The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Abaca Technology Innovation Center (ATIC), in collaboration with the Research and Development Services (R&DS), organized a stakeholders' consultative forum and planning workshop for Calendar Year 2024, with the theme 'Sustainable RD & E Activities and Technologies for a Resilient Future of the Abaca Industry' held on December 11, 2023, at the E-Crown Hotel and Resort in San Vicente, Virac, Catanduanes.CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza graced the event, along with Governor Joseph C. Cua represented by Provincial Agriculturist Ace William R. Tria, Department of Science and Technology-Provincial Science and Technology (DOST-PSTO) Director Engr. Marie Grace T. Molina, PhilFIDA Provincial Fiber Officer Roberto B. Lusuegro, Career Scientist I and RD Leader Dr. Leny C. Galvez, and other key officials. Displayed inside the venue were abaca-inspired artworks and abaca-based research outputs.
Learning the rudimentary of research writing, over 50 faculty-researchers of the Catanduanes State University - College of Health Sciences (CatSU-CHS) gained insights from a pool of experts on the first day of their capacity-building seminar on Wednesday, January 10. The aim of the said activity is not just for professional development but to strengthen the research skills of the faculty and to conduct a study with a meaningful and lifelong impact on the community, shared by CHS Dean Dr. Maria Alma V. Tabirara. For Executive Vice President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., who served as the representative of the university president, the very purpose of such undertaking is to โdevelop the research culture in the universityโ, and he advised the newbie in the field of research to learn the A-B pattern. Serving as the first lecturer, Research and Development Services Director Dr. Jose Z. Tria provided possible topics in health sciences such as health governance, communicable diseases, maternal and child health, food scarcity and security, and mental health. The university research director also tackled the benefits and incentives in research publication, ranging from P80,000 to P3,000 cash, and added that if a study clinched the highest distinction in Uswag Award, a researcher is eligible to receive P10,000. Apart from the research perks, the seminar also shed light on the ethical considerations in conducting a study especially involving animal and human subjects. Dr. Lilibeth Tubalinal delved into research ethics as this โprotects human participants over science'. "It is not merely a guideline but a commitment to upholding the values of integrity, respect, and responsibility,' Dr. Tubalinal underscored. In the afternoon session, Dr. Marianne Castilla delivered another lecture on qualitative research. She cited her first research project as an example which revolved around 'Santigwarโ, Bikolano folk way of healing. "Qualitative research builds understanding of social phenomena," she explained. The session of the first day concluded with the practical tips and strategies shared by Dr. Tria on the topic 'Review of Related Literature (RRL)'. The three-day event, which runs from January 10-12, is spearheaded by the CatSU-CHS Research Coordinator Dr. John F. Villegas, held at E-Crown Hotel and Resort.
