The NORSUnian Vol XXXV Issue 13-14

WE WRITE FOR YOU. WE FIGHT FOR YOU.

VOL XXXV ISSUE NO 13-14 | AUGUST 28- SEPTEMBER 08, 2017

FINISHING UP. This painter pushes hard to coat the wall as part of the nearly accomplishment of the new College of Industrial Technology (CIT) building to be utilized this coming few months. (Photo by John Michael Ausejo)

Norsunians support Amnesty Int’l PH petition

Activism Staff led the campaign at NORSU. According to OVER 1,000 them thousands of individuals NORSUNIANS signed the including journalists, signature campaign of Amnesty m e d i a International (AI) Philippines to strengthen their petition to representatives, rights release journalists and other human representatives individuals imprisoned since and AI staff who 2016 in Turkey.

The AI Philippines with have been fighting its representatives, Ian Blanco, for human rights a junior law student of Negros were arrested.

W i t h Oriental State University the signature (NORSU) together with Tiffany campaign, AI Fatima Suniga, Growth and ANGELEAH GRACE J. ACASO

Philippines remains firm to urge the government of Turkey especially the president to release those arrested individuals.

Suniga said, “We want to show people what is happening in Turkey... that there is something wrong with all the arrests going on...and the state of freedom of expression in the country sobrang critical na niya.”

“We hope with these signatures ma-exertan ng pressure ang government ng Turkey, if not the president himself but the other institutions act against this and to release the prisoners,” she further said.

On the other hand, the representatives asserted the campaign would also serve as a reminder to all Norsunians that everyone has the freedom to express and to exercise their human rights.

Aljhon Baco a junior NORSUNIANS/ to page 3

50 CEA studes join coastal cleanup JAVAN LEV A. POBLADOR

SEPTEMBER 9 AS part of their college celebration, a total of 50 Norsunians from the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) unified in a voluntary coastal cleanup in partnership with Swim and Save at Barangay Piapi.

CEA Governor Christ Quinicot said the initiative was a new take of their college day celebration, where they would usually spend it on lax activities just inside their school.

“I guess it’s time naman gud for us to reach out supporting the objective nga gi-initiate pod sa Federation 50 CEA/ to page 8

Photo courtesy of IECEP-NSC Facebook group

CLIMATE CHANGE ...

GREEN MINDED SEE PAGE 3

UNIVERSITY DIARIES

LOOK WHAT ...

SEE PAGE 4

CEA installs 13 Smart TVs MARCO PAOLO B. RAMIREZ

AIMING FOR A QUALITY instruction, the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) installed 13 new 50-inch Smart TVs in August this year worth P418, 600.

The TVs were requested together with the College of Education’s request of ultra-High Definition (HD) Smart televisions in the year 2016 wherein each costs P32, 200 having a grand total of P418, 600.00.

CEA Dean Josef Vill Villanueva said instead of

projectors and projector screens he requested for Smart TVs for the instructors’ use and students in their class presentations.

Information from the supply office shows that the cause of the delay of the installation is due to the different schedules of the supplier.

Villanueva said, “We took the initiative to install ning mga TVs nalang,” the college instructors and staff took the initiative to install the TVs themselves instead of waiting for the supplier to do it.

The TVs are already CEA / to page 3

VPAPD organizes budget plan prep orientation LIFEEL GLEEDZ G. RAGA

TO SECURE PROPER utilization of funds and complete file attachments, the office of the vice president for administration, planning and development (VPAPD) gathered all heads of offices for an orientation on budget proposals preparation, August 30.

Spearheaded by Dr. Noel Marjon Yasi, the discussion on Project Procurement Management Plan and Program Receipts and Expenditures orientation

took place as to conform to Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum 20, s. of 2011.

The memo states the policies and guidelines for the use of income, special trust funds and program of receipts, and expenditures of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).

Its main purpose is to establish and to institutionalize uniform fiscal policies that will serve as guidelines in the use of disposition of all internally generated funds adding to VPAPD/ to page 7

EPIC FAIL COMICS SEE PAGE 7

OPINION

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VOL XXXV ISSUE NO 13-14 | AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 08, 2017

EDITORIAL Living…the dream?

It seems like almost everyone knows the situation of solid waste management of Dumaguete. As of the moment, the city had already received notices to close the dumpsite located in Brgy. Candau-ay but until now, the site still continues its operation despite the lack of storage space in the area.

Republic Act No. 9003, otherwise known as Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, provides that no open dumpsites shall be allowed three years following the effectivity; while controlled dumpsites shall be allowed five years following the effectivity of the Act. This means that open dumpsites should have been closed last 2006.

For the information of everyone, open dumpsites pose major health hazards affecting not only the passers-by, but also to the residents living in the barangay. It is also ironic that the dumpsite is located beside the Banica River, where children swim and elders wash their clothes. But why does the city local government still hasn’t stopped the operation of the site?

Dated last year on April 16, the Dumaguete City Council declared five barangays in a state of calamity due to the toxic smoke emitted from the dumpsite due to the El Niño. This caused the city to release calamity funds for the evacuation of the residents.

According to an article of The Freeman last May 15, Mayor Felipe Remollo said the city will shoulder the expenses in the acquisition of the lot in Malaunay, Valencia, where the Dumaguete Sanitary Landfill will be placed, the construction of which will be undertaken by a private contractor and will be receiving tipping fee from seven LGUs through a memorandum of agreement.

To date, the city has been reported to have three possible areas to construct a landfill namely, Valencia, Bacong, and Bayawan and the residents are waiting for the final decision since it will be a great relief if the city will close the overly-stored dumpsite.

