The Catanduanes Bayanihan Movement launched on April 12, 2020 (Easter Sunday), 7:30am at the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) headed by SUC President III, Dr. Minerva I. Morales, a “share and take booth” for those economically deprived as a result of the current Corona Virus Disease-19 (CoViD) pandemic. The project has its “Take or Share Booth” set up infront of the CatSU from 7:30am until 9:30am, three times in a week starting at the launching date. During said serving time, recipients are free to get one packed rice and another one or two provision of choice available for the taking at the booth. Future dates and venues of the Bayanihan will be announced later as revealed by the Bayanihan movement. Target of the said initiative are the less fortunate families or individuals that are hard-hit during the period of quarantine due to the CoViD-19 pandemic, now sweeping across the globe. The Catanduanes Bayanihan Movement at CatSU benefitted more than 150 families in its first wave of assistance on Easter Sunday, as reported. Other CatSU officials, faculty members and non-teaching employees were likewise on hand during the launching, said to be the first wave of said initiative. The Movement knocks spiritedly to more generous hearts in the locality (or even outside the province) to pledge or share either in cash donations or in kind for sustaining the succeeding provisions that can be availed for free by needy individuals or families in the province who have been caught haplessly in the middle of the CoviD-19 crisis. The appeal for everyone’s support, especially alumni of the CatSU, is shown in the Movement’s set-up FACEBOOK PAGE, “CATANDUANES BAYANIHAN MOVEMENT.” Please feel free to visit the page and/or contact key officers thereof. On the other hand, the CatSU Bayanihan Movement (Take or Share Project) EXTENDS ITS SINCEREST APPRECIATIONS AND GRATITUDE TO THE DONORS OF ITS FIRST WAVE OF SUPPORT to the various recipients in the locality. It continuously counts on your generosity to keep the flame of love and compassion for the needy ablaze and heal everyone’s deep longing for care and a lending hand to feed both body and soul in these trying times. We ask for your unceasing support, as we BIND AS ONE in Bayanihan spirit. Maraming Salamat po. (Thanks to FB accounts, CatSU President, Dr. Minerva I. Morales, Dr. Maria S. Tugano, VP-AA, Ms Alecza E. Araojo, and Catanduanes Bayanihan Movement FB Page for the details and photos)
In its response to the current CoViD-19 pandemic, the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) in partnership with the University of the Philippines (UP)-Catandungan Chapter this time aims to produce 70 sets of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for frontliners. Dr. Minerva I. Morales, CatSU SUC- President III, revealed that this initiative is also in cooperation with the different Deans of the Colleges, Department Heads, and faculty members. Dr. Maria S. Tugano, Vice-President for Academic Affairs said that the University’s partnership with UP-Catandungan for the production of PPE’s has been a shared effort of the CatSU academic community where they helped raise funds for the project. The UP-Catandungan group is also set to shoulder part of the labor cost, together with the CatSU. As of this writing, the University now awaits the arrival of the materials that will be used for producing PPE’s at CatSU, the design of which was already firmed-up with the University’s College of Industrial Technology (CIT). (Thanks to the sources, Dr. Maria S. Tugano, VP-AA and CAS Dean, Moreno Tabios Jr.)
The College of Information and Communication Technology (CICT) faculty and non-teaching staff of the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) led by its Dean, Ma. Concepcion S. Vera, distributed food packs to more than 20 students in their respective boarding houses. The CICT responded in their urgent need for food provisions as they were caught in the crosslines during the declaration of Luzonwide quarantine brought about by the Corona Virus Disease pandemic.Dean Vera said that this is a CICT Bayanihan initiative in the time of CoVid-19. She also disclosed that the College raised funds for IT students who were stranded in Manila while in their internship. Said students were not able to go back home to Catanduanes when the Luzon-wide quarantine started. The funds raised by the College were intended to augment and support for their basic necessities while in their temporary stay in Manila. (Thanks to the sources, CICT Official FB Page and CICT Dean, Ma. Concepcion S. Vera)
Dr. Minerva I. Morales, Catanduanes State University (CatSU) SUC President III, on April 7, 2020 met key University officials composed of the Deans from the different colleges, Student Services Director, and the Vice-Presidents, Dr. Maria S. Tugano (Academic Affairs) and Prof. Maria Theresa E. Sarmiento (Administrative and Financial Afffairs) to discuss urgent matters arising from the on-going Luzonwide quarantine period. The meeting likewise drew up scenarios and catch-up plan, among others to cushion the impact of the present and post CoViD-19 pandemic insofar as the University is concerned. Dr. Morales also led discussions concerning the University’s stepping-up of more security and health measures including policies that should be undertaken. Specific details on academic matters taken during the meeting were likewise disseminated by the Deans to their respective colleges as well. The CatSU aims on laying contingencies in support to the different sectors in the province in a collective fight against the CoViD-19 scare. (Thanks to the sources, Dr. Maria S. Tugano, VP-AA, and CAS Dean, Moreno Tabios Jr.)