Amidst the numerous academic learning spaces inside the Catanduanes State University (CatSU), it is a haven for dreamers who dare to materialize their imaginations into artfully crafted realities- ๐๐๐ ๐ช๐๐๐บ๐ผ ๐ญ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ณ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐.For the Fablab manager, Mr. Edmund Salvador, the smell of burnt wood and the mechanical whirring sounds of the 3D printers inside the CatSU FabLab is a continuous proof of the universityโs innovation in pursuing excellent artistry. With the FabLab building, creative aspirations would not require laborious effort and time to become tangible masterpieces.โNoong wala pang FabLab, mano-manong ginagawa ang mga disenyo at kailangan [talagang] maglaan ng sapat na oras upang magawa ang isang proyekto/produkto. Ang mga estudyante [rin] ay hindi gaano o walang masyadong alam sa paggamit ng digital printers,โ Mr. Salvador said, highlighting how the FabLab helped birth creative geniuses inside the campus.โNgayon ang mga estudyante mismo ay nahahawakan at nao-operate ang 3D printed machine, mas naging creative ang concept ng mga estudyante sa pagdisenyo. Nabigyan ng pagkakataon ang estudyante, teaching and non-teaching [staff] na gumawa ng mga disenyo gamit ang advanced digital manufacturing technology.โMeanwhile, for students like Jeremiah M. Arevalo, 2nd Year Mechanical Technology student, the CatSU FabLab is an avenue for them to further hone their craft.โDakolang tabang po sako [ang FabLab], sa alog kong students โta may bago nanaman na namatidan. Dakolang tabang po sako ta permi po adiyan sila Ma'am Jeiscelle S. Tomagan, Ma'am Evelyn Romero, and Sir Edmund Salvador para po tabangan ako para makamatid sa pagkumpuni buda mag-engage sa FabLab.โApart from supporting technology-driven product innovation and prototyping, the CatSU FabLab also opens its doors to locally produced handicrafts, converging technology, arts, and indigenous materials.โ[Mahalaga na ma-involve ang students sa paggawa ng local products] para po maipasa โmi sa ibang henerasyon [at] ma-sustain po ang pag gibo ning mga local products uya sa Catanduanes,โ Jeremiah added, mentioning that he started making locally produced crafts when he was still in 8th grade. As CatSU continues its pursuit of knowledge and academic excellence, the university also places a premium on the profound impact on the ones that breathe life into our existence- the arts. A celebration of love for the arts, the CatSU FabLab is where visions become reality and reality becomes what we envision. #AClemente
Where wooden plaques, custom-made accessories, and displays were intricately carved and made, this space โ the ๐ผ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ญ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ณ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, is outfitted with high-powered carving machines to create local products that embody Catandunganonsโ creativity and ingenuity. Situated on the left wing of the University, this facility has carved a niche for itself in the hearts of locals and visitors with its high-quality arts and crafts. At the core of these innovations are the high-powered carving machines, including a CO2 laser cutting and engraving machine, enhanced with an all-in-one Multi-tool 3D printer, a Desktop Plastic 3D Printer, and a Carbon Fiber 3D printer capable of engraving images and text into wood within minutes.All this equipment was managed by the talented and skillful hands of the Fablab designated manager, Prof. Edmund Salvador, with his empowered staff and the steadfast support of the universityโs College of Industrial and Technology (CIT). Adjacent to the facility is an office dedicated to indigenous and recycled materials, where CIT students meticulously refine handicrafts. These include items like baskets, vases, bracelets, and key chains, to name a few. Expanding its reach, the facility opens its doors to everyone, offering basic training for willing individuals to enhance the competitiveness of their products and expand their market. This initiative aims to inspire people and unlock their potential to become entrepreneurs in their own right through the humble office. With a hub where artistry knows no bounds, the facility helps local products reach new heights and compete with the ever-changing world. #AClemente