Now, the citizens hope for a legal space wherein solid waste can be properly placed. If this is the case, then we should start properly segregating solid waste, as well. Although the city council took long before it finally decided to construct its own sanitary landfill which had irked the citizens, they should take note as well that before they pin point to the flaws of the local government, they should check out their waste bins as well.

If we citizens do not even start the segregation within ourselves, then that is definitely not how we should live our dream of having our own official landfill.

You`ll be safe Here!?

MARAWI – at one end has been attacked in terror making people`s everyday life vulnerable and fearful.

Another terror attack happened in Guihulngan City shudders down the spine of thousands of people living in Negros Island.

Among media, almost everyone in this story made reports or misjudgement that contributed to the eventual disaster. Substantial to the current consequence some people believed that terrorist move around the country

from Mindanao to Visayas specifically to Negros Island.

There is something about today`s world that seems to give us restlessness due to increase propensity of radical people to destroy others. Killing, drugs, rape, robbery, hold up, stealing, fraud, treason, anarchy are just few to mentioned in advent to terrorism. If so, then where is the safe place to live? Where is the place of humanize city? Where can we reclaim peace and prosperity? Where can we

find aosis?

We can all relate to this, though sometimes not apparent, we know that the act of terrorism is just around the corner.

At this instance, do you think NORSU – BSC is an exemption? One day a news hit everyone`s back the day after an incident happened in front of the campus gate.

When a NORSUnian named Clifford Santiago comitted a violation against women to his fellow NORSUnian Shaina Santiago last August 8, 2017 around 5p.m. It was painful, conspicuous and uneasy scene afterwhich, the confrontation was a history.

Now, what is important is the safety of the Norsunian – students, faculty and staffs, office workers or even the guards themselves inside the campus. Though, every person bore responsibility for his own action. Still countless acts of viciousness, rebellion and repression happen from time to time.

Yet, this catastrophe may be caused not only by the

individuals but also by the system failing around us.

Check out the campus at night. Students opt to attend night classes from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. No doubt, the dark is hovering over the place stretches from the campus gate, east to west, and north to south directions due to lack of proper lighting.

Horrible and worst is the lack of lights inside the classroom, the hall way and the absence of lights inside the comfort rooms. Whenever corrupt and abrupt lights off occur – blackout switched off night classes. Moreover, the fact that many people may come and go out the campus with or without identification card is an evident of unsafe vicinity.

We seem to have a pleasant place to learn but the truth is we never get what we need and safety is never an option. Have you figured it out? We are not in a safe place. The call for the safety needs of the Norsunian must have taken for granted.

YOU’LL BE/ to page 3

VOL XXXV ISSUE NO 13-14 | AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 08, 2017

Winter is coming Here comes the period of return where people are the eyewitness of bloodshed.

Little by little, everything will slowly fall apart and the coolest dusk will wrap the country. I tell you, no one will help. I summoned you to remain vigilance; pack your breakfast, lunch, and dinner as winter is coming in the Republic of the Philippines!

The House of Representatives shaken me after a dominant “ayes” outnumbered the “nayes” in favor to the approval of P1,000 budget allotments in 2018 for the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), National Commission on Indigenous

Peoples (NCIP) and Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

Tampering into the drastic budget cut of these agencies hold an evident congressional resentment equivalent to defunding the basic defense of grass roots.

And these attempts to doom it with a mere one thousand pesos (enough to support my two week’s college allowance) are clear judgments of our democratic worth.

With the bombarded criticisms attached to the effort of CHR over the rising death toll of the administration’s bloody war on drugs, it stirred the “ayes”

Climate Change is not a debate Scientific evidence for warming of the climate system is undisputable. Multiple studies published in peerreviewed scientific journals show that 97 percent or more actively publishing climate scientists agree that climatewarming trends over the past century are extremely likely due to human activities.

However, only a few people realize the importance of the high consensus of the scientific community.

According to a poll made in 2010 by Gallup, an American research-based organization, they were able to ask 111 countries on how knowledgeable their civilians are on global warming or climate change. And the Philippines, falling short to only 65 percent from an

approximate of 1000 adult respondents, aged 15 and older.

Since the scope of climate change is not always easy to communicate, unfortunately, there is an apparent tirade of misconception that has convinced some Filipinos that there is still a meticulous debate among scientists and climate experts regarding the existence of climate change even to the point of denying it.

And if that’s not bad, there are intellectual people who are riddled with greed who sees the movement of stopping burning fossil fuel a potential threat to their company. This prompt them to spread fake scientific news or tamper with scientific data, making the public even more

OPINION of the lower house to clinch to defund it; whereas laying a question on the validity of its creation is a manifestation of destroying its function to protect the basic human rights.

Thus, the alleged failure of NCIP to stop the disputes of ancestral domain and redtagging of Lumad schools should not be a strong hold to end its mandate that serves a fundamental hope to empower and preserve indigenous community.

Besides, the pursuance of defunding ERC motioned with allegations of corruption opens distrust, but removing its role to penalize abuse of market power may put wrong to right.

Government agency needs is strengthening rather than closure. Proper appointment is requisite rather than defunding it. I have high hopes with the commander to disapprove and rebuild the three foundations in a just government system, but if it is a shoo-in, the administration is a failure to see its cost that will eventually destroy our country. No one will help me. No one will help anyone. Winter is near... confused.

But despite with what is written on paper, the public should still be able to rely on observational data. Last 2013, we have faced full blown one of these catastrophic disasters. Typhoon Yolanda, that wreaked havoc across the country and killing over 6,300 people. And according to Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the number of destructive tropical cyclones had increased in the recent years.

The country has been literally a docking ground of all types of disasters, yet a lot of Filipinos failed to see the correlation between all this and the impending destruction of the rapid warming of our planet. We failed to see that our country and our people are the first ones to feel the full effect of climate change.

