The NORSUnian Vol XXXIV Issue 15 & 16

WE WRITE FOR YOU. WE FIGHT FOR YOU. VOL XXXIV ISSUE NO 15-16 SEPTEMBER 26-OCTOBER 2, 2016

EXPANDING EXCELLENCE. With only two buildings and a lot of space to spare, the Bajumpandan campus, also known as MC2, is home to the best engineering programs and criminal justice education, not only in the region but also in the country which the country(Photo by Jay Mark T. Umbac).

Kenneth Carlorio Surilla

Due to the delayed release of Students’ Grantsin-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (SGP-PA) monthly allowance, a Norsunian scholar suffered health complications and poor academic performance as appealed by a concern citizen on social media.

The SGP-PA scholar, who requested to keep her identity hidden, caught the sympathy of the local netizens after a photo of the said scholar lying on her deck covering her head with a pillow with an intravenous (IV) rig connected to her was posted in a Facebook group Bid for me dated September 4.

The post shared by Avelex Amor addressed the delay of the release of the scholarship’s monthly allowance amounting to Php3,500.

“I am appealing to the President of NORSU to please facilitate the release of their monthly allowance. Two months na intawon wala sila naka-receive sa ilang allocation,” the post read.

Moreover, the post revealed the student has not eaten for several days except for cooked rice and salt.

In an interview with TN, Amor, who is also the landowner of the scholar’s rented space said, “I could not really diagnose.

The patient has fever, probably gastritis and UTI.” According ly, due to the delay, the student has compromised her studies and basic needs as well.

More so, the student also experiences constant vomiting.

To protect the student’s privacy, Amor did not allow any outsiders to visit the student.

OVERDUE...to page 5

FSG to pursue student programs Irish Mae S. Cuaresma

E n taili n g pursuance of upcoming student activities and programs, the NORSU Board of Regents (BOR) ratified the Federation of Student Governments (FSG) General Appropriations Act (GAA) during the board meeting held in Manila on September 1.

The FSG-GAA c on s t it ut e s b u d g e t s a n d activities projected to provide for student activities and programs coming from the different student governments (SGs) of NORSU. According to Genesis Dimatulac, GAA author and speaker of the FSG House of Repres entatives (HR),

Limson pushes MC2 Bajumpandan headway Mary Joy C. Llorente

Thrusting Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) to become nationally and internationally acclaimed, the new administration of University President Joel P. Limson is funding on upgrades and procurements intended to de velop Main C ampus 2

Bajumpandan.

Wi t h a l o t o f p l a n s headway for NORSU– Bajumpandan, Limson disclosed in an inter view with The NORSUnian (TN) there will soon be “building facilities in Bajumpandan.”

“We need to put up a very good dormitory with international standards so we could accept foreign students

and [they would] study here in NORSU.” Limson added.

According to him, with this aspect, maritime education which is currently in its final stage preparation will be fully implemented.

L i m s o n , h o w e v e r, cited the program will be restored after Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) assessment assuring students

who will be enrolling in the program that “they [students] will not experience the same experience” as before.

On the other hand, Av i a t i o n M a n a g e m e n t Program will soon be transferred to Bajumpandan with new classrooms, bigger buildings for engine planes and a hangar.

LIMSON...to page 5

Lack of computers irks CIT studes

Francesca Nicole E. Divinagracia

W it h o n l y 2 4 c ompute r u n it s , C ol l e ge of Industrial Technolog y (CIT) students complain on the scarcity of computers affecting their regular learning experience in the university.

Computer Technology President Ferdie Andalabae said, “Kailangan gud namo ng mga computers samot na sa among majors kay if naa mi mga activities ug projects ma-delayed mi og pass ug

the SGs of the colleges of the main and external c ampus es are now g iven the power to withdraw and u s e an a l l o c ate d Php 5 0 , 000 budget p er s emester per SG expedited from the unexpended funds of last year.

Dimatulac pointed out the consensus of the Donna T. Darantinao university president with t he B o ard of R egents to After the col le c t f unds amount ing u n p r e c e d e n t e d to Php200.00 from ever y bombing that killed 14 student. people and injured 70 others In a closed-door meeting in Davao City on with SGDC-1 student leaders, September 2, FSG President Remart Dadan the University disclosed the collection will S e c u r i t y transpire after the board Management secretary releases the new Office (USMO) BOR resolutions. reminds faculty Dadan also disclosed and students of the FSG...to page 5 policies to ensure

madugay mig pass kay maminusan nami.”

There are 665 CIT students from freshmen to senior year who use these computers and a s ection with 37 Senior High School (SHS) students use them for two hours everyday for their subject.

According to Internal Secretar y of C omputer Technology Edilmer Jhon Cayapor, one computer is shared for five persons.

With this as a major concern, Cayapor said some students encounter

CONTRIBUTING FACTOR. Despite the lack of computers in CIT, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) SHS occupy one of the computer labs to accommodate their class worsening the situation.

incomplete grades having no According to second year computer to work on resulting Industrial Technology student to the delayed submission of Michael Tubat, “Lisod gyud LACK...to page 5 their projects.

USMO strengthens security policies

ON WEIGHING THINGS

LOGICAL INTUITION opinion|see page 2

university diary

peace and safety.

In an interview, USMO Director Rosalinda Abellon shared her sentiments regarding the recent explosion that has caused uproar all over the Philippines.

“Although kabalo ta nga peaceful ang Davao, we should not downgrade the security and safety of the place.”

In response to the alarming occurrence, Abellon said security in the

UNLOADED BURDEN FEATURE|see page 3

university are maintained with strict policy reinforcement.

Furthermore, according to Abellon, the cooperation of the students is very important when it comes to the no I.D. policy and must be considered especially during major examinations.

