CatSU to spotlight abaca innovations, research in Abacanobasyon Year 3
ResearchAbaca takes centerstage again—and Catanduanes State University (CatSU) is all in. CatSU throws its full support behind Abacanobasyon Year 3, a celebration of science, resilience, and local ingenuity spearheaded by the DOST Provincial Science and Technology Office–Catanduanes, happening May 20–21 in San Miguel town. In a letter from Engr. Marie Grace T. Molina, Provincial S&T Director, CatSU’s Abaca Technology Innovation Center (ATIC) and Research and Development Services were invited to mount an exhibit showcasing breakthrough innovations developed right on campus. This isn’t just about flaunting tech—it’s about rebuilding stories. San Miguel, a Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology (CEST) area, was among the hardest-hit when STY Pepito battered the province in November 2024. Thousands of hectares of abaca plantations were laid to waste. That’s why holding this year’s celebration there is more than logistics—it’s symbolic. Themed “Transforming Impacts into Directions and Opportunities for Growth (TINDOG) Abaca”, the event name cleverly echoes “tindog,” the Bicol term for “stand”—a rallying cry for a sector that refuses to stay down. Abacanobasyon Year 3 is set to be more than an exhibit. It’s a convergence: a venue to showcase progress in abaca farming and processing, spark dialogue, and push for collaborative solutions among stakeholders. Expect learning sessions, partnerships, and knowledge transfer—all centered around resilient, value-driven abaca production. CatSU, a long-time DOST partner, continues to be a powerhouse in abaca innovation, bridging lab breakthroughs with grassroots impact. Expected to deliver messages of support during the opening program are CatSU OIC President Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., along with key industry and government leaders: Ace William R. Tria (Provincial Agriculturist), Roberto B. Lusuegro (PhilFIDA), Maria Belma Q. Esqueta (DTI), Jaysel T. Evangelista Tapel (PCA), and Joshua O. Tador (JCI Catanduanes).
