Taking on another step to boost internationalization efforts of the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) under the leadership of its Officer-in-Charge (OIC) President and Bicol CHED Regional Director, Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, is the university’s sealed agreement with UMAP International Secretariat based in Japan on October 8, 2020 paving the way for multilateral student exchange program. Dr. Joseph G. Zafe, CatSU’s Director for International Relations and Continuing Professional Development Services (CIRCPD) revealed that the university has been entered in the University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP) Multilateral Student Exchange Program (UME) through its UMAP International Secretariat (UMAP IS) represented by Dr. Etsuko Yaguchi, its Secretary General in Tokyo, Japan. The UMAP will implement exchanges of undergraduate or graduate students in participating universities. Founded in 1991, it is a voluntary association of government and non-government representatives of the higher education (university) sector, particularly countries and territories in the Asia-Pacific region. Its number of full members has increased from 9 to 22 since Tokyo University took on the role of UMAP IS in 2016, allowing even broader student exchange mobility. Thailand is its current Chair country through Chairperson/ Secretary General, Dr. Sumate Yamnoon, having taken the role from Malaysia which was Chair country in the past four years from 2015 to 2018.The agreement stated that all participating exchange students should be currently enrolled students from participating universities; however, their selection is subject to the discretion and authority of each host university where the maximum number of inbound and outbound exchange students for each university will not exceed two per semester under Program A. The CatSU will participate in Program A, but it does not prevent its students from participating in Program B and/or Super Short-Term Programs (Program C) before the university hosts or participates in Program A. Dr. Zafe said that under the pledge of agreement signed by CatSU OIC President Dr. Bernal and UMAP IS Secretary General Dr. Yaguchi, exchange students shall be permitted to stay at the host university not longer than one year and will not be subject to fees for examinations, admission and tuition at the host university but they will be notified of VISA application for a length of time equivalent to the exchange term in the country where the host university is located.Under this term, exchange students may enroll into any courses or classes offered by the host university, except courses with specific requirements determined by the university, while the latter shall provide the students with accommodation or help them acquire their own accommodation. The agreement likewise noted that all participating universities agree to accept credits and to transfer credits earned by students from the exchange program via the UMAP Credit Transfer Scheme (UCTS), subject to the regulations and procedures of the respective universities. The agreement signed by CatSU with UMAP started at the date of its signing on October 8, 2020. UMAP currently comprises 35 countries /territories with over 570 member universities. Its membership is open to countries /territories in the Asia-Pacific region.
The CatSU towards its golden year: Sustaining pathways of excellence in the new normal By:Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, Ph. D., CESO IIIOIC President, CatSURegional Director, CHEDRO V (In the occasion of the 2020 Founding and Charter Anniversaryof the Catanduanes State University, October 19, 2020) Fellow workers in the academe, ladies and gentlemen: Good morning and my greetings of a grand blissful day to all of you. Happy founding and charter anniversary to each one of us. We have journeyed on our 49th this year, a prelude to our golden anniversary next year as an institution. We have also crossed the 8th milestone year as a university since its conversion from then Catanduanes State Colleges into what it is now, the Catanduanes State University. It is to the credit of the former Congressman of Catanduanes, Hon. Cesar V. Sarmiento when he authored Republic Act No. 10229 on October 2012 the conversion of CSC to a university. It is a leap forward to greater challenge when it was first established as a college through RA 6341 authored by the late Congresssman of Catanduanes, Jose M. Alberto. This day, we extend and re-affirm our words of appreciation and gratitude to them and for their visionary efforts as we bask in the glory of what our beloved Catanduanes State University has been today. As we start with the celebrations this week where most of which shall be done through virtual mode under the present circumstances obtaining in the new normal; we must, however, go on with equal vigor and enthusiasm despite the limitations of space and proximity because our Alma Mater, our University, deserves no less except our unwavering love, devotion, and commitment that it owes in our heart. At this juncture, let me take this opportunity to thank all of you present here today; to