CATSU, PARTNERS BREAK GROUND ON P3-M FOOD SECURITY HUB
EDUCATION AND RESEARCH (ED)Aiming to combat food insecurity and bolster local livelihoods, the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) and its partners broke ground on the Improving Livelihood and Food Security Project at CatSU Panganiban Campus on April 2, 2025. Led by the Office of the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs (REPA), the initiative teams up with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to boost local food sustainability. "Catanduanes faces constant typhoons and high poverty rates, causing recurring income loss during calamities," said REPA Vice President Dr. Rosana S. Abundo in her welcome remarks. "This project, which began planning in October 2024, will equip locals with skills that create real impact." Building on this, CRS Program Manager Errol Merquita detailed the project’s two main components: setting up a food processing hub and selecting beneficiary groups. “For 80 years, CRS has worked to ensure disaster-affected communities have food,” he said. “One key challenge is food security, particularly managing surplus during peak harvests. CatSU’s study confirms market demand for fish processing, and we’re counting on CatSU to help sustain this initiative through marketing and capacity-building.” Reinforcing this vision, CRS Country Representative Jonas Tetangco emphasized the project’s long-term vision. “This initiative represents a shared mission to help vulnerable communities become more resilient,” he stated. “Its impact will be far-reaching, fostering self-reliant local economies.” Welfare and Self-Reliance Manager Ma. Teresa Pangilinan of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints underscored the deeper goal of the project. “We’re not just planting seeds for livelihood but laying the foundation for lasting change and empowerment,” she said. “This is a shared mission of lifting others.” Echoing this sentiment, CatSU Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr. hailed the project’s potential. “This symbolizes hope for Catandunganons,” he said. “It goes beyond relief—it strengthens communities. We are grateful for the trust placed in CatSU to lead this effort.” Local officials also echoed their support such as PDRRM Officer Luis Surtida Jr. and DOST Provincial Director Engr. Marie Grace T. Molina who pinned on the project’s impact on the crab industry and its role in enhancing the Catandunganon Food Research and Innovation Hub. Representing Mayor Cesar I. Robles, Ms. Helen V. Salvador reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to sustaining the initiative. Wrapping up the event, CatSU Panganiban Campus Director Dr. Jennifer A. Berces called for continued collaboration. “Let’s move forward together,” she said. “This is a step toward a future where every family has access to essential food resources.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints funded the facility with over P3 million for construction and an additional P500,000 for equipment, reinforcing its commitment to food security and sustainable livelihoods.