“Kabalo man ta nga tanan jud nga universities kay needed ang I.D. to make sure nga ang mosulod sa atong eskuwelahan kay part

ra sa NORSU family.”

Meanwhile, Dhapnie Cataluna, a Pharmacy student and a resident of Zamboanga who witnessed a war scene back in her hometown, expressed her fear regarding the attack in Davao.

“Alarming siya ug makahadlok. Gi-unhan na baya ang Davao and walay sigurong anaa pay isunod.

Dili ta sure nga ma-solve ni USMO..to page 6

DICTATED EXAMS UNIVERSITY POLL

BACKPAGE|see page 6

Photo by Jaymark T. Umbac

Overdue SGP-PA grant risks scholar’s health

OPINION

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VOL XXXIV ISSUE NO 15-16 SEPTEMBER 26-OCTOBER 2, 2016

EDITORIAL

From dreams to death

Last August 23 in Pangasinan, 5-year-old Danica Mae Garcia was shot dead by two unidentified gunmen—the bullet intended for her grandfather pierced her head instead.

A week later in Guihulngan City, Althea Barbon, 4, was also shot while riding a motorcycle with his father who was trying to escape the police from a buy-bust operation. She passed away two days later.

They have been part of the inexcusable casualties of the present government’s war on drugs. The campaign, which has gained nationwide support, has stepped the offensive against drugs notches higher—as we have seen many arrests (and deaths) of drug personalities—and the thousands that have surrendered with the Oplan Toktok Hangyo (Tokhang).

But while there is no argument to the campaign’s motives of removing the threat to safety and security posed by drug use, in enforcing the campaign, it must also be the utmost priority of the state to prevent the deaths of innocent lives it should protect.

Danica Mae’s death was due to the action of vigilantes, and the government should do more than wash their hands over the matter. There must be a total crackdown against vigilantes and private armies, and stricter implementation of gun laws.

The State should exert all efforts to maintain the rule of law, not of men.

“We regret to know that a life was crossed and it’s sad that just like in any other operation, she [Althea] was made a collateral damage,” said Superintendent D’Artagnan Katalbas, chief of the Guihulngan City police in an interview with ABS-CBN. Police operations must also be planned well and executed with extreme caution, as lives may be at stake. The police failed to take note of Althea’s presence in the scene when they conducted their buy-bust operation, as such, bullets (which, according to the police, was meant to prevent her father, Alrick Garcia, from escaping) that hit her father went all the way through and also hit Althea, who was riding in front. But this could have been prevented if the police monitored Garcia’s possible escape routes, including his escape vehicle.

Finally, the war on drug must be waged at the source.

Killed pushers will be replaced by those who need to make ends meet, as such the only way to end it is to strike at the head. The ongoing efforts to get rid of the drug operations in the New Bilibid Prison is indeed laudable, but more can be done. Customs must beef up against smuggling, especially the smuggling of drugs from international cartels and of guns which arm the vigilantes.

It is truly tragic; yet Danica, Althea, and all innocent lives that were lost in this war on drugs are more than just collateral damages. As the bullet made its way through Danica’s head, dreams and a full life ahead were gone, in an instant. This has to stop.

On weighing things “Regarding Mary Jane Veloso, follow your own laws.

I will not interfere.”

The statement released by President Rodrigo Duterte in a conversation with Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo stirred various reactions after an Indonesian news agency Antara disclosed that Duterte gave a “go signal” with regards to the execution of Veloso who was allegedly smuggling illegal drugs in Indonesia last 2010. The media has greatly influenced people’s stand on global and local issues which tells us that seeing the bigger picture enables us to weigh things better.

B a s i c a l l y, P r e s i d e n t Duterte’s statement was broadly stated and misunderstood as an agreement to the judgment made by the Indonesian government on listing Veloso under execution due to her involvement in illegal drugs.

If only the media was present during the whole conversation and the Indonesian president could remember Duterte’s words in verbatim, the information and its interpretations could have been different. Nevertheless, cases like this should not be taken for granted as it does not only endanger the life of Veloso who Filipinos believe was a

Freedom from misery

As a fan of organic ingredients and an environmental advocate, I would probably start making organic mosquito repellants and sell it to my friends especially to those who love to go outdoors because once more, mosquitoes are the Philippines’ most ‘unwanted’ creature these days.

DOH recently released a report of six more cases of Zika virus in the Philippines, making a total of nine cases

documented so far. Seven of the patients are from Iloilo City, one from Cebu City, and one from Laguna province. DOH spokesperson Eric Tayag, wasn’t even surprised when he heard the news since the aedes aegypti mosquito (carrier of the Zika and Dengue virus) is found throughout the country.

The virus must have already reached us but we’re not sure as of yet.

Zika is scary as much for what we don’t know about

victim of drug trafficking, but also to those who were denied of the right to due process and right to life.

However, the statement could have stood for Duterte’s fight against illegal drugs which has been fully enforced by officials in the country, putting us under the state of lawlessness.

In fact, the Indonesian court is depending on the final verdict on Veloso’s recruiter who was jailed for involvement in drug case. It is commendable that Indonesia observed due process of the law. Furthermore, it is fair for Filipinos involved in illegal drugs to be investigated for their alleged crime, regardless of where they are in the world. Both countries ought to do their roles in enforcing the laws.

Despite the war against illegal drugs which has been destroying the lives of people and families, I would still assert the right of every person to life.

The essence of survival lies with saving oneself or others, and securing people’s welfare is one of the basic roles of the government. The President upholds every Filipino citizen even during his first years in

public office. But it seems that upholding the Filipino people has its exceptions, just because of criminal allegations, the law can exclude your right to life. However, the right to due process has also consequently been denied and taken advantage by the country’s justice system, prolonging investigations and reconsiderations, while time has been wasted and justice denied.