our Board of Regents, school officials led by our Vice-Presidents, Deans of the different Colleges, Directors, Chiefs of Offices, Faculty members, Non-teaching staff and employees both regular and temporary, the different working committees, the students and alumni, for your show of support and cooperation to make this annual event happen, despite the deviation from the usual set up that we were accustomed to because of the pandemic. This too will pass, and what is indeed important is the burning faith in us that God’s providence rules everything, while nothing at the very least happens without a purpose. It is just our joyful surrender to that purpose that we let go and we let God, while we do the best we could with a faithful devotion to duty. Thus, for all your efforts and commitment done or those which still need to be done for the good of this annual event, and for the good of the University, I extend my deep appreciation and thanks. Keep up the good work and keep safe always. Also, we remember our colleagues who were once part of this institution for their faithful service and commendable contribution to this institution. They remain as our guiding light and inspiration for all of us who are yet within the frontlines of keeping the pace to excellence of this institution. Their footprints and legacy should never go in vain indeed. Noteworthy to mention at this point is my sincere and profound appreciations and gratitude to my predecessor, then SUC President III, Dr. Minerva I. Morales. She was at the helm of this institution as its 6th President in 2011 and the first University President since 2012 until August of 2020 when I took the reign of the University on August 1, 2020 as Officer-in-Charge President, while at the same time performing my duties as current Regional Director of CHED in Bicol. Undeniably, I reiterate my warm recognition to my predecessor, Dr. Morales at this most opportune time for instilling vitality and creating new pathways of excellence to the institution as a University. Her works of distinctions for the University through the decades deserve my utmost recognition as your new OIC President. Again, thank you very much Dr. Morales for the leadership legacy to the University to what it is now today. Along with that, we express with equal appreciations to those past Presidents of this institution the faculty and non-teaching personnel, both living and dead for their selfless dedication and commitment to their tour of duty when they were once in this institution. We remember them too with fond memories and appreciations. As your Officer-in-Charge President, I personally feel the warmth of your welcome, and yet still, much more await everyone of us, so that I take this responsibility with much enthusiasm to serve and work with you, because I love working for my fellow Catandunganons especially you now who are the present strong constituents of the University, and I love even more, working for the Catanduanes State University, my Alma Mater. Let us walk a new and dynamic pathways of excellence attuned to the global parameters of quality, relevant, responsive and development-driven higher education agenda. As your CHED Regional Director, a fellow Catandunganon and OIC President, you have a special part in my heart in helping you walk that extra mile, and I believe all of us will join me in that meaningful journey that we are starting now. Let us join hands and keep the faith and passion for the good of the University. And so, it is but fitting that our theme of this year’s founding and charter anniversary, “The CatSU towards its golden year: Sustaining pathways of excellence in the new normal” comes to light as a challenge and hope for everyone to reflect as part of the Catanduanes State University family. There has never been more or less in anyone of us. For there has never been one as a matter of universal truth, except that each is given a unique share to make this world a beautiful place to live. Pretty much the same with everyone of us now who are still within the fold of the Catanduanes State University. Make every moment of your presence in the University a beautiful encounter with the norm of genuine public service anchored on public responsibility whether officials or rank-in-file, temporary or regular. It is not being in authority or having none at all. It is instead a commitment to achieve a goal serving the public good in a way that can stand the way of both lawful and moral scrutiny. When in conflict of what is lawful or moral, the option is clear. Always stand in the way of moral order no matter how narrow the road is, and sometimes painful. As your new OIC President, I will always join you in your rightful journey, as long as it is in accord with what our theme expects us to do: to sustain the pathways of excellence, no matter how rough the edges may be. In this celebration that we are starting today, let us re-affirm that commitment with a new resolve. All for the good of our beloved Catanduanes State University. And, the time is now. Together, let us walk as one in this new, meaningful journey of the University. Dios mabalos po saindo gabos. Long live Catanduanes State University.
