The story of Cagayan State University is a tale of transformation and growth. From its humble beginnings as a consolidation of various post-secondary institutions in the province of Cagayan, it has evolved into a comprehensive university offering a wide range of academic programs.

Established through Presidential Decree No. 1436 in 1978, Cagayan State University was envisioned to provide professional and technical training in the arts, sciences, humanities and technology. It was a consolidation of several existing colleges and institutes, each bringing a unique expertise to the table.

Dr. Manuel Corpus: Pioneering Reforms and Academic Innovations

Dr. Manuel Corpus, a distinguished scholar from the University of the Philippines assisted by Vice President Joselito Jara with a doctorate in educational philosophy from the University of Maryland, were instrumental in shaping the early days of CSU.

As the first university officials, they set the tone for academic excellence and innovation. The pre-existing colleges that were consolidated into the university saw their officials designated as “Campus Deans,” continuing to oversee their respective campuses and contribute to the growth and development of this institution.

During the tenure of First University President, Dr. Manuel Corpus, Cagayan State University witnessed a transformative era in the academe. The visionary leadership of Dr. Corpus paved the way for groundbreaking initiatives that reshaped the educational landscape not only within CSU but across the nation. Under Dr. Corpus’s guidance, CSU became the birthplace of pioneering initiatives that set new standards in academic excellence. It was here that the foundational guidelines for the very first nationwide position reclassification of State Universities and Colleges (SUC) faculty were meticulously crafted, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of educational standards in the whole country.

The pioneering spirit of Dr. Corpus extended to the drafting of the first AACCUP instrument at CSU. This innovative tool, now widely adopted for SUC program accreditation nationwide, stands as a testament to Dr. Corpus’s unwavering commitment to advancing academic quality and accountability. His dedication to fostering a culture of excellence was exemplified through the implementation of a comprehensive faculty development program at CSU. By sending faculty members to only reputable institutions for advanced training, Dr. Corpus ensured that CSU’s educators were equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their fields and contribute to the university’s academic legacy.

Dr. Armando Cortes: Advancing Professional Schools and Academic Accreditation

In a time of transformation and innovation, Dr. Armando Cortes, then Campus Dean of the Aparri Campus, assumed the Presidency of Cagayan State University. Under his stewardship, a new chapter of academic excellence unfolded.

At the helm of the university, President Cortes, alongside Prof. Monserrat Babaran, then Vice-President for Academic Affairs, embarked on a journey of reform and progress. Fr. Ranhilio Aquino, a seasoned academic leader and a legal luminary with a background in prestigious institutions, assumed the role of Vice-President for Academic Affairs, spearheading the accreditation of various programs at CSU. His innovative approach included re-training and re-tooling professors ensuring a dynamic and relevant curriculum for students.

During President Cortez’s tenure, the College of Medicine was founded at CSU, offering a convenient option for aspiring physicians in the local community. This initiative eliminated the need for students to travel to distant cities and incur significant expenses. Despite the minimal tuition fees, the College of Medicine at CSU maintained a high standard of education, ensuring that students received top-quality training without the burden of exorbitant costs.

Under the visionary leadership of President Cortes, the Board of Regents authorized the establishment of a College of Law at CSU, offering the Bachelor of Laws degree. This milestone marked the second law school in Tuguegarao City, a testament to CSU’s commitment to legal education and excellence.

Dr. Eleuterio de Leon (OIC): Strengthening Campus Autonomy

Following President Cortes, Dr. Eleuterio de Leon assumed the role of Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the President, appointed by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chair Esther Garcia. During his tenure, Campus Executive Officers were empowered to manage their respective campuses, enhancing operational efficiency and autonomy.

Dr. Roger Perez: Modernization and Infrastructure Boom

The leadership of former CHED Executive Director Dr. Roger Perez. wasted no time in giving the university a much-needed face-lift.

The Andrews Campus was transformed, with new buildings rising up to create a stunning skyline. The Administration Building, reminiscent of the Acropolis and the Athena Quadrangle, with the grand Athena Building at its center, were just the beginning of the changes brought about by Dr. Perez. The legacy of Claude Andrews lived on as his descendants witnessed the dedication of the new buildings. President Perez’s vision for the university was clear - to modernize and improve productivity. This led to a dramatic influx of new students enrolling in various programs of the university.

During Dr. Perez’s tenure, the university underwent significant advancements in both its infrastructure and academic offerings. Dr. Perez oversaw the expansion of academic programs across different campuses, introducing new opportunities for students to pursue their interests. Notably, Dr. Perez established the College of Human Kinetics and the College of Public Administration at CSU Carig, as well as the College of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Accountancy at CSU Andrews. These new colleges provided students with specialized education and training in key areas of study, further enhancing the university’s academic offerings and reputation.

Dr. Perez’s administration was marked by a commitment to innovation and growth, leading to a period of significant development and progress for the university Under President Perez’s leadership, the university introduced the Zero-Tuition Fee scheme, ensuring that education was accessible to all. President Perez was supported by a dedicated team, including Fr. Ranhilio Aquino, Dr. Perfecto Vivit, and Dr. Rogelio Matalang. Together, they worked tirelessly to bring about change and innovation to the university.