In its quest to emphasize the significance of ethical and effective communication, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUMSS), in collaboration with the English Language and Speech Communication Services (ESLCOM) and Sentro ng Wika at Kulturang Filipino, culminated one of its unique seminar titled โCommunication Next in Industries 3.0โ, at the university gymnasium, Tuesday, November 6, 2023.The seminarโs primary goal is to bridge the gap between theory and practice in guiding students on the practical application of communication in achieving their career aspirations. โCommunication has taken the backseat for a quite a time now and it is but fitting to bring it back to the forefrontโ, ESLCOM Director, Prof. Reashiela L. Khan shared.โWe are happy and with high hopes that this event will help in providing a platform for our professionals from diverse industries as they share their insights, best practices, and real-world experiences that are related to effective communication within their specific work environmentโ, she added.Meanwhile, Dr. Jimmylen Z. Tonio, Dean of CHUMSS said that it aims to identify and explore the unique communication challenges and opportunities that exist within various industries.Ms. Ruby V. Dapetillo, Senior Manager in the Program Analysis Division of GMA 7 network, served as the Keynote Speaker. Ms. Dapetillo is a dedicated member of GMA Network since 2001, with primary responsibilities encompassing content reviews and the provision of management recommendations based on TV ratings and audience shares.โIโm always happy to share my experiences to young people. In fact, I had this sudden feeling of interest for a teaching job soon after I spoke to our dear CatSUans; it was a very fulfilling experience to have them as my audienceโ, she gladly shared. Ms. Dapetillo is a distinguished CatSU alumna, a pride of Catanduanes State Colleges Elementary Laboratory and Laboratory High School batch 93 and 97, respectively. She finished her baccalaureate degree in UP Diliman as Cum Laude. The seminar also had the following as resource speakers: Mr. Ferdinand M. Brizo, Station Manager and Editor-in-Chief of Radyo Peryodiko/Bicol Peryodiko, who discussed the topic on Communication 101: Leveraging Social Media and Online Tools for Promotion; Mr. Genesis V. Efondo, owner of Cafรฉ de Au and Yahay Farm, with his topic on Counting Success: Crafting Messages that Resonate with Audiences; Ms. Kayzyll T. Abundo, a Marketing copyrighter in Rocketstation, Texas, USA, shared about TALK Plus (Technical Acumen and Language Knowledge Plus).Other equally significant speakers include Dr. Vietrez D. Abella, EBMCโs Chief who gave her share on WonderTalk in Times of Crises, and Dr. Aida A. Dianela, the former Vice President for Academic Affairs in CatSU and now serving as Training Consultant at ARDCI Microfinance Inc., discussed The Missing Equation: Cracking the Code to Fluent English Communication.The event was participated in by college and senior students enrolled in GEC5 Purposive Communication, and students from the newest program of CHUMSS, Bachelor of Arts in English Language. #CIV
The Search for USWAG Awards held on October 5-6 at the E-Crown Hotel and Resort revealed the winners in both the Non-Science and Technology (N-S&T) and Science and Technology (S&T) categories, recognizing top research and contributions from the academe.In the Non-S&T category, which includes research in the social sciences, humanities, business and education, the top spot was clinched by the research titled โLived Experiences of Typhoon Rolly Survivors in Catanduanes,โ authored by Dr. Ramon Felipe A. Sarmiento, Dr. Joel Jordan, Prof. Maricel S. Cariaso, and Prof. Ma. Nena T. Vital. The 2nd Place was secured by the research titled โGender-Fair Language at Work-Recognition, Beliefs, Willingness, and Challenges from Government Agencies of Catanduanes,โ authored by Dr. Jimmylen Z. Tonio from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUMSS). Meanwhile, the 3rd Place was claimed by the research titled โAng Kuwento Nina Kurakog at Kalarab: Mga Danas, Istorya, at Historya ng mga Bagamanocnon ng Ilihan Point,โ authored by Prof. Ma. Sofia S. Llaguno and Dr. Jovert R. Balunsay.In the S&T Category, the top spot was secured by the research titled โBrowser-Based Document Tracking System with QR-Code Technology for Catanduanes State University,' authored by Dr. Gemma G. Acedo, Prof. Gregory M. Bola, and Prof. Andrea S. Morales. The 2nd Place was awarded to the research titled โUtilization and Development of Libas (Spondias sp.) Leaves as Powdered Souring Agent,โ authored by Ms. Robelle M. Tapado, while the 3rd Place went to the research titled 'Knowledge Discovery in Database (KDO)-based Rice Farmer Registry System at LGU, San Andres, Catanduanes: Prototype Development,' authored by Dr. Belen M. Tapado.Special awards included the Research Productivity Award, which was earned by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUMSS), and the Best Publishable Paper Award in the S&T Category, which went to Ms. Robel L. Tapado for the research titled โUtilization and Development of Libas (Spondias sp.) Leaves as a Souring Agent.