Agung Hong CHaSS

The Official Newsletter of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences • Caraga State University • Butuan City, Philippines

Volume I • Number 1 August 2020 - January 2021

CHaSS goes virtual in its first five-year strategic planning

THE College of Humanities and Social Sciences held its first five-year Strategic Planning on November 23-24, 2020 at the New Administration Building – Function Room with Zoom as a platform to connect with various stakeholders. The activity was participated by the University’s officials; college executive committee and its affiliates composed of department chairpersons, program/project coordinators, center head, PIWO, faculty members; and invited stakeholders coming from the University’s partner government agencies, private sectors, employees, parents, and students. The CHaSS Dean, Prof. Ruth E. Sanchez, opened the two-day activity emphasizing the need to embrace the importance of forging partnership and collaboration with shared wisdom. The Dean went on saying that the activity aimed to create strategic foresight and careful planning where people involved could learn from each other according to the purpose why CHaSS was established. Sanchez further emphasized that all the plans ride on a promise where all stakeholders involved are encouraged to do their part. The University President, Dr. Anthony M. Penaso, graced the activity with an opening message. Dr. Penaso echoed the idea that dreams are important, but these should be coupled with action. He encouraged all stakeholders to put into action the vision, mission, passion, and commitment for the College. The University President went on saying that alignment of all these plans and actions is important. Dr. Penaso likewise reminded the participants that strategic planning is a process, not an event. He then emphasized the need to constantly responding to the dynamic environment by being so adaptive and creative. Citing Sun Tzu’s Art of War, the University President encouraged all stakeholders to implement plans with careful and detailed strategy. ‘Since planning is not a prediction of the future, you should think circular not linear’ Dr. Penaso concluded. Meanwhile, Dr. Rolando N. Paluga, Vice President for Academic Affairs, outlined and presented the University Road Map by mentioning the importance of analyzing

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CHaSS introduced to CSU community, stakeholders

ON August 19, 2020 during Caraga State University's first virtual general student orientation via Facebook Live streaming organized by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Caraga State University Press, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences was officially introduced to CSUan students and the public. The newly-established college was formally launched in June 2020 by virtue of CSU Board of Regents Res. No. 50-07, series of 2019. Prof. Ruth E. Sanchez, the first College Dean, welcomed the incoming and returning old students. Sanchez recognized students' anxieties about their classes emphasizing that these feelings are valid. 'Don’t lose hope and don’t lose sight of your educational goals. Continue to stand your ground,' Sanchez noted.

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CHaSS initiates lecture-workshop series on flexible teaching, learning

THE College of Humanities and Social Sciences conducted a series of lecture-workshops for the flexible teaching and learning in the first semester of school year 2020-2021. The Office of the CHaSS Dean delegated select faculty members of the University to facilitate each of the lecture-workshop series. Dr. Junrie Matias, faculty member from the College of Computing and Information Sciences, opened the lecture-workshop series by introducing the CSU Masao Learning Management System to the participants composed of department chairpersons and faculty representatives on July 20, 2020 at the New Administration Building Function Room. On July 22, 2020, Dr. Jonathan Manigo, faculty member from the Physics Department of the College of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, shared inputs on free Text-to-Speech apps relevant to the creation of course contents in the same venue participated by CHaSS faculty members.

SEAM hosts second installment of MinRes Webinar Series for SciTech4Dev2020 Forum

NAVIGATING CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN MINING. Dr. Anthony Halog as resource speaker of Topic 2 | CHaSS PIWO

