Juris Doctor student Cloyd Roland I. Bernardo and BS in Internal Auditing student Remy T. Teves of Catanduanes State University (CatSU) claimed their FAAV Sponsor-Based Philippine Scholarship Stipend Certificates on February 21. CatSU Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. and former CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, FAAV’s authorized representative, handed the certificates, affirming their inclusion in the program. Bernardo and Teves draw 50,000 pesos each for SY 2024-2025 under the Filipino-American Association of Vancouver (FAAV) grant. FAAV Scholarship Committee Chair Maria Rita Schaljo stated in a letter that the aid backs costs for books, transport, food, school supplies, tech, and other needs. Azanza, who helped link FAAV’s scholarship to CatSU along with Mr. Hurbert Gianan and Ms. Theresa Mallari, noted that the selection process was tough, ensuring that only deserving students gained support. Teves, an ROTC cadet and honor student, shared that the aid let her secure key books on internal auditing, easing her studies. OIC Barba urged scholars to grasp the rare break, stressing that both sponsors and CatSU expect them to rise in their fields.
In a tribute to National Arts Month, a poetry writeshop titled Balhag: Pagsulat ng mga Akdang Nakaugat sa Danas ng Komunidad was held on February 20, 2025, at the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Little Theater, sharpening the literary craft of participants through community-rooted storytelling. Mounted by the Sentro ng Wika at Kulturang Filipino (SWKF) in tandem with the Center for Culture and Arts - Hablon Dawani (CCA) and Virac-based Aklat Ulagad, the session pulled in aspiring poets eager to refine their voices. Dr. Allan C. Popa, renowned writer, author, and editor, urged participants to mine their communities for poetic material, asserting that the most resonant narratives often emerge from lived experiences. He pressed writers to embrace the depth of local culture, to reinforce the power of intimate, place-based storytelling. Attendees sharpened their skills through guided writing exercises, with select participants stepping forward to deliver their freshly penned works before the audience. CCA-Hablon Dawani Director Santos G. Sorra Jr. kicked off the event, while Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs Dr. Rosana S. Abundo extended institutional support in a brief message. Capping the session, SWKF Director Dr. Jovert R. Balunsay commended the participants and lauded Popa for steering the conversation toward a deeper appreciation of community-driven poetry.
“Let’s make it happen. Let’s make it Bicol.” This was the challenge posed by CHED Regional Director Dr. Demetrio P. Anduyan Jr., CESO III, as he urged student journalists to dominate the Luzon-wide Higher Education Press Conference (LHEPC). Speaking at the opening of the 22nd Regional Tertiary Schools Press Conference (RTSPC) at Catanduanes State University (CatSU), Anduyan rallied the 416 participants from 33 student publications to sharpen their craft and take responsibility for their influence. “We have this RTSPC as we wish to add more to the reservoir of talents in our region—more presentable and confident personalities with the ability to write and present information accurately and concisely,” he stressed. Anduyan, a former TESDA provincial director in Catanduanes, praised the record turnout, noting that Bicol’s participation had tripled compared to other regional press conferences. He challenged the campus scribes to push the region to the top, declaring that five of the ten best LHEPC winners should come from Bicol. “Be a good influencer,” he urged, reminding student journalists to uphold truth and public welfare in their writing. The RTSPC, co-hosted by the Association of Tertiary Schools Publication Advisers of Bicol, Inc. (ATSPAB), features competitions in individual and group journalism categories. The top five winners in each event, along with the champion in Radio Script Writing and Broadcasting, will advance to LHEPC in Lucban, Quezon, from April 2 to 4.
The Catanduanes State University successfully passed its first surveillance audit for its ISO 9001:2015 certification evaluated by the representatives from TUV Rheinland Philippines, Inc., on February 25. With the College of Health Sciences’ "very high passing rate" in the nursing board exam over the past two years, the auditors lauded the university’s above the national average performance. They also noted the implementation of the Quality Management System (QMS) in university documents. Meanwhile, for areas that need further improvements, the auditors made some recommendations. The audit team, led by Ms. Lynn Gerzon with auditors Ms. Mary Grace Balobalo, Ms. Jessy Jessica Rosit, Mr. Eufronio Alonzo, and Mr. Rafael Magsino, confirmed that CatSU complied with the ISO 9001:2015 standards with no major non-conformities. “The Catanduanes State University has established and maintains an effective system to ensure compliance with its policy and objectives. The audit team confirms that the organization’s management system complies with, adequately maintains and implements the requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 standard,” the lead auditor expressed. The audit began with an Opening Meeting attended by top university management and unit heads on February 24, followed by an audit to assess compliance with the certified management systems. Interviews were conducted with key officials from both Main and Panganiban campuses to verify conformance on the processes. Class observations were also carried out in colleges and laboratory schools. Joining the closing meeting were ISO Chairperson and Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs Engr. Benjamin Hannycel T. Nuyda, and Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba, along with other officials from top management and unit heads.
