Catanduanes State University (CatSU) sustained high customer satisfaction ratings for 2023 and the first half of 2024, according to a Management Review held on November 29 by the Office of the Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs and the Quality Assurance Unit.Frontline services at CatSU Main recorded an impressive 99.48% satisfaction rate for the January to June 2024 period, surpassing the same months in previous years. Non-frontline services also posted a slight improvement, achieving a 98.25% satisfaction rate compared to 98.13% in the preceding term.CatSU Panganiban maintained a stellar 99.42% satisfaction rate for its frontline services, though slightly lower than its previous midterm score of 99.60%.Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs, Engr. Benjamin Hannycel T. Nuyda, urged all offices to establish clear quality objectives and work instructions to consistently meet client expectations.“Ensure that each office has clearly defined quality objectives,” the VP emphasized on the importance of client-focused service delivery. Meanwhile, QA Unit Administrative Officer V Josephine D. Rojas tackled internal and external issues requiring resolution and pinned on the need to update the university's work structure, with the support of the Board of Regents (BOR) to strengthen institutional efficiency.
Fifteen scientists from Catanduanes State University (CatSU) have earned recognition as among the top scientists in the Alper-Doger (AD) Scientific Index World Rankings 2025.Joining the 9,785 scientists from the Philippines are Dr. Jimmy T. Masagca, Dr. Jimmylen Z. Tonio, Dr. Jose Z. Tria, Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., Dr. Kristian Q. Aldea, Dr. Aurora E. Araojo, Dr. Gemma G. Acedo, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, Dr. Lily P. Custodio, Dr. Belen M. Tapado, Dr. Jaymund M. Floranza, Dr. Dexter M. Toyado, Dr. Maria Concepcion Suarez-Vera, Prof. Sonia R. Sapico, and Associate Professor Ma. Emmie T. Delluza.Leading the institutional rankings in H-Index and Productivity Rankings is Dr. Jimmy T. Masagca, Professor VI and head of the Academic for Community Empowerment through Holistic and Ecosystem-Based Approach for Mangrove Crab Sustainability (ACE-HEMS).The H-Index measures the productivity and citation impact of a researcher’s published work, while Productivity Rankings identify highly productive scientists across specific areas, disciplines, universities, and countries. Dr. Masagca’s research focuses on agriculture and fisheries, climate change, mangroves, and crabs.He is followed in the institutional ranks by College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUMSS) Dean Dr. Jimmylen Z. Tonio, whose research areas include education and foreign language education, specifically linguistics, psycholinguistics, Philippine English, and sociolinguistics. Meanwhile, Dr. Jose Z. Tria, Director of the Research and Development Services (RDS), tops the institutional citation rankings with 556 citations. His research spans music education, educational management, culture and arts, and physical education. He is followed by Dr. Masagca with 197 citations and Dr. Tonio with 89 citations.
Faculty and students of Catanduanes State University (CatSU) were urged to critically and ethically integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into education and research during a 3-day workshop held from November 11-13, 2024, at E-Crown Hotel & Resort.Research and Development Services (RDS) Director Dr. Jose Z. Tria pinned on the importance of thoughtful AI use, and its potential to transform teaching and research when applied responsibly. “Our idea is our own prompt. We must consider how we will use AI critically and ethically,” he said. Director Tria also recommended tools such as ORCID, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate to help participants streamline research workflows and boost academic productivity.The workshop, titled “Empowering Innovations through Integrating AI and LLM Tools for Effective Teaching, Learning, and Research,” introduced participants to Brisk Teaching, an AI-powered platform for creating dynamic presentations and lesson plans. College of Education faculty member Emlyn M. Lanon demonstrated the tool, and the need to balance AI with traditional teaching approaches to preserve the human element in education. Director Lanon’s presentation banked on the perspectives from education experts Kovalenko and Baranivska (2024) on integrating technology without compromising pedagogical values.Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs (VP REPA) Dr. Rosana S. Abundo opened the workshop by welcoming participants and stressing the significance of strengthening faculty capabilities in teaching, learning, and research through AI integration. “This workshop empowers us to adapt to innovations while ensuring that these tools enhance, rather than replace, our expertise as educators and researchers,” the Vice President said.