Are we to blame? Yes. Is it too late? Almost. The clock is ticking; it always has been.

And every minute, even down to the miniscule of seconds, count. But the first step of solving a problem or finding a remedy, is acknowledging that there is actually problem in the first place.

While some level of CLIMATE/ to page 8

CEA/ from page 1 installed in the Dean’s Office, Faculty Offices 1 and 2, Computer Laboratory Rooms 1 and 2, Accreditation Room, Architecture Office (Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary Room), and Classrooms 103, 112, 109, 202, 209 and 210.

David Teves, BS Electronics and Communications Engineering student said, “Helpful jud siya, kay ang projector dili man gud siya klaro gud nya ma Smart TV kay maski naa ka sa layo ma klaro jud siya, usa pud, daghan naman jud silang gi-

install so wala nasay hulamanay.”

Besides, BS Geodetic Engineering student Jan Willer Duran said, “Uban [projector] kay guba, usahay gamiton sa pikas classroom, kung naa kay laptop pwede ra idiritso og connect [sa smart TV].”

NORSUNIANS/ from page 1 Education student expressed, “I am happy to be part of that because in the first place we are also human...we have our own right, that’s the reason why they have this campaign for us to be empowered.”

“I believe every student must be aware of their human rights because the lack of its knowledge triggers abuses, and that is something that we should not allow in this civilized nation where the rights and

human dignity of every person is protected and valued.”

On September 8 the AI Philippines initiated a seminar at the university gymnasium aimed to educate Norsunians on human rights.

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Ngano Gibalik? Ngano Ibalik?

“Gasto ra na, yearbook ra na.” Why do I need to write about the same topic again if it was already talked about previously? Simple.

If it’s only mentioned once, then it’ll get ignored time and time again, so we have to keep on going.

It was just the end of the second semester and as the handful of graduating students started to post their ever-memorable speeches online, I was caught with a number of graduating photos from a number of people from the same university as I was in because they weren’t uniform at all. The thought

of people graduating with all their memorable speeches and their endless thanks to people closest to them is great because eventually as a university goer you too will soon experience such feat, graduation. Sadly, such university was our beloved Negros Oriental State University.

At first, I didn’t get the reason on why they had to remove Pylon the “former” official yearbook of NORSU because they were doing their job exceptionally and on top of that, they presented their supposed yearbook to the whole student body, I

listening, blablabla.”

We are living in a preoccupied era. So diverted that anyone can be drinking coffee, reading the news, chatting with their friends, listening to music, watching “Game of Thrones,” and still you would post, “Just chilling.”

So where does this fact leave us? It leaves us having to shortcut everything. It leaves us longing for Instagramphotos instead of genuine spur-of-the-moment good time with our family and friends. Selfies are the new legal tender, and people don’t mind getting the perfect angle even if it takes forever.

This brought us to a time when gatherings start with a snapshot and not with

thanksgiving, or when your hair color has become a more interesting topic than what’s happening around. It leads us to decline our critical thinking before hitting react button with an emoji.

The podium has become so awe-inspiring, and so controlling, it can make powerful politics candidates, and make them unknown overnight. It can make superstars out of nobodies, literally nobodies. On the other hand, in its light it can send timely advisories, updates and some other relevant information, and raise funds for a good cause.

When orders become more important than the outcome, it means we are distracted. In our hurry for immediate results, we sometimes forget to see the world according to our values. There is a beginner app for love of country. I believe it’s called responsible citizenship.

As much as publicity and fake news exist, so do unique and sincere voices that would otherwise be unheard. Bad online journalism cannot kill the truth. It challenges it to become stronger.

The stage doesn’t kill the playwright. It beckons him or her to write.

a shepherd; you take care of them, not reject them.

She was even explained that the sweetest thing she received is the ‘thank you’ from her students. “It is more than monetary value because I know I have touched their lives,” Edna said.

She also emphasized that the attitude matters most. No matter how many decorations you may attain in your

graduation if your attitude is not good, everything is vanity.

With all the effort and passion towards teaching, they have helped so many children, youth and other individuals. They do not just tell us what we need to know, but they mold us to be a better individual in the community. Truly, our teachers are our heroes.

Millennial Cyber Literacy Half of the populace exists in the real world, and the rest in the cyberspace – the internet. Social media has become a country within a country where we source almost everything from our news to our dinner, to some their dinner date. It has become the state-of-the-art addition to our body, vital for it to function in the Digital Age. If you disagree then I dare you to live for a week without your smartphone and the internet.

I know right? “Sorry kaayo sir/ma’am.” “Excuse me, muagi ko.” This probably doesn’t sound like the teenagers of this century.

You know, the one who uses the word “whatever” to mean “yes,” “no” and, “I’m not really HEROES/ from page 6 just about understanding the level of each student in terms of their intelligence or emotional status, but to meet them halfway and give them activities for them to be able to build their confidence.

Aside from that, she also shared her experience in dealing with students who were once lost in dark paths, but she never gave up on them because being a teacher is like YOU’LL BE/ from page 2 Why do not invest for lights and generators? or Why don`t install CCTV`s instead of roving guards?

personally saw their work and it was all worth it. There are some things that are not measured by money alone.

This should also pertain to the university yearbook – it’s more than a book, it’s an archive full of memories. It lets you see where you stood in the university during your stay, it’s the solid proof of where you and your friends were during your college days.

We are so fond in keeping things that are dear to us but to our own dear yearbook, there just weren’t enough reason to pursue the existence of Pylon in the university. Of course, if you didn’t know, Pylon still exists outside of the university but as an independent body. There are still on-going meetings about the yearbook on how much it will cost and all needed specifications about it. For a graduating student this year, it would mean so much to me the pursuance of such.

