The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) through its Human Resource Management Services headed by Ma. Sionne May T. Crispino conducted the Orientation-Seminar on newly appointed employees including personnel hired under Contract of Service and Job Order on March 16-19, 2021 at CatSU Accreditation Center.The activity was graced by Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, CatSU Officer-in-Charge President and CHED RO-V Regional Director. In his speech, he emphasized the qualities and traits that an employee should possess when entering the public service. Dr. Bernal further challenged them to be better public servants who can contribute to the productivity and overall success of the institution. He also hoped that of all things considered they should especially enjoy their stay in the University as government employees and continue to strive harder to achieve professional development and personal growth.Atty. Gregorio M. Sarmiento Jr., Vice-President for Administrative and Financial Affairs and Chief Administrative Officer discussed about the institution’s VMGO, Core Values, and Organizational Structure of the University so as to give the employees a good glance of the institution. He also talked about the rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service where he gave emphasis on the legal principle, ‘Ignorance of the law, excuses no one’, where government employees are expected to know what the law says.Meanwhile, Atty. Nikko Rey Aicetel T. Manlangit-Santelices, Attorney IV-Legal Office discussed topics on Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct & Ethical Standards) and Data Privacy Act wherein she reminded everyone that as government employees they should always be wary about all the data they share to anyone because as public servants we all have the duties to protect the personal information of the clients and also of the institution.Dr. Erlinda F. Tabor, Quality Assurance Officer, on the other hand, discussed the topics on 7s Good Workplace Organization, Anti-Violence Against Women (Anti-VAWC), Magna Carta of Women, Anti-Sexual Harassment and Safe Spaces. She mentioned that everyone, both male and female, especially those in the workforce, should always know how to protect themselves as employees by being fully aware of their rights. Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Maria S. Tugano and Ma. Sionne May T. Crispino, AO-V, HRM Services, likewise discussed topics on the personal and professional qualities of good employees, office decorum, government working hours, appointment (probationary period) included in the SPMS, leave laws and other matters. Topics on CSC-DBM Circular Joint Circular No.2, s. 2020, Gratuity Pay and BIR and Pag-ibig were also discussed by Ms. Ma. Alma B. Santos, Accountant II, Accounting Services. The four-day orientation-seminar aimed to help new employees be familiarized of CatSU rules and regulations defined by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Polices as well as to help them further understand the commitment and job performance expected from them by the institution. #GZafe
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Research and Development Services Office headed by then Research Director, Dr. Jimmy T. Masagca, conducted a virtual seminar-workshop with the theme, “Branding the Green University: New Dimension of CatSU in Research, Development and Innovation” on September 16-18, 2020 at the University Auditorium.The three-day virtual seminar-workshop on Research and Collaboration in Higher Education which was part of enhancing and strengthening the university’s research and development agenda was conducted through online mode given the current approach in flexible educational undertakings. Attendees of the activity were faculty and research coordinators of the different colleges in the university.Tapped as invited resource persons/speakers during the first part of the virtual-seminar workshop were the following: Resource speaker Position Topic discussed Dr. Ricardo P. Babaran Chancellor, University of the Philippines, Visayas (UPV) Research and Academic Collaboration in Higher Education Professor of Fisheries, College of Fisheries & Ocean Sciences (CFOS), Iloilo City Dr. Raul G. Bradecina SUC President III, Partido State University, Camarines Sur Dr. Carlo A. Arcilla Professor, Institute of Geology, University of the Philippines, Diliman Atomic Energy and Nuclear Research Director, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) Department of Science and Technology Dr. Elmer-Rico E. Mojica Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry & Physical Sciences, Pace University, New York, USA Molecular Spectroscopy Adjunct Professor, CUNY New York College, New York City Arch. Mario L. Alberto President, United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Catanduanes Chapter Built Environment and Green Architecture Dr. Alma Sorrera- Banua Professor, Bicol University Health Science Research and Community Engagement Former Director, Bicol Consortium for Health Research and Development Dr. Satoshi Kubota Professor, Research and Education Faculty, Multidisciplinary Science Cluster, Kochi