Aside from right to life, the processes of the justice system should also have been taken into consideration.

With the recent proceedings of drug related cases versus extra-judicial killings which have been mixed with a drop of political strategies and tactics, the face of our justice system has been tarnished and the people are suffering its bitter reality.

Whichever sides we stand, let us hope for a better country and pray that these people we elect in office realize the weight of trust they unconsciously carry on their shoulders. Protecting people’s welfare is protecting people’s lives and leaders should live from that. (With reports from globalnation.inquirer.net)

the virus as it is for what we do know. Aside from being primarily spread by mosquito bites, it can also be passed on through sex.

And the unborn babies are most at risk. Zika virus is associated with birth defects that includes microcephaly, which causes the baby’s head and brain to shrink, leading to developmental abnormalities.

To fight this virus, DOH has called to strictly implement the “4S strategy” in every household. It involves 1. searching and destroying mosquito breeding places, 2. self - protection measures like using insect repellant, etc. 3. seeking early consultation for skin rashes, fever, and joint pains or red eyes, and 4. saying “yes” to fogging when there is an impending outbreak.

Mosquito breeding grounds you say? Well, hello dumpsite at the back of the Science and Technology building, stagnant waters all

over the campus, lack of functioning electric fans inside the classrooms, and the pile of unused (or maybe broken) computers at the 4th of CAS building. It’s hard not to get alarmed not because the virus spreads easily, but because our messy and sloppy surroundings make us more vulnerable to the these.

As a student, we can take part in this combat against the “explosive pandemic potential.” By simply being responsible with our own trash, we help in reducing garbage around the campus.

We can also decline thru single using plastics that may clog the drainage and become potential breeding rigs for mosquitoes. The spread is rapid but nothing beats a collaborative action of responsible individuals that aim to protect not just themselves but the future generations as well.

FEATURES

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CAMPUS IMAGE

Photo by Neil Ryan F. Saraña

Art by Jameel E. Daksla and Jonel Baligasa

VOL XXXIV ISSUE NO 15-16 SEPTEMBER 26-OCTOBER 2, 2016

Irish Mae S. Cuaresma

From Ancient to Modern Greece Donna T. Darantinao

Far and wide, Greek mythology awed the people with its out-of-this-world stories and of course, we could never forget the Greek Gods and Goddesses who have already built their characters inside our heads. And if you think that these deities have only lived on top of Mount Olympus and influenced the lives of people during the ancient Greek era, then think again.

Because the first semester for this school year is nearing its end, you may have probably observed some Greek Gods and Goddesses who have secretly transmigrated into many of the people who you know within the premises of Negros Oriental State University.

Zeus, God of Lightning Zeus-dent is what you call the leader of leaders. With a temper as fast as the speed of lightning, you wouldn’t dare to trigger it. But he is very good with any task assigned to him, and you would strongly respect him for that. He leads any organization that he chooses to join in.

Hades, God of Death Hades? Well, Hades-not want to mingle too much, but he has friends. He is really moody, and he is not into social groups unlike Zeus. He can be a little persistent at times, and his interests might repel you unless

you are equally eccentric as he is.

Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt Artemis-tic is the new counterpart to “Miss Independent”. She definitely needs no man. She is your athletic kind of gal who handle things smoothly on her own.

Dionysus, God of Wine and Celebration Have you ever met a partygoing student who does a lot of loony things? Well, that is Dionysus for you. Just invite him to any celebration, and expect a full “yes” without a “no” in the option.

Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth You will never Hestia-tate telling all your sentiments or some tragic love story towards the world. She will listen to you all the way, and although she is the shy type of gal, she is smart and adventurous.

Aphrodite, Goddess of Love and Beauty

Art by Joemar B. Villarejo

UNIVERSITY DIARY

Unloaded Burden Story of Oneka

She’s gorgeous, and there’s no doubt about it. Aphrodite is the kind of student who can be the “It Girl” in any organization or even the whole university.

She’s extremely outgoing and loves everyone as much as everyone loves her.

Demeter, Goddess of Harvest All hail Demeter, the great environmentalist with a goal of saving the earth from the destructive hands of man. She likes everything green. She’s simple and the kind of person who knows how to be contented with what she has.

Hermes, God of Communication And the People’s Choice Award goes to Hermes! He knows everybody just as much as he knows each of them from name to motto. He’s the happy-go-lucky, energetic kind of student.

Athena, Goddess of Wisdom and War

“Fight for what you believe in” is just the quote that would surely describe her. Athena is the smart girl in class who would definitely ace exams. You might not be friends, but your respect for the lass reaches the heavens.

Narcissus, the Cursed DemiGod And the commonly found Greek Mythology character in the campus is no other than the vain Narcissus. He faces his front camera too much, and a day without a #selfie is like a year without rain. Well, so much for being Narcissustic.

With more than a hundred Greek Mythology characters, the list could barely account them all. But be keen, for these deities may have dominated the body of your classmates, friends, or even you. After all, the twenty-first century doesn’t close its doors to the ‘what has been’.

The saying, “What hurts you today, makes you stronger tomorrow,” taught me to continue my journey despite the obstacles that I encountered in life. There are times when I want to end my life, but I realized that God has better plans in store for me.

My mother married thrice. She had a daughter with her first husband, but their relationship didn’t last long. They didn’t end up together. While my mom was looking for a job, she met a guy who happened to be my father. My parents shared a couple years of happiness. As a fruit of their undying love for each other, they had two kids, and I would be the third because I wasn’t born yet at that time.

