Catanduanes State University (CatSU) marked a historic milestone with the official launch and unveiling of its College of Law today, June 28, at the CatSU Ondra Lobby. SUC President III, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, encapsulated the significance of the event when he said, ‘When God wills it, no one can stop it,’ reflecting the belief that divine plans will come to fruition despite any challenges.Dr. Azanza shared the arduous journey of securing approval from the Legal Education Board (LEB), the Philippine government agency tasked with the regulation and supervision of legal education. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to key contributors who played key roles in meeting essential requirements, including donors Mr. Bo P. Rodulfo, Atty. Joselito I. Barceta, Atty. Jose V. Cabrera, and Atty. Lehua Lao-Cabrera. He also thanked Rex Bookstore, Central Book Supply, Inc., Bureau of Fire Protection, and various CatSU offices, particularly under the leadership of Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gemma G. Acedo, Assistant Vice President Dr. Joseph G. Zafe, Associate Dean Atty. Gregorio M. Sarmiento Jr., and CatSU ‘waymakers’ from different offices.The inception of the College of Law, a vision over fifty years in the making, was driven by Dr. Azanza's commitment to the principle that ‘those who have less in life should have more in law.’He emphasized the critical need for lawyers in Catanduanes, which he said is the university's mission to extend legal education and services to the poor and underprivileged sectors of the community. “It is a gift from God,” he added, stressing the divine blessing that this new chapter represents comes this academic year.College of Law Dean, Atty. Santiago T. Gabionza, backed this sentiment when he said, ‘Let go. Let God,’ which emphasizes a faith-driven approach to life's challenges, trusting in divine providence to guide and sustain.The event featured Court of Appeals Associate Justice Atty. Alfredo D. Ampuan as the guest of honor. Speaking to the assembled lawyers and the 86 aspiring law students (via live stream), Justice Ampuan stressed the importance of ensuring equal rights for all.‘The fragrance of the flowers spread only in the flow of the wind; the goodness of the lawyers spread everywhere,’ he said in a metaphor which celebrates the far-reaching impact of lawyers' contributions to society.Following the program is the blessing of new facilities, which include air-conditioned classrooms, a computer laboratory, student and faculty lounges, the Dean’s office, a moot court, and a well-equipped library of the College of Law.
Over 150 employees and students of Catanduanes State University (CatSU) received free tuberculosis (TB) screenings and chest X-rays yesterday, June 25, at the CatSU Main Lobby.The half-day event was organized by the Department of Health (DOH) in collaboration with HealthHub, the Philippine Coalition Against Tuberculosis (PhilCAT), the Rural Health Unit of Virac, the Provincial Health Office, Philippine Business for Social Progress, Culion Foundation, and Catanduanes State University Medical and Dental Services.The mobile X-ray services, part of the Active Case Finding (ACF) for tuberculosis program, aim to raise awareness, provide interventions, and enable early detection of TB and other respiratory diseases.Medical Officer III Dr. Abegail M. Abundo emphasized the importance of health for productivity at the university. “We firmly believe that prioritizing our health is paramount to ensuring productivity. Moreover, early detection and preventive measures are instrumental in mitigating the risk of lifestyle diseases,” said Dr. Abundo.
𝑮𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝑻𝒓𝒊𝒖𝒎𝒑𝒉Maintaining its reputation as a Green University, Catanduanes State University (CatSU) has upheld its vision by clinching the prestigious Saringaya Awards 2024 in the Academe Category.From last year's finalist position, CatSU made a triumphant return, backed by the strong support from university President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, an environmental sociologist with prior experience at the Environmental Research Division (ERD) of the Manila Observatory at Ateneo de Manila University. "We extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire CatSU community for their pivotal role in advancing our vision of HOPE with P—embodying people-centered and planet-friendly policies. This dedication is for the people of Catanduanes and future generations," said Dr. Azanza, dedicating this year’s victory to the community served by CatSU.Central to CatSU's success is the Solar Micro Grid Farm, making it the only state university in Bicol with this initiative. CatSU also runs a Water Catchment Facility, crucial for water conservation and community supply.The award ceremony, held at Marison Hotel in Legazpi City yesterday, saw Executive Vice President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. accepting the award on behalf of President Azanza. Dr. Barba expressed gratitude for this latest accolade, emphasizing its significance to the university and the honor of working alongside the President."We are deeply grateful for the support from the CatSU community, and we remain committed to continuing the administration's initiatives for the benefit of the people of Catanduanes," said Dr. Barba.CatSU's commitment to environmental stewardship has earned it numerous accolades, including the Bicol Saringaya Award for Innovative Environmental Education (2018), National and Regional Winner in the Search for Eco-Friendly Schools (2009 and 2011), and the Greening the Blue Saringaya awards (2014 and 2015).The Saringaya Award, established in 2000 and named after the Bikol word "masaringaya" meaning green environment, abundance, health, and balanced ecology, is considered the highest environmental accolade in the region.