Reasons on why there should be a year book? You already know why – because it matters. Student concerns matter. Let it be heard.

Perhaps, why offer a night class of accountability. Enough! We don`t without caution for danger? need lip service to be safe here, we May this call awaken your sense need evident protection. TN

CAMPUS IMAGE NARLYN R. MASCARDO

As we walk along the path of our journey, there are enemies which never cease to exist. They test our willingness to battle against the struggles of life. We slowly falter if chances do not favor us, but this lass is quite different— she will take anything as a challenge, with her head held high.

She looks at the vast land surrounding the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) as she ties her hair in a ponytail. She glanced at her gold watch and realized that there were only a few minutes left before her next class would start.

Now, she starts walking with all her responsibilities placed on her shoulders.

Now that’s Rhea Ramirez. She is a fifth year Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) student, born on May 17, 1994 at Malabon City, Metro Manila. As of now, she resides in Tabuc-tubig, Dumaguete City.

Looking back from her high school years, she was a cartoonist and photojournalist of their student publication, ‘Ang Pintig’. Aside from that, her hobbies are playing guitar and composing songs. In fact, she wrote a song entitled ‘Mary Rose’ which was included in the sound track during the Negros Oriental (NORSU) Film Festival 2015.

She also has a weird of habit of collecting rare items. She started collecting commemorative coins from the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Europe and Canada, and bills from the United States of America. Some of her collections came from her friends. When asked why she loves having these kinds of items, she said she just wants to have something that is unusual and it makes her happy, at the same time.

Now, Rhea may seem to have an easy life but that is certainly not the case for her.

Everybody knows that the road to finish a course is never easy. That’s why when Rhea decided to take engineering, she knew very well that tides of struggles will soon engulf her.

Unfortunately, she was right.

She admitted that it is really not easy especially if all your subjects are demanding. It seems like pressure is applied on her whole body. But she realized that all the challenges she is facing now will all be rewarded once she gets a hold of her life long goal— to be a licensed Civil Engineer.

Considering her course, she still managed to become a student leader. She is an executive treasurer at Student Government of Dumaguete City (SGDC)-II and former Vice-President of the Engineering and Architecture Society (EAS).

She is also a former silent driller at Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) and a member of Agents for Community Transformation. Just recently, she passed the Civil Service Exam (CSE) this month of September, 2017.

CAMPUS IMAGE/ to page 7

Illustrated by Jonel A. Baligasa

FEATURES

VOL XXXV ISSUE NO 13-14 | AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 08, 2017 Illustrated by Joemar B. Villarejo and Emmanual D. Manlun-uyan

Photo courtesy of Rhea Ramirez

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Look What You Made Me Do Story of Miss Take

Going Incognito: The Sarahah Breakout IRISH MAE S. CUARESMA

“Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask and he will tell you the truth.”— Oscar Wilde Indeed, people are more confident in telling their sentiments or opinions anonymously.

This best describes the new viral application spreading across the globe attracting millions of users—Sarahah.

The application’s name is an Arabic word which means “honesty” or “frankly” in English. It was launched in Saudi Arabia in November 2016, which aims to invite members to send anonymous messages to other user’s profile. Unlike other Social Networking Sites (SNS), Sarahah is a messaging which tool includes a reminder to “leave a constructive message,” to encourage positivity from the users.

According to the website’s bio, Sarahah helps users improve friendships by discovering strengths and areas for improvement and to ‘let your friends be honest with you.’ But is confessing through Sarahah an act of honesty?

Some Norsunians who were able to use the app shared their views and opinion about the viral application.

A Geology student, Philip Guevarra said that one advantageous thing about it is that it helps one to e x p r e s s his or her feelings towards a certain person which they can’t usually say personally.

Aces Bularon, a Business

Administration student, stated that the app lets the user know what his or her friends see about his characters that they can’t express right away towards him.

This just shows the positivity brought by Sarahah, like delivering self-esteem, and encouragement, but some people tend to take advantage of this so they could safely bully others without knowing who they are.

The disadvantages of anonymity Aside from considering the advantages of it, Sarahah has disadvantages that affect the user. It becomes a barrier of communication among people because of its indirect way of sending chats and messages anonymously.

Apparently, the app which is supposed to send positivity to other users has become a means of cyberbullying.

It became the tool to pick on other users by sending them negative feedbacks about personal status w h i c h does

The smoke ushering from my cigarette was no use. I’ve been wasted for hours now, but the pain still lingers. The spirit of the alcohol couldn’t contain the hatred I felt towards the world. I smirked and in my mind, I asked all the people who hurt me, “Do you see what you turned me into?”

I was a child of discipline who didn’t want to commit mistakes because every failure is a crime that would mean a heavy punishment. I followed every order of my parents, but despite that, I was not allowed to play outside like most kids do except with a few of my friends. I usually played and studied alone.

I didn’t really mind because all I wanted was to study. After

all my hard work, I graduated Salutatorian in elementary and was privileged to be part of a special class where I graduated Second Honorable Mention in high school. All those years, studying became my life, companion and best friend, and I didn’t know what life was without studying.

I was fully aware that my parents couldn’t send me to college, so I applied for different scholarships with hope instilled in my heart. Fortunately, my former teacher offered to support my studies so I accepted the opportunity right away.

Two weeks before enrollment, she informed me that she will not be continuing her support without any explanation.

strengthening the bond of friendship between the anonymous sender and the receiver.

According to Mail One, a website about updates on Science and Technology, it is very easy for people to say mean and hurtful things without any repercussions because all comments are anonymous. Reviews on the App Store shows that Sarahah is being used as a cyberbullying tool.

For these reasons, the application is not appropriate for kids. Experts have recommended that if children use Sarahah, they should not allow their name or profile picture to appear in search.

