The NORSUnian 10th Issue 2014 - 2015

Talita’s FSG presidency voided Vol.XXXII Issue No. 10

August 4 - 10, 2014

BAYAWAN -STA CATALINA SG LIGAN TAKES OVER

By John Dave V. Laturnas and Oliver Orlando Dometita

The issuance of the legislative memorandum from the Federation of Student Government (FSG) Speaker of the House voided the leadership of Rojan Talita as FSG president declaring it unconstitutional.

Since Student Government of Dumaguete City-I President-elect Harold Pelaez was not able to enroll this school year due to certain legal issues, Talita, the SGDC-I vice president-elect, was declared as the FSG president by the FSG body following the rule of succession in concord with Section 7 of Article VII which states “if the President-elect fails to qualify, the Vice-Presidentelect shall act as President until the President-elect shall have qualified.”

The preceding interpretation of the constitution made by the federation body was sought to be agreeable until a memorandum dated June 17, 2014 was issued by the Former Speaker of the House Kennith Omnos declaring the appointment of the Bayawan-Sta. Catalina Campus-SG President Daryl Ligan as the new FSG President.

This was accepted in consensus by the federation, days after Talita and the other elected SG officers took their oath in the office of the university president on June 18.

It is stated in the memo that Ligan, being

the president of a campus that has the second biggest population and at the same time, legally declared FSG vice president is the legitimate one to assume FSG presidency instead of Talita.

In an interview with TN, Talita said the new declaration was acceptable to him. “Their basis is actually legal because it’s constitutional and it’s fine with me because Ligan is capable to be the student regent. I’m sure, he will be representing us well…we are good friends and I know what Ligan is fighting for,” Talita said.

He continued, “It’s not really on the position, what’s important is your passion to serve the students and your drive to fight for what is right.”

Moreover, Talita disclosed not unless the case of Pelaez will be settled, he will act as the president of Main Campus I and Daryl Ligan of NORSU Bayawan-Sta. Catalina campus will act as the current FSG President and will also represent Norsunians in the Board of Regents.

On the other hand, Ligan, the newly proclaimed FSG acting president said via social media, “We don’t need to argue, debate or agree among ourselves, let’s just follow what the FSG constitution is saying.”

Ligan furthered, “Negative reaction about my acting as Federation President is a normal part of a dynamic and living organization.”

For a third year education student Jessica Perater, she was shocked upon knowing that Talita is no longer

Voided FSG presidency: Before the realization of the legislative memorandum, Rojan Talita (left) already took his oath as the Federation of Student Government (FSG) president with University President Don Vicente C. Real on June 18, 2014. Looking on: Niño Zamora, executive secretary. (Photo by Mayette Hanna Diez)

the FSG president. “Murag unfair na kay dapat sa main mag gikan ang student regent and dapat gipahibalo ang tanan nga students nga lain na diay ang FSG president especially ang mga first

year,” she expressed.

Moreover, a third year BSBA student Marko Marasigan said, “Na-disappoint ko kay first, friend mi and ni-oath na baya si Rojan.”

NORSUFFA prexy clarifies ‘dispute’ Real marks 2nd year

NORSU president

By Dayanara G. Villalon

To clarify things out, Negros Oriental State University Federated Faculty Association (NORSUFFA) President Roche Cabanlit answered the issues arising on media regarding the federation’s dispute against university administration.

In a press release, Cabanlit said the NORSUFFA is not pulling down the university admin instead they only react on the admin’s implementations in which the faculty members do not agree with.

“Natural ra sa among union (NORSUFFA) nga mo-react sa mga implementations sa administration as faculty member,” he said.

Meanwhile, Cabanlit denied the allegations thrown to them, such as the issues on the loss of money of their union and the ascending concerns of some faculties about dissolving the union. “All the issues are not true,” he said.

Cabanlit furthered NORSUFFA’s main objective NORSUFFA PREXY... page 3

By Irish Cuaresma and Nina T. Marie Pino

With his advo cacy of implementing transparency and accountability in leadership, Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) President Don Vicente C. Real celebrated his second year of presidency through a thanksgiving mass on July 13.

NORSUFA President Roche Canbanlit answers all the questions raised by the media. (Photo by Kent S. Mapula)

SAS to fraternity orgs: no hazing

By John Dave V. Laturnas and Klin Mendez

S t u d e n t A f f ai r s Services (SAS) Director Robert Poculan encourages the fraternity organizations in NORSU not to conduct hazing during initiations.

