As part of the nationwide 18-day Campaign on violence against women of the Philippine Commission on Women, the Gender and Development Services of the Catanduanes State University headed by Prof. Melinda V. Abichuela held a conference dubbed as “Bridging the Silence on Gender Violence” at the Accreditation Room on December 5, 2022. The event was made possible through the shared efforts and support of the participating LGUs of San Andres and Baras headed by Mayor Leo Mendoza and Mayor Paolo III Teves, respectively.Embarking on another challenging undertaking, the conference aimed to provide the participants a deeper understanding and knowledge of the current state of gender violence in the province. Notable individuals and leaders representing the different sectors and offices with direct hand on women, family and children ably presented their ideas on the services, data, plans, and challenges they encountered as gender advocates of the province. Among the guests were DTI Provincial Director Maria Belma Escueta, PNP-Virac PSMS Josephine Bergonio, Atty. Rene John Velasco, EBMC WCD Officer Dr. Cecile A. Zuniega, Pastor Richard Manlangit Pacora of the Light and Salt of the Earth Christian Church, Sr. Basilides “Daisy” Superable of the Contemplative of the Good Shepherd Convent, and the Emergency Department Head of EBMC Dr. Arman Jefferson Espinola. Without hesitation, they made time to present the roles and experiences of their agencies and offices in responding to women, family, and children concerns in Catanduanes. Participants represent various offices and agencies including Cavinitan Elementary School, Calatagan Elementary School, Calatagan High School, Panganiban MSWDO, Calatagan Brgy. Local Govt. Unit, Camp Camacho Provincial PNP, Eastern Bicol Medical Center (EBMC) Hospital, and Public Attorney’s Office. “Today is a special day for all of us as we continue with our advocacy and in catalyzing urgent and sustained actions to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. Through this, we also hope to be informed and enlightened, and furthermore be able to think and come up with the significant ways on how the island can achieve zero gender violence,” Prof. Khan, GAD-GMMS shared. #CVecilles
Giving emphasis on the milestone reached by the Catanduanes State University (CatSU), Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, SUC President III shared in his inspirational message that the gift of universityhood is the fruit of all the labors of every Catandunganon.Dr. Azanza delivered his message during the celebration of the 10th Charter Anniversary of the institution on October 19, 2022 with the theme, “CatSU @ 10: Spreading the Vision of HOPE.”“The university was not created by just one man. The university is the fruit of all the labors of every Catandunganon of the past, the present, and the future”, he said.The SUC President also shared that it is the hard work of the previous presidents and all of the hardworking employees of CatSU who made the universityhood possible. He said that the conversion of Catanduanes State Colleges to a University is not a single act of one man, or a congressman or any politician, but the conglomeration of everyone who prepared everything and made efforts to make this happen.Dr. Azanza also acknowledged the professors, students, researchers, administrative staff, and all stakeholders whose dedication to service is unparalleled. He also reminded every - one not to be timid and shy, but instead, take an active role in helping the university reach greater heights.After the program, Dr. Azanza, together with Dr. Maria Edna R. Inigo, the Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs and Dr. Adem Nalu V. Rubio, Director of Extension Services, led the unveiling of the renovated building of the CatSU Extension Services.“The good thing about this renovated building is that it will also be an office for the extension coordinators of every college. This will help us to have easy connection and communication to every coordinator so we can update each other and prepare for our programs,” Dr. Rubio said.Another event that took place after the program was the launching of CatSU Solar Microgrid (Hybrid Solar Farm) along with the ceremonial switching of the 750KVA Generator Set, another of the few firsts of the university under the leadership of Dr. Azanza. President Azanza also addressed that he will continue to look for opportunities that will surely help the entire university. #FJBT