THE Socio-Economic Analytics in Mining (SEAM), one of the four divisions of Caraga State University’s Mineral Resources Management Research and Training Center (MinRes), hosted the second installment of the MinRes Webinar Series for this year’s virtual Science and Technology for Development 2020 Forum also known as SciTech4Dev2020 Forum with the theme: ‘Navigating the New Normal.’ Dr. Anthony Halog, head of the research group for industrial ecology and circular economy in the University of Queensland, Australia, delivered the webinar via Zoom on Circular Economy in Mining in the New Normal with the specific topic: ‘Resetting our Priorities: Developing a Circular Economy (CE) Action Plan in Mining Industry in Post COVID-19 Era’ on October 13, 2020 at 2:00PM (Philippine Time). Livestreamed via CSU MinRes Facebook Page, the said webinar was participated by 348 participants, coming from the different parts of the world, who successfully confirmed their interest and attendance to the webinar upon registration. As to places of origin, 95% of the participants comes from the Philippines, while the other 5% comes from Algeria, Cambodia, Indonesia, Jordan, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, and Sri Lanka. Distributed by region and province of origin, 69% of Filipino participants comes from Caraga Region, the region where the host university is located. As to number, other Filipino participants come from Davao Region, Misamis Oriental, Central and Northern Luzon, National Capital Region (NCR), Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Bicol Region, Zamboanga Region, Lanao del Norte, Laguna, Mindoro, Palawan, Visayas, and SOCCSKSARGEN.

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CHaSS admin, faculty, sta welcome incoming, returning students

PROF. Ruth E. Sanchez, CHaSS Dean, together with department chairpersons and faculty members of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, officially welcomed the incoming and returning old students for the first semester of school year 2020-2021 during the virtual College General Student Orientation on August 20, 2020. The Dean stressed the initiatives and measures taken by the college and the entire CSU community for the flexible teaching and learning arrangement in the following semester. ‘Our faculty and staff worked hard to creatively redesign things to meet your needs and to ensure that you will achieve the intended learning outcomes of

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WELCOMING. Mr. Gomer Jay S. Legaspi as moderator of the virtual event

from page 1 | ‘CHaSS initiates... ‘These free text-to-speech applications are useful for your current preparation for the flexible teaching and learning while we still wait for the release of the recording equipment allocated to each college,’ Dr. Manigo said. Another part of the lecture-workshop series was held on July 30, 2020 in the same venue. Mr. Cedrix Von Alesna and Mr. Myron Cubillan, faculty members from the Department of Communication and Humanities, and Mr. John Albert Quijano, from Department of Sociology, facilitated the exploration on CSU Masao Learning Management System participated by a number of CHaSS faculty members. The lecture-workshop aimed to facilitate knowledge transfer of the CSU Masao LMS to CHaSS colleagues to optimize features of the LMS for the flexible teaching and learning. Mr. Cubillan echoed the rationale of the activity and mentioned the importance of role assignments in the LMS such as course creator, instructor and non-editing instructor roles. Mr. Quijano followed the articulation of the activity’s rationale by introducing features of adding or managing courses and learning activities. Meanwhile, Mr. Alesna facilitated the exploration of adding assessment and evaluation measures to the LMS. Demonstration of navigating features in LMS with a representative in each of the four departments concluded the said activity. • With a total of 42 faculty members, CHaSS is composed of four (4) existing departments: Communication and Humanities, Psychology, Social Work, and Sociology, headed by Didith P. Brown, Shiela S. Badiang, Desiree F. Gonzales, and Jewry S. Catle, respectively. The College offers and delivers three (3) curricular programs: BS in Psychology, BS in Social Work and BA in Sociology. The Department of Communication and Humanities delivers eight (8) general education courses (GECs), to wit: EEP1 (English for Tertiary Studies), EEP2 (English for Speech Communication), EEP3 (English for Employability), PC (Purposive Communication), ArtApp (Art Appreciation), ETH (Ethics), RPH (Readings in Philippine History), and LWR (Life and Works of Rizal). Departments of Psychology, Social Work, and Sociology deliver UTS (Understanding the Self), TEM (The Entrepreneurial Mind), and TCW (The Contemporary World), respectively. •

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DISCLAIMER

Views expressed in the articles are those of the concerned and not of CHaSS or of Caraga State University. Comments, questions, and suggestions are highly appreciated. All submitted manuscripts become the property of Agung Hong CHaSS through its public relation arm CHaSS PIWO. Manuscripts will be edited for brevity and clarity.

