Cagayan State University
Cagayan State University is a public state university in the Philippines, established on June 11, 1978, through Presidential Decree No. 1436, which integrated several post-secondary institutions in the province of Cagayan to provide advanced education, professional training, and technical skills in arts, sciences, humanities, and technology.[1][2] Located primarily in Tuguegarao City, the capital of Cagayan in the Cagayan Valley region of northern Luzon, it serves as a key higher education institution with a focus on regional development through instruction, research, and community extension services.[1] The university operates nine campuses across the province, including Andrews, Aparri, Carig, Gonzaga, Lal-lo, Lasam, Piat, Sanchez Mira, and Solana, each specializing in niche areas such as agriculture, fisheries, engineering, health sciences, and business to address local industry needs.[3] The university's evolution reflects a commitment to expansion and quality improvement; under various presidents, it established new colleges like Medicine, Law, Human Kinetics, Public Administration, Business, Entrepreneurship, and Accountancy, while achieving ISO 9001:2015 certification across all campuses and securing significant research funding, including ₱273 million from 2017 to 2023.[1] Its vision positions it as a globally competitive institution in arts, culture, agriculture, fisheries, sciences, and professional fields, with a mission to produce competent graduates via excellent teaching, innovative research, and productive engagement with industry and communities.[4] Core values emphasize competence through critical thinking and creativity, alongside social responsibility, environmental stewardship, and advocacy for justice and equity.[4] CSU offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across 15 colleges, with notable strengths in fields like engineering, agriculture, teacher education, information technology, and allied health sciences.[5] Achievements include high licensure exam passing rates, such as 88.33% in the October 2025 Chemical Technician exam exceeding the national average, and recognition in global indices like the AD Scientific Index, where it ranks among the top Philippine universities for research impact.[6][7]History
Establishment
Cagayan State University was established on June 11, 1978, through Presidential Decree No. 1436, signed by President Ferdinand E. Marcos, which merged the Cagayan Valley College of Arts and Trades in Tuguegarao and the Northern Luzon College of Agriculture in Piat into a single state university.[2] The decree also integrated college-level programs from several other pre-existing institutions across Cagayan province, including the Aparri College of Fisheries, Bukig National Agricultural and Technical School, Cagayan Valley Agricultural College, Sanchez-Mira Rural Vocational School, Aparri School of Arts and Trades, Gonzaga National Agricultural Vocational School, and Western Cagayan School of Arts and Trades, to form a unified system.[2] These mergers consolidated fragmented post-secondary education efforts in the region, transforming them into constituent campuses under the new university.[1] The founding aimed to create an efficient state institution dedicated to professional, technical, and vocational education, with a focus on arts, agriculture, engineering, and teacher training to serve the Cagayan Valley region and contribute to national development goals through advanced training, scientific research, and community extension services.[2] Although the decree designated the main campus and administrative site to be developed at Gonzaga, Cagayan, the central administration was subsequently established at the Andrews Campus in Tuguegarao City, emphasizing regional accessibility and growth.[2] Prior to the merger, the Cagayan Valley College of Arts and Trades had evolved from earlier vocational schools dating back to the early 20th century, providing foundational technical education in the province.[1] Dr. Manuel T. Corpus served as the first university president, leading the initial organization and integration of the merged entities with support from Vice President Dr. Joselito Jara, marking the beginning of a transformative phase in regional higher education.[1] Subsequent expansions built upon this foundation, as detailed in later developments.[1]Expansion and Milestones