Eyeing its vision for a greener future, Catanduanes State University (CatSU) will soon launch its first-ever Water Catchment Facility, an innovative project that not only symbolizes environmental stewardship with more sustainable and efficient campus environment but also promises significant cost savings for the university. 𝑨 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆-𝒐𝒇-𝒕𝒉𝒆-𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒔𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎The Water Catchment Facility incorporates a state-of-the-art basin with a capacity of 350 cubic meters, designed to collect rainwater from the 17 university buildings. This harvested water is redirected for non-potable uses, such as toilet flushing and cleaning. CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, who pioneered this innovation said the implementation of this water catchment system is expected to significantly reduce the university's monthly water bill by up to 50%. Thus, it is expected to save the university around Php 43,000 monthly, reducing the average water bill from Php 86,000 during regular classes.Equipped with a solar pump and an automatic booster, the system ensures reliable water distribution throughout the campus, even reaching higher floors of university buildings. Enhancing the overall functionality of the campus infrastructure, this Php 14.4 M facility is part of the University’s Land Use Development Plan, which was created by the present administration and approved by the Board of Regents after being reviewed by representatives from CHED, DPWH, DAR, DENR, and other government agencies.The old covered court, which was severely damaged during Typhoon Rolly, has been demolished with the necessary permit from the Office of the Building Official of Virac, to make way for this innovative structure. The scrap materials were preserved by the Building and Grounds Services (BGS) and were used in constructing a covered basketball court inside the University Sports Complex.𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒁𝒆𝒏 𝒈𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒏Integrating beauty with functionality, the Water Catchment Facility is also home to CatSU's first-ever “Zen Garden.” This space not only serves as a green area but also provides a relaxing environment for students and staff. The president stated that this garden aims to be more than just a visual delight; it will serve as a venue for poetry recitals and other creative arts events, noting that students can access the university's 1.5 GBPS internet connection with Starlink backup there."We place high value on the creative arts, and its related events can be hosted in the garden as an alternative venue similar to practices in prominent universities like UP, as well as other universities in Europe and the US," he said.Aside from its aesthetical appeal, this initiative complies with the open green space requirements for universities in the Philippines. Looking ahead for future plans and sustainability, the university plans potential projects that could arise from the savings generated by the Water Catchment Facility, such as establishing water purification stations on campus to provide free drinking water for students and staff. 𝑨 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚For CatSU administration, its passion to sustainability is not just an internal initiative; it is rooted with the broader community of Catanduanes. “My leadership style is to inspire people to complete our projects at CatSU because, in the end, it benefits not just us but the entire island,” the president said, expounding on the administration’s community-centric approach which aligns with the university's mission for environmental awareness and responsibility among its stakeholders. “All of this requires hard work. It is not about personal gain or honor, but for all Catandunganons,” said Dr. Azanza, underscoring the collective efforts under his leadership, with breakthroughs happening in the university, reflecting CatSU’s mission to serve its stakeholders and the people of Catanduanes.