University, Japan Nutrition Research and Health Care Mr. Romeo Valeza, RN Company Director, Heath Care Services Ltd., London Metropolitan Area, UK Mr. Jerome Francia Director, Health & Environment Management Services Crops Science Research and Innovation Dr. Daisy B. Badilla Chemical/Environmental Engineer, Society of Environmental Engineers of the Philippines Innovative Process and Equipment Design Raymond J. Sucgang Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) Wetland Management and Sustainable Conservation Planning Dr. Jimmy T. Masagca CatSU, Project IAEA/RCA RAS 7037, United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Vienna, Austria To make the event even more remarkable, a virtual seminar (on-site presentations) which features returned and on-going CatSU Master’s and PhD scholars during the second part of the program was also conducted to where on-going studies of chosen faculty scholars were likewise presented. These include: Scholars School Topic discussed Mr. Kristian Q. Aldea Kochi University, Japan Marine Benthic Ecology Mr. John Edmund Manlagnit Saskatchewan University, Canada Entrepreneurship Dr. Gemma G. Acedo University of Cordilleras, Baguio City GIS in Crop Agriculture Resadel O. Santonia UP Los Baños Health Foods from Yams (Dioscoreaceae) Ma. Monette DR. Tugay UP Los Baños Oil Production from Pili (Canarium ovatum Eng) Dr. Rene V. Torres Bicol University Graph and Set Theory Application in Mathematics Jimmylen Z. Tonio De La Salle University Applied Linguistic: Contrastive Textual Analysis The consultative workshop by group was then followed by the presentations of outputs. Lead persons during the activity were: Dr. Jimmy T. Masagca- RDS Director, Dr. Lily P. Custodio- VP-REPA, Dr.Aurora E. Araojo- Former Student Services Director, Mr.Vicente G. Padilla-Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Dr. Edna Pante- Campus Director of CatSU Panganiban Campus.
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU)- Research and Development Services together with the Nutrition and Dietetics Department of the College of Health Sciences spearheaded the 6th BIOME (Biodiversity meeting) through a web conference on Research and Creative Works on Food, Health and Environment with the theme, “Impacts of Covid-19 Pandemic on Society, Education, Environment and Development (S.E.E.D.)- Ageing happily and living sustainably with healthy diets and functional local food systems” on October 22-23, 2020. The three-day web conference was in collaboration with the Pacifictech NGO, Inc. and Hechanova & Co. Inc and The International Union for the Conservation of Nature- Commission on Education & Communication (IUCN-CEC) Switzerland. Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, CatSU Officer-In-Charge and CHED and Regional Director ROV gave his welcome message to the guests, presenters/lecturers and participants present and extended his great appreciations to the organizers of taking such initiative to conduct the event in which he said, “…a timely and relevant one because as the theme suggests, it touches the base of our current situations mired and yet unbowed by the privations of worldwide pandemic.” He further said that research as hallmark of a university, plays a very pivotal role in making it more relevant and responsive over cross –cutting issues and addressing various societal concerns. Also present as keynote speakers are Hon. Joseph “Buboy” Cua, Provincial Governor and Hon. Hector Sanchez, Congressman of Lone District of Catanduanes. Topics discussed by respective competent lecturers and speakers were presented during the program proper. Plenary sessions and research talks regarding Research & Innovation at CatSU, Biodiversity and Food, Mangroves and Ocean Science, Agriculture, Agro-forestry & Fisheries, Food and ABACA production, Research Management, Technology and Covid-19 pandemic were given as well. Invited keynote presenters who delivered their presentations during the second day of the event were Hon. Felizardo “Sarge” Colambo, Vice President of AMA University and Former Regent of Catanduanes State University, with his topic on challenges and prospects of blended learning. Atty. Editha R. Hechanova, President/CEO of Hechanova & Co. Inc. who talked about Intellectual Property and Technology Licensing in SUCs. Dr. Custer C. Deocaris, Philippines Nuclear Research Institute (DOST) had his topic on Organ Bioprint and Human Immortality and lastly, Dr. Efren Abueg, Writer and Professor at De La Salle University- Manila who discussed about Ageing Happily and Living Sustainability during Covid-19 pandemic. The 6th BIOME which tackles the link of Biodiversity with Food, Health and Environment during the Covid-19 pandemic was facilitated by Research and Development Services Office led by then Research Director, Dr. Jimmy Masagca, the convenor of the research conference, under the Research, Extension and Production Affairs Division headed by Vice-President Lily Custodio. The event primarily aimed to drive sustainable solutions through leading communication, learning and knowledge management to prepare more inclusive, environmentally sustainable and resilient food system, and to ensure no one is left behind.
