the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) sets CatSU as lead tech partner in launching a Rice Farmer Information System—born out of a study by San Andres native Dr. Belen M. Tapado. Her 2023 research laid the base for a system that mines and maps farmer data using Knowledge Discovery in Databases (KDD), allowing LGUs to better tag and aid real beneficiaries. Representing CatSU Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., Dr. Rosana S. Abundo, CatSU VP for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs, and Mayor Atty. Leo Z. Mendoza led the signing, locking in joint work on the system’s full use. CatSU will install the tech, train local users, and handle rollout with its College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) faculty at the helm. The system banks on a wide profiling push to update the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and fine-tune farmer records per barangay. San Andres LGU vowed to power the program with gear, web tools, and steady internet. CatSU, in turn, pledged quarterly tech checks and support.
“Heritage is not just preservation—it’s participation.” This was the bold challenge of Catanduanes State University (CatSU) OIC President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. to nearly a hundred students during the university’s National Heritage Month celebration held yesterday at the JD Seminar Hall. Speaking before students, faculty, and staff, Dr. Barba called on the CatSU community to move beyond ceremonial observances and take active roles in living out Filipino identity. “Hindi sapat na i-display lang natin ang kultura. Dapat isabuhay natin ito,” Barba urged. “You don’t have to be a historian to protect heritage. Every time you speak your language, respect traditions, or trace our history—you’re keeping the flame alive.” Barba pressed students to use their platforms—vlogging, podcasting, or digital arts—to amplify untold local stories. He warned that culture dies when treated as a school requirement or yearly program, not as a daily choice. “Heritage will not survive if we only treat it as a requirement,” he stressed. “CatSU dreams global, but beats with a local heart.” He also called on faculty and staff to serve as "culture bearers" and challenged students to deepen their pride—not through nostalgia, but through action. The event kicked off CatSU’s slate of activities for National Heritage Month, led by its cultural steering committee and the Center for Catandungan Heritage headed by Director Francis B. Tatel.
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) broke new ground as it launched its first out-of-province extension activity titled “Resilient Infrastructure and Communication Systems” at Craigville Resort, Goa, Camarines Sur, held April 9 and 11, 2025. Engineers, disaster risk officers, and tech experts delivered high-impact technical sessions, arming participants with life-saving knowledge in emergency communications and infrastructure resilience. Engr. Morris U. Aquino kicked off the two-day training with an intensive session on VHF radio systems, followed by Engr. Lino Nero Sorra’s practical rundown on basic radio operations. Engineers Ronnie Santelices and Lyndon Buenconsejo unpacked the integration of advanced technologies into traditional radio systems, pushing the boundaries of conventional communication tools. College of Engineering and Architecture Dean Engr. Dexter M. Toyado, PhD, stunned participants by demonstrating how to send emails without internet access, enabling cross-border communication in disconnected zones. Toyado also led a hands-on workshop on building functional antennas using affordable, easily sourced materials — a skill critical in post-disaster scenarios. Adding to the technological arsenal, Mark Anthony M. Del Rosario of the Philippine Science High School Bicol campus introduced participants to Slow-Scan Television (SSTV), a method to transmit images over radio for emergency use. He also guided attendees in capturing NOAA satellite imagery using improvised gear. The training drew barangay and municipal disaster risk reduction and management officers (BDRRMO/MDRRMO) from across Goa, equipping them with actionable, low-tech solutions for real-world emergencies.
"Kung CIT student ka, saludo na agad ako sa’yo." With this unapologetic opener, CatSU OIC President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. fired up the crowd at the College of Industrial Technology Fest 2025, held May 6 at the university gymnasium. With the theme “Gems of Excellence: Unleashing Hidden Potential,” the fest drew future builders, coders, welders, and makers into a celebration not just of projects, but of perseverance. Barba threw away the typical speech formula and spoke from the gut. “Let’s face it—your journey isn’t easy,” he said. “You work with your hands, think with precision, problem-solve on the spot, and often build something out of almost nothing. Hindi lahat kayang gawin 'yan.” He hailed the grit behind the grind—long hours under the sun, debugging sessions that stretch through the night, and projects completed despite missing parts. “Excellence isn’t the end product,” Barba declared. “It’s the journey… the trial-and-error that led to your aha moment.” Slamming the “shortcut culture” of today's digital age, he challenged students to embrace the messy process of learning. “Hindi lahat ng magaling, viral. Sometimes, the best innovations happen quietly—inside dusty workshops, small classrooms, or over simple conversations.” Barba’s message struck deeper than motivation; it was a challenge to reframe failure, to collaborate with heart, and to create with intention. “Ang galing, hindi agad dumarating. It’s earned—through broken tools, wrong turns, and unexpected discoveries,” he said. Urging students to “fail forward,” Barba reminded them that the value of their work goes beyond grades or recognition. “This Fest isn’t just about showing off what you’ve made—it’s about recognizing who you’re becoming.” Closing with a powerful rally cry, he affirmed their worth: “You are the gems that make CatSU shine.”