In its quest to push for deeper financial education and awareness within the student body as well as members of the university faculty and administration, the Bureau of the Treasury Regional Office V headed by its Director, Ms. Everette E. Villaraza, conducted a Financial Literacy Session at the Accreditation Room on October 7, 2022.The event was a product of collabo - ration between CatSU and the Bureau of Treasury RO V following the initial meetings of possible partnership. With Director Villaraza serving as the resource speaker, salient points of the FinLit sessions were done in separate segments, according to the types of participants.In attendance were teaching and non-teaching personnel as well as heads of the various offices of the university.Dr. Maria Edna R. Iñigo, Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs, expressed her gratitude for the kind gesture and productive proposal of the agency.“This Finlit sessions can definitely be of great help to our employees and students in attaining a clear vision of their financial goals”, she said. Finlit is essentially a part of the activities set in celebration of the 10th University Charter Anniversary. #CVecilles
In less than 24 hours after Severe Tropical Storm Nalgae (locally named Paeng) made its first landfall in Virac, Catanduanes in the early morning of Saturday, October 29, 2022, Catanduanes State University SUC President III, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza personally led the distribution of food packs to 250 CatSU students who were not able to go home in their respective towns due to the calamity. Dr. Azanza, who is also an incumbent Board Member of the Philippine Red Cross-Quezon City Chapter, as well as the Catanduanes Chapter, immediately called for the relief distribution, dubbed as ‘Damayan sa CatSU’ with the help of the Federated College Student Council (FCSC) President Hon. Angelo Piolo M. Laynes and other Student Body Organization Presidents and student volunteers who also extended their time for the relief efforts. The active student leaders of the University started preparing the food packs Saturday morning at the Student Center and the FCSC Office. Inside the food packs are a kilo of rice, noodles, coffee, eggs, and canned goods which were received by the stranded students.Dr. Azanza also distributed free smart load cards to 100 students in order to contact their loved ones at home via their smartphones. The smart load cards given to the students were donated by Congressman Eulogio “Leo” R. Rodriguez to help them with online assignments.With the shutting down of the power supply in the entire island, the CatSUans were also able to charge their gadgets and rechargeable lights as the main building opened its generator set for the students. They were also served porridge for snacks while charging their gadgets. Also present during the Damayan sa CatSU were Atty. Gregorio Sarmiento, Jr., Chief Administrative Officer for Administration, Mr. Rommel Torres, Chief Administrative Officer for Finance, Prof. Ian Aranel, former CBO Director/Dean of CBA, Ms. Lolit S. Sicio, Supply Officer, Ms. Josephine Rojas, Executive Assistant II, Rommel Reyes from Motorpool Services, Aileen Llandelar from the Public Relations and Media Services (PRMS), Jasper Adrian Sidlacan and Caroline Vecilles from the Corporate Communications Services (CCS). Disaster Preparedness Campaign As early as August 2021, Dr. Azanza already organized CatSU’s Disaster Response Team, with Disaster Preparedness and Climate Adaptation Team in partnership with the Provincial Local Government Unit and Municipal Local Government Units, and even with private organizations and companies to be ready in case of calamities or disaster. “It is not that we want another calamity to hit the island after the devastating Super Typhoon Rolly. But we know it is just a matter of time before another disaster might come along. Thus, might as well prepare for it,” Dr. Azanza said in his Facebook campaign last August 23, 2021.“We want to have ready sacks of rice, medicine, drinking water, canned goods, coffee, noodles, blankets, emergency lights, candles, even before the emergency happens.” Dr. Azanza’s campaign for CatSU’s Disaster Preparedness started rolling then. On September 16, 2021, donations started to rain in CatSU. The Fraternal Order of Eagles – Isla de Cobos Eagles Club donated three (3) sacks of rice and a box of canned goods. The alumni group led by CatSU Alumni Regent Atty. Ramil B.Tamayo also donated alcohol and a humidifier. He was joined by Hi-Density President Arturo B. Lumahod who assisted Atty. Ta[1]mayo in securing the donated items. The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) also extended their medical donations thru Mr. Anjo De Leon. Not long after this, the PCSO gave the University earlier this year its first-ever ambulance with the help of Governor Joseph C. Cua. Reaping what was sownA year after Dr. Azanza’s Disaster Preparedness campaign, CatSU students have now benefit - ted because we have food and goods are available. This will, at least, help them survive for a day or two until the stores are open again to the public. It can also be recalled that donations from stakeholders, partners, and generous people and companies were also shared last December with the CatSU community, especial - ly the needy students. Even CatSU partners, the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA), also received such assistance. This shows that the project and campaign planted have now been sown. The Vision to Care and Prepare Dr. Azanza calls upon private organizations and