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Seinajoki University of Applied Sciences (SeAMK) today, cementing a collaborative partnership aimed at enhancing academic exchange and cooperation.The signing ceremony took place at the CatSU Conference Room and was attended by SeAMK President Dr. Jaakko Hallila, CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, Executive Vice President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., Vice Presidents, and deans of all colleges.This partnership will facilitate various initiatives, such as the exchange of faculty members and researchers, student exchanges, joint projects, and the development of academic programs. Both universities are committed to collaborating on conferences, sharing information and publications, and engaging in mutually agreed-upon activities.During the signing, Dr. Azanza shared his enthusiasm for CatSU's collaboration, highlighting the university's entry into the global rankings. He expressed optimism about the potential benefits this partnership could bring, emphasizing that there is much more to offer through this collaboration."I am glad that this year, as we enter the global rankings as a university, we feel we have more to offer in our partnership. The presence of all the deans here signifies a strong interest in your university," Dr. Azanza said, adding that the participation of all deans signifies the university's strong interest in expanding its collaboration with SeAMK.Recognizing the importance of learning from the Finnish education system, renowned for its innovative policies, Dr. Azanza stated that CatSU has much to learn from SeAMK, which he described as one of the best in the world due to its cutting-edge policies and practices.Banking on this, he also emphasized the need for strong leadership in education, when he welcomed the recent appointment of Atty. Sonny Angara as DepEd Secretary, as he mentioned during the signing.“A positive development is the recent designation of Atty. Sonny Angara as DepEd Secretary. His deep understanding of our education system, stemming from his role as a commissioner of EDCOM 2, is crucial as we need leaders who will propel progress from basic education to higher education,” he said.Seeing this perspective of strengthening the internationalization efforts of the university under his term, Dr. Azanza further pointed out the potential benefits of the partnership.“With programs offered by Seinajoki University of Applied Sciences, such as nursing, agriculture, and advanced technology in food processing, we believe there is much to gain. Your technological expertise would greatly benefit our initiatives,” he said, referring to areas that are particularly relevant as CatSU develops its agro-industrial post-harvest facilities in its economic zones.Dr. Jaakko Hallila expressed his pleasure at being on the island for the first time, lightly noting that first impressions can be hard to change, but in the case of his visit, “the impression has been very positive.”“I also see a lot of agricultural opportunities, which is particularly interesting to me as I come from a province in Finland known for food processing and manufacturing machinery,” he said, seeing agricultural opportunities on the island as particularly promising.Dr. Hallila also shared how he has been keeping in touch with Dr. Azanza for this cooperation, and that the CatSU president has been very open to this cooperation.“We also wanted to partner with universities that have visionary leadership, and from what we saw, Catanduanes State University definitely has a clear plan and goals,” he said.“The Finnish government has identified several countries for future cooperation in higher education, and the Philippines is one of them. They see great potential for growth and progress in higher education here,” he emphasized, reaffirming the Finnish government's commitment to educational collaboration with CatSU.Still grateful for the partnership under the term of President Azanza, when CatSU has debuted in three global rankings, Dr. Hallila shared how strong leadership could achieve significant breakthroughs.“As the saying goes, if you don’t have a plan, any road will take you nowhere, but with a plan, you can achieve something significant—especially with strong leadership.” Meanwhile, after the signing, Dr. Hallila extended an invitation for future collaboration, encouraging CatSU to participate in their upcoming “International Days” event in February 2025.
𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒕Catanduanes State University (CatSU) has taken a significant step towards community empowerment and sustainable livelihoods with an innovative training session on processing "Turay" fish into bottled sardines and ice cream, held at the College of Industrial Technology’s SS FoodLab on July 12." 𝑷𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒉𝒂𝒃𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒖𝒉𝒂𝒚 𝒏𝒂 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒐 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒂 𝒔𝒂 𝒑𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚𝒂," said SUC President III Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, emphasizing the long-term benefits for the families of the 22 trainees, who are residents from Barangays Cabungahan and Manambrag, San Andres. This session marks the second run of the training, following the first all-women training for 60 participants held in Manambrag a few months ago.Under President Azanza's leadership, CatSU has consistently engaged in community outreach through its Padagos na Patanos Extension Service. The university's scientist-professors and extension service workers have diligently worked on initiatives to alleviate poverty and enhance industry standards in the province.The training, attended by Extension Service Director Dr. Adem Nalu V. Rubio and CIT Dean Dr. Edwin T. Romero, introduced participants to the production processes of Turay Sardines and Turay Ice Cream, focusing on creating marketable products from the province's abundant natural resources. They learned to make three flavors of Turay Ice Cream: sorbetes, plain, chili-infused.CatSU ensured full participation by providing transportation for the participants to the training venue. Prof. Tugay explained that in two days, a maximum of 80 bottles of Turay Sardines could be produced, with a break-even price of Php 139.12 per piece.President Azanza assured the marketability of the trainees' products, which will be showcased at the CatSU Pasalubong Center and ARDCI Mart. This initiative aims to provide the fisherfolk community with additional sources of income and sustainable livelihoods, creating new market opportunities and promising long-term progress for the families involved.