In the meeting conducted by SAS on July 19 together with the fraternity leaders and representatives, Poculan discussed the prohibited acts regarding fraternity initiations.

Poculan stressed that fraternities in NORSU must abide the rules of the school. With the provisions of the university handbook, anti-hazing law was discussed in the meeting stating that someone from the authority representing NORSU, should be present during the initiation of the neophytes of the fraternity groups in order to

make sure that there will be no form of physical assault.

“The lives of our students should be given utmost importance”, the SAS director said.

However, he said initiators can still give vigorous physical challenges to the applicants such as push-ups, squats and others except for ordeal that inflicts pain like paddling.

According to him, if any fraternity will be caught violating the anti-hazing law, initiators will be subjected to certain legal sanctions.

Second year BS Civil Engineering student, Khen Juanites said, “Okay na kay naa man guy nangamatay sa ubang schools tungod sa hazing and maayo gani wala pay nahitabo ana sa NORSU.”

For SGDC I President Rojan Talita, SAS’s idea was good.

However, he stressed, “Pero ang problema, what if mag-initiate lang sila secretly? So dapat ma-monitor jud na siya ug maayo.”

Meanwhile, Political Science teacher of NORSU, Robert Catapusan said, “I agree with the idea of SAS however, I don’t think it will be regulated by the university itself because the way I see it, fraternities are perfectly quiet in their own activities,” Catapusan said.

Furthermore, TAU GAMMA PHI Fraternity President Lovely Ann Liman said, “Para naku, dili ko agree ana kay ang secrecy sa group sa initiation kay mahibal-an and basin matabi nila sa lain nga frat,” she expressed.

SAS TO FRATERNITY... page 4

In his message towards the end of the thanksgiving mass, Real expressed his gratitude to the individuals who showed support, trust and confidence in making the university a “leading state university from a developing university” through transparency and accountability.

Real said he is motivated to include v

NORSU in the short list of leading universities in the Philippines. “This is an exciting part...hoping that by 2016 we can be able to reach the short list,” he said.

Moreover, he emphasized, “Leadership is not a symbol of power but a symbol of service” explaining that he will not be in the position if he has no ability to be a president.

Achievements NORSU, in Real’s second year of administration, excelled based on the awards it had received. Some of those include the Accrediting Agency REAL MARKS 2ND... page 4

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NORSU-CBA, BSP sign MOA

By Kimberly Rose E. Lumaya and Dayanara G. Villalon

In its goal for easier access of information necessary for the students’ development, the College of Business Administration (CBA) of NORSU has signed a Memorandum ofAgreement (MOA) with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), July 17.

According to BSP Deputy Director Nicasio Parco, the MOA will provide the CBA students with public information needed in their studies. The BSP will be lending out their library modern resources including books, reference materials and Multimedia Electronic System subscriptions for free.

Aside from that, the MOA also offers a fieldtrip wherein a minimum

number of CBA students can conduct related researches with their supervisor.

In return, Parco said the students must abide the security policies during their visit to the BSP library.

NORSU President Don Vicente C. Real expressed his happiness for CBA being the recipient of the said BSP program. “It was a chance for us to access and experience this program,” he said.

Meanwhile, Vice President for Academic Affairs Ester Tan said, “We have to go global and we should be universally competitive.”

Following the MOA signing was a symposium on the Economic and Financial Learning Center with guest NORSU-CBA, BSP... page 3

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Vol.XXXII Issue No. 10

August 4 - 10, 2014

Vol.XXXII Issue No. 10

August 4 - 10, 2014

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If you are to enumerate the list of Pinoy street foods, perhaps you could say more than a lot. But wait, if your mind is filled with those yummy delights by now, try to read the next lines and check. Kwek-kwek, taho, fish balls, halo-halo—these are just some of our Pinoy street delicacies that you’ll encounter along the way. ‘Avoid these unhealthy foods’ as other might say. But we say, ‘justice for these humble treats!’

So what are with these Pinoy street foods?

Basically speaking, Pinoy street foods represent our culinary culture. A proof of Filipinos’ creativity in cooking from least ingredients or shall we say our innovativeness in creating new things. Not just that, street food businesses, as a matter of fact, are major economy boosters and thousands of Pinoys rely on it for their livelihood.

Trying Pinoy street foods is fun, challenging and affordable.

Consider the economic crisis that we’re into. Prices can’t go beyond 20 pesos unless you want to consume more. Street foods can be seen on schools, jeep terminals, churches and parks. Think about the word thriftiness. It’s not like you can see a peso coin on the streets.

