The Touchstone

The Touchstone The Official Page of the Student Publication of Cagayan State University - Sanchez Mira.

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | Students from the College of Information and Computing Sciences took part in a two-day event on February 19–...
20/02/2026

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | Students from the College of Information and Computing Sciences took part in a two-day event on February 19–20, 2026, themed “Cultivating IT Excellence in the 21st Digital Age,” in preparation for the upcoming University-Wide IT Competition at CSU-Gonzaga.

On Day 1, students joined contests in general programming, database programming, dynamic and static web design, photojournalism, ICT quiz bee, extemporaneous speaking, digital slogan making, and digital poster creation, while other students attended seminars to boost their IT skills. Day 2 focused on team-building activities and a Mobile Legends tournament to promote collaboration, ending with an awarding ceremony that recognized winners and participants.

Check out the photos for highlights from the two-day event.



Caption by Macmac Siriban
Photos by Marianne Joy Guillermo and Joshua Madriaga

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | Renovated Campus Facilities completed, now ready to useThree newly renovated facilities at Cagayan State Universi...
17/02/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | Renovated Campus Facilities completed, now ready to use

Three newly renovated facilities at Cagayan State University–Sanchez Mira were officially completed and declared ready for use following a blessing ceremony on February 16, 2025.

The Executive Comfort Room, Budget and Finance Office, and Counseling Office underwent infrastructure improvements to enhance service delivery, ensure secure document storage, and provide a more comfortable and organized environment for students and personnel.

Fr. Lodovikus Mamu Oten, SVD, led the blessing ceremony, which was attended by university officials headed by Officer-in-Charge President Engr. Arthur G. Ibañez, along with faculty members, staff, alumni representatives, and student leaders.

Campus Executive Officer Dr. Rodel Francisco T. Alegado initiated the renovations in response to concerns regarding the condition of comfort rooms and the need for improved office space and file security.

The project was implemented in coordination with the CSU Sanchez Mira Alumni Association, led by President Ardeth Jane S. Dulig-Oamil, and the Plans, Designs, and Construction Office.

According to Dr. Retchel Hernandez Clemente, campus alumni association officer, the renovated Executive Comfort Room was intended to provide students and staff with a proper space for hygiene and grooming while encouraging shared responsibility in maintaining cleanliness.

Architect Roland Edrome Laxa, infrastructure coordinator of the Plans, Designs, and Construction Office, said separate rooms were constructed for the Budget and Finance Office and Counseling Office to ensure privacy, improve service efficiency, and secure important records.

With the completion of the renovations, the facilities were expected to strengthen administrative operations and create a more conducive campus environment.



Article by Dawn Charlyzz Molina
Photos by Joshua Madriaga, Marianne Joy Guillermo, and Mark Concordia

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | 2025 ALE, ABELE passers receive honors at testimonial dinnerTwenty-four passers of the November 2025 Agriculturis...
17/02/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | 2025 ALE, ABELE passers receive honors at testimonial dinner

Twenty-four passers of the November 2025 Agriculturist Licensure Examination (ALE) and 18 successful examinees of the December 2025 Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers Licensure Examination (ABELE) received recognition during a testimonial dinner held Feb. 16, 2026, at the Cagayan State University-Sanchez Mira Campus conference hall.

Carrying the theme “Beyond the Board,” the gathering recognized not only the academic achievement of the passers but also their perseverance, discipline and commitment throughout their board examination journey.

The event honored 24 passers of the November 2025 ALE and 18 successful examinees of the December 2025 ABELE, with university officials expressing pride in their accomplishment.

In his opening remarks, Atty. Jean Leando P. Verzon commended the board passers for their dedication and resilience in preparing for the licensure examinations.

Officer-in-Charge President Engr. Arthur G. Ibañez and Campus Executive Officer Dr. Rodel Francisco T. Alegado delivered inspirational messages congratulating the new license holders and emphasizing that their achievement reflects both personal determination and the university’s pursuit of excellence.

Also present were Engr. John Michael B. Casibang, MSCE, University Dean of Engineering and Architecture; Director Genaro Ronald C. Ibay, provincial director of TESDA Tuguegarao; and Engr. Anderson G. Gonzales, Ph.D., University Director for Research, who extended their congratulations to the passers.

Program included the awarding of certificates of recognition, honoring the graduates’ achievement and celebrating their hard work.

Meanwhile, Mr. Jazrael A. Siriban, RAgr, Ms. Rochelle T. Arellano, RAgr, and Engr. Aleyn Jacinto M. Eduarte shared their experiences, recounting the challenges they encountered during their review and how they overcame them with the support of their families, friends and faculty members.

College of Agriculture recorded an overall passing rate of 82.76% in the November 2025 ALE, while the College of Engineering posted a 72% overall passing rate in the December 2025 ABELE.



Article by Niña Danao
Photos by Mark Concordia

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | Lé Falco Cafe soft opens, conducts product valuationCagayan State University Sanchez Mira campus on Feb. 16 held ...
17/02/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | Lé Falco Cafe soft opens, conducts product valuation

Cagayan State University Sanchez Mira campus on Feb. 16 held a soft opening and product valuation for Lé Falco Cafe, a campus café designed as a future Barista NC II training and assessment center under its Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program.

Officer-in-Charge President Arthur G. Ibañez, Ph.D., ASEAN Engr., CESE, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the soft opening and product valuation, joined by Campus Executive Officer Dr. Rodel Francisco T. Alegado and other campus officials, while Father Lodovikus Mamu Koten, SVD, blessed the facility.

Alegado said the café has long been part of the campus development plan to create a dedicated space for students and visitors while strengthening industry-based skills training.