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) through SUC President III, Minerva I. Morales, turned-over on March 7, 2020 at the CatSU Main Admin. Building, 100 sets of Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) made by the University’s College of Industrial Technology (CIT) to the Catanduanes Medical Society (CMS). The initiative, still part of the CatSU’s on-going share in fighting against CoViD-19, was made possible in partnership with the University of the Philippines (UP)- Catandungan represented by Dr. Annabel J. Mata, Dr. Aliza De Leon- Valeza, Dr. Jenevy Lizaso and Mr. Mark Rojas during the turn-over. Present to receive the PPE’s was Dr. Armand Jefferson Espinola, President of the Catanduanes Medical Society. It can be recalled that the Catanduanes State University had made immediate response during the last few weeks when the Corona Virus Disease-19 pandemic hit the ground as early as March 2019. Prior to that, the University coordinated with the UP-Catandungan Chapter where some of its members are themselves CatSU alumni and medical doctors who are in the frontlines of fighting the dreaded disease. The College of Industrial Technology under its Dean, Architect Jose G. Ong took charge in producing the PPE sets, whereas, materials were provided by the UP-Catandungan Chapter. Prior to that, the University likewise produced facemasks and face shields that were provided to local frontliners in the province.
We are one in this fight together. This is the norm that the Catanduanes State University (CatSU), under its SUC President III, Dr. Minerva I. Morales, shares with the rest of the different sectors of society in the current fight against the Corona Virus Disease -19 pandemic as she led in personally distributing facemasks produced by the University’s College of Industrial Technology (CIT) to the different frontliners in the province, including the men in uniform of the Catanduanes Police Provincial Office / Virac MPS. PCOL Paul F Abay is the current PNP Provincial Director, while PMAJ Bon Billy D Timuat is Virac’s Acting Police Chief. Earlier, Dr. Morales likewise personally turned over to Acting Governor Shirley A. Abundo the University’s Hand Sanitizer Enhanced with Abaca Extract determined to have anti-microbial properties. The product was based from the CatSU’s research and made possible through the University’s Abaca Technology Innovation Center (ATIC). It was also reported that aside from facemasks and hand sanitizers, rice, cash donations and food packs were likewise dispensed by the University to other recipients in the province who remain on the frontlines in the fight against CoViD-19. (Details taken from FB accounts, Dr. Minerva I. Morales, CatSU President; Dr. Maria S. Tugano, VP-AA)
The faculty members of the College of Industrial Technology (CIT) of the Catanduanes State University (CSU) attended a one-day seminarf-workshop on Rubrics Making on February 26, 2020. The activity was held at the CSU Library Building, with Dr. Ma. Edna R. Iñigo, Professor of the College of Education, as their Resource Speaker. The one-day event honed the faculty’s know –how in rubrics making as it will be essential in their day-to-day instruction. As part of sustaining quality learning environment, the seminar gave opportunity to as well for faculty enhancement program in the College under its newly designated Dean, Arch. Jose G. Ong.
NSTP students, faculty and staff gathered as Catanduanes State University in collaboration with Catanduanes 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company sponsored the first NSTP training day and orientation on Executive Order No.70 (INSTITUTIONALIZING THE WHOLE-OF- NATION APPROACH IN ATTAINING INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE PEACE, CREATING A NATIONAL TASK FORCE TO END LOCAL COMMUNIST ARMED CONFLICT, AND DIRECTING THE ADOPTION OF A NATIONAL PEACEFRAMEWORK) at CSU Gymnasium, January 18, 2020. The activity was graced by the Chief Operations Officer of the PNP Provincial Office, PLCOL Dario P. Sola with the representative from the Office of the President of the Philippines, Mr. Mark Llason. Also in attendance were the SUC President III, Dr. Minerva I. Morales, NSTP Director, Dr. Gemma M. Samas, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr.Maria S. Tugano and ROTC, Assistant Commandant and Member of PFMFC- Maj Alan T. Sapanta. EO 70 orientation aimed to acquaint the students the provisions of Executive Order No.70, enlighten the students on the effects of joining the insurgency groups, promote some worthwhile activities that can be explored toward the same end of brotherhood/sisterhood or camaraderie and instill in the minds of students of the CSU Core values, demonstrate commitment and respect one’s peers and other individuals. The part two of the program included the presentation of NSTP Faculty and CDC staff headed by the Civic Welfare Training Service CWTS Coordinator, Dr. Susan M. Tindugan as well as the distribution of class assignment for CWTS and LTS supervised by Dr. Gemma M. Samas.