Our family lived joyfully, but happiness turned into sheer melancholy in just a blink of an eye. My father made a mistake, and he just abused mom when he was confronted about it. His rudeness made her decide to cut the ties between them.

After few months, mom unfortunately discovered she was pregnant. She told my dad about it, trying to get back with him for my sake, but he rebuffed it. Mom did not know what to do and thought about having me aborted, but I am so lucky because she decided to raise me alone with her parents.

I was exactly born on Christmas day. Mom left me in an orphanage, because she wanted to look for a job in Manila. All I can remember

He goes for a walk around the campus as he finds tranquility on a Sunday afternoon. Clad in a regular t-shirt, this fair skinned lad enjoys pondering for his future — his future as a licensed engineer.

Af te r he f i n ishe d h is pre s cho ol e du c at i on i n Guihulngan City, his parents decided for their family to move to Batinguel, Dumaguete City. His mother, Lolita Cañada, currently works as an assistant librarian at Metro Dumaguete College while his father, Elydel Cañada, works as a driver at Landbank Dumaguete.

He spent his elementary school years at West City Elementary School. He spent his first and second years of momentous high school life at Ramon Teves Pastoral Memorial-Dumaguete Science High School (RTPMDSHS). Things got uneasy for his Technolog y and Livelihood Education (TLE) subject and got a grade of 84.

He had no choice but to transfer and spent his 3rd and 4th remaining high school years at Colegio de Santa Catalina de Alejandria (COSCA).

He admitted the fact that there are times when he would choose not to pay attention to his teachers since he had been taught in an advanced curriculum and the topics had been taken up way back in his science high school years.

It turned out to be a sort of review for him. Throughout these years, he was recognized as Best in Math and Best in Science in his classes that made him to gain four medals.

He started exploring his college life at Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) in 2010, taking up Bachelor of Science in Geothermal Engineering that focuses on renewable energy. He is now the president of Philippine Association of Geothermal Engineering Students and a member of Societas since 1st year college.

Back when he was still a freshman engineering student, he felt no pressure on his studies until he became a sophomore student. He failed in Physics 1 that made him realize to strive more. Since then, he has never come to experience failing in any subject again. This made him the only 5 th year regular student of BSGE this year.

He is Francis Miguelo Cañada. He is the second and youngest child of the family who was born on the 14th day of August, 1994. He wants to work at Energy Development Corporation (EDC) or other geothermal companies abroad if given chances. is, I had a great childhood in the orphanage; however, it was closed because of some pressing issues and we were forced to go back to our family. My grandma was the one who took care of me after leaving my old home.

Years later, I heard stories about my mom who married another man and had two kids. Hearing such hearsay was really agonizing on my part. How could she be happy with her new family without even thinking about coming back for me? I still have this hatred inside of me, and I am not sure if I still want to see her. The things, which my grandma did for me, should have been hers.

But I realized my grandma also despised me.

She told me I am a lowly

creature; she degraded my womanhood. I have been carrying this pain for 17 years now.

My Grandma’s friend offered to send me to school, so I was brought here in Dumaguete. I told her everything that happened, and she ended up crying after hearing my story. She promised to take care of me and to possibly give everything as long as she could.

I don’t want to go back. I don’t want to experience the excruciating pain that I felt back then. I may not have a complete family, but I’m still lucky because there are people who care and love me.

Oneka is an education student who looks really serious in person.

FEATURES

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Art by Jonel Baligasa

Art by Jameel E. Daksla and Emmanuel D. Manlun-uyan

UNIVERSITY DIARY

VOL XXXIV ISSUE NO 15-16 SEPTEMBER 26-OCTOBER 2, 2016

Better thirsty than worse Story by Altair

A Unique Heritage through Arts Narlyn R. Mascardo

Photo by Ma. Angelica G. Ho

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, they say.

Unfortunately, water is breakfast for me especially when I have to rush in order to catch things up.

My class in a major subject starts at seven o’clock in the morning. I usually go for a drink at the drinking fountain by the open court after that class. As I stepped on the pedal, the water flew at a very disappointing angle. I had to move my lips closer to the pipe, nearly kissing the metal. After some moments of tiresome gulps and struggle for a quenching victory, I released the pedal and proceeded to the classroom.

I did not take my lunch, not because I have no money to spare but because I was lazy to go back to my apartment. And I had to take care of some tasks. I ignored the mild pain in my stomach, thinking it was just hunger. It continued to growl as I went to my 1 o’ clock class in the afternoon.

My instructor gave us a surprise exam, and it was effectively surprising because he did not tell us something about giving one.

My stomach was already giving me discomfort, and the irritation converted into real pain.

I managed to answer half of the exam, but the pain inside was like bullets attempting to free themselves. I continued to move my pen but the discomfort in my stomach moved lower and lower like something ugly was about to explode and ruin my image and social life.

“It’s down there—I need to go home,” I exclaimed in my thought.

I aimlessly answered the last part of the exam and passed the paper to my instructor as natural as I could. After hastily passing to the exit door, I was like running from hell.

It was good that my apartment was near to the university, and I bet I could have beaten the fastest athlete of NORSU a dashing speed to the comfort room. And alas! Struggle surpassed.

I blame the drinking fountain for the result of my exam. I wonder if someone also had the same situation as I had — LBM. After that, I will never drink at the fountain again, even if they still claim it clean.

Altair is a student of College of Arts and Sciences. He always snubs almost everyone and sarcastically doesn’t want to be famous.

CAMPUS IMAGE Syriyl Mae D. Mapili

All throughout the millennia, art has been a talent that is harnessed not only by a few hands but millions of skillful people all over the globe. Even in Negros Oriental, countless talents are bound to be discovered and unraveled.

