Sources at the Catanduanes State University say that by the March 31, 2025 deadline, the minimum number of three candidates have filed their formal applications and supporting documents to the Search Committee handling the job to screen the credentials of those who want to become university’s third president.
Two are from CatSU – Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gemma Acedo and former VP for Administrative and Financial Affairs Dr. Ma. Edna Iñigo – while the third is reportedly the former president of the Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST), Dr. Alex Navarroza.
As expected, the two local aspirants are allegedly being backed by political groups contesting top provincial posts in the upcoming elections.
Dr. Acedo is reportedly the chosen one of former president Dr. Patrick Alain Azanza while Dr. Iñigo is claimed to have the backing of Governor Joseph Cua.
The provincial chief executive is said to have played a big role in the selection of Azanza in 2021 but relations between the two soured as soon as the latter began trumpeting his intention to run for higher office.
All three aspirants may be all qualified to be appointed to the post by the Board of Regents but observers believe the contest will eventually be a battle between the two women.
Now, according to a source, the public presentation of the candidates will be held 30 days after the deadline of the submission of applications or by April 30, right in the final stretch of the local campaign.
There is no reason to delay the presentation beyond the May 12, 2025 elections but when the BOR would schedule their vote as to who among the three aspirants gets the presidency could be vital.
If the BOR votes on the matter before election day, the influence of the backers of both candidates would be more or less on even terms.
But if it decides to hold the vote after the elections, the results of the gubernatorial and congressional races, and to a lesser extent the Virac mayoral battle, could affect the outcome.
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On behalf of Tri-Star Press and the Catanduanes Tribune, we wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Concepcion Co, who joined her Creator last April 3, 2025.
The incomparable businesswoman was the prime mover behind the renovation of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, as envisioned by Bishop Manolo delos Santos during his stint, as well as other priority projects of the Diocese of Virac that benefited the clergy.
She was also this writer’s boss at the defunct Bennieco Construction during the 80’s which at the time was constructing the island’s biggest infrastructure project, the P5-million Oco irrigation dam in Viga.
Ninang Ching was also a key adviser on business matters for Tri-Star Press, which would not have survived the challenges of economic downturns and the Covid-19 pandemic without her assistance.
We will miss her no-nonsense lessons on business management…
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ORDER IN THE COURT! A man is in court for murder and the judge says, “You are charged with beating your wife to death with a hammer.”
Then a voice at the back of the court says, “You bastard!”
The judge continues, “You are also charged with beating your daughter to death with a hammer.”
Again, the voice at the back of the court says, “You bastard!”
The judge says, “Now, we cannot have any more of these outbursts from you or I shall charge you with contempt! What is the problem?”
The man at the back of the court says, “Fifteen years I lived next door to that bastard and every time I asked to borrow a hammer, he said he never had one!”