VIRAC, Catanduanes – A new chapter has begun for Catanduanes State University (CatSU) as Dr. Gemma G. Acedo was officially elected as the university’s new president on July 17, 2025. This decision by the Board of Regents is considered a landmark step promising innovation and global relevance for the institution.
Currently serving as CatSU’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Acedo, a distinguished academic and administrator, secured a decisive 6-3 vote from the Board of Regents, prevailing over fellow candidates Dr. Alex Navarroza and Dr. Edna Inigo. Her election marks a pivotal moment as she steps into the role previously held by Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, the newly elected governor of Catanduanes.
A Visionary Leader for a Transformative University 💡
Dr. Acedo brings to the CatSU presidency a wealth of experience and a clear, forward-thinking vision for the university. As the former Associate Professor V and Vice President for Academic Affairs, she has been instrumental in shaping the institution’s academic landscape.
Her vision centers on “A Transformative university fostering social equity and empowerment through excellence in instruction, globalization, and sustainability driven by technological innovation for global relevance and a resilient island ecology.” This commitment is further encapsulated in CatSU’s renewed mission: “Committed to excellence in instruction, research and innovation, and community extension programs for inclusivity and responsive program offerings for the island province and beyond.”
Strategic Goals for CatSU’s Future: The C-A-T-S-U Framework 🚀
Dr. Acedo’s leadership is anchored by a set of ambitious goals, collectively forming the C-A-T-S-U framework:
- C – Commitment to Excellence: Ensuring high-quality instruction, research, and innovation that uphold global academic standards and foster lifelong learning.
- A – Advancement in Research and Innovation: Developing groundbreaking research, technological advancements, and sustainable solutions for regional and global challenges.
- T – Transformative Community Engagement: Implementing inclusive extension programs that empower communities, promote social equity, and contribute to sustainable island development.
- S – Sustainability and Environmental Resilience: Championing green initiatives and climate-responsive strategies to support ecological preservation and a resilient island economy.
- U – University Globalization and Partnerships: Expanding international collaborations and institutional linkages to enhance academic exchange, global relevance, and cross-cultural learning.
A Legacy of Academic Prowess and Innovation 🔬
Dr. Acedo’s impressive academic background and numerous accomplishments underscore her capability to lead CatSU into a new era of success. She holds a Doctor of Information Technology from the University of Cordilleras and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Management from Catanduanes State University. Her multidisciplinary expertise is further demonstrated by a Diploma in Public Administration from Catanduanes State University, a Master of Information Systems from the University of the Philippines – Open University, Los Baños, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from Adamson University, and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Catanduanes State University.
Prior to her recent election, she served with distinction as the Dean of the College of Information and Communications Technology at Catanduanes State University.
Recognized for Significant Contributions in Research and Innovation 🌟
Dr. Acedo is a highly decorated researcher and innovator. Her accolades include:
- Best in Presentation and Best Paper for “A Web-Enabled GIS Platform for Agricultural Land Use” at the International Conference on Information Technology and Digital Applications, 2019.
- Research Citation Award for 8 research/article citations (FY 2022–2023) at the 11th CatSU Charter Anniversary.
- Intellectual Property Award for two copyrighted inventions (FY 2020–2023) at the 11th CatSU Charter Anniversary.
- Juswag Award’s 1st Best Paper – Science and Technology Category for “Browser-Based Document Tracking System with QR-Code Technology for Catanduanes State University.”
- Certificate of Commendation as one of the Top 10 Scientists of Catanduanes State University in the Alper-Doger Scientific Index 2024 World Scientist and University Rankings.
Her extensive list of published works further solidifies her reputation as a leading scholar in her field, with significant contributions to information technology, geographic information systems, and educational management.
The Catanduanes State University community eagerly anticipates Dr. Acedo’s leadership, confident that her vision and expertise will propel the institution to new heights of academic excellence and societal impact. (By: Ferdinand M. Brizo | Bicol Peryodiko NewsTeam)