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) led by its Officer-in-Charge President and CHEDRO-V Regional Director, Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, conducted relief operations in the different barangays in the province which were severely affected by the onslaught of super typhoon Rolly on November 1, 2020 and tropical storm Ulysses. Dr. Marilyn B. Panti, CatSU’s Extension Services Office Director in whose office all relief assistance from various donors were either solicited or channeled, led the University’s provincewide relief operations in the aftermath of Rolly’s devastation. Dr. Panti reported that leading the list of donors to the CatSU’s relief operations is Vice-President Leni Robredo in her official capacity. Overall, Dr. Panti reported that the University received cash assistance from 9 outside donors worth P855, 846.00, 3,204 food packs and several other goods like blankets, trapal, mineral water, and flashlights canned goods, face shield/ mask, shirts, umbrella nail and sacks of rice. There were 28 barangays served with 3, 332 families benefitted in the relief operations of the University. Recipient municipalities were Virac, San Miguel, San Andres, Bato, Panganiban, and Viga. The donors of the University’s relief operations, aside from the Office of Vice-President Leni Robredo were the following: Association of Medical Doctors of Asia (AMDA) International, Japan; Asian Medical Students Association (AMSA); Buhay-buhay sa Amerika through Ms Tess Bongon, BSN 1980 who interviewed via Stream Yard live on Youtube the CatSU’s Exstension Services Director, Dr. Panti; CSU Nursing Alumni International through Ms Evelyn Beltran; Ms Lourdes Cueva, BSN 1976; UP Hamilia Sisterhood and UP Hamilia Brotherhood (UP VIsayas); and an Anonymous donor of 10 sacks of rice and food packs. Upcoming ones are UP Visayas through Dr. Ric Babaran; Ateneo de Manila University; the Ambassador of Taiwan; and the Masters in National Security Administration (MNSA).
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) led by OIC President and CHED RO-V Regional Director, Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, joined the rest of the Philippine public sector in celebrating this year’s 120th Civil Service anniversary in a kick-off ceremony held September 7, 2020 at the CatSU grounds. The event started with an Invocation led by CBA Dean, Prof. Esperanza P. San Juan, followed by flag raising, and later community singing of Inang Catandungan and the CatSU hymn. OIC -President Bernal emphasized in his message before the school officials, heads of offices, Deans, faculty and non-teaching staff during the activity the essentials of outstanding public servant anchored on public trust. He said that it could be gained through dedication and commitment to service. “The CatSU needs a stronger collaborative effort of all employees to be at par with the trends and demands of the academic sector, especially with the advent of new technology that has brought so many changes in the education system,” Dr. Bernal said. The OIC-President likewise announced the need to fortify establishment of smart campuses, including the CatSU, to help face the challenges of education in the new normal,” Dr. Bernal said. Later in the ceremony, a photo-op of CatSU community was held at the University grounds. This year’s theme for the 120th Philippine Civil Service anniversary is “Philippine Civil Service @ 120: Public Sector in the Age of Digital Transformation.”
CatSU OIC President at Panganiban Campus The school officials, faculty and non-faculty members of the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) – Panganiban Campus were met by the Officer-in-Charge President of the Catanduanes State University, Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, who is also concurrently Regional Director of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office No. 5. Campus Administrator, Dr. Edna A. Pante led the Panganiban Campus community in meeting the OIC President during the general conference held on August 17, 2020. Dr. Bernal infused re-direction of thrusts and discussed matters pertaining urgent development planning concerns for the CatSU Panganiban Campus. Other stakeholders and agency representatives were likewise present during the discussions held at the CatSU Panganiban Campus function hall.
Started under CatSU President, Dr. Minerva I. Morales’ term, another batch of qualifiers from Catanduanes State University (CatSU) is off to Canada as scholars under the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) program. Its first batch was recently completed last July 2020 by non-teaching staff, Mr. John Edmund P. Manlagnit of the University’s Public Relations and Media Communications Services (PRMCS) Office. In an advisory, Ms Le Li, Senior International Specialist in the International Office of the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, informed the CatSU through its Director for International Affairs, Dr. Joseph G. Zafe, that Prof. Abelisa D. Evangelista and Engr. Dexter M. Toyado both qualified as recipients of the SEED program. The two faculty members received their scholarship by Global Affairs Canada in the 2020 SEED scholarship competition for research at the University of Saskatchewan from January 5, 2021 until June 30, 2021. Prof. Evangelista is currently Director of CatSU’s Abaca Technology Innovation Center (ATIC), while Engr. Toyado is Director of the Center for Climate Change Solutions. The SEED grantees paid their courtesy visit to the Officer -in-Charge President of CatSU, Dr, Freddie T. Bernal along with International Relations Director and Mr. Manlagnit, the first batch scholarship grantee. The SEED program provides students from member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with short-term exchange opportunities for study or research in Canadian post-secondary institutions at the college, undergraduate and graduate levels. Funding for SEED scholarships is made available by Global Affairs Canada through its legal title, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD). The Canadian institution will receive funding from DFATD for all successful candidates in the form of a contribution agreement and will be responsible for providing the funds for scholarship recipients.
