The third week of March 2026 proved to be a meaningful and productive stretch for Catanduanes State University President Dr. Gemma G. Acedo, marked by new partnerships, ongoing collaborations, and acts of generosity that directly touched the lives of students.

Early in the week, Dr. Acedo welcomed the newly appointed TESDA Catanduanes Provincial Director, Engr. Eduardo B. Bonagua, for a courtesy visit at her office. Along with his team, the meeting quickly moved beyond introductions into a thoughtful exchange of ideas. They talked about TESDA’s current programs and future plans for the province, while also exploring ways the University and TESDA could work more closely together moving forward.

In another meeting, Dr. Acedo sat down with representatives from Bicol University’s Program PRIME under the Bicol RISER Consortium. Project staff Marites L. Belen and Vanessa A. Binasa shared more about their initiative, which focuses on helping microenterprises become more resilient—especially in the face of disasters—through data-driven training and support systems. With Virac identified as one of the program’s beneficiaries, CatSU expressed full support and readiness to contribute wherever possible.

The week also carried a heartfelt moment of gratitude. Dr. Acedo extended her thanks to the Philippine Nurses Association of Metro Houston, Texas, represented by Ms. Araceli R. Katigbak, for providing financial assistance to eight deserving Bachelor of Science in Nursing students. The support will help cover their Related Learning Experience (RLE) fees for a semester—an expense that can be challenging for many families.

Ms. Katigbak, a proud alumna of CatSU Laboratory Schools and now a retired nurse based in Houston, continues to give back to her roots in a meaningful way.

“This kindness has lightened the burden on the families of these students,” Dr. Acedo shared.

“It’s gestures like this that not only provide financial relief but also remind us of the strong sense of community and shared responsibility we have in helping our students succeed," she added.

Dr. Acedo was joined during the turnover by College of Health Sciences Dean Dr. Ma. Alma V. Tabirara and Ms. Karie Ann S. Zafe.

All in all, the week reflected what CatSU stands for—building connections, supporting communities, and creating opportunities that make a real difference.