โ The research titled โGender-Fair Language at Work-Recognition, Beliefs, Willingness, and Challenges from Government Agencies of Catanduanesโ was recognized in the Non-S&T Category.The Best Scientific Poster Award was given to the research titled โAssessment of Blue Swimming Crab Portunus Pelagicus (Linnaeus, 1758) Fisheries in Northern Catanduanes, Philippines,โ authored by Prof. Recie B. Bonaos and Prof. Jozem Niรฑo I. Morales in the Scientific Category. In the Non-S&T Category, the award was claimed by the research titled โPagsusuri sa Pinagmulan ng Pangalan ng mga Barangay sa Catanduanes,โ authored by April Grace Lazado-Maca and Josephine T. Tomagan.The board of evaluators for the event included Dr. Rosana S. Abundo, Dr. Kristian Q. Aldea, Dr. Jose Z. Tria, Professor Ma. Cecilia T. Arcilla, Dr. Mary Jean S. Romero, and Engr. Marie Grace T. Molina.Winners and special awardees will receive a cash prize, a certificate, and a plaque and will be honored during the Gabi ng Parangal on October 25, in celebration of the 11th Charter Anniversary of the university. #ATugay
๐ต๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ถโ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ธ๐๐ข๐๐๐ก๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ข๐๐๐ ๐In an effort to transform the tourism sector in Catanduanes, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Office V carried out an extensive evaluation of Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Edu-Eco Tourism Project on September 24, 2023.The visit was related to CatSU's pursuit of DOT accreditation in the Farm Tourism Camp โ Day Camp category for its unique Edu-Eco Tourism Project, distinguishing it as an educational tourism destination.Positioned to reshape tourism in Catanduanes, the project places a strong emphasis on education and sustainability, making it as its defining feature.โDito inaasahang matuto tungkol sa modern agriculture (Aquaponics, Hydroponics at Aeroponocs), abaca innovation, abaca wine making, solar farming, livestock industry, latest technologies na gamit sa CATSU habang sila ay nageenjoy mamasyal sa Isla,โ CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza said, highlighting the projectโs uniqueness and commitment to impart knowledge and showcase sustainable practices.โKasama sa mapapasyalan sa CATSU ang Catandungan Heritage at Sentro ng Wikang Filipino na tampok ang ilang display at impormasyon hinggil sa history and culture ng Catanduanes kasama ang mga aklat at obra ng mga manunulat at alagad ng sining na mula sa isla. Isa sa mga rare items na nakadisplay ay ang Bicolano translation ng Noli Me Tangere ni Jose Rizal,โ the President furthered.Led by Rommel A. Natanauan, Chief Tourism Operations Officer and Antonio M. Imperial, Tourism Operations Officer II, the DOT inspection team arrived at CatSU with keen interest. The inspection team from DOT V Office of Tourism Standards and Operations saw CatSUโs potential to enhance tourism in Catanduanes significantly with its educational and sustainable tourism initiatives."Buong pusong sinusuportahan namin ang proyektong CatSU Edu-Eco Tourism, dahil ito ay may malaking potensyal na magpataas ng turismo sa Catanduanes. Ang Department of Tourism Regional Office 5 ay nakikiisa sa inisyatibang ito at umaasa sa tagumpay nito," said the team.CatSU's Edu-Eco Tourism Project not only seeks to boost tourism but also aims to inspire visitors with its blend of education and sustainability while simultaneously creating job prospects for the local community.โSa CATSU Edu-Eco Tourism Project inaasahang may dagdag na kikitain ang mga taga-Isla dahil tataas ang bilang ng turista sa isla.โ Dr. Azanza said, highlighting the employment opportunities for the islanders, one key aspect of his โPadagos na Patanos Movementโ. #ATugay
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) has officially launched a weeklong exhibit activity titled "PADAYAW SA ISLA: Riserts, Teknolohiya, at Abakanobasyon" with a ribbon-cutting ceremony today, September 25 coinciding with the inauguration of the Abaca Technology Innovation Center (ATIC) on the university campus.The event aims to disseminate information and showcase research findings, technologies, and inventions developed by both faculty and students of CatSU. The public can explore completed and ongoing research projects and technological innovations that have been produced within the university.Products on display include a wide range of abaca-based items such as abaca paper, abaca canvas, abaca wine, abaca alcohol, abaca fabric, recycled abaca fiber blocks, and abaca soap. Additionally, the