The school officials of the Catanduanes State University (CastSU) composed of its Vice-Presidents for Academic Affairs, Finance and Administrative Affairs, and Research, Extension and Production Affairs, the Campus Administrator in Panganiban, the Deans, Directors, Laboratory School Principal, and the Chief of Offices were met in a conference by the University’s Officer in Charge (OIC), Dr. Freddie T. Bernal on August 7, 202 at the CatSU Gymnasium. Dr. Minerva I. Morales, SUC President III, was likewise present during the general conference. Dr. Bernal is presently the Regional Director of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional No. 5 in Legazpi City. He hails from San Miguel, Catamduanes and likewise an alumnus of the University. He was also recipient of the Outstanding Catandunganon Award in Education. The Board of Regents(BOR) of the Catanduanes State University in its Special Board meeting on July 30, 2020 designated Dr. Bernal who also sits as Resource Person in the BOR, as Officer-in-Charge of the University effective August 1, 2020 through a Referendum Letter No. 4, S. 2020.
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) conducted its Mid-Year Physical and Financial Performance Review on August 11, 2020 at the University Auditorium, following health safety protocols in light of the current Covid-19 pandemic. Dr. Freddie T. Bernal, the CatSU Officer –in-Charge (OIC) and currently Regional Director of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office No. 5 based in Legazpi City, presided over the activity. In attendance were the University’s Vice-Presidents, Campus Administrator, Deans of the Colleges, Directors, Principal Laboratory School, Officers of Student Support Services, Chiefs of Offices, Chairperson of the Project Monitoring Committee, BAC Secretariat Head, Federated Faculty Union President, Federated College Student Council President, and the CASUNEA President. The activity laid out the key sectors’ mid-year accomplishment, including their respective catch-up plans while major issues and concerns regarding their targets and performance were threshed-out with Dr. Bernal, the University OIC. Key inputs to the plan, including directives and re-calibrations on presented reports were discussed during the whole day activity. Dr. Bernal emphasized that tracking planned activities or programs must be thoroughly monitored on a monthly basis, while parameters must be based on quality. He stated the value of passion in dedicating their work to accomplish the plans as reported during the review session, and encouraged aligning them with that of the Provincial or Local Development Plans of the province as well. On the other hand, Dr. Bernal said that the University could take advantage of the province’s unique ecology while at the same time, ventured on expanding tie-ups with other local agencies and other international bodies which could support funds and other resources needed to supplement the University’s research agenda.
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 on August 5, 2020 in Naga City. 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.
The “new normal” has taken the doorsteps of schools. So with the Catanduanes State University (CatSU), an ISO-certified public higher educational institution in Catanduanes as it prepares for the coming academic year, 2020-2021. Insofar as enrolment and holding of classes face-to-face as would the usual way lessons were provided prior to the Covid-19 scare, measures to sustain the learning system in the University led by Dr. Minerva I. Morales, CatSU President, were drawn as early as the Luzon-wide quarantine declaration began on March 17, 2020. The initiative was a prior step while the trend obtaining developments of the virus spread continuously pose alarm to the health and safety of all. Dr. Maria S. Tugano, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, said that based from the present scenario, the University looks at providing alternative mode of learning based from validation conducted in the eleven towns by the Management Information System (MIS) Office concerning internet capability in the province where there has been “unstable to no connectivity” at all in many areas. Hence, full online delivery of lessons would not be that feasible, although she added as an option, that faculty members are encouraged to adapt flexible learning approaches noting further that the University could deliver the lessons on the ground through modules. Meanwhile, to prepare for the online platform, Dr. Tugano announced that the University staged its training in the implementation of Moodle Learning Management System (LMS) which started June 22, 2020 on per batch basis across the eight Colleges until July 28, 2020. Participants were 326 regular, temporary, contract of service, contractual and part-time faculty members from the Main Campus and its Panganiban Campus, including the Laboratory Schools. The training designed by the University’s College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) led by its Dean, Prof. Maria Concepcion S. Vera, was held at the CICT Computer Laboratory Rooms, the College of Engineering and the College of Industrial Technology. Resource persons were select faculty members from CICT and the College of Education. Dean Vera explained that the LMS can be used as a vast repository where information can be stored and tracked where anyone with a user account and password can access these online learning resources, whenever, wherever. “For self-hosted LMS, users are required to install the LMS software on their hard drive or access to the University server. Whatever is the installation option, the LMS users fall into two categories: first, online learners who use the LMS to participate in online training courses; and, second, the e-Learning faculty team who relies on the LMS platform to distribute information and update the online training content,” Dean Vera said. As students nowadays are becoming more adept with information technology, Dean Vera added that once students are online, they can access and download on the web the course materials and other learning resources which they could read at any time and take examinations depending on their learning progress, and so long as they are connected online. On the other hand, soon that the LMS becomes operational, the University’s Management Information System (MIS) office is expected to support the network being its site administrator that will take charge of its maintenance.