Following its establishment in 1978 through the merger of regional institutions, Cagayan State University underwent significant expansions in the 1980s and 1990s to broaden its academic offerings and infrastructure. In the early 1980s, under the leadership of Dr. Manuel Corpus, the university pioneered faculty reclassification for state universities and colleges nationwide and developed the first accreditation instrument for the Accrediting Agency Council of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP).[1] By the 1990s, Dr. Armando Cortes established the College of Medicine and College of Law, with the College of Medicine entering into a training agreement with the Cagayan Valley Regional Hospital (now Cagayan Valley Medical Center) to serve as its clinical facility, enhancing professional health education in the region. These integrations of additional institutions and programs marked key steps in the university's growth from a consolidated entity into a multifaceted higher education provider.[1] The university's physical and academic footprint expanded further in the 2000s and 2010s, reaching nine campuses by the early 2020s. In the 2000s, under Dr. Eleuterio de Leon as officer-in-charge, greater autonomy was granted to individual campuses, facilitating localized development.[1] By 2017, during Dr. Romeo Quilang's presidency, the university achieved initial ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality management systems across its operations, with full certification for all nine campuses (including Andrews, Aparri, Carig, Gonzaga, Lal-lo, Lasam, Piat, Sanchez Mira, and the newly established Solana-Lara Campus via Republic Act 11858 in 2022) confirmed in subsequent audits through 2025.[8][9] In the 2010s, Dr. Roger Perez oversaw modernization efforts, including new buildings at the Andrews Campus and the creation of colleges in Human Kinetics, Public Administration, Business and Entrepreneurship, and Accountancy.[1] The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) recognized several programs as Centers of Excellence (e.g., Information Technology) and Centers of Development (e.g., Electrical Engineering) during this period, underscoring the university's rising academic standards.[10][11] Under Dr. Urdujah Alvarado's presidency from 2020 to 2023, the university celebrated its 40th founding anniversary in 2018 with events including the launch of the official song "Fab40" and infrastructure initiatives, while addressing regional challenges like typhoon recovery.[10] This era saw the construction of 40 academic structures across campuses and the securing of ₱273 million in research funding, contributing to the university's ranking as the top 8 state university in the Philippines and a 3-Star rating from Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Stars.[1] Post-COVID-19, the university enhanced digital learning through the CSU Learning Environment Network System (CSU LENS), implementing blended modalities with online platforms and modular distribution to ensure continuity amid disruptions.[12] By 2025, under officer-in-charge Arthur Ibanez, ongoing infrastructural upgrades included new facilities like the College of Allied Health Sciences building at Andrews Campus and a generator set for the Calayan extension following Typhoon Nando, alongside plans for an electric vehicle development center to support regional sustainability.[13][14][15] These milestones reflect the university's commitment to resilience and expansion in response to educational and environmental needs up to 2025.[16]Administration
Board of Regents
The Board of Regents of Cagayan State University (CSU) is the highest governing body, vested with authority under Republic Act No. 8292, also known as the Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997.[17] This 12-member board oversees the university's strategic direction across all campuses, ensuring alignment with national higher education policies. Composition includes the Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as chair, the CSU President as vice chair, the chairs of the congressional committees on education from the Senate and House of Representatives (or their designates), the Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for Region II, the Regional Director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) or Department of Agriculture (DA) as applicable given CSU's agricultural focus, the president of the faculty association, the student regent, the president of the alumni association, and two prominent citizens from the private sector appointed by the President of the Philippines.[17][18] As of November 2025, the board is chaired by Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, who assumed the role of CHED Chairperson in June 2025.[19] Other current members include Vice Chair and Officer-in-Charge of the University Presidency Arthur G. Ibañez; Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education Chairperson Loren B. Legarda (represented by a designate); House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chairperson Jude A. Acidre (represented by a designate); NEDA Region II Director Dionisio C. Ledres Jr.; DOST Region II Director Virginia G. Bilgera; DA Region II Executive Director Rose Mary G. Aquino; faculty representative Ricardo B. Casauay; alumni representative Carmelo O. Villacete; and student regent Kyle Aron T. Tan, who was inducted in August 2025.[18][20] The two private sector appointees are Urdujah G. Alvarado (Chair of the Career Service Executive Board) and Joseph "Jojo" L. Lara (Cagayan's 3rd District Representative), who contribute expertise in governance and development.[18] As of November 2025, the university is conducting a search for new private sector representatives, with applications extended until November 21, 2025.