Since it has been launched, it became a “breeding ground for hate” with users threatening, giving

negative feedback using user’s appearance, and other forms of bullying.

Sarahah is not one for the faint hearted. When you register for it using your personal information, you sign up for constructive criticism, romantic revelations, bullying, and hate messages all in that space of 5 Mega Byte on your phone’s memory so you must be very careful with the information that you place.

You can enjoy the compliments, feel bad about the criticisms, be encouraged with all the inspirational messages, but never use this as a tool for sending malicious thoughts or anything that can invade anyone’s privacy. It is not bad to express yourself anonymously as long as you know when you should’t cross limits.

The moment I my ears absorbed everything she said, my world crumbled. Maybe for others, stopping a year would mean a little, but for me, studying was everything.

I was filled with hatred, envy and jealousy. It only took a short while for me to slowly lose interest with my studies. After working for months, I went back to school as a scholar but I lost the excitement and interest. My mindset changed from being the most competitive to the happygo-lucky student.

Many people promised to support me in my studies, but they all left me hanging. I worked to support myself, hoping that my cousin would fulfill his promise, but I never heard a single word

from him.

I started being a rebel I never thought I would become.

I indulged in things I was not allowed to do. The nights that were supposed to be for studying turned out to be inuman sessions and smoking cigarettes. I started going out with different guys without inhibition.

Anger devoured her until she completely lost her innocence, replaced with regret, guilt and shame.

But I realized that this hatred of mine will lead me nowhere.

This will only be the misery of me so I soon learned to forgive myself, and the people around me. Most of all, I asked forgiveness from Him, and as soon as I finished my apology, I knew that He had LOOK/ to page 7

n o t help in

Infographics by Javan Lev A. Poblador

Illustrated by Claire Francis B. Elum

Infographics by Jeke Cris G. Rocaberte

Illustrated by Jessa C. Araneta

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ENTERTAINMENT VOL XXXV ISSUE NO 13-14 | AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 08, 2017

FEATURES

HEROES IN UNIFORM The One that Got Away

ANGELEAH GRACE J. ACASO

The very moment when darkness covers the sky is the perfect time for them to move; they create things for learning, turn unused materials into artistic crafts, compose songs any student will love to hear, prepare activities one will love to do, and bring numbers and letters into life. They are our heroes in uniform— our teachers.

Photo Courtesy of The NORSUnian-Bayawan-Sta. Catalina

Being a teacher is not just plainly working, but it is living a passion wherein the task is not only to share knowledge, to check what’s right or wrong, or to tell us when to behave and play. The moment one teacher brings out his or her heart to teach, countless minds open, as well.

They defy obstacles Teachers see every student beyond what is manifested from their behaviors. You may be a misbehaved student, they will still see potential in you. Meet Vida Cabristante, a grade ten teacher of Negros Oriental High School (NOHS) who expresses the beauty in teaching.

“To teach is my mission,” is Vida’s principle in teaching.

For her, teaching is her longlife vocation as she willingly takes the extra mile and prays for her students, especially those who need more of her attention.

Plenty of her students have now become successful in their respective fields. Despite the long years that had passed, her students would still go

back to her just to thank her for all the knowledge that she had imparted in them.

“To abandon your class is a big no-no. You need to stand firm,” she said. She believes she is just an instrument by God and she is bringing back all the glory to the one who made everything possible.

Nothing could be in par of how happy and honored she is, knowing that she made a difference for her students.

They reveal possibilities Our next hero sees it as an opportunity to be part of her students’ life. She makes it as though her classroom is her students’ second home, and makes sure that her class is enjoyable. As a kindergarten teacher, she prepares a lot of activities in a way that her students would be interested in their learning.

Meet Meriam Lemence, from West City Science Elementary School who faces the challenge of making her students’ first years of learning appealing. She knows that her students differ in so many ways even if they are

CAMPUS IMAGE HANILYN G. APOSTOL

still young. Most of them are already competitive and it’s a challenge because she knows that all of them love to learn more and it’s her duty to guide them.

“Teachers serve as a light sa mga bata, because we are shaping their future and we see to it that we are inculcating them the good values,” Meriam said with a small smile on her face.

L ast ly, she quoted a proverb, “Train up a child in way he should go, so when he is old he will not depart from it.”

T h e y transform b a r r e d windows into open doors E a c h student has a unique personality, and

possesses talents hidden inside, but covered with selfdistrust. Edna Eucogco, a teacher from the English and Literature Department of Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) defies the odds.

She explained that the role of teachers is not

Everyone experiences hardships in life. However, these difficulties shape us into what we are today. Reaching for one’s dream is quite difficult, but if you work hard for it, all efforts and sacrifices will be paid-off.

Everything begins with a choice— a choice to stop, fall, or continue. Meanwhile for this guy, his choice was to fulfill his dreams. But before he achieved success, he had to go through a lot of struggles.

He is just one of those typical students who wanted to study, graduate, and looked for a job; but he couldn’t afford to study college so he worked in Manila. After four long years, he knew that he wanted to return to school, and so he did. This time, he promised to himself that he would finish his studies, whatever obstacle may rise.

He applied for a scholarship and to his luck, he got accepted. He immediately enrolled in Negros Oriental State University— BayawanSta. Catalina Campus, taking up Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. He studied as a scholar, and at the same time, as working student.

As we all know, college life is never easy. Life gave him reasons to give up but those reason just made him hold on to his dreams tighter.

Whenever he feels like there’s no more hope, he just reminds himself that his struggles are not permanent and soon, he will become successful.

Indeed, hard works is always the key! After years of carrying some heavy burden with him, he finally graduated as a degree holder. Then the next challenge dawned him— his licensure examination.

A Story by Haunted

“Dong, asa amo-a dong?”