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) kicked off its campus-wide mock accreditation on Monday, May 5, a five-day quality assurance drill spearheaded by the university’s Quality Assurance Unit. Held at the Conference Room, the opening session drew key university officials and was led by Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. The mock aims to prepare 13 academic programs for upcoming AACCUP accreditation visits, covering different levels and campuses. The simulation covers the following: First Survey Visit: • Bachelor of Science in Fisheries • Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education • Bachelor of Physical Education Second Survey Visit: • Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Management • Master of Arts in Teaching Chemistry • Master of Arts in Industrial Education Second Survey Re-Visit (Library): • Bachelor of Technical-Vocational Teacher Education – Panganiban Campus Third Survey Re-Visit (Phase 2): • Master of Arts in Mathematics Education • Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship • Bachelor of Science in Information Systems • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Fourth Survey Re-Visit (Phase 2): • Bachelor of Arts in Economics • Bachelor of Science in Mathematics The mock will run until May 9. Internal assessors are tasked to flag gaps and align documentation with AACCUP standards.
Dr. Belen M. Tapado, Professor VI from the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) of Catanduanes State University (CatSU), brought Philippine research to the global stage as she presented her paper at the Future of Information and Communication Conference (FICC) 2025 held on April 28-29. Tapado’s study, "Rice Farmer Registry Framework: Enhancing Government Support with Knowledge Discovery System," tackled how data systems can be harnessed to sharpen government aid for rice farmers using intelligent registry frameworks. The FICC has cemented its place as a top-tier global meet-up of scholars, PhD candidates, graduate researchers, think tanks, and tech innovators. The 2025 edition spotlighted cutting-edge work on digital systems, with emphasis on innovation, evidence-based results, and system scalability. According to FICC conference manager Supriya Kapoor, submissions underwent a double-blind peer review process, weighing originality, significance, clarity, and scholarly rigor. Accepted papers, including Tapado’s, will appear in the Springer series "Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems," and will be submitted for indexing in Scopus, Web of Science, DBLP, INSPEC, WTI Frankfurt eG, zbMATH, and SCImago.
Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., Officer-in-Charge of Catanduanes State University (CatSU), joined top minds in agriculture as a resource speaker at the Regional Conference on Agricultural Innovation, Resiliency, and Sustainability (RCAIRS) held from April 28 to 30 at the Legazpi City Convention Center. Barba, an expert in crop science, spoke on the topic “Crop Productivity at Work: Yield Strategies, Food Sufficiency, and the P20 Challenge,” tackling real-world solutions to improve crop outputs and meet food targets amid tight budgets. The RCAIRS was organized by the Philippine Association of Agriculturists (PAA) – Canarium ovatum-Bicol Chapter, in partnership with DA-RFU5, ATI-RTC 5, and BCAARRD. This year’s theme, “Empowering Agriculturists for a Transformative Agricultural Development,” aimed to equip professionals and stakeholders with cutting-edge agri-tech insights and tools. Despite a packed schedule, Barba headed straight from Camiguin after attending the National SCUAA, where he supported the CatSU athletes and the rest of the Bicol delegation.
Marking its 30th anniversary this year, the Agriculture Students Organization (ASO) has turned over its donation, which includes three native piglets and one sack of commercial feeds, to the College of Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF), this morning, April 4, 2025. CAF Dean Dr. Michael Owen P. Malijan, who founded the student organization on July 28, 1995, expressed his gratitude and emphasized how the piglets would be an invaluable resource for student learning. “These will be used by the students for instructional purposes, such as demonstrating castration, injection of biologics, vitamin supplementation, deworming, and other related activities,” ASO President Edmund Reyes expressed in his letter dated March 12, 2025, addressed to University Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba, Jr., seeking approval for the donation. In addition to supporting instruction, the donation, according to ASO, is intended to kick-start the native pig production under the CAF Livestock project and could eventually become part of the college’s Income Generating Project. The total value of the donation is 11,800 pesos, with the three piglets valued at 9,000 pesos and the 50-kilo sack of commercial feeds priced at 2,800 pesos. The turnover ceremony was led by ASO’s newly-elected president, Romel Evangelista, and officers, along with ASO adviser, Jhomann U. Socito, and was received by Dr. Malijan, who was joined by University Veterinarian Dr. John Joseph Camu, CAF Farm Foreman Renato Lopez, and Supply Unit Head Erlyn Tuno.