CYCLING IN GROUP. Biker’s Advocacy Trail on Mental Health: Fun Ride for Body and Mind, MaPaKaTaWa Ka, Sikad Na! | Photo Credit: CarSU Happy Banyakers Club / Vergara

CSU observes 2020 mental health awareness month: WMHD-related activities institutionalized

DURING this coronavirus-blighted year when many people have experienced difficult days of isolation and fear, Caraga State University has hoped for better times. In observance of the Mental Health Awareness Month 2020 in October, the University has taken initiatives for better understanding of how to cope with these challenging times for the fluidity of transition to the 'new normal.' A number of these initiatives have been taken. One hope in particular has been uppermost: that a message of hope and the call for collective action have been brought home by the University's various stakeholders. Along the backdrop of adaptability in the Philippine higher education landscape characterized by volatilities, uncertainties, complexities, and ambiguities, the University's #PadayonSaPaglambo and #BugsayPaMore seem to be right all along. Caraga State University’s observance of Mental Health Awareness Month (World Mental Health Day 2020) anchored on PH Department of Health’s theme: "Mental Health for All: Unifying Voices for Greater Investment and Access" was pre-launched on October 10, 2020 on the day the world observed the World Mental Health Day 2020. As the major pre-launching activity informed by COVID-19 restrictions, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences initiated the Virtual Advocacy through WMHD Facebook Frame created by Mr. Jao Vergara, the CSU Press Director. As to information dissemination, CHaSS mobilized the advocacy of mental health awareness through a poster ushering the CSU community and stakeholders to respond to the call of raising public awareness in observance of World Mental Health Day 2020 celebration with hashtags: #investinmentalhealth, #mentalhealthforall, and #mentalhealthmatters. The CarSU Happy Banyakers Club likewise took initiatives in further promoting mental health awareness through the Biker’s Advocacy Trail on Mental Health: Fun Ride for Body and Mind, MaPaKaTaWa Ka, Sikad Na!, a cycling activity in group held on October 17, 2020 kicked off at the CSU Main Gate, Ampayon, Butuan City. Alongside health benefits, the Club emphasized the social aspect of the group ride or trail enabling team members to value teamwork while maintaining positive mental health and general well-being. The University’s month-long celebration was officially launched on October 19, 2020 through a Webinar on Mental Health Act Awareness and COVID-19 Related Health Protocols with Atty. Geramer V. Durato, MSW, MTSW and Mr. Florence Noelle R. Acosta, as resource speakers, respectively. The launching was spearheaded by CHaSS and Center for Health and Wellness, in collaboration with the Office of the Human Resource Management Services. In light with key facts and figures from World Health Organization as backdrop of the webinar’s rationale, emphases on the need to integrate strategies of promoting mental health in educational institutions and the collective action for safety practices to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 were outlined and presented. To further step up the mental health awareness from the ground up, a Webinar on Managing Students' Virtual

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BRAINSTORMING. CHaSS faculty members during the brainstorming and planning

Faculty members of Communication join speech laboratory training

LEARNING TECHNOLOGY. Faculty members of Communication joining the speech laboratory training | CHaSS PIWO FACULTY members of the Department of Communication and Humanities joined the Speech Laboratory Training on November 26, 2020 at the new Speech Laboratory in the CAS New Building, Caraga State University, sponsored by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, in cooperation with the Aspen Multi-System Language Laboratory. Representatives from the Aspen Multi-System Corporation oriented the participating DCH faculty members on the system operating procedures of the speech laboratory facility. The training aims to equip faculty members of Communication Division the relevant technical competencies in delivering instruction of the English Enhancement Program Module 2: English for Speech Communication, one of the three institutionalized General Education Courses of the University delivered by the department. Learning the potential contribution of the speech laboratory facility to improving instruction, reviewing curriculum, and facilitating student support and development, the participating faculty members discussed and brainstormed on the possible initiatives to be taken after learning the technicalities of the facility. One of these initial plans, as agreed, is to embed the learning speech materials of the facility to the existing EEP2 instructional materials developed by the department. ‘Another gathering for revisiting EEP2 curriculum will be scheduled in January for another discussion and deliberation as to the procedures and processes on how the speech laboratory can become contributory to the department’s strategic plan to equipping students with 21st century competencies focused on assessing Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity as particular indicators,’ said Gomer Jay S. Legaspi, the Speech Laboratory Coordinator and EEP2 Focal Person. •