Following a meeting on November 14 with the executive management of Catanduanes State University (CatSU), the university announced that it will open designated rooms to support pre-emptive evacuations for residents affected by the incoming Typhoon Pepito. In coordination with the local barangay and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), CatSU will offer 13 rooms in the Nutrition and Dietetics building as evacuation centers for families seeking shelter. Meanwhile, work at the university has been suspended today to prioritize safety and preparedness, with classes already suspended since yesterday.
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) will soon transition to digital payments for all financial transactions following the recent approval of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Land Bank of the Philippines by the CatSU Board of Regents (BOR).The Board approved the proposal from Finance and Administrative Team on November 6 for adoption, which aims to modernize CatSU’s financial processes, enhance operational efficiency, expand financial inclusivity, and provide a secure and convenient experience for students, faculty, and service providers. Specifically, the agreement involves the digitalization of CatSU’s collection, disbursement, and payment systems, aligning with Executive Order No. 170, s. 2022, which mandates the adoption of digital payments for government transactions.
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Board of Regents (BOR) approved a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Environmental Management Bureau Regional Office V (EMB-V) on November 6, 2024, to set up an Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station at the CatSU Main Campus.This partnership aims to support national environmental standards, research, community engagement, and the adoption of sustainable practices among students, staff, and stakeholders.CatSU will allocate a 16-square-meter space on campus for the equipment, which will provide data on current air pollution levels by measuring meteorological parameters such as wind speed, wind direction, rainfall, solar radiation, temperature, barometric pressure, and other ambient indicators. EMB-V will finance all supply and installation costs and train CatSU personnel, with university students also given opportunities to observe monitoring processes under the supervision of certified technical staff from both CatSU and EMB-V.
Graduates often take diverse journeys as they pursue their careers following the conferral of their degrees. Each path is unique, shaped by personal dreams and professional aspirations. Yet, how truly remarkable it is when alumni not only excel in their chosen fields but also seek ways to give back to their alma mater and communities, with their stories becoming a source of pride for the university.Such exceptional achievement was celebrated at the CatSU Parangal 2024 on October 18 at the gymnasium, where two outstanding alumni who have stood out among others were recognized for their success in their fields.Following a rigorous selection process by the Search for Outstanding Alumni of CatSU, chaired by College of Law Associate Dean Atty. Gregorio M. Sarmiento Jr. with Alumni Relations Director Maricel S. Cariaso, two exemplary alumni emerged as this year’s honorees – Department of Agrarian Reform Provincial Officer Dr. Nerisa B. Aldea and Dean of CatSU Graduate School Dr. Arthur I. Tabirara.Notably, Dr. Aldea has advanced agrarian reform and community development in Catanduanes. Her work focuses on improving service efficiency, overseeing the distribution of land ownership certificates, and implementing various programs that support farmers and beneficiaries. Under her leadership, several cooperatives and associations received support for climate-resilient agricultural practices, boosting productivity and sustainability. Moreover, she established a Farmer's Business School and secured funding for farm machinery, which provided much-needed resources for local agriculture.Meanwhile, CatSU's Graduate School has been stepping up under the leadership of Dr. Arthur I. Tabirara. As Dean, he introduced reforms such as updating the Graduate School Manual and enhancing curricula to meet current needs. He facilitated program upgrades and proposed the opening of doctoral programs to meet growing demands.In community service, Dr. Tabirara actively leads the Knights of Columbus, an international religious-based organization committed to serving different community sectors. He was recently appointed district deputy, covering six councils in the province. He also played a principal role in local legislation, particularly in environmental conservation and waste management, which have earned him awards and recognition.Dr. Tabirara viewed the award as a reminder for all CatSU graduates to uphold the university’s core values. He also emphasized