exhibit features communication devices, a 3-in-1 coconut farmers' machine, dress forms made from abaca and recycled paper, a rain collector machine, an automatic fishpond feeder, a solar-powered banca motor, and many more innovative creations.During the opening ceremony, CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza emphasized the importance of putting research into practical use. "The true measure of a project is its ability to solve problems and have practical applications. We will invite potential investors to commercially produce our outputs, and those who discover innovations here can enjoy royalties," the president said, encouraging the community to leverage the university's research outputs for practical applications.President Azanza also announced that the university is set to receive substantial funding from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), with 6 million for its abaca tissue culture, and hopes for the 38 million for ATIC pledged by the DOST.The president also stressed the significance of utilizing abaca resources to support local abakaleros, highlighting the unity of various government agencies and stakeholders present at the event. DOST Provincial Director Engr. Marie Grace Molina, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director Ms. Maria Belma Escueta, and Provincial Fiber Officer of the Philippine Fiber Industry and Development Authority (PhilFIDA) Mr. Roberto B. Lusuegro pledged their support to CatSU's initiatives.Governor Joseph C. Cua commended Dr. Azanza for expanding the university's influence within the community and fostering a stronger connection between the local government and the abaca industry. The governor expressed optimism about the ATIC building, seeing it as a โsymbol of hope and a catalyst for innovation and progressโ in the province.The exhibit was organized by CatSU's Research, Extension, and Production Affairs department, led by OIC Vice President Dr. Rosana S. Abundo and Assistant Vice President Dr. Kristian Q. Aldea. #ATugay
'๐๐ง๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐๐ซ,' ๐ฌ๐๐ฒ๐ฌ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ข๐๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ณ๐๐ง๐ณ๐To equip its students with the necessary knowledge and skills to adapt to the digital transformation, Catanduanes State University (CatSU) College of Business and Accountancy, held a seminar titled โGoing Digital: A Digitization Seminar,โ on September 26, 20203, at the CatSU auditorium. In his message, CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, emphasized the importance of staying ahead in the field of business to become an efficient entrepreneur, highlighting that โinformation is power.โโThe one thing that is really behind the digitalization program is efficiency. We want to automatically generate information because information is power,โ said Dr. Azanza, highlighting efficiency as lacking in the current system.Dr. Azanza emphasized the significant role of digitalization in transforming every student into an empowered entrepreneur.โGenerating information allows for quicker decision-making, which, in business, means seizing opportunities as a first mover, gaining a competitive edge, and making profitable investments while others are still deciding whether to enter the market,โ he added.Dr. Azanza further elaborated on the undeniable advantage that digitalization has offered to CatSU, especially in the efficient operation of the Human Resource Management Office.โIn HR for example, if I have the knowledge of how many [and we were able to use it] vacant items in the university are available, and because they have a computerized system then I could easily understand and decide that these vacant items should be made available to all Catandunganons,โ he shared.Meanwhile, the president proudly shared his plans for Digitalization Programs at CatSU, particularly focusing on digitizing online enrollment, providing access to all enrolled subjects, and making grades accessible to both students and parents. โI allocated 7 million for our digitalization program here on Campus. So that you will be enrolling online, you will have access to all the subjects that you have enrolled in, and if there is another COVID-19 pandemic, we can easily shift to the learning management systems. And at the end of the semester, just by navigating to your portals [student portal] you would know easily the grades you got. And whether you like it or not we will provide access to your parents through [parents portal] and they would know easily how you performed,โ he explained.Esteemed speakers and industry experts, including Geraldine B. Bagadiong from the Department of Trade and Industry โ Catanduanes, and government agency representatives like Mr. Allan T. Sapanta from the BIR, Ms. Arelle A. Bagadiong, President of the Catanduanes Bankers Association, Ms. Carmel Bonifacio-Garcia, Province Supervising Tourism Operations Officer, and Mr. Franklin O. Oclarino, a businessman shared their expertise on various digitization aspects. These included digital marketing strategies, e-commerce trends, data analytics, and the role of technology in modern business practices. #ATugay