Agung Hong CHaSS | NEWS from page 1 | ‘CHaSS goes virtual... strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in answering the question: ‘Where are we now?’ The VPAA said that in order to take part in the direction to where the University is going, all stakeholders must bear in mind the University’s vision and mission. Dr. Paluga went on saying that strategic planning, which includes but not limited to, faculty development, curriculum development, university infrastructure, students’ holistic development, among others, has a crucial role in answering the question: ‘How do we get there?’ Hence, the VPAA likewise reiterated the importance of alignment. Highlighting the internationalization as the future of higher education, Dr. Paluga reminded everyone to value and to monitor regular evaluation. As the University has an ongoing application in Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Stars, an international rating system that provides a detailed look at an institution, the VPAA concluded the value of benchmarking as the University’s direction towards internationalization. Dr. Fernando T. Herrera, Director of QUAMS, presented via Zoom an orientation of ISO 9001 and the University’s Quality Objectives as preparation for the CHaSS Quality Objectives. Dr. Herrera wrapped up his presentation by saying that all these processes are anchored to the concept of ‘quality.’ Dr. Rowena P. Varela, Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Extension, likewise presented the OVPRIE’s 2020-2025 Research Agenda. The VPRIE mentioned the role of social sciences in social innovation. ‘All these initiatives,’ Dr. Varela said, ‘are geared towards bringing together community and industry in the Caraga Region towards national development.’ Echoing a concluding statement that adversity is the mother of research and innovation, the VPRIE encouraged everyone to engage in research, innovation, and extension projects to realize all these plans. During the open forum as prompted by the question from the college QUAMS coordinator, Mr. Jan Rey M. Flores, as to why student support should be included in the strategic planning, Dr. Paluga shared the importance of holistic development among students as one of the goals. Putting high premium on student development and support, the VPAA reiterated that students must be equipped with 21st century competencies making them prime movers and better citizens in the global society. ‘All these plans must be carefully planned in the department level,’ Dr. Paluga added. In the afternoon, Ms. Lilibeth L. Manigo, CHaSS secretary, and Mr. Jan Rey M. Flores, spearheaded the workshop for writing the Quality Objectives of the college. Communication and Humanities worked on Quality Objectives of the college for the production, Psychology on extension and social innovation, Social Work on instruction, and Sociology on research. The participants deliberately discussed on the working outputs and collectively agreed for the college Quality Objectives for the next five years. Round-table discussions for the departmental strategic planning followed suit. The four existing departments of the college then presented the department plans to invited stakeholders for further discussion and deliberation. All presentations outlined each of the department plans in the following areas: instruction (faculty, curriculum, library, and student support), research, extension, and production. Participated via Zoom, representatives from various stakeholders who graced the event virtually come from the CHaSS Student Organization, CSU Psychology Society, Junior Social Workers' Association of the Philippines (JSWAP), alumni, faculty, parents, and partner government agencies such as Commission on Higher Education-Caraga, Department of Interior and Local Government-Region XIII, Department of Health-Caraga, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Field Office Caraga, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)-Region XIII, and Caraga PESO Federation. •