Arts may seem to be just a simple way of life during the ancient Filipino times, such as carving on stones or woods, and even through the pottery and murals found on the habitats of our early forefathers. But it is more than what meets the eye.

Art can also be a medium in tracing the cultural heritage of every place in about two hundred countries situated around the globe.

and bond the provinces of Negros Oriental and Occidental.

Since VMC wanted imaginative artists to take part of their advocacy and discover imaginative artists, it magnified its Negros-wide search in commemoration of their recent unification as the Negros Island Region (NIR).

Negrenses’ talents at their finest Filipino artists have already showcased their amazing talents in the things that they do every day even prior to the modern era.

Their mere mural paintings would still showcase their innate skills.

According to bayanihan. org, Norsunians — namely Ira Kaye Osumo, and Karlo Billy Rubia, created a name in the field of arts in 2015 during the 3rd InterSchool Art Competition of Victorias Milling Company Inc. (VMC) with the theme: “We are One”, that delivered a message to support its objectives to uphold unity

MUGNA project on the roll Just recently, Mugna Project was launched in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental as a program that was advocated by the National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA) for NIR. Mugna which means “to create”, aims to link arts to the cultural heritage of the region. Also, it targets the preservation of the region’s distinctive heritage through cultural mapping in which they will trace the cultural heritage in Negros Oriental and Occidental.

“Under the project, an integrated Arts Workshop was conducted for high school and college students from various schools in

Dumaguete City,” Rojan Talita, a member of the Youth Advocates through Theater Arts (YATTA) said, stating the objectives of the MUGNA project. “There will be more projects to be conducted.”

The project has set its eye to the following places; Murcia, Calatrava and Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental and Bais, Amlan and Dumaguete in Negros Oriental. Since NCCA has allotted a budget of P3.2 million, there would be various activities linking to the cultural and environmental preservation of our region’s heritage.

The aforementioned places or sites for the said project will proceed in 2017 to the second level when the archived researches and the maintenance of the program undergo monitoring.

Philippines has a cultural heritage that is worth beholding, as well as talents that deserve pride and recognition. We must let our Filipino brothers and sisters, including you, contribute to the virtual hand that links arts to the

heritage that our forefathers have greatly fought for, simply preserving, promoting our culture through arts, and exposing ourselves to the innovative changes that may transpire in the contemporary period.

Just always remember to never mistake arts as a “sketching” activity only.

Arts include the mere articulation of words, and singing of songs. Do not be afraid of giving your best shot. Most especially, be proud of the Filipino heritage – the Negros heritage!

Note: With reference from Mugna launched in Kabankalan City, thedailyguardian.net

Her ocean-waved hair fell as she gazed down her watch. She realized that it was already time for her to go, so she pushed back her chair, got to her feet and took the plastic container that enclosed four hundred pieces of the cheese sticks she made for that day.

Poverty came knocking her life’s door at a young age.

Her father, a mechanic whose salary is not enough to support them, made her look for other means to support herself. She started doing business during her elementary days. “Kanang bayabas likod sa amo-a,” she recalled, “isulod nako na sa plastik dayon ibaligya.”

Still, she was unable to directly proceed to college after high school. Keeping in mind that they are not from a white-collared family, she

grabbed the opportunity to work as an all-around errand girl at a resort. However, she realized that it was not the life she wanted as years went by. Later on, she worked as a customer service teller. She realized that her desire to study was still burning, so she enrolled herself in Asian College without a second thought. During that time, she began selling cheese sticks to financially support herself and was able to graduate from her own travail.

For t h re e y e ar s , s h e became a call center agent. It was running smoothly until her co-worker reminded her of how it feels like to be a student, asking if she wanted to study again. Wanting to finish a bachelor’s degree, she quitted her job and immediately

enrolled herself in BS Tourism at NORSU. She continuously sells cheese sticks in the university for the sake of financing her studies. “Gasaka-kanaog ko na ga-heels,” she added. “Ga room to room ug paninda sa akong cheese sticks.”

He r d ai l y rout i n e i s consistent from waking up at three o’clock in the morning, to preparing the cheese sticks, to studying, to getting ready for school. She usually goes home early after class for her to have enough time in preparing cheese sticks for the next day, and sleeps at 8 o’clock in the evening.

Wit h h e r h a rd - w or k and dedication to sustain her studies, she was able to find a spot near the gate for her business. Soon, she was

popularly known as “cheese stick girl”.

After everything that she has been through, she sends her words of advice to those students who aspire to be successful. “Mahimo ka na successful kung magsugod ka ug tipon bisag sinentabo,” she said, “ako gani, na-ingnan ko na inot kaayo ko kay bisag makakita ug 25 sintabo sa karsada, puniton gud nako kay kwarta man na.”

This 24-year-old lass from Amlan, Negros Oriental, named Cristel Marie S. Navarro, is now a junior Bachelor of Science i n To u r i s m s t u d e n t .

In all her endeavors, she wholeheartedly gives her gratitude to those who have helped her throughout her toil to finance herself.

VOL XXXIV ISSUE NO 15-16 SEPTEMBER 26-OCTOBER 2, 2016

NEWS

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Mary Joy C. Llorente

C a u si n g i n co n v e n i e n c e to students travelling back and forth from both the pylons of Dumaguete City main campuses, Norsunians from Bajumpandan campus (MC2) appealed the use of the university bus as their transportation vehicle.

According to Criminology student Mary Joy Retes, “Kalas kaayo dayon p ag - ab ot s a MC 2 [ Mai n Campus 2] kay layo paka’g lakawon. Dako jud siya’g ikatabang ug ma-approve sa president [on the use of school bus] samot kay nagkadaghan ang students sa MC2.”