Miguel C. Braganza II, a distinguished alumnus of the internationally acclaimed musical "Miss Saigon," conducted a three-day free dance and theater lecture-workshop titled "Street of Dreams Philippines" at the Catanduanes State University from July 9-11, 2024.Organized by the Center for Catandungan Heritage and the Arts, the event was attended by many talented youths across Catanduanes. It provided a unique opportunity for them to learn from the Miss Saigon alumnus, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the performing arts.He was also a scholar in the dance performance and choreography program at Harvard University in the 1980s, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the event. Braganza's impressive career includes a 14-year tenure with the U.S. and international productions of Cameron Mackintosh’s mega-musical "Miss Saigon."
𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒈𝒍𝒐𝒃𝒂𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉Catanduanes State University’s (CatSU) USWAG Journal: Philippine Journal of Multidisciplinary Research has achieved another breakthrough by being indexed in the prestigious Philippine E-Journals (PEJ), enhancing its accessibility to international readers and researchers.This achievement was made possible through the approval of the Board of Regents, following the recommendation of SUC President III, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, who advocated for CatSU’s partnership with C&E Publishing, Inc. to join PEJ.Now joining 240 academic publications and 52 multidisciplinary journals within the PEJ, the USWAG Journal, as CatSU’s official research journal, advances the university’s internationalization efforts and global academic engagement. This indexing boosts the likelihood of its articles being cited in global journals.This milestone means that peer-reviewed research articles, reviews, and commentaries across disciplines published by CatSU faculty will now reach a broader audience. These disciplines include mathematics, physical, biological, and environmental sciences, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, agribusiness, social sciences, humanities, language, literature, communication arts, information and communications technology, health and nutrition, engineering, energy, industrial technology, business, accountancy, management, education, medicine, law, and policy studies.Hosted by C&E Publishing, Inc., the Philippine E-Journals is an expanding online repository of academic publications from diverse higher education institutions and professional organizations. Its comprehensive database enables users to easily access abstracts, full journal articles, and related research materials, thereby offering global accessibility to these academic journals.
Catanduanes State University (CatSU) continues to soar to its new and greater heights as it secures a remarkable three-peat in global rankings, solidifying its position as a leading institution in higher education excellence.For the first time in history, CatSU under the leadership of president, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, participated in the world rankings and made it to the Times Higher Education (THE), World Ranking for Innovations (WURI) 2024, and UI Greenmetrics (2023). Parallel to Dr. Azanza’s Vision of HOPE and developmental goals, CatSU has clinched honors in the prestigious global rankings, a testament to its unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovative research, and community engagement.The Higher Education (THE) and WURI are both acknowledged by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as international bodies in line with the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 11448 or the Philippine law on “Transnational Higher Education.”Dr. Azanza, on his facebook page, expressed his warmest congratulations and gratitude to Team CatSU, with special mention to his handpicked Internationalization Director, Prof. Zyra Mae T. Tumala.The president underscored on vision, hard work, and team work as the elements that helped CatSU make a mark in the world, and for the first time in history, placing CatSU now in the academic global map.“𝐶𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑙𝑦 𝑏𝑎𝑘𝑜 𝑦𝑎𝑛 𝑛𝑎 𝑡𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑏𝑎. 𝑃𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑔𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑢ℎ𝑎𝑛 𝑦𝑎𝑛 𝑎𝑡 𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑔𝑠𝑖𝑘𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑛 𝑦𝑎𝑛 𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑖 𝑛𝑖𝑛 𝐶𝑎𝑡𝑆𝑈 𝑇𝑒𝑎𝑚,” he said. The university's consistent performance in international assessments highlights its robust diligence and dedication to quality education and continuous improvement. Its stellar achievements in global rankings significantly reflect its holistic approach to education, which emphasizes not only academic rigor but also holistic development and societal impact.Through its innovative programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and collaborative partnerships, the university has established itself as a beacon of excellence in the global academic landscape.The three-peat success of CatSU in global rankings not only brings pride to its students, faculty, and alumni but also highlights the university's significant contributions to the advancement of education and knowledge on a global scale. It serves as an inspiration and motivation for the entire university community to continue striving for the greatest heights of excellence for the future’s generation.Dr. Azanza offered these marks of global excellence to every Catandunganon. He then called on every CatSU official and community members’ support and cooperation, and reminded that we can stand side-by-side with anyone in the world.These global rankings that CatSU earned are proofs that Catandunganons are world-class.“𝑲𝒂𝒚𝒂 𝒕𝒂 𝒌𝒖𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒌𝒂𝒌𝒂-𝒔𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒐 𝒌𝒊𝒕𝒂, 𝒅𝒂𝒉𝒊𝒍 𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒂 𝑪𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒖𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒏, 𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒐𝒏!"
