Supporting student ventures: A look Inside CatSU's first-ever Student Dev't Center
AdministrationFrom the modern exterior design
of the building to its welcoming lobby, the first-ever Student Development
Center at the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) seeks to build a space that
encourages collaboration among its students.
Construction of its ground floor
began in the first quarter of 2023, this P24.9 million building is the
first-ever facility built in the universityโs 62-year history, intended to be
utilized and managed by the students.
With a total floor area of 770
square meters, phase 1 was officially completed last month, December 2023.
Although the construction of its
phase 2, second floor, is not running yet, the ground floor is now ready for
occupancy, according to the chief of university's Project Management Office
(PMO).
"Technically hindi pa tapos ang project kasi igwa pang phase 2, pero puwede nang gamiton 'yong ground floor kasi usable na siya," Project Development Officer III Engr. Renato T. Chong said.
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๐๐ก๐ง๐ข
๐ฅ๐๐๐๐๐ง๐ฌ
This newest facility has become
possible through the collaborative effort of Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza and
former student regents Renz Mickenly Tanael (2021) and Angelo Piolo Laynes
(2022), and incumbent student regent Francine Mae Tayo. While the project
funding was facilitated by Sen. Juan Edgardo 'Sonny' Angara, Sen. Pia Cayetano,
and Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Elizaldy S. Co, according to the
university president.
"Alay natin ito sa mga CatSU
students upang higit nilang ma-enjoy ang academic freedom sa loob ng
campus," the president wrote in his Facebook post on September 18, 2023,
after inspecting the construction site.
Here's a glance at the new
building, which will house the Office of the Student Regent, University Student
Council, Office of Student and Development Services (OSADS), Office of Student
Scholarship Financial Assistance, Career Development & Placement Services
(OSSFACDPS), and registered student body organizations.
As a hub of resources and
opportunities, OSADS Director Francis John B. Templonuevo expressed optimism
about the transformative impact of the center on the campus community.
โDedicating a well-equipped student center holds immense significance for the holistic development of CatSU students. A place where a sense of community will be fostered, as this encourages collaboration, communication, and the exchange of ideas among students under one roof, nurturing not only their academic success but also their personal growth,โ
This newest facility will convene
student leaders to share their passion and knowledge to better serve the
studentry.
Located near Menโs Dormitory, the
entrance of the Student Center boasts a wide lobby, setting an inviting
atmosphere.
With seven purpose-built rooms,
this building has reserved space for student lounge, student activity area and
meeting room, and includes two comfort rooms for male and female, respectively.
โIt is an open area for
collaboration, not just for student leaders, but for CatSU students to utilize
[the facility] in its full capacity,โ the incumbent USC president said.
Acknowledging also the facilityโs
amenities, former student regent Tanael shared in his post that this will be โa
place for the students to study, [where they can also avail of] computer and
printing [services], and [use this] to practice for performances or even hold a
symposiumโ.
With the possible services to be
offered, Angel Clemente, a first-year student from the College of Business and
Accountancy (CBA), looked forward to its full operation.
โMalaking tulong sa aming mga
estudyante, dahil makakatipid kami sa gastusin,โ she exclaimed.
Planning is also underway for the
installation of Wi-Fi, partition walls, and aircon to the new building before
its turnover, according to the incumbent student regent.
