By: Salvador Isorena /Green Alert
Indeed, a plethora of significant events occurred at the Green Research University officially known as Catanduanes State University (CatSU). More or less ten years its original name was Catanduanes State University (CSU) changed to CatSU to distinguish it from Cagayan State University (CSU), a bigger and older CHED-supervised university than CatSU.
Henceforth, the Catanduanes State University celebrated its 63rd Foundation with pride and aplomb last June 19, 2024, capped by a solemn mass at the Risen Christ Chapel, motorcade at downtown Virac, massage, and indoor games in the campus.
With its theme aptly dubbed “Padagos na Patanos,” SUC President III Dr. Patrick Alain delivered his sort of another “ULAT SA CATSU” highlighted as follows: a) Php 910 M infrastructure projects through his indefatigable efforts in looking for funds in various government agencies and private individuals from 2021-2024. He reported that almost 95-98 percent of his programs and projects laid down during installation as 7th CatSU president has been realized, while others are on-going.
These include improvement and construction of buildings and students’ dormitories, hiring of new employees, promotion of deserving long-time employees, medical missions to 810,000 beneficiaries which made Catsu closer to the barangays. This was made possible with the assistance of volunteers, and , hold your breath, without government funds spent.
b) Extension programs provided to barangays which gave students the opportunity to put into actual application theories learned in the classroom; c) 65 percent increase of enrollees from 9,000 to 14,000; d) increase of bus acquisition from 7 to 11 to provide services to students and partner agencies; e) New College of Education Building and Laboratory High School facilities; f) LED projector acquisition derived from the university’s savings and g) Pag-Ibig-funded Housing Project with the Dela Riva and Engr. Encabo Construction Company.
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More significant was the inclusion of CatSU to the Top 100 World University Rankings for Innovative (WURI)– Rank No. 26 in Global Resilience Category, No. 40 in Crisis Management and No. 66 in in Leadership; and 1500+ Bracket in the Times Higher Education (THE) recognized by CHED based on Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No.11448, otherwise known as the “Transnational Higher Education Act”.
The 63rd Foundation Anniversary was similarly highlighted by the Presidential Night where around 300 individuals were given presidential awards, recognition, and appreciation to personalities, stakeholders, rank and file who made a major contribution to the realization of the four-fold functions of the academe.
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As the only premier CHED-supervised institution of higher education in the island province of Catanduanes, CatSU, in her undisputable reputation as a Green University, capped the prestigious DENR SARINGAYA AWARDS 2024 in the Academe’s Category. This was actually a continuation of its previous awards given by the same agency, namely: (1) National and Regional Winner on Search for Eco-Friendly Schools (2009 & 2011) and(2) Greening The Blue Sringaya awards (2014 & 2015).
The awarding agency bestowed this Saringay Award to CatSU this year due to the following reasons: a) Solar Micro-Grid Farm –the first among the SUCs in the Bicol Region to have such project which is pro-development and environment-friendly, b) Water Catchment facility which is crucial in the storage and supply in the community.
With the awarding held at the Marison Hotel, Legazpi City last June 25, 2024, CatSU-EVP, Dr. Roberto B. Barba Jr., received the award on behalf of the academe. Accordingly, President Azanza is also an environmental sociologist, having had a tint/experience at the Environmental Research Division(ERD) at the Manila Observatory, Ateneo de Manila University.
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Finally, CatSU’s status as an institution of higher was made more distinct, momentous and prestigious wa the Launching and Unveilibng of the CVollege of Law on June 28, 2024 held at the Ondra Lobby, and 2nd Flr. CatSU Admin. Building.
Dr. Gemma G. Acedo, VP for Academic Affairs delivered the welcome remarks while Atty. Gregorio M. Sarmiento, CAO and Associate Dean, College of Law recognized attendees from the different sectors stakeholders and offices.
Messages which will be featured in my column later, were delivered by CatSU President Patrick Alain T. Azanza, Atty. Alfredo D. Ampuan, Associate Justice, Court of Appeals; Hon. Joseph C. Cua, represented by BOR Joseph C. Cua Jr; Hon. Uelogoio R. Rodriguez (thru his representative) and Atty. Santiago T. Gabionza, Jr., Member, BOR, Dean, College of Law.
Assisting President Azanza in the awarding of certificates to the donors, technical working committees and contributors were Atty. Gabionza, Jr., Dr. Acedo, and Dr. Joseph G. Zafe. The word of thanks was delivered by Dr. Zafe, with Mr. Raymund Sandy D.Barcelon, emcee.
The blessing of the College of Law Offices, Moot Court, Lounges and classrooms was officiated by Rev. Fr. JoelI. Zuniega, SCH. P. Formator, St. Joseph Calasanz, Piarist Fathers, Diocese of Novaliches, Commonwealth, Q. C.
Reliable source revealed that Rev. Fr. Zuniega was invited by his close friend, Dr. Joseph G. Zafe, AVP-AA. The vacationing priest was in Catanduanes at that time as he recently attended the “Grand Alumni Homecoming of Caramoran Rural Development High School (CRDHS).”