“Dong, kabalo ka asa amo-a dong?”

“Dong, ganiha rako’ng nilakaw subay aning dalan. Dong, asa amo-a Dong?”

Cries of a rugged lady as soon as she noticed me walking alongside her.

It was past midnight and I was walking on my way home to sleep after a close-group session I attended. While I was almost there, I noticed a motorbike slowing down at the middle of the road on his way west to Bogo. Somebody was blocking the street as I’ve been looking closely. It was an elderly woman.

She was wearing a stained white shirt and a pair of pedal shorts walking about two feet away from the side of the street. As the biker ran past her, I saw how she’s ignored being horned to stay at the side of the road.

I snubbed the thought of her getting into an accident and briskly walked down my alley. It’s her business. Not mine. And how could I possibly know where she’s from?

Then she turned her head looking at me like I did something. I looked at her and my heart began to pound harder. She was looking at me like she can’t even see a thing.

She was crouching and was having a hard time walking. She seems very tired.

She cried and my heart began to crush. She cried again and I could only respond the palest answer, “Taga asa man diay ka nang?”

I can’t continue to look at her that close. I just can’t.

I ignored her thinking she was just another homeless woman finding shelter. This judgment of mine is a clear understatement of her status. And just because I can’t afford to break into pieces seeing some homeless people along the road: sleeping and asking for alms, I won’t help them— resources aside.

“Nang, naay kubo diha. Pahuway sa diha,” I shouted as THE ONE/ to page 7

HEROES/ to page 3 After days of reviewing and nights of being sleep deprived, the day of the examination came. He felt hopeless because some of the questions weren’t included in the review and he didn’t know what to answer, but he never lost hope.

He felt that God is with him and he realized that he is not alone because he has his faith. He believed and asked for his guidance. After the exam, the result was posted and he was so happy to see his name, “Dexter S. Puyat”, a newly licensed Agriculturist.

See? Success has no mystery. In God’s perfect time, he reached his desire. After how many times he thought that pursuing his dreams is difficult but still he did it. He can now reap the labor of his efforts and sacrifices.

Our choices and decisions guide our future. We should

not give up easily if problems happened. We should be brave enough to face the reality that real world is really cruel. We should take courage to stand after we stumble and fall.

Never give up when something wrong happens, because as what Mr. Dexter Puyat said, “Failure is not the measure of our personality, it’s just an indicator to work more.”

So don’t forget your strength and existence because it’s the proof of your greatness.

You may cry because of pain and failures, you may be confused a lot of times and you may feel down for a long time, it’s fine. But after that, make sure to stand and turned that tears into joy, the pain into laughter and the failure into success.

Life will push you to the edge but one thing for sure; it will always be worth it.

Illustrated by Emmanuel D. Manlun-uyan

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Illustrated by Jameel E. Daksla and Joemar B. Villarejo

VOL XXXV ISSUE NO 13-14 | AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 08, 2017

VOL XXXV ISSUE NO 13-14 | AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 08, 2017

NEWS

7

AYEJ hails Norsunian prexy

CAS pageant candidates extend help to Bantayan

DONNA T. DARANTINAO

DONNA T. DARANTINAO

Photo courtesy of CAMP SEWI Facebook page

Driven with desire for green awareness, a Norsunian was elected as president of the Association of Young Environmental Journalists (AYEJ) at Silliman University (SU) Library, August 26.

Javan Lev Poblador, a third year student taking up Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering is the pioneering president of AYEJ. In an interview with The NORSUnian (TN), Poblador said it is a privilege to be the first president of an environmental association since he has been an active environmental advocate for four years, now.

“I feel pressured and overwhelmed at the same time. Although the expected responsibilities could be heavy, it’s always worth it when you’re doing it for something you love [environment],” he said.

Other officers elected were: Jerlyn Manila as vicepresident from St. Paul Un ive rs it y - D u mag u e te (SPUD); Blessie Andus as secretary from Foundation University Preparatory

Founder of CAMP SEWI, Val Amiel Vestil (left) together with AYEJ president, Javan Poblador(right)

Academy (FUPA); and Chrisse Martha Gillesania as financial officer from SU. Val Amiel Vestil, the founder of Camp SEWI: Students Environmental Writing Initiative and AYEJ stated, “I didn’t want Camp SEWI to be one of those one

time, big time projects. I wanted it to be sustainable.

“So the camp is actually only the springboard to the real score which is setting up an environmental news network of young journalists who write, edit, and distribute

environmental stories to the local paper. We basically want to increase demand by providing supply. The dream, really, is to become the Reuters, AFP, or Associate Press of the environment,” Vestil added.

Photo by Irish Mae S. Cuaresma

BPI to Norsunians: Save money

SAVE AND BE SECURED. BPI Business Manager Gary Rosales discusses the importance of saving money to the Norsunians during the seminar at CNPAHS AVR.

IRISH MAE S. CUARESMA Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) urged Norsunians the main value of saving money through the “Financial Education Series” talk at the College of Nursing, Pharmacy, and Allied Health Sciences-Audio Visual Room, September 8.

BPI’s Financial Education Series seminar THE ONE/ from page 6 I’ve reconsidered taking her to the police station.

But she continued walking.

But she kept on asking the same question and proceeded walking. She cried again. And

embraces the Introduction to Financial Literacy, Resiliency, and Savings, Convenience Banking, Investment Trust and Mutual Funds, and Planning for Retirement and Wealth Transfer which basically explained the importance of saving.

BPI-Perdices branch business manager Gary Rosales said the seminar aims

to educate, encourage, and teach Norsunians on how to manage their funds that will help them go into the habit of saving money. “This seminar really helps the Norsunians to let them be aware what investment is in the real sense, and saving is a stepping stone,” he said.