In preparation for the Institutional Sustainability Assessment (ISA) set in the first quarter of 2021, the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office V (CHED ROV) conducted the Typology-ISA Orientation-Workshop on October 13-14, 2020 at the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Auditorium. Dr. Ma. Teresa G. de Alban, CHED RO V Chief Education Program Supervisor, together with other three (3) Education Supervisors, Dr. Jean Paulette S. Go, Dr. Pamela S. Viñas and Dr. Jean E. Cardiño, led the orientation participated by the Vice-Presidents (Area Leaders), Directors (Area Leaders) and faculty members of CatSU. The two-day orientation-workshop is meant to help university prepare for the assessment of the 5 Key Result Areas: Governance and Management, Quality of Teaching and Learning, Quality of Professional Exposure, Research and Creative Work, Support for Students and Relations with the Community. The University Officer-in-Charge President and CHED-ROV Director, Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, expressed appreciation for the cooperation extended by the University officials and concerned faculty members during two-day event. The workshop, held on the second day, was the highlight of the event. The Area Leaders facilitated the competition of the required information in the instrument provided by CHED in preparation for the workshop. Higher Education Institutions, like CatSU, are encouraged to develop a culture of quality and ISA is one of the ways to achieve it. #JManlagnit
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Federated Alumni Association, in cooperation with the University’s Alumni and Placement Services Office facilitated the election of the new set of Federated Alumni Association officers on October 9, 2020 at the CatSU Covered Court. Mrs. Thelma T. Sosito, former Alumni Relations Officer, spearheaded the election proceedings. Lawyer Ramil Joselito B. Tamayo of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) batch ’94 got elected as President of the Federation and that entitles him a seat in the CatSU Board of Regents (BOR) representing the Alumni Sector. He was once the President of the College of Arts and Sciences Student Body Organization (CASSBO) and is currently a managing partner of Tamayo, Agunday & Zuniega Law Offices. Tamayo will lead the FAA Board as it embarks on a strategic planning process to ensure strengthened spirit of collaboration of all alumni, and the revitalization of partnership between alumni organization, bigtime establishments in the major cities and successful alumni abroad. Alongside this platform of Tamayo is also the application, accreditation, approval and operation of the College of Law in the University. With Tamayo in the Alumni Association were other officers that were elected, namely: Fidel A. Vegim (Vice-President), Eulalia T. Talaran (Secretary), Nestor Sr. Robles, Jr. (Treasurer), Jonathan B. Capsa (Auditor), Eduardo D. Peña (Public Relations Officer), Eddie S. Millon, Erickson T. Salazar, Joel T. Olfindo (Board of Directors). #JManlagnit
The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources (PCAARRD) has approved the Catanduanes State University’s (CatSU) request of funding assistance for the project “S&T-based Rehabilitation of Damages caused by Super Typhoon Rolly in Catanduanes”. In the letter received last November 23, 2020, the Php5 million project aims to address several agricultural and communal needs that have emerged at the aftermath of STY Rolly, such as securing food packs and hygiene kits, conducting technical trainings on crop production, aquaculture, native animal-raising, and stress debriefing, procurement and distribution of seedlings and other planting materials to affected families. Mrs. Nena V. Santos, CatSU’s Science Research Specialist, is the Project Leader of the S&T based project which will commence on December 1, 2020 until May 31, 2021. The project is expected to be implemented by CatSU in collaboration with local government units and other government institutions. The funding assistance is part of the PCAARRD’s S&T Action Frontline for Emergencies and Hazards (SAFE) Program that addresses rehabilitation of areas affected by natural disasters. #JManlagnit
