To spread love and joy this yuletide season, the CatSU-Karibangbang, a recognized LGBTQIA+ organization of Catanduanes State University, collaborated with non-government organizations Meal for Happiness and Heart for Philippines to bring smiles to children in need. The joint initiative benefited over 50 pupils from Bacak Elementary School in Bagamanoc, providing them with clothes, toys, shoes, slippers, books, food, and hygiene kits on December 9, 2024. CatSU-Karibangbang President Gilbert Lorens Vargas shared that the activity was realized despite limited preparation time, expressing gratitude to the members’ enthusiasm and determination to make a difference.“This was never forced—everyone volunteered willingly because we all wanted to contribute in our own way,” Vargas said. He further explained how members worked hand-in-hand, reaching out to donors, repacking items, and coordinating efforts to ensure the outreach activity was a success. "It was a genuine expression of our desire to help," Vargas added.
To spread love and joy this yuletide season, the CatSU-Karibangbang, a recognized LGBTQIA+ organization of Catanduanes State University, collaborated with non-government organizations Meal for Happiness and Heart for Philippines to bring smiles to children in need. The joint initiative benefited over 50 pupils from Bacak Elementary School in Bagamanoc, providing them with clothes, toys, shoes, slippers, books, food, and hygiene kits on December 9, 2024. CatSU-Karibangbang President Gilbert Lorens Vargas shared that the activity was realized despite limited preparation time, expressing gratitude to the members’ enthusiasm and determination to make a difference.“This was never forced—everyone volunteered willingly because we all wanted to contribute in our own way,” Vargas said. He further explained how members worked hand-in-hand, reaching out to donors, repacking items, and coordinating efforts to ensure the outreach activity was a success. "It was a genuine expression of our desire to help," Vargas added.
In the spirit of generosity and solidarity, Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Extension Services conducted the Paogma Gift-Giving Outreach Activity at JMA Poniton Elementary School on December 11.Led by Dr. Adem Nalu V. Rubio, Director of Extension Services, alongside CatSU extensionists and staff, the initiative brought smiles to the faces of 78 pupil-beneficiaries.“This outreach activity was not just about providing material aid but also about showing the pupils that they are cared for and supported by their community. We are deeply grateful to the CatSU office heads and everyone who donated clothing, toys, and other valuable resources for the children,” Dr. Rubio said. The event was organized in response to the needs of JMA Poniton’s young learners, many of whom come from families facing financial challenges. Alongside food packs containing rice, canned goods, and other staples, the activity distributed second-hand clothing, toys, and learning materials, making the season brighter for the pupils.
Addressing 133 new nurses and 30 new nutritionist-dieticians, Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Atty. Septon A. de la Cruz pinned on his message that they should serve with dignity and humanity during the Testimonial Dinner held on December 6 at the university gymnasium.“In every step you take, let compassion be your compass and guide you to offer not just care, but dignity and humanity. Remember, true service extends beyond hospital walls and clinic doors. It reaches the outskirts, where healthcare is a distant dream, and touches the lives of the less privileged, where hope often flickers faintly,” Atty. de la Cruz said, and further expounded on true service measures that extend beyond hospital walls and clinic doors to the less privileged.Atty. de la Cruz also commended the passers and said they should take pride in themselves for passing the rigors of their education to earn the profession.“You must take pride in yourselves. Everyone knows it was no easy feat. From meeting admission requirements to excelling in exams, to competing in an ever-challenging field—your achievements are a proof of your grit and determination,” the OIC said.He also advised them to balance ambition with humility, knowledge with empathy, and success with service, noting that the profession they have chosen is both a privilege and responsibility that will demand strength, wisdom, and kindness.With special accolade, he lauded Mikael Angelo R. Romero, who made it to the top 10 nationwide, saying Mikael’s journey is an inspiring example of discipline and leadership, for Mikael being a high school Corps Commander of the Advanced Citizenship Training Program (ACTP) and now a topnotcher in the academe side.“Your achievement reflects not just personal excellence but also the potential every student of this university possesses when discipline meets determination,” the OIC said. The OIC also lauded the Vice Presidents, dean, chairpersons, faculty, and support staff of the College of Health Sciences (CHS) for achieving another laurel for the university.