Dr. Roger Perez’s tenure as University President was marked by progress and transformation. His legacy lives on ensuring that the university continues to thrive for years to come.

Dr. Romeo Quilang: Institutional Revitalization and Global Standards

In the wake of Dr. Roger Perez’s tenure, a new era dawned at the university with the appointment of Dr. Romeo Quilang as the next University President. Dr. Quilang, a seasoned leader who had previously served as president of the Isabela State University, brought with him a vision of revitalization and growth.

Under Dr. Quilang’s leadership, the university embarked on a journey to strengthen its academic programs and institutional reputation. Efforts were made to revive the links with the Accreditation Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP), with a focus on returning the university’s programs to the accreditation system.

In a bid to enhance the quality of education and services offered, the university submitted itself to ISO certification. After rigorous evaluation, the university was awarded certified status by Intertek, a testament to its commitment to excellence in all aspects of its operations.

Dr. Mariden Ventura Cauilan (OIC): Guiding CSU Through Transition

After Dr. Quilang’s term concluded, Dr. Mariden Ventura Cauilan took on the role of Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the President. Dr. Cauilan successfully navigated the university through a period of transition, maintaining continuity and stability in university operations. Despite facing significant challenges, she demonstrated a commitment to responsible leadership and worked diligently to address the issues at hand.

With a renewed focus on accreditation, certification and academic quality, the university is poised to reach new heights under the leadership of its next President.

Dr. Urdujah Alvarado: Elevating CSU to National and International Recognition

In a pivotal moment of transition, the presidency of the university was passed to Dr. Urdujah Alvarado, a distinguished scientist and long-time member of the Board of Regents. With a background in the Department of Science and Technology, Dr. Alvarado brought a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role as University President. Dr. Alvarado wasted no time in implementing a cohesive niche program of development, aimed at maximizing the strengths of the campuses to catapult the stature of the university amidst various educational challenges

Under her leadership, the university achieved numerous accolades and recognitions, solidifying its position as a top-tier institution. The university’s reputation soared under Dr. Alvarado’s presidency, with accolades such as being rated as a 3-Stars university by the QS Stars Rating System. The university became an associate member of the ASEAN University Network - Quality Assurance, with accreditation in key programs such as Bachelor of Secondary Education and Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences.

Dr. Alvarado’s leadership also led to the university being ranked as the Top 8 University in the Philippines by the AD Scientific Index and recognized as the Top 2 Performing SUC with the Highest Number of Level 1 Accredited Programs. The university’s commitment to quality education was further underscored by its ISO 9001:2015 accreditation. Under Dr. Alvarado’s guidance, the university expanded its reach with the opening of a 9th campus, the Solana Campus and two extension campuses in Buguey and Calayan. This expansion allowed for more students to access quality education and resources across various locations.

Dr. Urdujah Alvarado’s presidency was marked by a commitment to excellence and innovation. Through her leadership, the university flourished, with the erection of 40 academic buildings and laboratories across all nine campuses, providing students with a conducive learning environment for the years to come. Dr. Alvarado’s extensive network with key government agencies proved to be instrumental in securing externally generated research funds totaling to an impressive amount of more than 273 million pesos from 2017 to 2023. These external funds enabled the university to embark on a wide range of research projects and initiatives, covering diverse fields of study and addressing pressing societal challenges. From scientific breakthroughs to community-based research, the impact of these funds was far-reaching and transformative.

In addition to external grants, the university also demonstrated its commitment to research excellence through institutionally generated research funds totaling to more than 23 million pesos from 2017-2023. Dr. Alvarado’s legacy continues to inspire and shape the future of the university, setting a high standard for academic excellence and growth.

In an ever-evolving landscape of education and research, the Cagayan State University (CSU) has emerged as a beacon of international cooperation and collaboration, forging partnerships with universities and organizations across the Asia Pacific region and beyond. Through these alliances, CSU has expanded its global network, advancing knowledge frontiers and promoting social diversity. CSU’s commitment to internationalization is evident in its strong ties with higher education institutions around the world. From Malaysia to Taiwan, from Indonesia to India, CSU has established partnerships with esteemed universities. These collaborations have opened new avenues for academic exchange and cultural understanding.

Arthur Ibanez (OIC): Sustaining Growth and Strengthening Niche Programs

Presently, Cagayan State University finds itself under the leadership of Officer-in-Charge Arthur Ibanez. OIC Ibanez’s leadership style is marked by a focus on continuity and growth, as he works to uphold the legacy of his predecessors while charting a course for the future. With a keen eye on the university’s niche projects, he seeks to bolster their impact and relevance within the academic community and beyond.

Under the guidance of OIC Ibanez, the university’s commitment to excellence in instruction, research, extension and production remains unwavering. By fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, he aims to propel the university forward and ensure its continued success in all areas of academic endeavor.

The rich and vibrant history of the Cagayan State University speaks of excellence innovation and community. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a leader in education and research, CSU has remained steadfast in its commitment to academic excellence, social responsibility and global engagement.

As we look towards the future, we are reminded of the countless individuals who have contributed to the university’s success, shaping its identity and leaving a lasting impact on generations to come.

(Written by Dr. Ana Marie C. Cauilan)