Clint Garnizo, a Civil Engineering student cited the use of the bus will help them in their daily expenses.

“Ang pamasahe sa double ride ipalit nalang unta ug

snacks and school supplies.

Unsa may pulos sa bus nga gatambay ra diha sa MC1?”

Garnizo questioned.

Agreeing with Garnizo, Me c h an i c a l E ng i n e e r i ng s t u d e nt G e or g e Mor a n o expressed, “Para pud unta dili ma-late ang mga estudyante kay kanang uban maghulat sa easy ride dugay kaayo mularga, ma-late sa klasi ug exams.”

When aske d, Income Generating Projects (IGP) D i re c t or Tu l ip F. L op e z encouraged students to “raise that concern to the FSG to ask if they can make a move to that then maybe they can raise that to the President.”

However, Student Regent Remart Dadan acknowledged the possibility of using the school bus. “Oo, pwede nato na mahimo-an ug request magamit ng bus if there are conditions.

Kinahanglan daghan ang

students para dili kalas ug gasoline, there should be an agreement like what time sila mo sakay para mausa ra ug hatod didto sa campus 2 kay ang bus dili raman gud na basta – basta magamit.”

Agriculture student Cyrine Rose Gonzaga stated that in behalf of students in MC2, they are in full support if the request will be made “though it will take time, let us hope jud kay para pud makaless ta” on their daily expenses.

Lopez disclosed that IGP was not given a budget on sending students to MC-2 and that it will cost too much if approved by the President.

For the reason that school bus fee is not included in the students’ miscellaneous fee, IGP set a fixed rate or fare for bus rentals and provided discounts to those students and faculty who only wish to avail for other purposes.

Visayan Forum tackles VAWC, GAD to students

BEAUTIES AND BRAINS. Sarah Mae Torno and Patrick Anthony Perez, won and crowned as the Mister and Miss CAS 2016 together with the previous winners and the CAS’s Dean and acting Dean.

Photo by Ma. Angelica G. Ho

MC2 students urge to use university bus

Limson updates upgrade on speech lab Larry V. Villarin

For almost three years of having a dysfunctional Speech Laboratory, University President Joel Limson revealed an initial plan to purchase a State of the Art Speech laboratory for the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).

L i ms on re ve a l e d t he administration planned to purchase a state-of-the-art Interactive Speech Laboratory to be utilized for CAS speech class.

The president emphasized, “we could not upgrade the technology being used in the Speech Lab like tape recorder since it’s outdated and perhaps we can only use the cubicle.”

To note, in the past years the said laboratory was questioned

since its operation has not been visible to students despite the collection of laboratory fee.

According to last year’s interview conducted by The NORSUnian (TN), Mr. Allan Alagarno disclosed the condition has been placed to the inventory as well as to the supplemental annual procurement plan with an amount of P6M for the proposition of repair of equipment.

Ho w e v e r, L i m s o n acknowledged the previous supplier to have it check if it can still be updated.

The Speech Laboratory located in the CAS building near the registrar’s office consists of 40 desks with he ads ets conne c te d to a specialized table as well as 40 English Communication books

that are supposed to cater speech students.

As a whole Limson stated, “Hopefully, by 2017, we can replace that with the new one.”

Having noted by the plan of the administration, CAS Vice Governor Kate Abitona stressed, “Maayo ang ideya sa admin nga ilang i-upgrade ang Speech Lab busa hinaot unta nga kini ipagamit nila, ang ilang saad nga matuman na gayud dili kay sulti-sultira.”

L i andel Abj elina, a junior Secondary Education (BSEd) English major student, expressed its significance saying, “Mas better jud siya if ma operate na ang speech lab for us English major man jud maka-open siya og new opportunity nga ma develop our skills.”

Dumat-ol said, “Ang pagkakulang sa computers may lead them to delayed projects and by that mo-render sila sa ilang free time sa computer rooms para ma-comply nila.”

Dumat-ol said they [teachers] conduct extension of deadlines for delayed projects because they have few functional computers.

Furthermore, CIT and SHS teacher James Caramonte also said, “Naka-affect jud ni sa ilaha

ang pagkakulang sa computers kay imbis na sa classroom sila mo adto, ang uban adto sa Sky Lib and internet café para maghuman sa ilang mga galam-on.”

He also disclosed the SHS students only use six functional PCs in their class.

CIT students and teachers now appeal to the university administration and the university president to look into this issue and make an action.

to becoming a Center for Engineering and Technology. “ It’s t h e m w h o w i l l be transferred first. They [CIT and CEA] share the same equipment, the same laboratory facilities and the university cannot afford to buy expensive equipment for each of these programs.”

However, Limson clarified that Tourism and Hospitality Management (THM) will have to stay in Dumaguete City – Main Campus 1.

The 50, 935 sq. m. will soon cater more Norsunians in the future under the new administration forecasted by the university president.

and Services (SAS) Director Julio Ventolero and Vice-President for Administrative Planning and Development (VP-APD) Noel Marjon Yasi tapped University President Joel P. Limson and updated the Cashier’s office.

According to them, the delay was caused by the demise of the acting University Cashier Vicenta Chiu, who was the only one who could encash the check of the grant allocation.

“But the president [Limson] already signed the encashment on August 15.

Unfortunately, namatay ang acting cashier nato,” Ventolero said.

On the other hand, Scholarship Office Director Nora Maria Elena Osmeña contacted the provincial Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to investigate this matter.

Meanwhile, the Cashier’s office collectively affirmed Ventolero’s clarification since it involved a huge amount and no one could encash in place of the late acting cashier.

“Dili na siya basta-basta.

