"You are hope made visible," Dr. Barba tells CatSU student awardees
Students“You are more than your medals. You are hope made visible,” said Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto B. Barba, Jr. during the 2025 Parangal sa mga Natatanging Mag-aaral held on June 10 at the CatSU Auditorium. Addressing the university’s top-performing students, Dr. Barba emphasized that being outstanding goes beyond awards. “It’s about quiet consistency,” he said, urging the awardees to remain grounded in their values and purpose. He shared practical advice: “Success doesn’t always look like a gold medal. Take real breaks. Learn to really listen. Let kindness outlast competition. Serve, not just succeed.” Dr. Barba underscored CatSU’s deeper mission for its students: “Our vision for you goes beyond diplomas and awards. We want you to be change-makers, bridge-builders, listeners, and leaders.” The event also welcomed Virac Councilor-Elect Hon. Angelo Piolo Laynes as guest of honor, alongside Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gemma G. Acedo and Registrar III Ms. Salvacion Murillo. In his message, Councilor-elect Laynes reminded students of the importance of character in their pursuits: “Kaalaman ang magdadala sa atin sa rurok ng tagumpay, pero integridad ang magtitiyak na mananatili tayong totoo sa ating pinanggalingan at layunin.” He concluded by sharing three guiding principles that shaped his own journey: “Stay grounded. Serve with heart. Embrace your failures. Every failure is a lesson, a redirection—sometimes even a protection.” Organized by the Office of Student Affairs and Development Services (OSADS), the event recognized graduating and non-graduating athletes with regional and national wins, members of the Center for Culture and Arts – Hablon Dawani, academic honorees including President’s Listers for AY 2023–2024 and 2024–2025, and winners in academic and non-academic fields. Kent Richmond D. Antonio from the College of Health Sciences was named this year’s Outstanding Student Leader, chosen from 22 nominees.