But we have to face it. Street foods have been the source of many recent disease outbreaks according to some media. That’s probably one of the hottest source for headlines. Usually, mothers warn or yell at their street-food-patronizing little kids when they want to have a bite of that fried scrumptious treat and end up with tears streaming down their sullen red cheeks.

Life-friendly In an assembly meeting conducted by the newly renamed Student Affairs Services (SAS), all registered fraternities and sororities of NORSU were highly encouraged not to conduct prohibited acts during the initiations of its neophytes. These prohibited acts include the hazing which can be considered as a deadly and risky way of conducting initiation.

The SAS administration has come up with the decision of monitoring the way how these brotherhood organizations do their initiations by sending a representative of SAS to witness the practices. This is to assure that neophytes who are encouraged to join will not be at risk. Indeed, this movement of SAS is in line with the pursuit of the Republic Act No. 8049 or the Anti-hazing Law of 1995.

Even though this law was enacted for almost two decades ago already, it cannot still be denied that death cases due to hazing are still arising and increasing as years pass by. Newly added on the list was the death of an 18-year-old student from De la Salle-College of St. Benilde who was believed to be a victim of hazing. Knowing this, it is really a best time for NORSU to strictly implement anti-hazing rules especially that the university accommodates several registered fraternities and sororities under the League of Student Organizations.

However, some students who are part of these brotherhood organizations have expressed their opposition with the action of SAS which is to send a representative to witness the initiation. They believed that the body’s privacy will be compromised.

To think, it is not through intensive and painful initiations wherein neophytes’ willingness and faithfulness to the organization can be measured. It can be through other means like giving them physical challenges, secret tasks or private investigations. It sounds shallow but maybe this can work way better than initiations causing physical pains.

Having this, we believe that the entire NORSU administration together with the other relating offices must work hand-in-hand with SAS to fight for the students’ welfare. Students’ lives must not be put at risk but rather be treasured and given utmost importance.

Editor-in-Chief Joeylen A. de la Cruz Associate Editor Ariel B. Dizon News Editor Mary Grace G. Bornales Features Editor Kleine Jun B. Ontolan Arts and Graphics Unit Head Angelo K. Sastre

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What the prank!

Every year, especially during April Fools Day, you might find yourself the victim of practical jokes or commonly known as pranks. You might get drenched by the bucket of water over the door trick, maybe, or get shocked by a buzzer when you shake someone’s hand. We really hate when we got pranked, right? Yet, we love to play pranks with other people.

Last month, a friend of mine shared a video in facebook. The video displayed people trying to scare their friend named Rachel. When Rachel turns around, one friend in a mask says “boo!”, and she screams. Rachel then runs out of their house and is hit by a car.

The video is totally awful especially in the scene where Rachel was seriously hit by the car. And the plenty of blood that covers her face? It’s really freaking me out! I really couldn’t imagine how could her friends do such dangerous prank on her.

Being so curious, I searched further more about the video, then, I found out that it was credited on “Exhibit B-5”, a 2009 court case of Gilland vs. Sheri v

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Senior Reporters

Dayanara G. Villalon Kimberly Rose E. Lumaya • Meljean Dela Peña Feature Writers

Niña Marie T. Pino • Everon Joy P. Catanus Cartoonists

Karlo Billy S. Rubia • Joleos June S. Vegare Layout Artist

Alyana Wilma C. Molinos • Froiland D. Liu Photojournalists

Kendrex B. Pael Kent S. Mapula • Mayette Hanna F. Diez Webpage Developer

Jergo T. Acido Business Manager Marve G. Fabela Assistant Business Manager Princess D. Ebo Staff Secretary Richel Mae S. Dennison Circulation Manager Dennis M. Ybañez

Adviser Joy G. Perez, Ph.D. Contributions, comments, and letters are most welcomed.

Articles must be typewritten or computer encoded, doublespaced and with sender’s full name and signature.

The Quorum hysteria Just recently, we are busted with a lot of anomalies involving those in the higher positions— or the powerful ones I could say. And they are banging themselves in a wall only they could decipher, with conflicts regarding decisions that affected many, yet on the latter hand was abominated by the other.

The mutiny was caused by an issue with regards to the decision of a body without the presence of the majority of its members.

Let us know everything about quorums and the validity of an assembly.