Mag-agi pa biya na siya og procedure sa HR (Human Resource) before ma-assign [ a l s o t h ro u g h B o a rd of Regents],” they added.

Photo by Ma. Angelica G. Ho

LACK/from page 1

FIGHT ABUSE! Student leaders convene to promote awareness about gender and development during the iFight seminar with the speaker Mr.Romualdo Dondee Señeres II and Col. Rosalinda Abellon.

Donna T. Darantinao

To end human trafficking and modern slavery, the Visayan Forum together with the Federation of Students Government (FSG), held a seminar about Gender and Development (GAD) awareness and discussed defenses against Violence against Women and Children (VAWC) at the CNPAHS-AVR on September 13.

With selected student leaders from different organization and colleges, students, faculty, and staff, the FSG held the first iFight seminar in NORSU. The seminar raises awareness among the youth in different schools and universities all over the country.

The guest speaker, Visayan Forum Regional Director Mr. Romualdo Dondee Señeres II talked about rampant problems that even professionals can be victimized, including human trafficking and cybercrimes.

“Education is important, as well as public and massive advocacy campaigns. Parents should also be responsible about their children,” Señeres said regarding the online child sexual exploitation which according to him is very endemic especially in third world countries.

Señeres furthered that even in Dumaguete, there are attempts on cybersex extortion and in order to prevent them, he encouraged students to report any form of exploitation.

Gender and Development Director Rosalinda Abellon

discussed about Gender Sensitivity and Equality, focusing on Republic Act 9296 Anti-violence Against Women and Their Children.

Prior to the discussion proper of the speakers, Vice President of Research, External, and International Linkages (VPREXIL) Virginia Lacuesta expressed her delight during her speech.

“It is an initial step and a good move that helps the students to be conscious about Gender and Development, and I give my full support to this very good advocacy,” she said.

Furthermore, the Visayan Forum may hold an iFight Local Summit in Negros Oriental anytime in October providing limited slots to selected leaders of the university.

end of the year they [students] have to fully pay if wala pa sila nakabayad,” he explained.

In addition, the FSG-GAA prioritizes workshops and trainings for colleges.

Dismissed but will later be forwarded to a special committee are budget proposals and from the publication (TN)

and student organizations, fees for fieldtrips and travels from several required courses, and intership fees from special programs.

The SGs of NORSU Guihulngan and NORSU Mabinay are expected to submit their budget proposals until the last week of September.

FSG/from page 1

the probability of collecting Php100 from the students b efore the f irst semester ends.

On the other hand, according to Dimatu l ac, “Mabug-atan man ang students if Php 200 diretso ang ipabayad, so tag Php 100 nalang per semester but at the

kaayo ang among kahimtang dinhi kay maglisod mig catchup sa mga activities then I think murag makulangan mi og knowledge kon kulang mig mga PCs kay major biya namo ni nga subject.”

Furthermore, SHS students who uses the CIT computers regularly shared the same dilemma.

Aware of insufficient computers available, CIT Instructor Precious Babe LIMSON/from page 1

Moreover, Limson also said about the probability of having Industrial Technology (IT) programs in Bajumpandan together with the engineering, architecture, maritime, and criminal justice programs.

With the Engineering L a b o r a t o r y o n i t s w a y, NORSU is currently on track OVERDUE/from page 1

Likewise, the student’s fellow board mates and co-scholars, who also did not want to be named, expressed dismay over the matter. “I-release unta nila in time,” they said.

Furthermore, the students under the grant claim their academic performances are affected by the delay since they are relying primarily on the provision for their allowance and academic expenses.

University admin responds Immediately after the post went viral, NORSU personnel took action on September 5 to address the matter.

Director of Students Affairs

With a percentage rating of 50 percent, six Psychology graduates are now licensed professionals after passing the August 2016 Board Licensure Examination for Psychologists and Psychometricians (BLEPP).

Out of 12 examinees from NORSU, magna cum laude Vanissa D. Arado, together with fellow graduates Karen D. Marin, Myrna B. Alarcio, Lynette A. Aso, Eva Mae L. Arquio, and Mary Jane S. Buenavista passed as licensed psychometricians, as posted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

“Each nga subject nga cover sa exam kay nag struggle gyud ko kay naay bag-o mga theories ug psychological concepts and terms nga na encounter.” Arado shared.

On its third year since its establishment, the board of Psychology is still on the process of formulating standardized questions that would cater the examinees’ purpose, unlike other licensure examinations, that existed for a long time.

PRC announced 3,690 out of 7,312 passed the Psychometrician Licensure Examination given by the Board of Psychology in Manila, Baguio, Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi and Lucena. (LG Raga)

‘I was trying to float an idea’—Limson

After leaders from the student governments cried for fairness on the plan of student regent Hon. Remart Dadan to put up air conditioning units in the College of Business Administration (CBA), University President Joel P. Limson admitted he pitched the idea.

“I was trying to float that idea (putting up air conditioning units) because it is very hot in that [CBA] building.”

However, as he may seem amused by the positive responses of Norsunians for fully air-conditioned classrooms, he added, “If we could do it in all the buildings, why not?”

According to Limson, the plan of putting up air conditioning units would mean additional charges to students and increase in school fees. (SM MAPILI)

CAS extends help to Talay Extending support to the less fortunate, College of Arts and Sciences-Student Government (CAS-SG) conducts a series of outreach programs in Talay Youth Homes in cooperation with IKTHUS for the academic year 2016-2017.

As their chosen beneficiary, Talay Youth Homes located in Barangay Talay, Dumaguete City is an institution for children detained by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for malicious acts.

CAS-SG officers with two representatives per department participates the project teaching kids the Basic English Alphabet and Mathematics.