The Catanduanes State Colleges (now Catanduanes State University) Laboratory Schools (CSCLS) Batch ‘97, Singapore Chapter has donated smartphones to four deserving students from the College of Education and College of Agriculture and Fisheries. Based on the recommendation of Deans from the 2 Colleges, four students were selected as beneficiaries: Nichico M. Canaria (CoED), Janine DL. Barro (CoED), Anthony Carl T. Pamplona (CAF), and Jake V. Tabirao (CAF). The donation was made possible through the efforts of Dra. Jenevy Lizaso, a CSCLS Batch ‘99 alumna, who managed to get sponsors from Batch ’97. The smartphones were handed over to the students last January 18, 2021 by the CatSU Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Maria S. Tugano together with the Deans of the College of Education and College of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr. Rosana S. Abundo, and Dr. Epifanio S. Rubio respectively, and some faculty members. A beneficiary, Jake V. Tabirao, 2nd year BS Agriculture student, said he is so grateful for the donation, as it will help him with the modules currently sent thru online modes, which previously he can do only after borrowing a phone from a friend thus, resulting to late submission of required outputs. The University, on its part, extends its sincere appreciation to the sponsors who donated the devices which will definitely serve a bigger purpose – to help ease the burden faced by some students during these trying times brought about by the pandemic and super typhoon Rolly. #JManlagnit
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) held its 49th commencement exercises, this time apart from the usual ceremonies every year due to the Covid-19 scare. Preceded by a Holy Mass in the morning at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, the activity was done through virtual mode in the afternoon at the CatSU main campus, on August 17, 2020 with the theme, “Sustaining Excellence Amidst the Challenges of the New Normal.” There were 751 who graduated during the AY 2019-2020 where 66 of them came from the University’s Panganiban Campus. Officer –in-Charge President and CHED RO-V Regional Director, Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, led this year’s commencement exercises, together with the different Deans, other school officials, and the faculty. This year’s commencement speaker was Dr. Aldrin A. Darilag, Commissioner in the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Chairman of the CatSU Board of Regents. Dr. Bernal, the University OIC President congratulated this year’s batch of graduates as he exhorted them “to pursue one’s dream, no matter what setbacks may come.” He noted the difficult times that the graduates have come through with the onset of Corona virus pandemic. “All of a sudden, our lives have become perplexing, unusual and uncertain, as we try to gather a sense of normalcy amidst the new normal. As recession, unemployment and health crisis beset our country today and the rest of the world, may you have every reason to earn a decent living commensurate to what you have attained, and be among the conscientious citizens as a nation,” OIC President Bernal said in his message to the graduates. Meanwhile, Commissioner Darilag expressed his appreciations to the graduates and challenged them to use their education to work for the nation. “You are fortunate to have been given the opportunity to earn your respective college degrees, at a time that the pandemic has significantly hit our education sector—that is, according to the UNESCO Covid-19 Educational Disruption and Response Task Force through its Global Monitoring Report on School Closures, more than 3.5 million Filipino college students have been affected by the pandemic,” Comm. Darilag said. “Your experiences and your perspectives,” said Comm. Darilag, “will shed light on the university’s pursuit to better understand how the challenges in the new normal can be addressed; and we invite you to continue your commitment to the values and truths of the university, that is, to sustain excellence not only to yourselves but for the advancement of Catanduanes and of the entire country.”