The 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (𝐖𝐔𝐑𝐈) 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 announced its results on Friday, June 7. The Catanduanes State University secured three (3) awards: 26th in the Global Resilience category, 40th in Crisis Management Category, and 66th in Leadership category. The event was witnessed by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner, Dr. Aldrin A. Darilag, also former Chairman of CatSU Board of Regents, in Franklin University, Switzerland.Additionally, in the overall Global Top 300 Innovative Universities, CatSU made it to the 291st spot.According to CHED, the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) is one of the three (3) international ranking bodies, along with the Quacquerelli Symonds (QS) and Times Higher Education (THE) acknowledged by CHED pursuant to the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Republic Act No. 11448 or the “Transnational Higher Education Act.”CatSU President, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, congratulated and expressed his gratitude to all the university officials, unit heads, professors and students, and everyone, for their commitment and efforts, with special mention to Prof. Zyra Mae T. Tumala, Director of Center for International Relations and Continuing Professional Development Services (CIRCPDS). “Truly, we have placed CatSU and our beloved Happy Island of Catanduanes on the World Map!”, Dr. Azanza said.The president added that since Day 1, he has always believed that the Team is unstoppable and there is nothing CatSU cannot achieve when cooperation and commitment are present.
In the quest to improve the health services for the CatSU community, the first ever Infirmary was launched on May 31, 2024, through a simple blessing ceremony witnessed by members of the medical and dental team of the university, along with other university officials, led by no less than the president, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza.Located inside the Health Sciences Complex, the Infirmary is primarily designed to serve the CatSU community – students and employees. It has an Emergency Room, birthing facility, medical and dental services, nurses' station, patient ward, and recovery rooms.It now serves as the new office for the university’s Medical and Dental Services. A parking space is also available for the Patient Transport Vehicle (ambulance) to better serve the CatSU community.We are also excited to announce the approval by the Board of Regents to purchase a mobile clinic that will complement the newly-opened CatSU Infirmary.
The Catanduanes State University - College of Industrial Technology (CatSU CIT) beams with pride in its participation in the recently concluded celebration of National Innovation Day under the theme: “Unboxing the Filipinnovation Mindset” held on April 22, 2024 at the Novotel Manila Araneta City in Cubao, Quezon City.Among the student-participants from CatSU CIT include John Evan Tano, Joshua Balbadores, and Carlo Beo. They were accompanied and coached by Engr. Mark Franz G. Templonuevo, a faculty member of the CIT. Competing in the Food and Agribusiness priority sector, their pitch, which focused on supporting abaca farmers in Catanduanes, won the People's Choice Award. This year’s theme emphasized core values essential to innovation, such as empathy (malasakit), critical thinking (pagiging mapanuri), creativity (pagiging malikhain), imagination (pagiging maharaya), and a collaborative spirit (diwa ng bayanihan).It featured a Filipino adaptation of a Design Thinking workshop called Huddle, Analyze, Build, and Innovate (HABI). The workshop brought together 40 teams of students from 14 regions nationwide, challenging them to develop innovative solutions for the priority sectors identified in the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document 2023-2032. The students presented their solutions in short video or reel formats, showcasing their pitches and demonstrating an “unboxed” Filipinnovation mindset.Dr. Edwin T. Romero, CIT Dean couldn’t be more proud of the achievement. “I feel so proud for our dear students to have represented our university and our island-province of Catanduanes – this is one small but great step to showcase not just our talents and skills, but what we primarily have in the province, especially that we are the abaca capital of the country, and of course the other agricultural products abundant in our lands,” he said. National Innovation Day is celebrated in accordance with the Philippine Innovation Act (Republic Act No. 11293), which designates April 21 each year as a special working public holiday to promote public awareness and support for innovation.