Accountancy student Raysheil Joy Peregrino said the seminar helps her to be

financial literate and teaches her how to plan for investment in the future expenses.

The symposium was open to all Norsunians, and initiated with the coordination of NORSU Student Government (SG).

BPI is the first banking institution to conduct financial education to Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) students.

I was just there—shunned after a very close encounter with God. She was asking for help. God was asking for help.

But I can’t help her. Or I chose not to.

I’ve seen lots of the faces

of God but this time, it made me vulnerable. Growing to a fact that God does not exist anymore in most people as they’ve been conceited and vain is one of the reasons why I seldom extend help.

My excuse is disappointing. It is.

Now, I could see how I am very much like her—walking in a very dangerous road getting wearier and wearier finding my sole purpose.

Spearheaded by the College of Arts and ScienceStudent Government (CASSG), the Mister and Miss CAS ‘17 participated in the outreach program on August 28, at Casa Esperanza, Bantayan, Dumaguete City.

The event was done in the morning, comprising of different activities such as the introduction of candidates, presentation of talents with the children, and the feeding program.

At least one outreach activity shall be done prior to the pageant date and is done annually to empower candidates, and to make them see the actual situations of the citizens in the community.

CAS Governor Nurhima Hassan expressed her gratitude for all the people who made the activity a success, and expressed her hopes to go back for another outreach program for the children.

“Thankful kaayo ko nga successful ang outreach, to the candidates, sa ilahang participation. The officers really did their duties.

Thankful pod kaayo ko sa Casa Esperanza kay welcome VPAPD/ from page 1 the SUC, as well as to create a system of accountability for all fund administrators.

As discussed in the meeting, there is a problem on the budget utilization where Yasi mentioned, “Dako kaayo ang naa sa budget proposal pero hinay kaayo ang utilization.”

In an interview with Rene Boy Catubig, University Budget Officer they were able to determine the 27 stages in the procurement process creating the delay of several procurement requests.

To find solution on this, the team benchmarked in the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Bayawan City invited by Mayor Pryde Henry Teves and in Cebu Normal University (CNU) with the chief administrative officer of finance.

“Ang sa CNU pareho man ta so medyo gamay lang and ulusbon, mga templates ug forms… ang sa LGU, medyo lahi ang pattern pero maayo gihapon ilaha strategy knowing nga CAMPUS IMAGE/ from page 4 Now, armed with her courage and determination, she will not falter. Despite the many co-curricular activities, she still managed to continue her studies. With all her might, she will do what it takes for her to finish her studies to be able to support her and help her LOOK/ from page 4 already forgiven me.

There’s nothing I can do but learn from mistakes and enjoy life, for life has no u-turns and stop-overs. Life offers us various choices. With these choices, we should think about what we choose many times, like how we look for the x and y during Mathematics class.

Every unplanned choice

kaayo mi didto,” Hassan said.

Mark April Mapeso, the male representative of the Computer Science Department said, “Proud ko kaayo sa ako self kay nakahimo ko og palipay sa mga bata and ako pod kay nalipay. Wala ko kay gaexpect nga ingon ato sila ka malipayon despite sa ilang problems and I want to do it again if naa’y chance.”

John Michael Apao, male representative of the Social Science Department stated, “The La Casa Esperanza experience has changed a big part of me. It’s my first time visiting such institution which accepts the less fortunate and homeless young children and women.”

Mass Communicators Society (MCS) president, Chrismae Joy Roque said, “Ang usa ka pageant, dili ra na sa unsa ba ka ka-gwapa, talented, or bright, you need to have a good character…

Dapat dili ra sila concern sa school but also sa mga external issues na gaka hitabo.”

Casa Esperanza is a residential care facility providing temporary shelter to individuals, mostly women and children, in a crisis situation. maka-produce sila sa money needed less than a month,” Catubig said.

Also, the Supply and Budget Office provided forms that require specifications for a more detailed PPMP and PRE such as the Requisition Details, Equipment Request Form, Property/Equipment Return Slip, Waste Material Report, Inventory and Inspection of Unserviceable Property, and the new Annual Procurement Plan version 2017.

With the help of these specifications Catubig said, “Ang [Bids and Awards Committee] BAC Secretariat Office nay bahala na mo-cater sa [Purchase Request] PR until ma [Purchase Order] PO siya … Dili na sila muhulat pa sa offices.”

He further said, “Pagsugod sa 2018, dapat sugod na og utilize.”

There will be a budget hearing on September 20 to 22 letting all heads of offices to defend their budget proposals. family.

Rhea always thought that even odds are quite cruel sometimes, but she will not easily get discouraged. She just vowed to herself that she will continue her journey in order to reach her aspirations in life and to make everyone who loves her, proud. puts us into actions with corresponding consequences, and every consequence may change our lives forever.

Miss Take is a gradwaiting student who loves to eat and listen to brokenhearted songs, and plans to study again to pursue her dream of becoming an engineer.

Photo by Marco Paolo B. Ramirez

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BACKPAGE

VOL XXXV ISSUE NO 13-14 | AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 08, 2017

Studes demand gym’s roof repair DEMAND FOR RESTORATION. Regardless of the possibility of accidents due to the low maintenance of the roof, students are still using the gymnasium.

ELMARK JADE C. IGNACIO

In view of its major use for various school activities, a number of Norsunians appeal to the university admin to renovate the roof of NORSU Sports and Cultural Complex.

Mary Rufunzel Amposta, a senior elementary education

student said, “Sa first year pa ko, ing-ani jud ako makit-an, naa juy tulo.

Ingon ani jud ang scenario nga magdanaw diri sa atubangan.”

“Unta ang mga officers [admin] makat-on pud sila’g renovate ani [roof ] kay dako biya og tabang ang gym labi nag naay celebration,” she added.