Catanduanes State University (CATSU) is set to significantly enhance its wi-fi services after Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza has successfully negotiated with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Provincial Officer Mario John D. Gonzales to secure an additional 100mbps of free wi-fi exclusively for the university students.This boost is in addition to the existing 150mbps dedicated to CatSU offices and the pre-existing 200mbps PLDT line serving the Main Campus.Moreover, Dr. Azanza has extended his commitment to providing even broader connectivity benefits to the university as he has sought DICT's assistance to install free Wi-Fi connections at Panganiban Campus and to secure four Starlink connections for the university. Dr. Azanza has also approved an upgrade of the PLDT wi-fi connection at the Main Campus, increasing its capacity from 200mbps to 400mbps, complete with a state-of-the-art firewall to ensure security and reliability."Under my term, we have upgraded our wi-fi connection from a total of 50mbps when I started at CatSU to 650mbps two years within my term,โ Dr. Azanza said.In addition to these enhancements, the university is making significant investments in infrastructure resilience. The President has initiated the installation of an underground fiber optic network throughout all campus buildings. โKasama na rin sa mga pagbabago ang pagkabit ng underground fiber optic network sa lahat ng buildings ng CATSU para kahit may bagyo ay safe ang ating mga communication lines,โ Dr. Azanza said, highlighting this as a forward-thinking move ensuring uninterrupted connectivity during adverse weather conditions. #ATugay
In a move to increase Catandunganon womenโs economic capability, the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) and the Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere (CARE) International signed an agreement that aims to benefit Catandunganon women to gain sustainable livelihoods. Dubbed as Women and Youth Economic Empowerment (WE Empower) Project, the residents of four barangays in Bato and four barangays in Virac will be the target beneficiaries of the program.โThe project focuses on two commodities: abaca and root crops and [to be] implemented in two municipalities covering eight barangays,โ expressed in the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA). Held at the universityโs conference room, the joint partnership was signed by CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza and witnessed by CAREโs Asia Regional Director, Dr. Musa Muhammad, together with his staff on Tuesday, September 19.Present also during the MoA signing were the newly installed Vice-President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs Dr. Rosana S. Abundo, Extension Services Director Dr. Adem Nalu V. Rubio, and other universityโs key officials. CARE is an international humanitarian organization that works with women and girls to combat worldwide poverty and hunger. #ATUgay
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) had a meeting with President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza regarding the evaluation of the Philippines' DRR needs and priorities, on September 21.This is to support their efforts of reducing climate-related disaster risks, which are aligned with international agreements like the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework on DRR, in line with the UN's ERC flagship initiative.The delegation included Mr. Marcus Oxley and Mr. Benigno Balgos, both Senior Non-Key Experts from the EU NDC Facility, along with Ms. Maria Agnes Palacio of UNOCHA Philippines.The meeting also included Dr. Jose Z. Tria, Engr. Dexter M. Toyado, and Dr. Rosana S. Abundo as requested by UNOCHA. The meeting mainly discussed CatSUโs contributions and contingencies in the occurrence of climate-related disasters like typhoons and the problems that come with it. Dr. Azanza described the many people-centered projects and programs provided by CatSU such as the designation of Evacuation Centers, the use case scenario of the Solar farm, and the creation of food supply establishments such as fish ponds and other foods and amenities required in the event of a disaster. #ATugay