companies such as the Red Cross, PCSO, Rotary Club, Catanduanes Chamber of Commerce, Catanduanes Medical Society, Philippine Nurses Association-Catanduanes Chapter, Church-based organizations, Contractors Association, CIML 291, TFOE-Philippine Eagles, TGP, fraternities and sororities civil society, people’s organization, private companies like ARDCI, Mercury Drug, Watsons, Delex and others to help in this noble cause. Alumni and retirees are also asked to support and take an active role in this initiative. “CatSU has 50 years of experience on how calamities have wrought havoc on the residents of Catanduanes. We do not want to be caught flat-footed the next time. We want to be pre - pared. We want to make sure CatSU is ready to open its gates to the communities when another calamity or disaster strikes. CatSU will be there for and with the communities if and when it happens.”“Para tabi in isa karahayan kan gabos. Magpreparar na tabi kita bago pa mangyari ang emergency situation. Ta dae kita dapat gapreparar nin relief operations o disaster response habang andiyan na sa ngadang-ngadang ang makusog na paros o ang mismong sakuna,” he added. #FJBT
The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Laboratory High Schools visited five big schools outside the island to benchmark on the school’s best practices in terms of School Governance and Operations, Curriculum Implementation, and Instructional Practices.Leading the team is Prof. Ditas T. Manlangit, School Principal with Prof. Joerandy C. Tablizo, Head Teacher, and Dr. Julius S. Antonio, Guidance Facilitator as her company.The team visited the Bicol University College of Education Integrated Laboratory Xavier School in Greenhills, San Juan, Philippine Normal University (PNU) Institute of Teaching and Learning, and University of the Philippines (UP) Integrated School in Metro Manila.During their visit at UP Integrated School, the Lab School top leaders were meet by Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, CatSU SUC President III and Prof. Jane Rose C. Azanza who happened to be on official travel at UP.According to Prof. Manlangit, the benchmarking activity is conducted for the continued pursuit of excellence and providing premium experiences to the pupils and students, and the teacher education students for their experimental learning courses.The school principal also stated that the insights learned in the travel will be used to further improve the quality of teaching and learning activities of Laboratory Schools. #FJBT
After an in-depth accreditation task force training to prepare the college for the incoming accreditation in their BEEd and BSEd programs last November 5, 2022, the College of Education is hopeful that they would be able to have these programs qualify for phase II Level IV Accreditation which will be surveyed by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines, Inc. (AACCUP) on February 2023.With the training conducted by COEd’s Accreditation Task Force, the team was able to revisit the accreditation process prescribed by the AACCUP. They were also prepared to be acquainted with the specific roles and responsibilities in their assigned areas, and the readiness of the programs in the consideration of its strengths and weaknesses.For Dr. Maria Sheila R. Gregorio, Dean of the College of Education, their preparation is so essential in achieving the goal that they want for the college. She also shared the advantages that COEd will get once the programs are qualified for the said accreditation. “COEd will be qualified for Center for Excellence (COE) as we conform to high standards of instruction, research, and extension. It will also be possible for the BEEd and BSEd programs to know its strengths and weaknesses and what other aspects it needs to develop,” Dr. Gregorio said. #FBJT
In recognition to the outstanding contributions of individuals, stakeholders, and partners for the continuous progress of the institution, Catanduanes State University held the Gabi ng Parangal 2022 on October 25, at the CatSU Auditorium.A total of 250 awardees graced this annual event which coincided with the celebration of the founding anniversary of the university.This year’s awards include Service Awards, Retirees, Research Publication Awards, Uswag Awards, Presidential Awards covering the Board of Regents Present and Former, Founder, Former Presidents, Officers in-charge, Pillars in Education, VNATS Faculty, Educators, Culture and Arts, Public Officials such as the Congressman - former and present, Governor, Vice Governors, Mayors, Religious Leaders and Lingap sa Diwa Awards.Dr. Arcangel T. Rodriguez, Provincial Director of TESDA Catanduanes, and Ms. Febie T. Soriao, Master Teacher I of San Roque Elementary School in Bato are this year’s Outstanding Alumni Awardees. A surprise special commendation was given also to employees of the university who have unselfishly shared their talent and commitments towards the achievement and realization of the president’s vision of HOPE for the island.