To note, a proper and valid assembly must be in quorum, which mainly is attended by the majority of the members of the group or a governing body, unless if it is an informal gathering which do not require a quorum, or if such is not signified in the

Lume concerning the death of a girl who was supposedly run down by a car after frantically fleeing her home from a man that she thought was a masked intruder (but who was really a neighbor playing a prank on her).

Such video actually generated great deal of discussions with many commentators. That time, I also found out that the incident shown in the video was indeed entirely staged and scripted. “Rachel”, the young prank victim featured in the film, was played by Cindy Vela, a US based actress and model.

With the special effects and the drama that the actors had, I really thought it was true! However, whether it is true or not, its ostensible purpose is to entertain and to leave a lesson to the viewers. It even reminded me of my younger years when I used to be a victim of pranks by my neighbors, friends and my brother. They said, they loved to pull pranks on me because my face really looks funny when I got shocked. How dare they!

To prank is to poke fun and leave an indelible impression on your friends. There are those pranks that are innocent, sweet, and even result in a good laugh afterward by all parties. However, there are also those that are intended to harm or to embarrass.

Well, if you plan on playing a prank or a practical joke on a friend, there’s no need to prank them in a way that is patently mean. Pulling a dangerous prank may threaten the safety of your friend that could even result to serious trouble or worse—death, like that of the staged video. In our teenage years, I believe we want to do something funny and inventive, but let us consider not risking others’ lives. You might not know that the one you are playing prank with is someone who has a heart disease or who has a Hormephobia (phobia on shock).

If you want to see the video that I was talking about, just type Joey de la Cruz in facebook and then see my timeline. Look for the video posted as: Exhibit B-5.

The cons.

There are indeed observations from other people—especially foreigners. We were stunned upon reading an online article entitled “I would rather go hungry than eat Filipino Street food again!” “What shocked us the most was the poor quality of food,” traveler Agness Walewinder wrote. “Most of dishes were left on the table without being covered with a led or without a far to get rid of the flies, as it’s a common practice in other Asian countries.” To quote Richard Gordon, “The problem with Filipinos is we do not think; we just react.”

Yet, it can’t be denied that there are vendors who lack self-control on preparing these foodstuff. “Bahala na, walay nakakita; okay ra ni bisag di kaayo limpyu ang pagluto; mubutang nalang ku ug magic-sugar para di kalas” such statements are from those filthy lazy fellows who are just after the profit and gain rather than serving with utmost care and good-quality products.

Come on! Will you just let this continue? That our food tells about our society that we are living in a dysfunctional place? Pity those poor humble treats. It’s not just about the nature of the food, it’s the condition surrounding the food. The condition of preparing street foods highlights poverty and poor education, or even of hard-headedness that they unable to provide proper sanitation.

Safety: an SOP. This is not only for the vendors but also for you, fellas.

Let’s not wait for our food experts to check on our street foods’ safety.

The best thing you can do is to assure it on your own.

Laziness. That’s the word. It’s easy to eat, right? But it’s tiring I thought that things would go on my ways, on my perception, on my nerves and on my preference. But I failed myself to achieve such.

I felt so inferior and it seemed that I wasn’t existing during the first day of school. Who wouldn’t feel such if your classmates are all new to you?

Anyway, that was in our Chemistry class. It was the feeling of total destruction on my side where everyone seemed to be so cold and were so hesitant to know me. This feeling was actually unusual being in a new circle of people. Then suddenly, there was this demure girl who just went inside, and immediately caught my attention. Everything then went into a slow motion. And the feeling was so indescribable. It seemed like I can feel every inch of that blood lines on her body contours and I could catch every sway of her hair. I even imagined that we were the only existing creatures at that time. I saw her walking with that dirty white dress during spring time and the cool wind caressing every inch of her physique. And alas, I’m back to reality.

‘This girl’s so interesting.’—the thought that ran into my mind.

At that time, I was really aggressive to know her name so I made myself busy making friends to everybody.

Days and weeks passed by and I was able to befriend my classmates. Luckily, I was able to know her name from her friend who also happened to be my classmate then. Her name was captivating. Her nickname is indeed so popular. With my efforts and determination, we became friends. But that friendship really was kinda awkward in some sort because it was like every time she called and recognized me, I just

to move here and there just to have that good thing. It’s easy to grab a stick and devour a treat but it’s tiring to check on the quality. Of course, who would want to do such time consuming thing if you are hungry and in a hurry?