that such recognition serves as encouragement to continue their commitment to community service and faith-driven leadership, extending blessings to the university for its role in inspiring service to others."Receiving this award is an enduring reminder for CatSU graduates to embody the university’s core values in serving others and honoring God,” he shared. As these stories of achievement and service unfold, it is clear that the legacy of CatSU thrives through its graduates. Dr. Aldea and Dr. Tabirara are just two shining examples of the many alumni whose service to their communities and fields of expertise serves as an inspiration to future generations. It is certain that many more exceptional alumni will be recognized as the search continues, further solidifying the reputation of the university as a catalyst for change, progress, and service, and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
To empower them to participate in the government’s digitization initiatives, the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) employees participated in the Philippine National Public Key Infrastructure (PNPKI) orientation conducted by the Department of Information and Communications Technology - Catanduanes (DICT) personnel on December 17, 2024. According to DICT-Catanduanes, the University was selected as one of the institutions to be introduced to the PNPKI as it has been conducting both online and in-person transactions. The Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) helps create, manage, distribute, use, store, verify, and revoke digital certificates, ensuring the security of electronic information transfer for various network activities. DICT resource speaker Mark Andrew Erisare discussed the basics of PKI, and provided scenarios of its implementation, such as preventing long lines, fraud, and facilitating easy access for work-from-home setups.He also discussed the use of PKI in electronic signatures within digital certificates and transactions. Erisare assured that tampering with electronic signatures is not possible when using PKI, as it is designed to provide authentication, confidentiality, integrity, and non-repudiation. PKI also reduces the costs associated with delays in signing, transmitting, approving, and processing. A demonstration of digital signatures using PKI was conducted during the seminar which was held at the Quality Assurance room. Meanwhile, Kerbie Villanueva who was also from DICT, discussed the features and functions of the eGovPH application.
In his homily at the 2024 Diocesan Youth Day, Most Rev. Luisito A. Occiano, the Bishop of the Diocese of Virac, compared the youth to a fire that provides warmth and hope to others. He encouraged them to embrace their role in lighting the way for others.“Pag ang kalayo kinaputan mo, makukulgan ka. Pero ‘pag ang kalayo, dinala mo sa diklom, matatabangan ka,” Bishop Occiano said, speaking to hundreds of young Catholics gathered for a day of worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth at the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) on December 14.Rev. Fr. Benju Royce T. De Jesus, who spoke on the topic "APARTINENS: Youth Desiring to Belong to the Church," expanded on this idea by emphasizing that the youth are not just the hope of the Church but are the Church itself.“Ang kabataan, bako sanang pag-asa ning simbahan. Ang kabataan mismo ang simbahan. Remember, bako ta ika an paglaom, kundi ika mismo simbahan. Ika mismo parte nin simbahan,” Fr. De Jesus declared, stressing the vital role of young people in the life of the Church.The theme of youth actively contributing to the Church continued with Rev. Fr. Ryan T. Zafe’s session on “PREASTATIO: Youth Serving Fellow Youth.” Fr. Zafe encouraged the youth to promote inclusivity within their communities.“Ang mga youth kayang maging inclusive sa community. We serve one another, we help one another build a stronger and more vibrant Church,” he said, pointing out the power of youth-led service.In another session, Rev. Fr. Herald B. Cueva, speaking on “QUARENS: Youth in Search of Faith” at Risen Christ Hall, urged the youth to deepen their faith, especially in the face of life’s challenges.“An pagtubod somehow minakusog sa tahaw nin diklom. Sa tahaw ning pagduda. Alagad, apisar kan pagduda, and still, we choose to trust in God. That is faith,” Fr. Cueva shared, encouraging the young attendees to remain steadfast in their faith despite doubts.During the plenary session, Rev. Fr. Eduardo Z. Zafe reminded the youth of the importance of upholding the Eucharist, saying “Walang magiging bunga ang ating youth ministries sa parishes, if we, youth ministries, do not realize the importance of upholding the Eucharist.”In closing, Rev. Fr. Nestor Perpetou Pastor, the director of the Catholic Youth Apostolate (CYA), expressed his gratitude to the young participants. Reflecting on the theme “IGNITE: Youth on Fire with Faith and Love in the Golden Jubilee,” he thanked the youth for coming together to answer God's call and for their active participation in the event. Photo Credit: CYA Apostolate
