SIXTEEN YEARS STRONG: CSU CARIG CELEBRATES LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE AND COMMUNITY SERVICE

Cagayan State University–Carig Campus officially commenced its founding anniversary, a milestone that reflects years of growth, innovation, and service to the Cagayan Valley region.

OIC President Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez, Board of Regents members, university and campus officials, Campus Executive Officers, partner agencies, faculty, and students actively took part in a series of meaningful activities that celebrated both the past and the future of the campus.

The celebration began with a tree-growing activity themed “Nurturing a Tree, My Intergenerational Responsibility,” symbolizing CSU Carig’s enduring commitment to sustainability and community stewardship.

In his message, Campus Executive Officer Engr. Roger P. Rumpon traced the history of CSU Carig while commending the campus’ strong performance in recent licensure examinations. “We believe in our faculty, we believe in our staff as well as our students. We invest in our students’ needs in their preparation for their board and bar examinations,” he said.

CEO Rumpon also emphasized CSU Carig’s continued role as a technology generator in the country, citing its pioneering work in electromobility and its dedication to bringing essential services, which include legal, medical, dental, and social, to even the most geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas of the province.

Returning to a campus he once led for more than a decade, OIC President Dr. Ibañez expressed pride in its accomplishments and growing influence. “CSU Carig has been a campus for 16 years – 16 years of growing, 16 years of thriving, 16 years of delivering quality and excellent tertiary education, relevant research, and impactful extension and community services,” he said.

A major highlight of the opening program was the launch of the Ivatan coffee table book, “Rakuh – A Morphology of Ivatan Houses.” The book, a product of CSU’s extensive research on strengthening Ivatan houses against natural disasters, was led by Dr. Ibañez himself. Richly illustrated and deeply informative, the book represents the university’s commitment to research that preserves cultural heritage while addressing modern challenges.

The event also featured the signing of two Memoranda of Agreement. One with the Department of Agriculture Region II, led by Regional Executive Director Dr. Rose Mary G. Aquino, for the Livestock Economic Enterprise Development (LEED) Program - Rabbit Multiplier Farm Project and another with the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists, Inc. (PAMET) - Cagayan Chapter led by President Michelle Bagapuro, for a program on health and wellness for humans and animals.

The groundbreaking of the Rabbit Multiplier Farm followed, marking the start of a project envisioned to strengthen food security, support farmer-entrepreneurs, and contribute to regional livestock development.

To promote camaraderie, the first day wrapped up with a cook fest competition and socialization activities among the colleges and administrative offices.

The anniversary celebration will resume on September 22, 2025, with sports events and traditional Laro ng Lahi, highlighting the vibrancy, talent, and unity of the CSU Carig community.