The Catanduanes State University (CatSU) is a research and coeducational higher education institution and a green university in Catanduanes, Philippines. It is an ISO 9001:2015 certified public university.The main campus is located in Calatagan, Virac. This institution is categorized as SUC Level III-A. It was established on June 19, 1971, by virtue of Republic Act 6341, authored by the Catanduanes Congressman Jose M. Alberto, which converted the Virac National Agricultural and Trade School into the Catanduanes State Colleges. On July 8, 1972, Republic Act 6590 provided for the opening of additional courses at CSC. It was elevated to university status in October 2012. Catanduanes State University is a comprehensive Higher Education Institution in the island province of Catanduanes and one of the dynamic SUCs in the region, offering a wide range of academic programs..
Electronic banking has become a cornerstone of modern financial services, yet uneven adoption and persistent trust concerns continue to limit its effectiveness, particularly in emerging economies. The purpose of this study is to examine how service quality mediates the relationship between electronic banking utilization and client satisfaction, with emphasis on Philippine universal banks. Using a narrative literature review design, the study synthesizes global, ASEAN, and Philippine scholarship, integrating empirical and theoretical works grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), SERVQUAL, and Expectancy-Disconfirmation Theory (EDT). Results of the synthesis reveal that utilization directly influences satisfaction and shapes perceptions of service quality, and that satisfaction is indirectly driven by service quality. Accessibility fosters trust and security, while frequent use enhances convenience and loyalty. The findings highlight that technological adoption alone is insufficient; satisfaction emerges when utilization is embedded within reliable, secure, and empathetic service delivery. This study contributes to scholarship by advancing an integrated mediation model, to managerial practice by emphasizing reliability and assurance in digital platforms, and to policy by underscoring the need for infrastructure investment, digital literacy, and cybersecurity frameworks. Overall, the review provides a defense-ready foundation for empirical testing and international publication.
This study investigates the motivational factors influencing tourist visits to agritourism sites in Virac, Catanduanes, Philippines with the goal of developing educational resource materials. Using a descriptive research design, data were collected through questionnaires targeting both internal and external motivations among 123 respondents. The analysis, utilizing frequency counts, percentages, and weighted means, revealed that a significant majority of participants (72.36%) fall within the age range of 20-39, with a prominent female representation (54.47%). Notably, students constituted the largest demographic group (48.78%), highlighting agritourism’s appeal to younger audiences. The findings indicate that internal motivations, such as the desire for new experiences and an appreciation for natural beauty, were rated “Strongly Agree” with a weighted mean of 4.50. Conversely, external motivations, including community development and engagement in outdoor activities, surfaced as crucial factors, with the highest-rated motivation at 4.43. These insights hold significance for stakeholders, including local businesses and educational institutions, offering guidance for targeted marketing strategies and initiatives that resonate with younger tourists. Recommendations arising from this study include developing educational programs for young adults, promoting sustainable agritourism practices, enhancing adventure tourism offerings, and organizing community-centric events. By fostering connections between tourists and local communities, the research underscores agritourism’s potential to contribute to sustainable development while enriching visitor experiences and reinforcing community ties in Virac.
Scientific communication plays a vital role in increasing public understanding and acceptance of cutting-edge technologies related to environmental sustainability. This qualitative case study examines the OneLab electron beam (e-beam) awareness seminar and environmental tree planting activity conducted on 11–12 March 2025 in Aklan, Philippines. Participants included N = 48 individuals composed of teachers (n=20), students (n=10), local government unit officials (n=6), clergy/faith-based leaders (n=3), scientists/technical staff (n=5), community members (n=4). Data were collected through participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis, and analyzed using thematic coding. Findings indicate increased understanding and acceptance of e-beam technology, strengthened environmental ethics through experiential learning, and enhanced multi-sectoral collaboration. The study demonstrates that contextual science communication combined with participatory environmental action can translate advanced scientific knowledge into locally grounded practice.
The cephalopod diversity, fishery, and market value remain underexplored in the Bicol Region despite its increasing significance in local livelihood. This study conducted a market survey from June to July 2025 on selected landing sites of Asid Gulf, Lagonoy Gulf, and Ragay Gulf. A standardized survey protocol adopted from del Norte-Campos (2019) with criteria for ranking cephalopod species [commercial value (40%), catch rates (20%), sources of threats (20%), frequency in the markets and source sites (10%), and literature available (10%)] was used. Results revealed a total of ten (10) cephalopod species documented belonging to Order Teuthida, Octopoda, and Sepiida with day octopus (Octopus cyanea), broadclub cuttlefish (Sepia latimanus), bigfin reef squid (Sepioteuthis lessoniana), and swordtip squid (Uroteuthis edulis) present across all three gulfs. Based on Jaccard Similarity Index (presence or absence of cephalopods), Lagonoy Gulf and Ragay Gulf exhibited highest similarity (67%), while Asid Gulf and Ragay Gulf showed the least similarity (44%) relative to cephalopod composition. Species ranking varied across all gulfs, attributed to variation in fishing gears, catch rates, and market demand. Survey data revealed declining trend in catch volume with an increasing market value demand over the past five years, indicating heightened market value amid reduced stock availability. The findings underscore the growing economic importance of cephalopods in the Bicol Region while raising concerns about potential overexploitation driven by increasing market demand. These trends highlight the need for strengthened fisheries monitoring, sustainable harvest, and management strategies for long-term viability of cephalopod resources and the livelihoods dependent on them.