The Catanduanes Bayanihan Movement (CBM) led by the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) conducted one of the series of its relief operations through its Take or Share Booth on May 7, 2020 at barangay F. Tacorda with 224 beneficiaries served. Barangays covered were F. Tacorda and Calampong in Virac. The CatSU has sustained its CBM activities in the height of the CoViD-19 pandemic to help those in dire need of food necessities during the community quarantine especially the underprivileged sectors.
The onslaught of Corona Virus Disease-2019 (CoViD-19) worldwide which has claimed thousands of lives deeply affected the daily livelihood and people’s mobility which affected even more the poorest sectors of societies. In the Philippines, its effect has been widely felt in the many distressed families and barangays particularly in the provinces where daily sustenance is dependent upon everyday’s toil. At the onset of the Luzonwide quarantine imposed by the government as early as March 17, 2020 which was extended for more than a month, families needed so much of the ‘bayanihan’ care that Filipinos are known of. As the quarantine progressed, the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) under the leadership of its SUC President III, Dr. Minerva I. Morales, took the challenge in direst times in seeking refuge for these communities in most need of assistance brought about by the pandemic. Hence, the Catanduanes Bayanihan Movement was conceived to respond to this need. The said initiative followed the spirit of sharing, the Filipino way (bayanihan). The University pooled efforts and donations, some of them in the form of cash or in kind, which in turn were provided as relief package where a recipient could take from a designated booth of the University. In the Bayanihan booth are food items that the recipients could take with them as relief for their families during home quarantine period. The first batch of the Bayanihan was launched on April 12, 2020 at the CatSU compound during Easter Sunday when 147 beneficiaries from barangays of Calatagan and Cavinitan were served. That was followed on April 15, 2020 at the Virac Sports Center in Rawis where 384 were benefitted from barangays Rawis and Francia. On April 17, 2020, it was the turn of barangay San Juan, Salvacion and Concepcion with 296 families served at the San Juan barangay plaza. The fourth batch of CBM sharing initiative was in barangay Buyo with 277 beneficiaries, until it was briefly interrupted by a local alarm of suspected CoViD-19 case which practically suspended the mobility for a while. Soon after the CoViD-19 scare in the locality passed the clearance testing which gained negative results, the CBM went through with its fifth batch at barangay Pajo in Virac as venue. Recipients from barangays Pajo Baguio and Pajo San Isidro flocked to the CatSU CBM Booth with 215 of them as recipients. The Pajo Bayanihan experience however, left a meaningful niche among the Bayanihan rounds in the locality. While the CatSU bayanihan booth provided for their daily relief, the barangay residents, to the surprise of the CBM organizers, had with them their own version of “Bayanihan in Return” gesture where each of them came in the venue with one or two homegrown vegetable, most of them were freshly picked from their own backyards. Thus, the booth were teemed with mixed presents and vegetable too from the residents themselves who gave in return. This provided a beautiful twist in the bayanihan cycle of events in its fifth round. The latest in its series was done on May 7, 2020 at barangay F. Tacord as the venue with 224 beneficiaries served from barangays F. Tacorda and Calampong. Overall, the CBM received total cash donation of P153, 503.00 while it had P69,184 worth of in-kind donations as well. In sum, the CBM as of its latest sixth round had a total of 222, 687.00 total donations.