“Let us celebrate each other’s success - every Catandunganon, alumni employee and retiree of our beloved institution who have dedicated their lives in serving our province,” Dr. Azanza said in his message.“Mabalos tabi sa gabos sa bawat Catandunganon na may pagmakullog na magserbicio sa lambang saro na dai paigasip kung ano man ang sainyang interes na pansadiri kundi permi sana ang para sa kapwa. Iyo ini ang maugma na gusto tang iselebrar,” Dr. Azanza added.In a historic segment of the Parangal, former Mayor Cito Alberto together with his wife, former Mayor Flerida Alberto personally witnessed the unveiling of the bust of former Congressman Jose M. Alberto – founder-author of Catanduanes State Colleges. The Alberto family donated this bust to the University which will be placed at the Ondra in the Main Building.Former Congressman Jose M. Alberto, who worked hard in the conversion of Virac National Agricultural and Trade School into Catanduanes State Colleges in 1971 by virtue of Republic Act No. 6341 was given Presidential Awards by Dr. Azanza. He was represented by his son, former Mayor Cito Alberto. In his message, former Mayor Cito Alberto hoped that the efforts of his father inspire every Catandunganon to only serve and give the best for the island just like what his father did to the province.On a night when awards and special recognitions are given, Dr. Azanza cared more about the people and the lives who will celebrate their achievements.“There were those who asked me why at this time there seemed to be so many awardees. And I said ‘why not?”. Why would you not want to have as many awardees, which means that we have a lot of lives and people to celebrate?”, Dr. Azanza said.The Gabi ng Parangal was shown via Facebook so that the CatSU community here and abroad would be able to watch the event. #FJBT
In his recent travel on Official business through the invitation of CHED Chairman Dr. J. Prospero De Vera III, CatSU President, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza visited Hong Kong University and participated in the preliminary talks for possible academic partnership and benchmarking activities. Exploring the Hong Kong University (HKU) Metaversity Campus, Dr. Azanza said that we need to SHIFT in order to catch up with the rest of the world. Even the medical courses have already been included by the HKU for the great shift. HKU was founded in 1910, and rated by Quacquarelli Symonds as No. 22 in the whole world and No. 3 in Asia. Dr. Azanza believes that this is a good Asian basis for university benchmarking.In his facebook page, Dr. Azanza shared that like the University of the Philippines (UP), HKU is a government-funded university and offers Law, Medicine, Education, Business, Agriculture, Marine Science, Arts, Social Sciences. “CatSU and UP have a lot to learn from (and share with) HKU in terms of improving its curricular offerings, teaching and learning methodologies, research and international linkages”, Dr. Azanza said. #CVecilles
CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza in his official travel to Manila met with Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, the current Chair of Senate Committee on Higher Education to discuss academic concerns including university budget. Dr. Azanza also had the chance to meet 9 members of the legislature during the Committee hearings/meeting of the 19th Congress, including Sen. Mark Villar, Sen. Bong Go, Sen. Grace Poe, Sen. Robin Padilla, Sen. Joel Villanueva, and Sen. Bato Dela Rosa. He also met with Sen. Francis Tolentino and Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla whom the president requested additional classrooms and faculty research center from. Dr. Azanza expressed his gratitude to Cong. Leo Rodriguez for his support to CatSU and fellow Catandunganons, and for personally accompanying him to the offices of Senator Francis Tolentino and Senator Bong Revilla. In the quest for working on CatSU’s budget to abate the decline in the annual budget of CatSU, Dr. Azanza continues to work in lobbying for more budget allocation for the university. It can be recalled that due to low absorptive capacity (the inability to spend the money given by the National Government) and other related reasons, CatSU’s capital outlay budget and the proposed budget for 2022 was placed in reduction. Dr. Azanza worked to ensure that the succeeding annual budget will be approved for the benefit of the whole university, thus the Php595.168M approved under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2022, inclusive of the 35M Infra project coming from Senator Sherwin Gatchalian. For Year 2023, Dr. Azanza hopes to have a bigger budget for CatSU. Thus, his efforts to lobby for assistance from Congress and Senate. #CVecilles