Political Science team from Catanduanes State University (CatSU) ruled the 2nd Bicol Political Science Consortium on February 21-22, 2025, at the University of Nueva Caceres, Naga City, beating teams from Ateneo de Naga University, Bicol College, the University of Northeastern Philippines, the University of Saint Anthony, and the host UNC. Czymon Balmadrid, Mikayla Soliveres, and Joshua Cariño topped the Politica Scientia Quiz Bee, while Aira Suplig seized 2nd place in Extemporaneous Speech. The 31-member team, led by Asst. Prof. Kristine Anne Razal and PSS Adviser Mr. Jobesan Yusores, also joined forums with lawyer-speakers, including senatorial aspirant Atty. Luke Espiritu, tackling elections, human rights, and political dynasties. During their courtesy call to OIC President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., he praised their wins and hailed the Political Science Society’s role in pushing CatSU’s mark of excellence. The team also set plans with OIC Barba for CatSU’s bid to host next year’s meet, which would raise the program’s name across Bicol. With report from Mr. Jobesan Yusores
Inaugurated on June 28, 2024, the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) College of Law officially became a member of the Philippine Association of Law Schools (PALS) when Dean Atty. Santiago T. Gabionza Jr. and Associate Dean Atty. Gregorio M. Sarmiento Jr. represented the institution and joined the 2025 PALS Annual Convention. The CatSU-College of Law was one of the law schools in the country that received an invitation letter dated November 29, 2024, from PALS President Teodoro A. Pastrana for the event, recognizing its successful membership application to the organization. In collaboration with the Legal Education Board (LEB), the three-day in-person convention brought together law school deans, assistant deans, and professors from across the country to exchange insights, share best practices, and strengthen partnerships between PALS and LEB. Notable speakers included Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, Associate Justice Amy C. Lazaro-Javier, chairperson of the 2025 Bar Examinations, and Associate Justice Mario V. Lopez, chairperson of the 2024 Bar Examinations. With the theme "Excellence in Legal Education: Transforming Society through LEB-PALS Collaboration," the convention took place from January 20 to 22, 2025, at the Park Inn by Radisson Clark, Clark Freeport Zone, Mabalacat City, Pampanga.
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) has landed in the January 2025 Webometrics Ranking of World Universities. Released on Jan. 27, the rankings evaluate universities based on online presence, research impact, and visibility. The latest report remains in its beta phase, with details on specific assessment areas—Impact, Openness, and Excellence—yet to be finalized. Webometrics, published biannually by the Cybermetrics Lab under Spain’s National Research Council (CSIC), measures how institutions share research online. Meanwhile, CatSU pushes to enter the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Stars Rating Audit, a move proposed to gain institutional insights from a global source by receiving a comprehensive analysis of the university’s strengths and weaknesses. This initiative aims to assist CatSU in its levelling as a State University and College (SUC) and attract both domestic and international students. Under OIC Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., the university builds on the legacy of former President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, who led CatSU’s inclusion in major global rankings like THE Impact Rankings, WURI, and UI Green Metric, where it ranked 8th in the Philippines and 481st worldwide. CHED recognizes QS, THE, and WURI as key global ranking bodies under the Transnational Higher Education Act (RA 11448).
Creativity thrived at Catanduanes State University as CatSU and the Catanduanes Provincial Police Office (CatPPO) launched Women’s Month with a creative crafts workshop, March 5, 2025 at the CatSU Extension Training Hall. Over 80 policewomen and non-uniformed personnel teamed up in crochet, card making, corsage crafting, and certificate holder production. Dr. Rosana S. Abundo, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs, stood in for Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., who is attending the 2025 SUC first quarter governing meeting in Marikina. She lauded the CatSU-CatPPO partnership, citing its personal and professional impact on participants. CatPPO Provincial Director PCol Edward D. Quijano, through his representative, pushed the event’s aim to spark creativity, resilience, and resourcefulness among CatPPO’s women personnel. He also linked this year’s theme, “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” to a vision of inclusive progress. The College of Industrial Technology led the workshop, with Extension Coordinator Jade Jean P. Uchi and CIT Indigenous Creative Crafts Manager Jeiscelle Tomagan steering the activities. Tomagan pointed out that the certificate holder-making activity supports local abaca farmers by using abaca-based materials.