from page 1 | ‘CHaSS admin, faculty... your courses in spite of this COVID-19 pandemic,’ Sanchez said. Shiela S. Badiang, Psychology Department chair, encouraged incoming students to make their academic experiences meaningful by giving their best try coupled with diligence and commitment. Badiang went on saying that students must embrace the thought of silver lining by facing the ‘new normal’ with so much optimism. Addressed to BS Social Work incoming freshmen, the department chairperson Desiree F. Gonzales stressed the role of the department in training and producing competent pre-service social workers. ‘We are committed to produce pre-service social workers who are steadfast in upholding and promoting social justice, social transformation, human rights, liberalism, democracy, and freedom,’ Gonzales said. Jewry S. Catle, Sociology Department chair, emphasized the role of the department in refining students’ critical thinking and communication skills in various modes of social discourses. ‘You will come to understand how living in a community of peers with diverse ideas and cultural background can enrich and broaden your understanding of the world which, in turn, helps you define the place that you want to take in society,’ Catle remarked. Communication and Humanities Department chairperson Didith P. Brown echoed the importance of open line of communication between faculty and students in the ever-changing landscape of the ‘new normal’. ‘Despite this pandemic, we should learn from each other together, apart. We appreciate and value your feedback for each course that we deliver for us to serve you better,’ Brown said. ‘Be relentless to learn!’ (in Filipino) she concluded. Gomer Jay S. Legaspi, a faculty member from the DCH and the moderator of the virtual event, introduced the eight (8) general education courses (GECs) delivered by the department. 'We have to be ready amidst these challenging times,' said to freshies and returning old students. • CARAGA State University’s observance of Mental Health Awareness Month (World Mental Health Day 2020) anchored on PH Department of Health’s theme: "Mental Health for All: Unifying Voices for Greater Investment and Access" was officially launched on October 19, 2020 through a Webinar on Mental Health Act Awareness and COVID-19 related health protocols with Atty. Geramer V. Durato, MSW, MTSW, as one of the resource speakers. Dr. Anthony M. Penaso, the University President, formally opened the month-long celebration by welcoming the organizers and participants zeroing in on mental health promotion as one of the key practices to well-being. ‘Asking for help is critical in times of emotional distress,’ Dr. Penaso said. Dr. Rolando N. Paluga, Vice

Social work lecturer speaks at 2020 CSU Mental Health Awareness Month launching

UNDERSTANDING LEGAL BASIS. Atty. Geramer V. Durato, MSW, MTSW, as resource speaker on Mental Health Act | CHaSS PIWO

from page 2 | ‘SEAM hosts... Dr. Anthony M. Penaso, the University President, opened the webinar and recognized the critical role of science, technology and innovation to the achievement of sustainable development goals and to addressing the challenges of COVID-19 pandemic. ‘Caraga State University needs to reposition itself in order to respond to the challenges brought about by this unprecedented human crisis, by exploring new ways of doing things in delivering quality education and to pursue research and innovation,’ Dr. Penaso said. Prompted by the question emphasizing the role of the academe in promoting circular economy, Dr. Anthony Halog stressed on the role of the academe to educate the next generation of scientists, engineers, and economists for them to be aware of the notion and principles of circular economy. ‘Caraga State University or any other universities in the world should incorporate this notion and principle of circular economy because, in the next five to ten years, there would be a surge in demand for graduates who have this perspective, not only in circular economy but also in systems and life cycle thinking perspectives,’ Dr. Halog added. Dr. Varela emphasized the higher probability of economic recovery in the mining sector, as informed by the increasing demand for more metals and other products derived from mining due to the Build, Build, Build Program of the Philippine government. ‘This, therefore, requires more research and innovations,’ the VPRIE emphasized. ‘For these developments to be sustainable, we should always keep in mind the triple bottom line of sustainable development: People, Planet, and Profit,’ Dr. Varela concluded. •

President for Academic Affairs, presented the rationale of the activity by emphasizing public’s call for action as informed by the key facts and figures relative to mental health from the World Health Organization (WHO). Atty. Durato, a lecturer of Social Work in the University, opened his talk by sharing stories related to mental health issues and awareness. He further presented key facts and figures from WHO as backdrop to the webinar’s rationale. The resource speaker went on further by presenting relevant mental health bills as prelude to signing into law of the Mental Health Act of 2018. As outlined in his presentation, Atty. Durato emphasized on the need to integrate strategies of promoting mental health in educational institutions, the workplace, and in communities. The resource speaker then concluded that there is a need to raise public awareness on the necessity to develop and establish a comprehensive, integrated, effective, and efficient national mental health care system which is responsive to the psychological, neurologic, and psychosocial needs of the Filipino people. Closing the official launching of the University’s observance of Mental Health Month 2020, Dr. Armie Leila M. Mordeno, Vice President for Administration and Finance, delivered her closing message stressing the importance of work-life balance as part of advocating mental health awareness. Dr. Mordeno added her personal experiences and coping strategies addressed to the participants to drive home the webinar’s rationale. •