Aiming to combat food insecurity and bolster local livelihoods, the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) and its partners broke ground on the Improving Livelihood and Food Security Project at CatSU Panganiban Campus on April 2, 2025. Led by the Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs (REPA), the initiative teams up with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to boost local food sustainability. "Catanduanes faces constant typhoons and high poverty rates, causing recurring income loss during calamities," said REPA Vice President Dr. Rosana S. Abundo in her welcome remarks. "This project, which began planning in October 2024, will equip locals with skills that create real impact." Building on this, CRS Program Manager Errol Merquita detailed the project’s two main components: setting up a food processing hub and selecting beneficiary groups. “For 80 years, CRS has worked to ensure disaster-affected communities have food,” he said. “One key challenge is food security, particularly managing surplus during peak harvests. CatSU’s study confirms market demand for fish processing, and we’re counting on CatSU to help sustain this initiative through marketing and capacity-building.” Reinforcing this vision, CRS Country Representative Jonas Tetangco emphasized the project’s long-term vision. “This initiative represents a shared mission to help vulnerable communities become more resilient,” he stated. “Its impact will be far-reaching, fostering self-reliant local economies.” Welfare and Self-Reliance Manager Ma. Teresa Pangilinan of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints underscored the deeper goal of the project. “We’re not just planting seeds for livelihood but laying the foundation for lasting change and empowerment,” she said. “This is a shared mission of lifting others.” Echoing this sentiment, CatSU Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. hailed the project’s potential. “This symbolizes hope for Catandunganons,” he said. “It goes beyond relief—it strengthens communities. We are grateful for the trust placed in CatSU to lead this effort.” Local officials also echoed their support such as PDRRM Officer Luis Surtida Jr. and DOST Provincial Director Engr. Marie Grace T. Molina who pinned on the project’s impact on the crab industry and its role in enhancing the Catandunganon Food Research and Innovation Hub. Representing Mayor Cesar I. Robles, Ms. Helen V. Salvador reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to sustaining the initiative. Wrapping up the event, CatSU Panganiban Campus Director Dr. Jennifer A. Berces called for continued collaboration. “Let’s move forward together,” she said. “This is a step toward a future where every family has access to essential food resources.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints funded the facility with over P3 million for construction and an additional P500,000 for equipment, reinforcing its commitment to food security and sustainable livelihoods.
Following the three-day evaluation by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Bicol - Regional Quality Assessment Team (RQAT), the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) received recommendations to offer three new programs starting in 2025-2026 school year. The Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, and Bachelor of Science in Food Technology will be launched once the compliance documents are submitted to obtain the CHED permit to operate, which Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. assured evaluators that these will be fulfilled. From March 18-20, 2025, evaluators also provided positive feedback and recommendations to other existing programs at both the Virac and Panganiban campuses. RQAT members, along with CHED education supervisors led by Officer-in-Charge Chief Education Program Specialist Engr. Janet N. Naag, and Officer-in-Charge Supervising Education Program Specialist Dr. Jean Salalima-Go, commended the university’s facilities, such as the newly established Speech Laboratory, and suggested improvements in areas like staff development, library resources, and additional computers. Dr. Barba likewise expressed his appreciation to the evaluators and committed to meeting the necessary requirements for the issuance and re-issuance of Certificates of Program Compliance (CoPC) for the university’s programs. Programs evaluated for CoPC at the Virac campus included the Bachelor of Library and Information Systems, BS Entertainment and Multimedia Computing (Digital Animation and Game Development), BS Internal Auditing, Bachelor of Arts in English Language, BS Mathematics, AB Political Science, Bachelor of Industrial Technology (per major), BS Agriculture (per major), and Bachelor of Secondary Education (per major). At the Panganiban campus, the BS Agriculture program was evaluated for the re-issuance of CoPC per major. Other programs that underwent monitoring were the Bachelor of Public Administration, BS Biology, BS Economics, BS Information Systems, BS Information Technology, BS Computer Science, BS Accounting Information System, and BS Accountancy. This evaluation is in line with Republic Act 7722, or the "Higher Education Act of 1994," and CHED Memorandum Order No. 9, Series of 2023, which outlines the revised policies and guidelines for the issuance of CoPC to State Universities and Colleges and Local Universities and Colleges.
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) athletes shined in the 2025 Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) Games, hauling 88 medals—20 gold, 38 silver, and 30 bronze—marking a major leap from last season’s 13-gold tally. Battling against eight other Bicol universities, CatSU clinched 5th place overall in the meet, held from February 17 to 21 at Camarines Norte State College. Kudos to our athletes, coaches, and staff for this stellar run!