The latest Uswag Journal: Philippine Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (Vol. 2, Issue 2, July – December 2024) is now available on the Catanduanes State University website, featuring twice the number of research articles from its previous issue. Submitted by Research and Development Services (RDS) Director Dr. Jose Z. Tria, the journal presents 10 peer-reviewed studies across various fields, each rigorously reviewed, revised, and finalized by experts. Uswag, meaning “development,” serves as CatSU’s official research journal. Indexed in the Philippine E-Journals (PEJ) since 2024, it ensures wider global access. Visit this link https://catsu.edu.ph/uswag.php
In observance of Fire Prevention Month, Catanduanes State University (CatSU), through the Center for Island Climate Change Solutions, hosted a Fire and Environmental Safety Seminar this Friday, March 7. The half-day event, attended by employees from Virac and Panganiban campuses, aims to raise safety awareness among staff from Security Services, the General Services Unit, and other offices. In his remarks, Engr. Benjamin Hannycel T. Nuyda, Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs (VPAFA), told the workers the significance of vigilance in protecting oneself from hazards. "Be vigilant, stay informed, and stay safe," VPAFA urged the participants after defining safety, hazard, and risk in the event at the CatSU Extension Training Hall. For Pollution Control Officer Engr. Bernard H. Rubio, event’s resource speaker, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in the workplace is very important, like gloves for electricians. The seminar also included a virtual discussion via Zoom by Senior Project Manager Zaldy T. Tejerero from Tampa, Florida, which covered fire safety engineering. Meanwhile, SInsp. Dennis V. Tadoy, the deputy provincial fire marshal discussed fire safety in the workplace, covering topics such as fire detection systems, automatic suppression systems, and the importance of fire extinguishers. The event, organized in collaboration with the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, and the Institute of Electrical Engineers - Catanduanes Chapter, was also attended by Engr. Rafael R. Manoguid, head of the General Services Unit, who welcomed the participants.
Welcoming new sponsors and honoring outgoing batch, the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) staged the Presentation of Sponsors and Escorts this morning, March 11, at the Front Grounds of the CatSU Administrative Building. Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., CatSU Officer-in-Charge, fired up over 400 cadets with his speech, recalling his days as a CAT battalion commander at Catanduanes National High School. He shared his dream of joining the military but was barred by height limits, noting that destiny takes its own path. “Today, I may not be standing here as a soldier, but as the Officer-in-Charge of this university, leading a different kind of mission—one that builds future leaders, instills discipline, and nurtures service-oriented individuals like you,” Dr. Barba said. He pinned on the impact of ROTC beyond drills and commands and its role in shaping discipline, grit, and leadership. He challenged cadets to value time, noting that in ROTC, “there is no ‘Filipino time’—only ‘military time.’” Dr. Barba stressed true leadership, saying real leaders earn respect rather than demand it. Addressing the Sponsors and Escorts, he commended them as pillars of support, strength, and excellence in ROTC. “You are more than just the faces of this occasion. You represent the values of ROTC—the grace in discipline, the strength in leadership, and the commitment to excellence,” he asserted. Closing his speech, Dr. Barba left cadets with a message on service and character. “In life, it doesn’t matter how tall you are. What matters is how high your dreams reach,” he declared. “Yes, I was 5’3, and yes, I didn’t make it to the military. But did that stop me from serving? No. Because true service is not defined by height—it is defined by heart.”
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office V released its new slogan, "Building Institutions as Champions of Optimum Lifelong Learning," along with its 8-Point Agenda, called HIGH FIVE, on March 3, 2025. This slogan encourages Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Bicol, including Catanduanes State University, “to go beyond traditional instruction and become champions of excellence, innovation, and lifelong learning,” according to CHED Region V Memorandum Order No. 34 s. 2025, which was signed by newly installed Regional Director Dr. Demetrio P. Anduyan, Jr. Addressed to all Bicol presidents and heads of public and private higher education institutions, CHED Region V memorandum emphasized that the vision for HEIs is not only to provide knowledge but also to lead in preparing future-ready graduates—institutions that don’t just respond to change but actively drive it. The agency aims to achieve this by incorporating advanced technology, relevant curricula, and hands-on learning into academic programs while fostering leadership and critical thinking among students. “HEIs should emphasize digital literacy, interdisciplinary collaboration, and research-driven cultures to develop students' expertise and confidence. This includes internships, mentorships, and global engagement,” the memorandum stated. Dr. Anduyan also wrote on his social media account on March 5, 2025, calling the Bicol 8-Point Agenda a commitment to the holistic development of students, ensuring they receive a well-rounded education that supports academic, physical, emotional, and ethical growth. He further highlighted that CHED Region V is dedicated to supporting international collaboration and integrating Bicol’s heritage into education, while also preparing students with the necessary 21st-century skills. CatSU Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr.,expressed full support for the slogan and agenda, reaffirming the University's commitment to CHED Region V’s goal of producing globally competitive graduates who will make a meaningful impact and drive change for the nation.