NORSU Tigers women’s volleyball team Captain Gadfrea Sanoy said, “Disturbo siya para namo [during rainy days] kay gagamit mi sa court and delikado siya. Ma slide ug ma disgrasya niya mi.”

“Angay na siya nga i-repair kay naay uban diri magklase ug ang mga athlete diri mag-practice,”

NORSU records new REE, RME passers Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) marked 64.71 percent in Registered Electrical Engineering (REE) and 63.64 percent in Registered Master Electrician (RME) Licensure Examination, September 2017.

Out of 17 examinees from NORSU, 11 passed the REE; and the C ollege of Engineering

and Architecture (CEA) publicized 10 names: Florante Alabado, Allan Alviola, Nolianne Jhon Añosa, Mark Alnacer Magcanta, Anthony R amon Gonzales III, John Gerard Palateo, Ebran Gerard Palateo, Arnel Jaime, Ed Mark Flores and Anthony R andolph Pablo.

Meanwhile, f ive examinees representing NORSU passed the RME out of 11, one of them f rom

NORSU–Bais Campus.

The four passers f rom the Main Campus are: Joel L atoy, Ehtyl Cres Kirit, Georey Tajada, Joy Joey Tubilag, and Felix Pis-an.

There are now 2, 807 out of 4, 460 registered electrical engineers; and 2, 643 out of 3, 864 are now registered master electricians nationwide after the exams were given in the first week of S eptember 2017.

CLIMATE/ from page 3 debate is useful when looking at major social problems, society must eventually move on and actually address the issue.

We cannot afford to have leaders who turn a blind eye towards this climate crisis we

were all responsible for in the first place.

Scientists are already shouting with facts that corals are dying; forests are burning and ice melting.

Earth is sick and in trouble, and the people should know. It is being

proven time and time again that climate change is real and it is here.

People have been paying the price of the climate crisis and the cruelest insult to those suffering would be to pretend it is not happening.

Photo by Ma. Angelica G. Ho

KENNETH CARLORIO S. SURILLA

FUTURE EDUCATORS. Pinning Ceremony held at the NORSU Gymnasium with the presence of CEd and OSM students and their parents with pride and joy for their children last August 29.

Lylva Liman, a junior accountancy student said.

“Mura pud tag maulaw sa ubang schools kay diri kalagmitan i-held ang mga events,” she further said.

Another Norsunian Frances Monique Antonio requested an immediate action before it worsen; it is very distracting and displeasing to any instances

the gym is being occupied.

As a venue for different local and national events, a junior accountancy student, Camel Torres said the university gym must be repaired, “Tapakan tong mga buslot kay it is convenient man pud sa mga students.”

It was learned that a total of P1.5 million fund from the General

Appropriation Act (GAA) of Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) will be allocated in pursuance to the restoration of the university sports facility.

University engineer Michael Saga said, if there would still be a remaining budget the roof will just be patched with elastomeric sealant.

As mandated by Republic Act 9003, also known as Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, the open dumpsites are now deemed illegal; thus, requiring local government units (LGUs) to establish sanitary landfills.

Moreover, it is stated in Section 17 of Chapter III, Article I that “… sanitary landfill sites shall be developed and operated as a final disposal site for solid and, eventually, residual wastes of a municipality or city or a cluster of municipalities and/or cities. Sanitary landfills shall be designed and operated in accordance with the guidelines set under Sections 40 and 41 of this Act.” In an article published in The Freeman, the Environmental Management Bureau-Region 18 (Negros

Island Region) issued notices of violations to all local government units in Negros Oriental, except Bayawan City, for failure to establish sanitary landfills in violation of RA 9003.

C a lugc ugan s aid t he sur ve y te am w i l l prep are an Eng ine er ing G e ote chnic a l and G e ohazard Ass essment R ep or t under Mines and G e os ciences Bure au, fol low ing t he proto cols b as e d on t he s aid ac t.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ablong plans to consider Local Climate Change Action Plan to the said project.

As of press time, the project is awaiting for the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the LGU of Pamplona and Negros Oriental State University (NORSU).

student said, “I was thinking na since graduating na pod ko, chance na nako ni magextend sa akong help to save sa atong environment.”

The volunteers spent almost four hours cleaning the area and collected more than 10 sacks full of garbage, including cigarette butts, single-used plastics, and junk food wrappers.

Local resident Baltazara Piñero, 56, said trash may be clear for that day but litters

along the shoreline will keep coming back.

Piñero stressed out, the last time a garbage truck was able to pass by their area was almost two months ago.

According to the Ocean Conservancy and McKinsey Center for Business and Environment studies, roughly 8 million tons of plastic is dumped into the world’s oceans every year, and the Philippines ranks as top three plastic dumper.

NORSU Geo Dept to assess Pamplona for landfill CARYL J. SAPEPE

Physics and Geology Department of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) will conduct an inspection for the proposed sanitary landfill site in the municipality of Pamplona, Negros Oriental.

The area in Sitio Talirocon, Barangay Magsusunog is “very convincing as a proposed sanitary landfill,” said geologist Joel Calugcugan who already conducted a preliminary investigation during the department’s first consultation meeting with Pamplona Local Government Unit on August 22.

Physics and Geology Department chairperson Delilah Ablong disclosed that Pamplona-LGU requested assistance from the department in August for the proposed 6.3 hectare site.

50 CEA from page 1 of Student Government ,”he added.

Fearn Anne Acibo, founder of Swim and Save, a group that aims to clear up trash seen on coasts said aside from cleaning, the activity also wishes to engage the youth to help advocate for the environment and sensitize their minds about threats on marine life as well.

One of the volunteers, Mailene Tabotabo, a computer engineering