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) has responded to the new normal by conducting on-site enrolment during the opening of classes this SY 2020-2021. In a statement, Dr.Maria S. Tugano, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, said that the University was well-prepared for the opening of AY 2020-2021. Dr. Tugano disclosed that the University coordinated first with the eleven Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) through their respective Mayors to secure support in the conduct of flexible modes of lesson delivery, particular modular approach and the on-site enrolment. Later, the University conducted on-site orientation and enrolment of incoming freshmen and returning students in all the eleven municipalities in Catanduanes which was done by two teams where each is composed of five members. Ms Marilyn G. Tejada, University Registrar, bared that as a strategy, the University considering the constraints posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, had scheduled the activities of enrolment beginning the first semester of 2020-2021 by dividing the teams according to geographic settings of the different towns in the province. She said that the Team A enrolling group worked on-site from June 22 – July 22, 2020 in the municipalities of Viga, Panganiban, Bagamanoc, Pandan, Caramoran, Gigmoto and Virac. Ms Tejada added that the Team B enrolling group likewise worked on-site on same schedule in the municipalities of San Andres, San Miguel, Baras, Bato and Virac. In the case of Virac, the largest and capital town of the province, the University broken down its on-site enrolment in six clusters, with venues covering barangays Palta, Hawan Grande, Buyo, Capilihan, Sta. Elena, Antipolo, and the CatSU Covered Court. The local government units in the different towns and their barangays concerned gave their support to the University during the rounds of on-site enrolment in which the latter turned out successfully done as scheduled.
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Federated College Student Council (FCSC) did not take it sitting down during new normal times. Aside from attending to their various schedules in the online learning, they found it worthy to look the other way for other humanitarian causes to their fellow students especially those living in the distressed areas of the province.Mr. Renz Mickenly Tanael, FCSC Vice-President, disclosed that the student body pooled resources and conducted donation drive to CatSU students in the different barangays in Bato, and those who are temporarily residing as boarders in Virac. The body distributed some 105 pcs of hygiene kits on September 4, 2020 with fellow officers as well from Student Body Organizations (SBOs) in the different Colleges.
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU)- Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) Chapter in the College of Business Administration (CBA) under Dean, Prof. Esperanza P. San Juan, garnered majority of the winning spots in the Year-end Awards (YEA) conducted by the National Federation of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (NFJPIA), Region 5 Council. Prof. Ian V. Aranel, JPIA Adviser, bared that this year’s awards had the University’s full in hugging the limelight, besting the rest of local chapters from other State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Bicol. Dr. Minerva I. Morales, CatSU President, expressed once more her appreciations to the College and to the local JPIA Chapter for this current feat which has added laurels to the University’s strings of distinctions in student and institutional achievements. The NFJPIA regional year-end awards covering federation year 2019-2020 through Danielle dL. Quitangon, Regional Vice-President for Audit, revealed the following majority wins for CatSU: · Most Outstanding Local Chapter Officer (Joriza Kate Zafe)· Most Outstanding Local Chapter President (Joriza Kate Zafe) · Most Supportive Local Chapter Adviser (Ian V. Aranel)· Most Outstanding JPIAN in Leadership (Joal Cocjin)· Best Local Chapter Activity in Academics (Catanduanes State University for Review Class for Incoming First Years Around the Province)· Best Local Chapter Activity in Leadership (Catanduanes State University for Financial Statement Workshop and Reconstruction or FS WAR)· Most Outstanding Local Chapter (Catanduanes State University)· Most Active Local Chapter (Catanduanes State University)· Most Productive Local Chapter (Catanduanes State University) The YEA is an annual event of NFJPIA-Region V Council which primarily aims to give recognitions and merits to JPIANs who have excelled the most in every aspect of being a student leader and/or member of the NFJPIA community. The event likewise recognizes local chapters and individuals that made contribution with biggest impact to the council and showed exemplary performance during the academic year. The selection covered those events or activities that started February 15, 2019 until March 15, 2020. (With Reports from CBA/ Ian V. Aranel)