[21] The board's primary responsibilities encompass policy formulation, budget allocation, oversight of academic programs, and long-term strategic planning to enhance institutional efficiency and relevance.[17] It enacts rules for university operations, approves curricula and admission policies, appropriates funds for infrastructure and programs, and authorizes research initiatives, all while promoting academic freedom and fiscal accountability.[17] Meetings occur at least quarterly, with special sessions called as needed by the chair, facilitating timely decision-making on university-wide matters.[17] A notable recent decision was the approval of the 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, which emphasizes sustainability through alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including initiatives for environmental resilience, inclusive growth, and community extension programs across CSU's campuses.[22][23] This plan builds on the board's mandate to foster innovation and regional development, with the executive leadership implementing its directives.[17]| Position/Role | Current Member (as of November 2025) |
|---|---|
| CHED Chairperson (Board Chair) | Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis |
| CSU President (Vice Chair) | Arthur G. Ibañez (OIC) |
| Senate Education Committee Chair (or designate) | Loren B. Legarda |
| House Education Committee Chair (or designate) | Jude A. Acidre |
| NEDA Region II Director | Dionisio C. Ledres Jr. |
| DOST/DA Region II Director(s) | Virginia G. Bilgera; Rose Mary G. Aquino |
| Faculty Representative | Ricardo B. Casauay |
| Student Regent | Kyle Aron T. Tan |
| Alumni Representative | Carmelo O. Villacete |
| Private Sector Representative 1 | Urdujah G. Alvarado (Chair, Career Service Executive Board) |
| Private Sector Representative 2 | Joseph "Jojo" L. Lara (3rd District Representative, Cagayan) positions open for new appointments; search ongoing until Nov 21, 2025 |
| Board Secretary | Atty. April Gayle U. Soller (Acting) |
Executive Leadership
The executive leadership of Cagayan State University (CSU) is headed by the University President, who serves as the chief executive officer responsible for the overall management of the institution, setting academic directions, and fostering external relations with stakeholders and government agencies.[24][1] Currently, Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez, an ASEAN Engineer, holds the position as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the University President since February 2024, guiding the university's strategic initiatives and operational continuity.[24] Supporting the President are four Vice Presidents, each overseeing key functional areas to ensure efficient university operations. The Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Mariden V. Cauilan, manages curriculum development, faculty affairs, and academic program accreditation to uphold educational standards across campuses.[24] The Vice President for Administration and Finance, Dr. Theresa B. Dimalanta, handles budgeting, financial planning, and administrative services, including human resources and infrastructure maintenance.[24] The Vice President for Research, Development and Extension, Dr. Junel B. Guzman, who also serves as Director of Technology Transfer and Business Development, leads research initiatives, community extension programs, and innovation efforts to promote knowledge dissemination and societal impact.[24] Finally, the Vice President for Internationalization, Partnership and Resource Mobilization, Dr. Ana Marie Cristina C. Cauilan, focuses on forging global collaborations, securing funding, and enhancing the university's international presence through partnerships and resource optimization.[24] The University President and Vice Presidents are appointed by the Board of Regents in consultation with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), following a search committee process that evaluates candidates based on qualifications, experience, and vision for the institution; the President's term is typically six years, as stipulated in the university's founding decree.[25][18] This appointment mechanism ensures alignment with national higher education policies while providing stable leadership for CSU's multi-campus system.[26] A notable recent transition occurred in early 2024, when Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez succeeded Dr. Urdujah G. Alvarado, the first woman president who served from 2017 to 2023 and significantly expanded research funding and campus infrastructure during her tenure.[1] This change marked a continuation of CSU's commitment to innovative administration amid evolving educational demands in the region.[1]Campuses
Main Campus (Andrews)