Now, try to think about those penniless vendors who live with hopes through selling treats on the streets. Doing that is not just for fun. What about their jobs? Their living in general? Pity those who suffer despite their clean and true service. If only people are true to their jobs, those accidents shouldn’t have happened.

Furious Filipinos would say: “Don’t generalize us Filipinos because of our street food”. Instead of bowing, ordinary Pinoys defend their culture, their cuisine and country from unfair generalization. There are realities that we know and might have experienced.

These are the thing that we should consider and use to improve ourselves. Come on! Pinoy street foods are not the enemies. It’s the one handling it. So let’s make sure that justice for them is served—not spoiled. couldn’t resist to look directly into her eyes. Eyes that were perfect in the sight of a commoner like me. When she walked near my sight, I could feel the world was above me and I could do nothing but to stand like a statue. It had always been like that until I developed the sense of control in myself. I could talk to her personally, sit beside her and even look into her eyes with pure delight and affection. But the awkward feeling was still there.

One day, I got the chance to confess everything to her. I thought it won’t be okay with her because it all seemed to be a joke but it turned out the other way around. Since then, our relationship became open. We persistently contact each other through text. We seldom even exchange corny jokes and sweet messages. We even call each other ‘beh’.

But as time passed by, I contemplated a thought and realized that we were just friends. Before anything goes deeper and before everything goes complicated, I decided to end this messed-up craziness. I moved away from her, distant enough for our echoing hearts to never reverberate again. Most of all, I have to face the reality on what I am, who I am. Because I am a GAY. I belong to the third preference and orientation. And I can’t let myself fall in love in that way—not now maybe. All I could do was to pretend that everything runs normally. I can’t love someone whom I consider a ‘friend.’ And I just can’t love a friend beyond what’s imaginable.

Soul eater is a third year student who considers himself as a frustrated beat boxer.

NORSUFFA PREXY... from page 1

constitution and by-laws of a body—which do not, if not rarely happens. And when we say majority, you have to do the math. If you want to make sure that you are in quorum, the present members must be the half of the total population plus one.

Given the fact that the members present is not in quorum, the whole thing will be invalid, if not in a great trouble. Which also means that all decisions made during that invalid assembly will be put in great jeopardy.

Going back to reality, we have heard two stories from different sides. The other states that a quorum was present, making the whole meeting valid. And the other said there was none, making the whole decision invalid and has not existed.

If the side who said that a quorum happened was correct, all the decisions that were made on that date must rule. But if the other who said that such was not followed, all the decisions must be overruled to nothing. Both placing themselves at the pits of danger. And generally speaking, we as students of this university will also be affected.

See? The issue now is not the decisions or the conflicts of those two sides. The conflict now is not the battle of those two sides. The great baffling question that all of us are facing is this: WAS THERE A QUORUM OR NOT? Well, that would make this whole quorum issue the most important thing to deal with as of the moment.

So guys, before you do something in your meetings, make sure that you are making the whole thing valid. Make sure that you will not put yourselves to shame and risk just because your decisions are not valid. Make sure that you are exist in quorum. Not in an informal forum.

OFFICE OF THE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT PRESS RELEASE July 26, 2014 The Office of the University President (“OUP”) is compelled to release this statement in response to the press conference of a suspended faculty member. This statement also addresses some of the false and misleading statements made during the press conference. The University Code of Negros Oriental State University defines the powers and duties of the Board of Regents, the rights and privileges of faculty, staff, students and the larger members of the community. The Code also stipulates their corresponding duties, obligations and responsibilities.

The OUP regrets the individual’s failure to observe the University Code, which, in relevant part, provides: Section 3.3.No member of the faculty shall publish or discuss publicly, charges or complaints against any officer, faculty, or employee concerning his/her official duties, private life or conduct. Any complaint or charge of said nature shall be addressed to the proper authorities of the University for action before resorting to any other remedy outside of the University. The principle of exhaustion of administrative remedies shall be strictly observed.

Following the University Code, the OUP will refrain from publishing or publicly discussing the details of charges or complaints against the members of the University. The OUP invites all members of the NORSU community to observe the University Code and do the same.

The OUP assures all members of the NORSU community that all valid board resolutions are being implemented. The OUP rejects all false and misleading allegations otherwise. Quite frankly, however, the OUP simply cannot implement invalid board resolutions.

It is not true that there is a valid board resolution nullifying the Suspension Order against the suspended faculty member. The supposed board resolution is not valid because there was no quorum during the meeting of 4 July 2014. At most, only five (5) members, less than a majority of the eleven (11) members, were present. Therefore, there was no quorum for the board to validly transact corporate business and no valid board resolution.