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) celebrates its 49th foundation anniversary this year as a public higher educational institution in Catanduanes. It started its operations in 1971, while it is on its 8th year now since it was converted from then Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC) to Catanduanes State University (CatSU) in 2012. This year’s theme is, “The CatSU towards its Golden Year: Sustaining Pathways of Excellence in the New Normal.” The activity started October 5, 2020 with a Holy Mass officiated by Most Rev. Manolo A. de los Santos, Bishop of the Diocese of Virac. Later, a motorcade around the poblacion followed with University officials and regular faculty members and non-teaching personnel in attendance. In observance of the current health protocols, students’ physical presence in the mass and the motorcade were spared. On October 19, starts the week-long celebration to be held at the CatSU main campus grounds with the following slated activities, such as: Raising of the National Flag and the CatSU flag, ceremonial flying of the 49th CatSU banner and balloons, photo-op of all CatSU workforce, declaration of the official facebook page for the virtual ceremonies intended for employees and students, and the message of the OIC-President, Dr. Freddie T. Bernal. In the virtual contests featuring online entries for singing and dancing, an entry for each college, unit or office will be solicited while on poster making, it should focus on the best practices in the new normal. For students, essay writing, poster making and slogan making will also be conducted with the theme, “Students in the New Normal: Challenges and Coping.”On October 20 at 1:00 p.m., the annual Paggawad ng Parangal, this time by virtual mode, will be held for those awardees in service, COPC, and research publication, the scholarship and extension benefactors. The following day, October 21 at 8:00 a.m. will be the tree planting in designated sites led by university officials, Deans and chiefs of offices. The first day of the web conference on research and creative works on food, health, and environment will also be conducted on October 22, 2020 which will be spearheaded by the University’s Research and Development Services Office led by its Director, Dr. Jimmy T. Masagca under the Research, Extension and Production Affairs Division headed by Vice-President, Dr. Lily P. Custodio. The next day, October 23, 2020 will be the Family Day starting 7:30 a.m. which will be done by unit or office in deference to the strict new normal protocols, while in the afternoon of same day at 4:00 p.m. will be the second day of the web conference of the Research Office. The following day, October 30, 2020 will be the announcement of winners that will be done in the virtual mode through the official facebook page as host of the uploaded online entries in the contests. The institution as it boasts another milestone year this 2020, recalls with pride that it has evolved from simple beginnings to where it is now when it finally joined the ranks of universities when former Catanduanes Congressman, Hon. Cesar V. Sarmiento authored RA 10229 on October 19, 2012 which made possible the institution’s conversion as it is now the Catanduanes State University (CatSU); with Dr. Minerva Isorena-Morales, serving as its first University President thereafter, having likewise assumed its sixth post of the Presidency in 2011 when it was still a College from her predecessor, the late Dr. Asuncion Vera- Asetre. It can be recalled that the CatSU first operated as an institution on June 19, 1971 when then Virac National and Agricultural Trade School (VNATS) was converted as Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC) through RA 6341 authored by the late Catanduanes Congressman, Hon. Jose M. Alberto. The university has its annex campus in Panganiban since its integration on October 1999 to CSC, the former Catanduanes Agricultural and Industrial College (CAIC) which would become later as CSC-Panganiban Campus by virtue of Board Resolution No. 15 passed in 2003. The institution has become the province’s premier higher educational institution served by six Presidents and two Officers –in-Charge (OIC) since 1971 starting from its first President, the late Mr. Pedro G. Tabuzo. The university’s current Officer-in-Charge (OIC) President and Regional Director of Bicol’s Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office No. 5, Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, took the reign of the university on August 1, 2020 from his predecessor, Dr. Minerva I. Morales, who was its sixth College President in 2011, and first University President as well in 2012 when the CSC was converted as a University. OIC President, Dr. Bernal in his latest Board report message, said that his current leadership of the University affords him a mission and challenging task in this transition when we are met at the crossroads of the global pandemic. “Yet, detrrmined and unperturbed, this Management aims to settle the groundwork of sustained and growth-responsive higher education agenda for the province of Catanduanes,” Dr. Bernal said