Now in its third year of implementation, the Catanduanes State University-College of Education (CatSU-CoED), in collaboration with the CatSU Laboratory Schools, has broadened the reach of its extension program, PundAsyon (Pundasyon+Edukasyon): Instructional Enhancement Training for Child Development Workers/Teachers (CDW/Ts), now including participants from the municipality of Bato, in addition to its initial coverage in Virac.Pundasyon is an extension program of CoED consisting of a series of seminar-workshops aimed at equipping CDW/Ts with the latest pedagogical skills and knowledge for teaching pre-kindergarten pupils.Attended by CDW/Ts from Virac and Bato towns, CoED Extension Coordinator, Jowi B. Resayaga, emphasized the program’s goals were not just to impart learning but most importantly for CDTs to demonstrate competence aligned with the government-set standards. “Hindi lang target ng PundAsyon ang learning, ang gusto po namin lahat kayong CDT ay competent sa kung ano man ang standard ng gobyerno sa pagtuturo,” Resayaga told the participants during the two-day simultaneous training on December 11-12, 2024, at the CatSU Extension Training Hall and Accreditation Room. Echoing this sentiment, CoED Dean Dr. Maria Sheila R. Gregorio said, “Nandito kami para punan ang kulang sa inyong mga alam na at natutunan na.”The training for Bato CDW/Ts covered topics discussed by CoED faculty facilitators, such as the Principles of early childhood development, developing phonemic awareness, and developing instructional materials through MS Application. Meanwhile, Virac CDW/Ts now in their third year of training, focused on strengthening early education in which the facilitators presented the results of the CDW/Ts classroom observation, classroom demonstration was also taught by the facilitators. The trainers also engaged in a small-group discussion and enhancement session with the facilitators.
Atty. Septon A. de la Cruz, Officer-in-Charge of Catanduanes State University (CatSU), turned over Php 70,500 in cash donations collected by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region V to CatSU Panganiban Director Dr. Ramon F. Samonte on December 5 at the Office of the President.The donation was used to purchase goods for CatSU Panganiban Campus students and personnel, who were severely affected by the destruction caused by Super typhoon Pepito. Dr. Samonte said the financial aid would support the recovery efforts of the campus community and help both students and staff rebuild after the calamity.
Community’s Hope for the Unemployed and Marginalized Sector of Society: Adopted Community Organizations Extension Services (CHUMSS: ACOs) project, led by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, was recognized as Rank 26 under the A8 category: Support for Global Resilience at the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI).WURI is one of three Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) recognized ranking systems for higher education institution internationalization, such as the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS World, Asia, and Stars), and Times Higher Education (THE World, Asia, and Impact Rankings).It evaluates and ranks top universities around the world for the institution’s real contributions to industry and society.Launched in September 2023, the CHUMSS: ACOs Project reflects the university’s drive to community development and sustainable livelihoods. According to CHUMSS faculty member, Ricardo Arcilla Jr., who is also the brainchild of the project, the program supported four ACOs, benefiting 106 members through training and resources to promote self-sufficiency.The college also partnered with TESDA-CSHCI and the Local Government Unit of Bagamanoc to strengthen the project’s impact. CHUMSS ACOs focuses on five key components. First is Capacity Building, equipping ACO members with essential skills in organizational management, financial literacy, and leadership. The second one is Technical Skills Development, where the members receive specialized training in food production and service industries, followed by Sustainable Livelihood Projects and Income-Generating Projects (IGPs), wherein ACOs are guided in creating proposals that align with community needs and available funding opportunities.Another one is Team Building and Leadership Training. This aspect strengthens community cohesion and develops leadership skills through collaborative activities and training sessions.The last component is ACOs Community Outreach, addressing both immediate and long-term recovery needs in times of disasters.On December 4, CHUMSS faculty and students organized an outreach activity to help their adopted organizations recover from the Super Typhoon Pepito’s devastating effects, distributing generator sets funded by CHUMSS faculty and sacks of rice provided by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO). Photo credit: CHUMSS