from page 3 | ‘CSU observes 2020... Fatigue in Times of the New Normal was organized by the CHaSS Student Organization on October 21, 2020 with Mr. Erwin C. Cudis, MPsych, MHRM as the resource speaker. The webinar aimed to provide students coping mechanisms on how to manage fatigue and thrive virtually which further reduce the feeling of isolation and improve students’ character, sense of belongingness and mental health. Meanwhile, the CSU Zoomba Team and participants had fun during the forty-five (45) minute Virtual Zumba on October 28, 2020 facilitated by Dr. Armie Leila M. Mordeno, Vice President for Administration and Finance, with the end goal of promoting physical fitness and of allowing positive and happy mindset through physical activity. Plant Titas and Titos gathered for plant sale and barter during the Plant Bazaar on November 4, 2020, strictly following the safety protocols and guidelines for in-person activities provided by the University. Plant enthusiasts participated in the bidding of plants for sale and barter including virtual donors and buyers. For the beneficiary’s food drive and medical needs, proceeds of the activity would be given to AHON Community Care Center, a residential home for the abandoned, orphaned, abused and vulnerable children, located in Purok 1-A, Pigdaulan, Butuan City. Spearheaded by the Guidance and Counseling Office, a Webinar Series on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in the Time of Pandemic: For Faculty, Staff and Students were conducted in the following inclusive dates: October 22, 28, 29, 2020; Nov 4 & 5, 2020. The activity aimed to explore lived experiences among CSU employees and students, recognizing the validity of these experiences with processes of context-based tele-counseling through the Zoom breakout sessions. ‘We envision Caraga State University not only as an institution of high academic excellence but also as one where the faculty, staff, and students are emotionally-healthy, resilient, and well-adjusted to life’s vulnerabilities, uncertainties, complexities, and ambiguities,’ said Dr. Penaso during the culminating program via Zoom on November 25, 2020 which was livestreamed on CSU – College of Humanities and Social Sciences Facebook Page. ‘Mental health needs a great deal of attention. We need to face it and deal with it. Mental health promotion is the key,’ concluded the University President. Speaking of mental health promotion, the organizers awarded winners for the Mental Health Awareness Advocacy video making contest. The contest selection committee chose five (5) advocacy videos to receive cash prizes, to wit: 1st Prize (PhP 6,000) – Mary Grace Traya and groupmates; 2nd Prize (PhP 4,000) – Daphne Arenza and groupmates; 3rd Prize (PhP 2,000) – John Albert Quijano. Meanwhile, the entries of Norjana Alonto and groupmates, and CSU Psychology Society received consolation prize and People’s Choice Award (PhP 1,000), respectively. Dr. Rolando N. Paluga, Vice President for Academic Affairs, delivered the closing message and emphasized that advocacy on mental health awareness should be an institutional effort to be mobilized not just in October each year, but every day. ‘I hope that we all are mental health advocates ourselves,’ the VPAA remarked. These month-long activities of the University in observance of World Mental Health Day 2020 were organized by the following: Center for Health and Wellness, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, CHaSS Student Organization, CSU Psychology Society, Guidance and Counseling Office, Office of Human Resource Management and Services, Office of the Dean of College of Agriculture and Agri-Industries, Office of the Curriculum and Instructional Development, Office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance, and CarSU Happy Banyakers Club. Rethinking how educational institutions such as Caraga State University still stay relevant in this pandemic era, appropriate actions and response such as the creation of Task Force Jeremiah, a COVID-19 pandemic response management project of the University, and other initiatives such as institutionalizing the observance of World Mental Health Day every year, mark the beginning of another leap for social innovation of the University. Indeed, this is one other cause for celebrating and for unifying voices for greater investment and access relative to advocating Mental Health for All. •

CARAGA STATE UNIVERSITY College of Humanities and Social Sciences

PUBLIC INFORMATION WEB OFFICERS

Gomer Jay S. Jegaspi

John Albert M. Quijano

Myron T. Cubillan

CONSULTANTS

Lilibeth L. Manigo, MA, RGC

CHaSS Secretary

Ruth E. Sanchez, MA

CHaSS Dean

The O cial Newsletter of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Caraga State University • Butuan City, Philippines Copyright © 2021