With the approved General Appropriation Act (GAA), CAS allocated a budget of Php16, 000 for the outreach program. The said program will be administered twice a month and the first outreach event slated last August 27 with the candidates of Mr. and Ms CAS. (L VILLARIN)

Unapproved prov’l budget results to protest

Due to the unapproved 2016 budget of the Province of Negros Oriental from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, a protest in front of the provincial legislative building in Dumaguete City was held on September 5.

Bagong Alyansa Makabayan, together with Piston Partylist, National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW) of Negros Oriental, Kabataan Partylist, AnakPawis Partylist, and Kaugmaon Partylist lead a protest airing their dismay on the pending budget.

The allocated budget will be intended for the province especially to the marginalized sectors by giving them financial assistance for calamities, agricultural benefits, medical assistance and improvement of hospital facilities.

Kabataan Partylist Provincial Coordinator Candido Ebarle emphasized the significant effect of the unapproved budget to the youth, since they are just depending on their parents who are directly affected to it.

With the Kabataan Party List, they aim to exercise the rights of every individual to live and earn a living subsidized by the government and they are hoping for the legislative office to give a clear response on this on-going issue.

On the other hand, Chairman of Kaugma-on Partylist Carlos Sulano expressed his disappointment on the new hospital building which is still inoperative, since they could not provide medicines needed for serious diseases.

Just recently, the board of members’ unanimously approved the provincial budget on September 14. (VILLARIN&SEÑAGAN)

AMiCUS holds medical mission Raya Mariel A. Cadiz

TO MAINTAIN A healthy lifestyle and to avail free health services, Norsunians and the faculty enjoyed the Adventist Ministries to College University Students’ (AMiCUS) medical mission held at the Interfaith area on August 31.

In collaboration with Negros Oriental-Siquijor Mission of Seventh Day Adventist, Health Director Bernie Meniego conducted a unique kind of medical mission in the main campus.

The services provided centered on body-age scanning, wart and mole removal, and Ventosa massage.

Meniego mentioned they conducted it here because AMiCUS members in NORSU are willing to participate.

Ac c ord i ng to ju n i or Information Technology student Shara Faye Arcamo had her wart removed, she said, “Okay ra siya kay bisag sakit at least nay outcome.”

Jean Claudine Sabanal third year Business Administration student shared, “Chada siya, amazing jud, samot na sa patangtang og alom, saki tpero kaya ra. Naka-try sad ko ug Ventosa. Maka-happy kaayo kay talagsa ra biya ni ng naay free.”

History instructor April Smile Piñero said the experience was a good stress reliever. “Hutdon jud nako og try tanan kay para mawala akong stress,” she said while having a Ventosa massage.

Un ive rs it y Phy s i c i an Wevina Fuentes disclosed the Quantum Resonance Magnetic Analyzer scans the whole body and gives report on what the

Norsunians support nat’l emergency Mary Joy C. Llorente

F ollowi n g t h e explosion in Davao City on September 2, Norsunians express support to President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of National Emergency on account of lawless violence in Mind anao, ef fe c t ive September 4.

The blast at Roxas Night Market in Davao City killed at least 14 people and wounded 70. After declaring State of Lawlessness on September 3, Duterte declared State of National Emergency the following day.

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering ( B S EE ) s t u d e n t G r e d e l l Deslate said, “may b e his declaration of the country to b e under t he St ate of National Emergency is what the country needs to solve all the terrorist attacks that we are facing.”

Agreeing with Deslate, Civil Engineering student Jay Asaldo stated, “the country is in a chaotic situation because of illegal drugs, and recently the bombing. I am in support with the President in his declaration if this will help the country.”

Moreover, Psychology student Charity Aberia cited the declaration is timely since “dili na safe karon kay very aggressive na ang mga terrorists.”

B S To u r i s m s t u d e n t Laika Aspara also agreed with the enactment and said it can have negative impacts “atong mga tawo nga naay dautang binuhatan.”

Political Science Professor from the College of Law Jorge Biñas stated because of the said declaration “more police and military presence are visible in the street.”

He als o s aid b ecaus e of the threats of bombing strategic places in the country of the ISIS, Abu Sayyaf Group (ABG), rebels and terrorists, it is rightful to declare state of national emergency as the administration’s preventive measure, and that the b ombing in D avao is an attack to all.

Biñas then calls for the people to be vigilant and be cooperative as the important factor for the declaration’s success.

With the Proclamation No. 55 signed by Duterte before leaving for the 2016 A SE A N Su m m it , A r m e d Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) are ordered to suppress all forms of lawless violence in Mindanao and take all preventive measures to stop crimes from scattering all over the country.(With reports from CNN Philippines and D Darantinao)

Photo by Neil Ryan F. Saraña

Psych dept produces 6 RPm

VOL XXXIV ISSUE NO 15-16 SEPTEMBER 26-OCTOBER 2, 2016

CHECK YOURSELF UP! A Norsunian enjoys the not-so-usual free health services done by AMiCUS together with health counselling from experts.

Wi t h t h i s , A M i C U S body needs for a healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Fuentes also clarified President Mhark Welson the wart removal “is a non- Superal hopes they can conduct the same event next time. invasive procedure.”

USMO...from page 1

dayon kay dili man siya dalidali ra, but I think makaya ra kon magtabanganay si Duterte ug ang uban pa nga mga officials sa gobyerno.”

Moreover, Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) student Michael Prongco said, “What if naa silay

plan nga bombahan ang laing place unya daghan pud bayang mangamatay diba?”

Shania Aranas, a business student, called for unity among Filipinos and opined terrorism should not be used to divert the government’s attention.

Infographics by Javan Lev A. Poblador

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Infographics by Judeel E. Cuevas

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