DR. DON VICENTE C. REAL President, NORSU

is to protect the faculty members in cases like termination, suspension and harassment.

He opened about the terminations and suspensions of some of the members of the NORSUFFA lately without any consultation. “As the front liner of the union, tanang reklamo of the faculties’ kabahin aning mga butanga ipa-agi namu through writings and discussions to be submitted by the responsible authorities,” he said.

He also revealed about the suspension order he received last June 20 which was addressed to him by University President Don Vicente C. Real. He said the letter charged him of serious dishonesty due to claiming that he is a master’s degree holder.

However, he said it was nullified by the Board of Regents (BOR) due to NORSU-CBA, BSP... from page 1

speaker, Gregorio Bacay III, Senior Research Specialist and in-charge of the Economic and Financial Learning Center of BSP. His speech tackled about the objective of the BSP and as well as the three pillars including price stability, stable banking system and a safe and reliable payments system. He also talked about the functions of the BSP. “Alagaan natin ang ating salapi.

Ito ay salamin ng ating yamang lahi,”

some reasons like the lack of due process, the personnel who ordered was not the disciplining authority and so as the reason that only the BOR can suspend school personnel.

As of the moment, Cabalit said he is still waiting for the copies of the documents about the invalidated order which he said will be at the possession of the BOR Secretary.

Cabanlit ended the press forum by addressing Dr. Real. “Sir hinaot pa, ihangyo nako ang panag-hiusa nato, dili maayo atong trabaho kung atong relasyon dili pud maayo, isip maoy mga ehemplo sa mga estudyante,” he said.

NORSUFFA is the organization of the faculty members of NORSU and its president sits as one of the Board of Regents (BOR).

Bacay said.

The MOA signing and symposium was attended by the NORSU President Don Vicente C. Real, Vice President for Academic Affairs Ester Tan, CBA Dean Benjamin Villagonzalo Jr., Assistant Dean Dr. Ernesto Tumacole, some CBA faculty members and business ad students majoring in financial management. It took place at the College of Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Allied Health Services-Audio Visual Room.

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August 4 - 10, 2014

Vol.XXXII Issue No. 10

SO, BAC conduct APCPI seminar

The university Supply Office (SO) and the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of NORSU conducted a two-day echo seminar on Training of the Use of the Agency Procurement Compliance and Performance Indicator (APCPI) System for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) held at the College of Industrial Technology (CIT), July 21-22.

The APCI training was initiated by the BAC Chairman and Supply Officer Glenn Lumjod and the University Engineer Jose Serester Tuballa, as approved by NORSU President Don Vicente C. Real.

The seminar-workshop tackled updates on procurement (RA 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations), Commision on Audit reports from prior years, PhilGEPS Registration, and procurement at the PS DBM Depot and Property Insurance --with support lecturers from the Property Management Office Staff; Maria Cecille Antoinette Sayson, Alan Alagarmo and PhilGEPS data encoder, Christal Catherine Deciar and Maricel Mariño, also from the BAC Office.

It was attended by participants from NORSU Main Campus I and II, and the external campuses.

Guest-participants were the college deans, accountants, budget officers, heads of offices and campus administrators from NORSU Bayawan-

Sta. Catalina, Bais, Guihulngan, Mabinay and Siaton, and the three vice presidents, Dr. Peter Dayot of the Administration, Planning and Development; Dr. Ester Tan of the Academic Affairs; and Dr. Bernadette Tan of the Research, Extension Services and International Linkages.

Overview On June 1, 2012, the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) approved the use of the APCPI, a self-assessment tool developed by the GPPB-TSO with the assistance from the World Bank and is in consultation with various Stakeholders that aims to assist Procuring Entities in their procurement compliance and performance and utilizes actual data in assessing the procurement environment on the ground.

It was the first time since the Supply Office conducted an echo-seminar in years.

Included in the activity were lectures, workshops, presentations of outputs, and open forums facilitated by the Property Management Office Staff.

Participants were encouraged to exchange information on the database system and tools to be used to disseminate important information; and to be aware of our government laws and regulations aimed at making our niversity move towards a holistic and balance managed institution. (From NORSU Supply Office)

NORSU puts up lactation center In support for the breastfeeding mothers in the university, NORSU has put up its own lactation center in the Pre-natal room located on the first floor of the College of Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences (CNDPAHS) building.

