September 10–11, 2025

The Partido State University (ParSU) stands in solidarity with the national observance of Suicide Prevention Month, reaffirming its commitment to fostering an inclusive, safe, and compassionate university community.

To translate this advocacy into action, the Guidance, Admission, and Placement (GAP) Office led a two-day lecture series on Mental Health Literacy and Suicide Awareness on September 10–11, 2025, at the GAP Testing Room. 

Yesterday, Gatekeeper and Peer Responders and Emergency Response Training equipped participants with critical skills to respond to distressed peers. Today, the focus shifted to Responsible and Ethical Reporting and Portrayal of Suicide on Social Media, emphasizing how responsible communication can help shape healthier narratives.

By opening the sessions to students, faculty, and staff, it created space for dialogue and broke down stigma about suicide. GAP Office's efforts reflect ParSU's vision of producing not only academically competent graduates but also resilient and compassionate individuals while advancing SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being across the university.

𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘴: 𝘙𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦

#PassionForExcellence
#WhereQualityEducationComesFirst
#PusogParSU

September 10, 2025

To strengthen the spirit of volunteerism, the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) holds a partnership review meeting with Partido State University (ParSU), building on the Memorandum of Understanding signed last March 8, 2025, which formalized their collaboration in advancing volunteerism initiatives in the Bicol region. 

In line with the RA No. 9418 or the Volunteer Act of 2007 and the CHED Strategic Plan 2024–2028 that emphasizes peace, patriotism, and volunteerism, the meeting reinforces the integration of service-learning approaches such as NSTP, immersion, and internship programs. It also promotes volunteer service programs designed to instill civic-mindedness, empower youth, and foster community partnerships. 

Through active participation, ParSU continues to reaffirm its role as a catalyst for civic engagement, youth empowerment, and community development, staying true to its commitment to service and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

Present in the activity were Mr. Anthony K. Bagano, Jr., Ms. Sheena C. Alcala from PNVSCA, and key university officials. 

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/5b642ka8

September 9, 2025

Partido State University (ParSU) joined academic leaders and partners at the TES Congress 2025 on September 9, 2025, at Catanduanes State University, Virac, Catanduanes. Spearheaded by CHED-UniFAST Regional Office V with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the region, the gathering showcased shared initiatives to strengthen the Tertiary Education Subsidy program.

Representing ParSU, President Arnel B. Zarcedo, EDEL, joined fellow HEI leaders, CHED-UniFAST officials, and partner agencies in its collective mission of ensuring equitable access to higher education for students in Bicol. 

The congress featured the launch of innovative initiatives, including Project SAGIP (Scholars and Grant Beneficiaries Action in Greening Initiatives Program), Project DASH (DEXUS Augmented System Helper), and Project GAYON (Guidance Assistance for the Youth Online), among others. 

Project GAYON is a digital platform that connects students to licensed guidance counselors. This development aligns with ParSU's ongoing efforts to expand student support services and create responsive interventions for mental health and holistic development. 

Following this, a Memorandum of Agreement signing ceremony between CHED-UniFAST and participating HEIs underscoring strengthened collaboration to improve student support services and broaden access to tertiary education.

Anchored on its values of excellence, service, and inclusivity, ParSU upholds its commitment to advancing quality education, resonating with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education.

Photo credits: Mr. Rey Peñaflorida

September 4 to 9, 2025

Representing Partido State University, Vice President for Administration and Finance Prof. Charlie V. Balagtas, Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities Dr. Mariel R. Estrella,  Director of Museo de Isarog Ms. Karen Eyre Moshie Ortua-Artiaga, and Assistant Professor II Ms. Sherry A. Combis actively participated in the Transnational Workshop on Indigenous Knowledge, Co-Governance, and Nature-Based Solutions held in Taipei, Taiwan, from September 4 to 9, 2025. The week-long workshop, hosted by National Chengchi University (NCCU) in partnership with Taiwan's Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, brought together academics, indigenous leaders, and environmental advocates across Asia and beyond. 

The sessions explored themes of indigenous land rights, ecological conservation, circular economies, participatory governance, and integrating traditional knowledge systems into climate resilience and sustainable resource management. Highlights of the program included keynote addresses, panel discussions, and field visits to Pakasan Community in Penglai Village, Nanzhuang Township, and Miaoli County, where participants engaged directly with local stakeholders on co-management practices, forest economies, and cultural heritage preservation. 

Meanwhile, Dr. Estrella served as a moderator in the discussion on decolonizing resource regimes, while Prof. Balagtas delivered closing remarks on the first day. Ms. Combis also contributed feedback during the post-community visit seminar, reflecting on lessons from Taiwan's circular economy initiatives. 

ParSU reaffirms its commitment to building reilient communities and promoting sustainability, while opening doors to future collaborations that protect the environment, preserve culture, and strengthen climate action, supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

With reports: 
Ms. Sherry Combis

Photo credits:
Lin-wen Hsu
CTPILS
Ms. Sherry Combis