To equip them with knowledge to protect intellectual property rights and effectively share their research findings, faculty members of the Catanduanes State University-College of Information and Communications Technology (CatSU-CICT) attended a two-day seminar-workshop on intellectual property rights. Held at Midtown Inn and Resort in Batag on December 12-13, 2024, the event featured invited resource speakers: Ms. Ma. Monette DR. Tugay, Engr. Dexter M. Toyado, and Dr. Jose Z. Tria. They led discussions on topics such as intellectual property rights, patent strategies, copyright laws, pathways for commercializing academic research, and current trends and best practices in research. Photo Credit: CICT
To guide the efforts and ensure the continued success of the university in research and extension, the Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs (OVPREPA), led by Dr. Rosana S. Abundo, organized a three-day Research, Development, and Extension (RD&E) Planning Workshop and Stakeholders’ Forum for Calendar Year 2025 on December 12-14, 2024. “This meeting marks a significant milestone in our journey towards fostering knowledge, driving innovation, and making a tangible impact in our community,” Dr. Abundo expressed in the event that brought together government agencies, stakeholders, and university faculty. The Vice President also briefed other stakeholders on the mandates of her office, emphasizing its role in promoting research excellence and sustainable development. Dr. Abundo enumerated the offices under the OVPREPA, including the University Intellectual Property Rights and Commercialization (UIPRC) Office, the Abaca Technology Innovation Center (ATIC), Center for Catandungan Heritage, and the Center for Culture and Arts.“These centers, working collaboratively and translating research findings into practical solutions, contribute to the economic well-being of the institution and the community,” she added.She likewise stressed the importance of bridging the gap between the academe and real-world applications through extension programs and innovation initiatives, aiming to nurture creativity and a culture of experimentation. “As we delve into the intricacies of our operational plan, let us keep in mind the goal of our institution and the province – to be a catalyst of progress and a beacon of excellence,” Dr. Abundo concluded.The workshop featured presentations from representatives of various government agencies, such as Provincial Agricultural Services, DOST-Provincial Science and Technology Center, Department of Trade and Industry-Catanduanes, Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Catanduanes, and Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) Regional Office V. Director of Research and Development Services Dr. Jose Z. Tria provided the overview of activities of the three-day event, featuring different discussions. The final day featured the presentation of preparatory phase outputs and college extension agenda operational plans by extension coordinators. The event, themed “Empowering Innovations and Community Impact: Navigating the Future of the Province Through RD&E”, was held at the E-Crown Hotel and Resort in San Vicente, Virac, Catanduanes.
The College of Education (COED) of Catanduanes State University (CatSU) delivered much-needed relief to 239 pupils of Dugui Too Elementary School in Virac on December 14, 2024, through its extension project, EduKalinga.Combining the Filipino words for education and care (kalinga), EduKalinga aimed to support the post-typhoon recovery of the remote school through a day of Psychological First Aid activities through games, gift-giving of school supplies and clothes, and a feeding program. The initiative, led by Extension Coordinator Jowi B. Resayaga, was made possible by donations from faculty members and external sponsors.The event was attended by the College Student Council officers, and faculty, alongside the College Dean, Dr. Ma. Sheila R. Gregorio. The beneficiary-school, accessible only through rugged terrain and unpaved roads, has faced challenges since the typhoon damaged two classrooms and left others in need of repair.School Principal Neil F. Bañares expressed gratitude for the assistance and its impact on their ongoing recovery efforts. "Education must continue kahit nasira ang dalawa naming classrooms at need naman ng minor repairs ang iba pa. Ngayon, tuloy po ang aming recovery efforts at malaking tulong po ang gawaing gaya nito sa adhikain naming makabangon at maipagpatuloy ang edukasyon ng mga kabataan," he said. This marks the first time since the typhoon that an external stakeholder has extended direct support to the school, that give hope to both the teachers and learners striving to rebuild.