Gender and Development (GAD) Director Rosalinda Abellon said this project was mandated by national laws such as the Rooming-in and Breastfeeding Act of 1992 (Republic Act 7600), the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act (RA 10028) and the Magna Carta for Women (RA 9710). She added it was finally realized under the project of University President Don Vicente Real in coordination with CNDPAHS. To avail the service, Abellon said the interested mothers can go to the station to squeeze out their milk during their lactation periods.

The collected breast milk will be stored in the milk banks and could then be claimed by them [mothers] when they go home for their infant’s feeding.

To have a high awareness on the advantages of breast milk, Nursing students will be provided with health education posters or leaflets regarding lactation. In addition, the mothers will also be SAS TO FRATERNITY... from page 1

She continued, “Also, for sure, mandaot pud na sila namu and kana man gud, naandan naman gud na.”

Like Liman, Secondary Education student, REAL MARKS 2ND... from page 1

of Chartered Colleges and Universities’ award to NORSU as the Top 2 and Top 5 among the State Universities and Colleges in the country for the accredited programs in Level 1 and 2; the Category A-2 recognition of the Official Research Journal of the university called the Prism, and NORSU also, being the recipient of Instructional Training package (ITpac), a certified international scholar.

A senior BS Crim student, Loije Getaruelas, commended the transformation of BS Criminology from a department into a college through Real’s leadership. She added “I hope he can fulfill his promises.”

Meanwhile, a sophomore BEED student,

With the assistance of a clinical instructor and Nursing students, the Lactation Center is now available for all breastfeeding mothers throughout the university.

(Photo by Mayette Hanna Diez)

taught of the proper breastfeeding techniques and proper use of facilities with the assistance of on-duty Nursing students.

The establishment of the lactation center has started last 2013 and GAD, as of the press time, continuously provide additional equipment to it. This originally aimed to support lactating faculty and staff of the university only, but it was reconsidered by the university president to extend the services to the lactating student mothers.— By Joanne P. Ferrolino Florence Pinili, disagreed with SAS director’s idea and opined, “Para nako, dili siya maayo kay basig ang ilang gipadala mao’y mabirahan kay privacy pud biya na sa mga fraternities.”

Adelyn Dialeno, said she liked the implementation of “more academic and less curricular activities” scheme of Real. “Giwala na ang curricular activities so di na kaayo ma-busy ang mga students and maka-focus na jud on their studies,” she said However, the Dielano’s view was opposed by a second year BS Civil Engineering student, Euchein Sheerah, and stressed, “I hope this year there would be more activities for us to unwind.”

The thanksgiving mass was celebrated by University Chaplain Rev. Fr. Alfredo Bonocan and was participated in by some students and faculty members of the university. (With reports from Richel Mae F. Dennison)

Norsunians complain IRS computer viruses S om e N o r s u nians complained on the computers of the Internet Research Station (IRS) which, according to them, contain viruses that affect their USB flash drives once inserted.

According to an Education student, Gregalf Baga, the computers of IRS should be scanned with updated Anti-virus. “Palimpiyuhon unta kay luoy kaayo ang uban kay imbis nahuman na unta sila’g gama sa project, na-virusan na nuon ilang flash drive. Sayang ilang effort.”

Like Gregalf, sophomore student Flordiliza Olasiman voiced out her sentiment and stressed, “Galagot ko kay kung naay anti-virus, dili ra unta mavirusan ang flash drive. Wala na koy trust sa mga PCs.” Daisy Mae Morales, a third year Criminology student, expressed the hassle that this problem brings. “Daghang virus bitaw ug naa’y ubang computers dili mugana ug ang important files mawala tungod sa virus.

“Spreading virus is a computer crime,” Computer Information System Director Guilbert Nicanor Atillo said, calling IRS PC users to be concerned as this harm computers especially that they are owned by the school.

For IRS personnel Jeremy Aurea, he said they have a software application called Deep Freeze which automatically deletes and saves files in the Drive C upon restarting or shutting down

Norsunians still use the Internet Research Station despite the existing computer viruses. (Photo by Kent S. Mapula)

the computer. He added they also format and delete files found in Drive D once a week.

However, Aurea said the problem on viruses after formatting the drives will still persist considering that there are those students who have USB flash drives with them that already contained viruses, and still, they insert it in the computers in the IRS. With this, the IRS personnel asked for the cooperation of all users to be responsible in the websites they visit and the files they download for it causes virus accumulation. If possible, he said, restarting or rebooting after or before using the computers help delete viruses.