Through Board Resolution No. 93, s. 2024, some changes have taken place for the Catanduanes State University’s office in charge of the promotion and implementation of cultural heritage programs. Started on November 6, 2024, the Center for Catandungan Heritage and the Arts, or CCHA as known by the CatSU community, became two separate offices: Center for Catandungan Heritage (CCH), and Center for Culture and Arts (CCA) - Hablon Dawani. Former CCHA Director Francis B. Tatel will now lead the CCH with focus on research and academic initiatives in heritage studies. This includes emerging fields such as Cognitive Humanities and Health Humanities. Operating under the Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs, Director Tatel’s office will oversee the university museum, resource material collections, and organize seminars and conferences on culture and heritage.Meanwhile, the CCA-Hablon Dawani, will be led by Santos G. Sorra Jr. It aims to develop the artistic talents of CatSU students while preserving the Catandungan cultural heritage. The center will support various cultural arts groups, including the CatSU Hablon Dawani Performing and Visual Arts groups, Koro Hubilyo, Rondalla, and the Saliw Hangin Concert Band. Activities will include performances, exhibitions, and participation in local to international events, guided by CHED Memorandum Order No. 09 s. 2013.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) - Bicol recognized Prof. Maricel S. Cariaso, the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager and Alumni Relations Officer of Catanduanes State University (CatSU), as the Most Outstanding Job Placement Officer.Prof. Cariaso received the award during the 2024 PESO Year-End Performance Assessment held at Villa Caceres Hotel in Naga City, Camarines Sur on December 4, 2024. The event was attended by PESO managers and Job Placement Officers (JPO) from across Region 5. Joining Prof. Cariaso on stage during the awarding were Robert Andrei L. Cimbracruz (LEO III, Bureau of Local Employment), Marilyn L. Luzuriaga (TSSD Chief), Engr. Julie C. Manalang (Senior LEO, DOLE Catanduanes Provincial Office), Imelda F. Gatinao (Regional Director, DOLE Bicol), Eduardo C. Lovedorial (DOLE Catanduanes Provincial Head), Imelda E. Romanillos (Assistant Regional Director, DOLE Bicol), and Ryan Roberto E. Delos Reyes (Senior LEO, DOLE NCR).
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) has pledged its support to Gawad Kalinga’s (GK) initiative to mobilize youth volunteers for recovery efforts following the devastation of Super Typhoon Pepito. During a courtesy visit on December 6, 2024, GK Regional Director Marc Sebastian met with CatSU Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Atty. Septon A. de la Cruz, who affirmed the university’s commitment to join in the upcoming Bayani Challenge.Set to bring over 5,000 volunteers to Catanduanes between April and June 2025, the five-day event will focus on house-building, feeding programs, school repainting, coastal clean-ups, and other community-driven activities. Sebastian lauded the university’s support and recognized its role in rallying the local youth for bayanihan efforts.The non-government organization has already extended aid to the province through food pack donations, feeding programs, and school supply distributions in six barangays in Viga. GK also plans to establish the first-ever GK Community in Catanduanes, with 30 to 50 concrete homes slated for construction to benefit families most affected by the typhoon. "We are committed to helping Catanduanes rise again, and the support of institutions like CatSU strengthens our mission," Sebastian said.
"I always tell myself that it's either I top this exam or I fail it. There's no in-between. This achievement has taught me that anything is possible if you put your mind into it,” shared Mikael Angelo Rabino Romero, Catanduanes State University’s (CatSU) lone topnotcher, who secured the 10th spot in the November 2024 Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination.With a rating of 90.60%, the Viracnon topnotcher shared the challenges he faced during his preparation, including unexpected hurdles that tested his resilience."One unexpected challenge was when our review center shifted to online classes due to flooding in Quezon City. When it happened, I relied on the study habits I developed during the COVID-19 lockdown. I paced my studies and ensured I had enough time for myself," Romero explained.The CatSU grad topnotcher completed his elementary education at Virac Pilot Elementary School and graduated from Catanduanes National High School. His father hails from Virac, while his mother is from Batangas.When asked about his motivation for pursuing a career in nursing, the son of engineer parents emphasized his sense of duty to the people around him. He credited the influence and support of his family and community for helping him overcome daily challenges.Looking ahead, Romero plans to pursue medical school. In the meantime, he is dedicating himself to bedside care and teaching. As he aspires to become a doctor, he lives by his guiding principle: “Take one step at a time. Failure is the end only if you stop trying.” Romero is one of the 29,349 passers out of 34,534 examinees in the November 2024 board exam, where the University achieved an outstanding 96.32% passing rate for first-time takers and a 92.36% overall performance rating, surpassing the national passing rate of 84.99%.
The College of Health Sciences (CHS) launched its Health Education and Advocacy for Reproductive and Teenage Health (HEART) Campaign on December 5, 2024, at Calatagan High School, providing 70 Grade 7 students with knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their health during adolescence. In collaboration with the DepEd Catanduanes School Health and Nutrition Unit, the event drew in key stakeholders, including Nurse Irma Pampanga, Head Teacher Cynthia Camano, Extension Services Director Dr. Adem Nalu Rubio, CHS Dean Dr. Ma. Alma V. Tabirara, and CHS Extensionist and Faculty Dr. Helen Romero.