A Virtual Preliminary Meeting between the Catanduanes State University and Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) was held today, September 21, 2022.Having the main objective of exploring common areas for collaboration between SEARCA and Catanduanes State University, the meeting was made possible through the initial efforts of CatSU President, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza. It can be remembered that the President visited the main office of SEARCA in Los Banos just recently. The meeting was attended by the SEARCA Director, Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio together with the SEARCA Program Heads: Dr. Maria Cristeta N. Cuaresma, Program Head, Education and Collective Learning Department- Graduate Scholarships and Institutional Development Unit; Asst. Prof. Glenn N. Baticados, Program Head, Emerging Innovation for Growth Development; Dr. Gerlie Tatlonghari, Program Head, Research and Thought Leadership Department; Mr. Sonny Pasiona, Senior Associate for Communication; and Ms. Sharon A. Malaiba, Unit Head, Partnerships Unit. Participants from CatSU include the President himself, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza; Vice President for Research, Extension, and Production Affairs, Dr. Ramon Felipe A. Sarmiento; Director for Research Development Services, Dr. Jimmylen Z. Tonio; Dean of the College of Agriculture of Fisheries, Prof. Ma. Jugie Ramos; CAF Research Coordinator, Prof. Roberto Barba Jr. and Faculty Members; and Director for Center for International Relations and Continuing Professional Development Services (CIRCPDS), Ms. Zyra Mae T. Tumala. In the meeting, different areas of collaborations were discussed such as capacity building for faculty members, training components, mobility programs, joint-scholarship programs, research opportunities, benchmarking undertakings among Southeast Asian countries, curriculum designs, to name a few. #CVecilles
In a recent official travel to Mainland Bicol, CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bicol University on the sharing of academic resources, including the use of BU’s hospital for the training of CatSU nursing and medicine students.The agreement was made between CatSU President Dr. Azanza and BU President Dr. Noli Mascariñas on September 26, 2022. “The ultimate goal is to realize the dream of Catandunganons to have a working relationship with BU given its proximity to the island and also because of the vast resources and opportunities that can be shared by both SUCs”, Dr. Azanza said.It is specifically noted in the memo that nursing program as well as the envisioned medicine and law programs shall be strengthened as the MOU includes the sharing of academic resources, faculty and student exchange, and even the sharing of tertiary hospital and law library facilities of BU with CatSU. The agreement also stated that incoming nursing, medicine and law students of CatSU will be given permission to cross-enroll at BU. Also covered are academic consultations, participation in seminars and academic meetings, extension activities, joint research collaboration, sharing of faculty and research/library resources, promotion and peer review of research outputs, co-sponsorship of national and international conferences and research publication opportunities, publication of articles in each other’s Journals, exchange of educational materials, research publications and instructional information, provision of expertise in areas of strength of both parties, and sharing of technologies generated through research, among others. #CVecilles
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony followed by a panel discussion between the Catanduanes State University (CatSU) and Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC) was held at the Catanduanes State University, Virac, Catanduanes on August 31, 2022. CatSU President Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza and CSPC President Dr. Charlito P. Cadag officially signed the documents in the presence of the VP for Academic Affairs, Dr. Lily P. Custodio; VP for Research, Extension and Production Affairs, Dr. Ramon Felipe A. Sarmiento; thr newly designated Director for International Relations and Continuing Professional Development Services (CIRCPDS), Prof. Zyra Mae T. Tumala, and the Deans, Directors, and Heads of Offices.The event affirmed the partnership between CatSU and CSPC in areas such as faculty and student exchange for research and study, academic consultations, participation in seminars and academic meetings, extension activities, sharing of faculty and research resources, exploring the potential of co-sponsoring national and/or international conferences, provide expertise in the areas of strength of each party including among others in areas such as health sciences, computers studies, engineering and education, and other collaborations that are mutually beneficial to both institutions.The two (2) Presidents of the partnering Institutions expressed their gratitude in making the partnership possible. It was also emphasized during the panel discussion that Universities in the Bicol Region must not compete with one another, and instead, should be happily collaborating and sharing best practices to cater the needs of Bicolanos and ultimately be acknowledged even in the global setting. #CVecilles