Aurea furthered that users should scan their flash drives using the anti-virus software installed in each computer. — By Maria Dominique P. Ferrolino

CEd stages 2014 Hari at Hara ng Nutrisyon Showcasing good nutrition in terms of beauty and wit through the Hari at Hara ng Nutrisyon pageant was the College of Education’s (CEd’s) way in celebrating the Nutrition Month.

“We came up with this activity to select among the students of CEd who will be the advocates of Nutrition,” CEd Governor Kenneth Omnos.

For the results of the pageant, Teopisto Calumpang IV and Maricel Buscato, both freshman candidates won the most coveted title as Hari at Hara ng Nutrisyon. Both of them bested the other three pairs of candidates from the second, third and fourth year levels.

Calumpang IV and Buscato thanked their fellow freshmen for their support in the whole duration of the pageant.

“Sila tanan ang ga-prepare kung unsa among himuon sa atubangan,” Buscato said.

Aside from the title, Calumpang IV and Buscato also bagged the Best in Production Number, Best in Talent and Best in Formal and Long Gown awards. Jeron Datolio and Rhona Mae Trayvilla, both senior representatives, grabbed the first runner-up, Mr. and Ms. Photogenic and Best Speaker awards.

Moreover, junior representative Kirk Henry Demaclid and sophomore candidate Meriam Torres got the second runner-up titles while sophomore representative Patrud Al Rendoque and junior representative, Allizon Gaitera got the third runner up titles.

CEd Dean Libertine De Guzman congratulated the student government of CEd for making the celebration possible despite the college’s lack of fund.

“We make magic out of nothing. We do not allow limitations of time and money to hold us from doing this,” De Guzman said.

Third year Education student, Cathy Bordon, said, “Proud ko sa CEd kay nahimo jud ug very

Winners! Teopisto Calumpang IV and Maricel Buscato was crowned as Hari at Hara ng Nutrisyon 2014. 3rd from right is the reigning Ms.CEd Jay Ann Vidal (Photo

by Kendrex B. Pael)

successful ang activity. Gi-congratulate nako ang tanan nga mga people behind the success of the program.”

Meanwhile, a first year English major student, Frances Monique Antonio expressed, “This event is amazing and successful even though ang SG kulang ug funds, ni-cooperate lang gihapon ang mga students and dili pud ni mahimo kung wala ang mga students. Job well done!”

Furthermore, second year education student, Froilan Bhoyd Ceriales opined CEd is bringing back its image. “Chada kay ni-bloom usob ang college despite sa mga nahitabo ug hinay-hinay nag balik ang name sa CEd,” he said.

The said pageant was held last July 19 in NORSU Cultural and Sports Complex. The ‘Hari at Hara ng CEd’ titleholders will represent CEd to the search for the Mister & Miss NORSU 2015 pageant on the founding anniversary of the university this December.— By Niña Marie T. Pino and Maria Dominique P. Ferrolino

AACCUP exec director evaluates NORSU programs Dr. Manuel Corpuz, Executive Director of the Accrediting Agency for Chartered Colleges and Universities of the Philippines (AACCUP) visited Negros Oriental State University to pre-assess and critique the programs applying for accreditation, July 13-14.

Quality Assurance Management Center (QUAMC) Director Jim Villahermosa said preassessment is necessary to assure the passing result of the NORSU programs during the formal survey visit of the AACCUP accreditors.

“We are now on the highest stage of our level of accreditation and we really need to hire or invite an expert to critique our programs and he is no less than the executive director of AACCUP, Dr. Manuel Corpuz,” Villahermosa said.

The programs that were pre-evaluated by Corpuz include BS Criminology, BS Industrial

Technology, Master of Arts in Educational Management and Master of Public Management, all applying for Level III-Phase II status.

Villahermosa shared to TN that the said four programs were assumed to pass the Level III-Phase II accreditation. He also said BS Criminology and BS Industrial Technology programs were qualified to apply for the Level IV status, according to Corpuz.

Moreover, Villahermosa said Corpuz suggested minor revisions and corrections as to how the presentation of requirements, narrative profile and compliance report should be done.

As of the press time, the four programs are doing rigid preparations for the upcoming visit of the AACCUP accreditors.

“The final date for the formal survey visit accreditation is tentatively scheduled around the last week of August or early September this year,” Villahermosa disclosed. — By John Dave V. Laturnas and Ma. Dominique P. Ferrolino