The Andrews Campus, the main campus of Cagayan State University, is situated in Barangay Caritan Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan Valley, spanning approximately 2.33 hectares. Formerly known as CSU Caritan, it was designated as the administrative center following the 1978 merger of institutions such as the Cagayan Trade School and Cagayan Valley College of Arts and Trades into a unified university under Presidential Decree No. 1436, aimed at advancing professional and technical education in the region.[1][27][3] As the seat of university governance, the campus houses the central offices for instruction, research, extension, and production services, along with the office of the University President. It serves as home to key academic units, including the College of Allied Health Sciences with its advanced laboratories for fields like medical laboratory science and respiratory therapy, the Graduate School, and other colleges focused on teacher education, business, law, and hospitality management. The facilities include the main university library, the president's office, and numerous academic buildings, such as the Administration Building and the Claude Andrews Convention Center, supporting a range of scholarly and practical activities.[24][28][29][30] The campus is a vital hub within the broader university network of nine campuses.[31] Its strategic location in Tuguegarao City, the regional capital, positions it near key government offices, facilitating collaborations and community engagement. The Andrews Campus also plays a central role in hosting university-wide events, including annual commencement ceremonies that celebrate graduates from across the system.[1][32][33]Satellite Campuses
Cagayan State University maintains eight satellite campuses strategically distributed across the province's three congressional districts to enhance regional access to higher education and address local needs. This decentralized structure supports equitable educational opportunities, with campuses in the first district (Aparri, Gonzaga, Lal-lo, and Lasam), second district (Carig, Piat, and Solana), and third district (Sanchez Mira). These sites contribute to the university's total enrollment of 41,412 for the 2024-2025 academic year.[24][34][3] The Aparri Campus, situated in the coastal town of Aparri, specializes in maritime and fisheries-related programs, including degrees in fisheries and aquatic sciences, to support the region's fishing industry and promote sustainable marine resource management. Led by Campus Executive Officer Dr. Audy R. Quebral, it emphasizes practical training through its coastal location and partnerships with local fisheries agencies.[35][24] The Carig Campus, located in Tuguegarao City, focuses on engineering and technology programs, offering degrees in civil engineering, electrical engineering, agricultural engineering, industrial technology, information and computing sciences, architecture, and public administration to drive innovation in food and metal industries. Led by Campus Executive Officer Dr. Florencio L. Sabado Jr., it supports industrial growth through advanced labs and community partnerships.[36][24][3] Gonzaga Campus, located in Gonzaga, focuses on agriculture, offering programs in crop production and agribusiness to bolster food security in rural farming communities. Under the leadership of Dr. Froilan A. Pacris Jr., the campus integrates extension services like farmer training to enhance agricultural productivity in the first district.[37][24] The Lallo Campus in Lal-lo prioritizes agriculture, teacher education, and hospitality management, with specialized offerings in crop science, elementary and secondary education, and tourism to address local needs in northern Cagayan. Campus Executive Officer Engr. Jose Luis G. Gaspar oversees initiatives that combine pedagogy with community outreach for local schools and farms.[38][24] Lasam Campus serves as an extension hub for rural development in Lasam, emphasizing sustainable agriculture and industrial technology programs tailored to agrarian reform and community empowerment. Directed by Florante Victor M. Balatico, it conducts extension projects in cacao processing and high-value crops to uplift marginalized sectors.[39][24] Piat Campus, in Piat, concentrates on arts and trades, providing vocational and livelihood education in technology and entrepreneurship to foster skills for local artisans and small enterprises. Campus Executive Officer Dr. Juliet A. Garcia guides efforts in cultural preservation and technical training aligned with regional heritage.[40][24] Sanchez Mira Campus, based in Sanchez Mira, specializes in engineering, particularly agricultural and biosystems engineering, alongside technical-vocational tracks in electronics and automotive technology to drive industrial growth. Led by Dr. Rodel Francisco T. Alegado, it supports infrastructure development through hands-on engineering labs.[41][42] Solana Campus in Solana focuses on health sciences and agribusiness, offering programs in allied health and agricultural management to meet demands for healthcare professionals and sustainable farming practices in the second district. Campus Executive Officer Dr. Ma. Theresa V. David manages adaptations for blended learning in health-related fields.[43][24] The university's extension in Baggao provides targeted outreach for rural development and agribusiness, with a groundbreaking ceremony for its new facility in May 2025 marking its transition toward full campus status to serve remote communities. This site, coordinated under central administration from the Andrews Campus, delivers short-term courses and extension services.[44] Satellite campuses contend with Cagayan's typhoon-prone environment, where frequent storms like Typhoon Marce in 2024 caused significant infrastructure damage and class disruptions. To adapt, CSU has invested in remote learning platforms and resilient facilities, enabling hybrid education models that maintain academic progress during adverse weather.[45][14]Academics