“We will be training baristas and future restaurateurs who want to build businesses in pastries and delightful treats,” Alegado said.

“We will cater to the needs of others when it comes to snacks and foods, and also serve our students and the community,” he added.

Meanwhile, Lyndon John V. Guittap, TVET deputy for assessment, said the café’s signature drinks, including coco mango, coco matcha and Palmira lemonade, are inspired by the campus’ coconut trademark and added that the cafe is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can accommodate more than 50 customers.

“Our products are distinct from others; they are competitive and student-friendly in price,” Guittap said, adding that the soft opening allows organizers to gather feedback to further enhance their offerings.

Architect Roland Edrome Laxa, who supervised the design, said the space was upgraded from existing structures to improve its ambiance and added that the café currently features an industrial-type design with plans to refine it into a modern industrial aesthetic.

University officials said the initiative is expected to integrate classroom instruction with hands-on enterprise experience, positioning the campus to produce skilled graduates equipped for employment and small business ventures in the food and beverage industry.



Article by Jerald Soriano
Photos by Marianne Joy Guillermo, Mark Concordia, and Joshua Madriaga

‎Pursuant to Proclamation No. 1006, February 17, has been declared a Special Non-Working Day in celebration of the Chine...
17/02/2026

‎Pursuant to Proclamation No. 1006, February 17, has been declared a Special Non-Working Day in celebration of the Chinese New Year.

‎Gong Xi Fa Cai, ka- haplos bato!



Layout by Kevin Dalire

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | BSAIS students clinch multiple titles at regional expoStudents from the Bachelor of Science in Accounting Informa...
16/02/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | BSAIS students clinch multiple titles at regional expo

Students from the Bachelor of Science in Accounting Information Systems (BSAIS) program of Cagayan State University Sanchez Mira Campus won multiple events at the 26th Regional Business Expo 2026 held on Feb. 11-13 at St. Paul University Philippines.

Krystalle Mae Barbo, Crystalyn Corales, and Rubeah Aira Vega topped the Business Quiz Bee, while Anthony Banez, Aprilyn Retotal, and Kylajenz Espejo captured the championship in the General Information Quiz Bee.

In the Accounting Quiz Bee, Althea Tamayo placed first runner-up in the individual category, with Jestoni Valdez and Xayza Taguba also representing the campus.

Peter Marrion Agarpao, Raiza Marie Agustin, and Clariedette Ann Barroga won the Product Presentation competition for their market-driven coconut coir paper; Dyna Taja, Leonard Labis, and Rico Boy Ganal competed in the Research Presentation event; and Vicma Cacatian, Jenny Rose Gapusan, and Charlotte Guddaran earned first runner-up honors in the Business Case Analysis competition.

Aside from the contests, students participated in parallel academic activities, technical sessions, and research forums under the Accountancy, Business, and Entrepreneurship cluster.

The three-day regional event gathered higher education institutions offering programs in accountancy, business, tourism, and hospitality management. This year’s theme was “Fueling the Future: Driving Sustainable Innovation Across Business, Tourism and Hospitality.”



Article by Vicma Cacatian
Photo courtesy of CBEA Media Committee

16/02/2026

‎𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 | Video Highlights

‎Catch the highlights of this year's University Meet, Ka-haplos bato!

From February 10-13, the CSU-Sanchez Mira Falcons soared high through four days of intense competition, unbreakable school spirit, and unforgettable performances. Relive the victories, the fierce rivalries, and the moments that made us fly with pride.




‎Video by John Cedric Asuncion

‎Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended. The music belongs to its rightful owner.

14/02/2026
FINAL RESULTS | Cagayan State University Meet 2026Sanchez Mira Falcons emerged as Overall First Runner-Up in the sports ...
14/02/2026

FINAL RESULTS | Cagayan State University Meet 2026

Sanchez Mira Falcons emerged as Overall First Runner-Up in the sports events and Overall Second Runner-Up in the Culture and Arts Festival at the Cagayan State University Meet 2026, held Feb. 10–13 at CSU-Carig under the theme “Championing Strength and Unity.”



  | Mr. and Ms. CSU PASUC 2026Congratulations to Alex A. Sarmiento Jr. for finishing as 3rd Runner-Up in the Mr. CSU PAS...
14/02/2026

| Mr. and Ms. CSU PASUC 2026

Congratulations to Alex A. Sarmiento Jr. for finishing as 3rd Runner-Up in the Mr. CSU PASUC 2026 competition and to Mary Rose S. Casayuran for serving as Ms. CSU PASUC 2026 Representative.

Thank you both for proudly representing the Sanchez Mira Falcons on the university stage.




Photo by Jabar Canapia
Layout by Erica Mae Pedro

‎𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝟯 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 | SPORTS EVENTS‎‎Sanchez Mira Falcons wrapped up their University Meet 2026 campaign on the final day ...
13/02/2026

‎𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝟯 𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 | SPORTS EVENTS

‎Sanchez Mira Falcons wrapped up their University Meet 2026 campaign on the final day of competition, closing out the sports events with determination and pride.

‎Unposted group photos are also included.




‎Photos by Jabar Canapia, Charles Kenneth Aleste, John Mark Failoga, Mhikaello Wayne Dikitanan, and John Cedric Asuncion

  | RESULTS  Sanchez Mira Falcons secured strong finishes in both the men’s and women’s lawn tennis events at the Univer...
13/02/2026

| RESULTS

Sanchez Mira Falcons secured strong finishes in both the men’s and women’s lawn tennis events at the University Meet 2026.




Photos by John Mark Failoga

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