The Philippine Association of Japanese Government Scholars (PHILAJAMES)- Southern Luzon Chapter, held its annual Japanese Government Scholarship (MONBUKAGAKUSHO) Awareness Drive at Catanduanes State University on February 21, 2020. In coordination with the Japan Information & Culture Center (JICC) of the Embassy of Japan, PHILAJAMES has chosen CSU as its recipient for this year’s MONBUKAGAKUSHO Awareness Drive.The activity was graced by 9 former Japanese Government Scholars in their PhDs who are currently faculty members of the University of the Philippines, Los Baños. The former scholars eagerly shared their experiences and provided tips regarding the scholarship programs to aspiring applicants of CSU comprised of 38 students and 10 faculty members of the College of Engineering. Also in attendance were the SUC President III, Dr. Minerva I. Morales, Director of Center for International Relations and Continuing Professional Development Services (CIRCPDS) Dr. Joseph G. Zafe and the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Maria S. Tugano. The educational awareness campaign aimed to present the different opportunities for university constituents to study in Japan and in the process would help upgrade the faculty and staff development of the host university.
The Catanduanes State University (CSU) has been listed as one of the new members of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization- Technical Education and Vocational Training (SEA-TVET/SEA-Polytechnic) among Colleges, Polytechnics and Universities of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. This was bared on February 4, 2020 by Dr. Joseph G. Zafe, Director of CSU’s International Relations and Continuing Professional Development Services (IRCPDS) Office. This enlistment is geared for the 5th Batch of SEA-TVET/SEA-Polytechnic Student Exchange in 2020. Along with this, a meeting on Student Internship Program (SIP) among the faculty was held February 10, 2020 at the Graduate School Student Lounge. Dr. Minerva I. Morales, CSU President, signed the Letter of Agreement concerning the Program as one of the new members. To date, there are around 152 member institutions in the program including the CSU across the ASEAN countries. The CSU’s joining in the list strengthened its internalization efforts, giving way for more opportunities and advancement in the different study areas. It was revealed that the agreement will be implemented in reciprocal way. The 5th batch of SEA-TVET/SEA-Polytechnic Student Exchange Programme will be applied for Diploma and Bachelor students. The major study areas included, but not limited to the following: Mechatronics, Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical and Manufacturing; Industrial Technology, Informatics/ Computer Science, Hospitality and Tourism; Agriculture, Aquaculture, Animal Science, Fisheries; Agro Technology/ Agro Business; Food Technology, Business, Commerce and Accounting; Creative Industry, Multimedia, Civil Engineering, Health Science/ Nursing and Public Health. It was revealed that each participating institution should submit the list of eligible students for at least 2 students with the same gender in equal number, but not more than 6 students in the identified study area with the name of potential partners to SEAMO Secretariat for mapping. The institutions, as bared by Dr. Zafe, will start the 5th batch of exchange for 1 to 3 months, anytime within the preferred traveling schedule or options within the span of March until August 2020. A pre-requisite to travel of students is an International Health Insurance, while Receiving Institutions may advance expenses for hospitalization, in any case, subject to the reimbursement by parents. It was also learned that under this program, the Receiving Institution will primarily be responsible for partnering with industries according to the study areas and agreed internship period of inbound students, aside from providing mentors, accommodations, and buddies for inbound students.
The Administrative and Financial Affairs (AFA) Division headed by Vice-President, Prof. Ma. Theresa E. Sarmiento, conducted a one-day echo-training workshop on the re-orientation of Accounting Policies, Procedures and Updates on January 22, 2020 at the CSU Audio Visual Room. There were 70 participants from the different Colleges and Offices in the University that were enlisted in said activity. Mr. Rommel S. Torres, Accounting Services Office Chief, discussed details of current accounting rules. Specifically, Torres emphasized the objectives of the training so that participants would be aware of the documentary requirements required in each type of transaction, and how laws and rules are applied in the preparation of disbursement vouchers, and thus, minimize errors and shorten processing time. Torres explained among others, those topics on: Fundamental principles and basic requirements of expenditures and disbursements; Disbursement process and legal provisions; Foreign/ local travel rules and regulations; and Documentary requirements of the Commission on Audit. Meanwhile, Dr. Minerva I. Morales, SUC President III expressed appreciations to the training organizers while she hoped to have a repeat of the same activity to those who were not enlisted to attend the training considering its value in the administrative operations of every College/ office concerned.