Colleges and Institutes
Cagayan State University is structured around 18 colleges and the Graduate School that span diverse academic disciplines, distributed across its nine campuses to address regional needs in education, health, agriculture, and technology. Each college is headed by a dedicated dean and operates with a focus on undergraduate and graduate instruction tailored to the Cagayan Valley's socioeconomic context, such as sustainable agriculture and healthcare delivery. The organizational framework emphasizes campus-specific specializations, with core units like the College of Agriculture present in multiple locations including Piat, Gonzaga, Lal-lo, and Sanchez Mira campuses to support local farming communities.[24] Key colleges include the College of Allied Health Sciences, which prepares professionals in medical laboratory science and related fields at the Andrews Campus; the College of Engineering and Architecture, emphasizing civil and electrical engineering at the Carig Campus; and the College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, dedicated to marine resource management and aquaculture at the Aparri Campus. The College of Medicine, established in 1993, operates at the Carig Campus and focuses on training physicians through a rigorous curriculum integrated with clinical practice. Similarly, the College of Veterinary Medicine addresses animal health and production needs, primarily at the Carig Campus. Enrollment in teacher education programs, housed under the College of Teacher Education, stands as one of the largest across campuses like Andrews and Gonzaga.[24][46][47] The following table summarizes the university's colleges, their deans, and primary academic focuses as of 2025:| College | Dean | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate School | Dr. Julius T. Capili (OIC) | Advanced studies in various disciplines across campuses |
| College of Allied Health Sciences | Dr. Julius T. Capili (OIC) | Medical laboratory science, physical therapy, and allied health professions (Andrews Campus) |
| College of Agriculture | Engr. Roger P. Rumpon | Crop production, agribusiness, and rural development (multiple campuses: Piat, Gonzaga, Lal-lo) |
| College of Business, Entrepreneurship and Accountancy | Dr. Giged T. Battung, CPA | Accounting, management, and entrepreneurial skills (Andrews and Gonzaga Campuses) |
| College of Criminal Justice Education | Dr. Maita P. Guadamor | Criminology, law enforcement, and forensic science (Aparri and Piat Campuses) |
| College of Engineering and Architecture | Engr. John Michael Casibang | Civil, electrical, and architectural engineering (Carig Campus) |
| College of Hospitality Management | Dr. Lianne T. Abuan | Tourism, hotel management, and culinary arts (Andrews and Sanchez Mira Campuses) |
| College of Information and Computing Sciences | Dr. Generino P. Siddayao | Computer science, information technology, and data management (Carig and Aparri Campuses) |
| College of Industrial Technology | Prof. Bryan T. Lacambra | Automotive, electronics, and industrial engineering technology (Lasam and Aparri Campuses) |
| College of Teacher Education | Dr. Marie Claudette M. Calanoga | Pedagogy, curriculum development, and educational leadership (Andrews, Gonzaga, and Lasam Campuses) |
| College of Law | Atty. Norman Clarence T. Lasam | Legal studies, jurisprudence, and public policy (Andrews Campus) |
| College of Medicine | Dr. Rodina R. Gorospe | Medical education and clinical training (Carig Campus) |
| College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences | Dr. Quirino G. Pascua | Aquaculture, fisheries management, and marine biology (Aparri Campus) |
| College of Humanities and Social Sciences | Dr. Jomel B. Manuel | Literature, history, and social sciences (Andrews Campus) |
| College of Human Kinetics | Dr. Chita C. Ramos | Physical education, sports science, and health promotion (Carig Campus) |
| College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics | Prof. Crizaldy P. Binarao | Biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics (Andrews Campus) |
| College of Public Administration | Dr. Dennis M. Bacuyag | Governance, public policy, and administrative management (Carig Campus) |
| College of Veterinary Medicine | Dr. Bryan Jerome R. Bassig | Animal health, veterinary surgery, and livestock production (Carig Campus) |