The NORSUnian 17th Issue 2014 - 2015

BOR nullifies Cabanlit’s suspension, Pelaez’s expulsion Vol.XXXII Issue No. 17

September 22 - 28, 2014

By Francis Ivan G. Ho

The Board of Regents (BOR) has officially nullified the Executive Order issued by University President Don Vicente C. Real suspending Rochie Cabanlit, NORSU faculty association president, and prohibiting Harold Pelaez, Federation of Student Governments (FSG) president-elect, from enrolling in NORSU, through BOR resolutions approved on September 5.

The copies of the BOR Resolutions No. 45 and 52, series of 2014 were posted in the NORSU Federated Faculty Association (NORSUFFA) bulletin board. It explicitly addressed the nullification of NORSUFFA President Roche Cabanlit’s suspension and exstudent leader Pelaez’s expulsion, respectively.

“Resolved, upon consideration of the

Manifestation of Regent Roche L. Cabanlit, and for failure to comply with the provisions of the Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service (RRACCS), notably the approval of the Board of Regents as the disciplining authority, to nullify the Executive Order issued by Dr. Don Vicente C. Real imposing the Formal Charge and Preventive Suspension on Regent Cabanlit,” as stated in BOR Resolution No. 45.

Meanwhile, the BOR Resolution No. 52 entailed “Resolved, to nullify the expulsion of Harold Pelaez because it was based on his self-confessed admission in apparent violation of his constitutional rights against self-incrimination.”

In addition, the BOR Resolution No. 50

MassComm studes join KBP tree planting

By Meljean F. dela Peña

I n l in e w it h t h e celebration of the 3 rd Oplan Broadcastreeing, some Bachelor of Mass Communication students of NORSU joined with the Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) members of Dumaguete City, in planting 100 bitaog seedlings at Barangay Dalakit, Zamboanguita on August 30.

“Bitaog is a beach-type species and a member of the mangrove family which serves as a wind breaker,” Community Development Assistant Eleuterio Calijad said.

Calijad explained the main purpose of planting such seedlings is to protect the coastal residents and its properties from being destroyed by soil erosions. “Iyang gamut lawom kaayo maong kusog jud sya muhawid sa soil,” he added.

Furthermore, he reminded the residents near the beach to take responsibilities in protecting

their areas. “Ang proyekto sa Department of Environment and Natural Resources or DENR og sa uban nga ahensya… og ang tumo og tuyo sa gobyerno nindot kaayo pero dili ni sya successful kun dili mo-support ang community. Dapat magpakabana kay sayang atong effort sama sa pagtanum nato sa ila beach,” he said One of the participants, Edralyn Yunson expressed, “I felt so proud because I was able to help the residents living at Zamboanguita even in just a little way. ” Meanwhile, another mass comm student, Rizalyn Lumapguid shared, “Aside sa nakatabang ko, I was given the chance to work with the real KBP members.”

The said activity was also participated in by some local radio stations including DYEM Bai Radio, DYGB Power 91 FM, DYSR Killer Bee FM, DYMB Energy FM and DYYD YES FM Dumaguete.

Community News

Dumaguete dubbed as one of the world’s best places to retire

requests the NORSU Board of Discipline (BOD) to reinvestigate the case of Pelaez. The resolution includes, “the College of Education Dean, Faculty Treasurer, and the Student Affairs Office Director will inhibit from the active participation in the investigation of the said case unless they are directed or invited by the BOD for clarifications.”

Norsunians react FSG President Daryl Ligan defended Pelaez saying that Pelaez is just a student, and as the current FSG President, he should protect Pelaez’s rights until the results of the reinvestigation comes out.

For Student Government Dumaguete City-I President Rojan Talita, Pelaez

can return and study back at NORSU. “It’s Harold’s constitutional rights, however he needs to undergo reinvestigation and face the consequences, thereafter,” he said.

Meanwhile, students under the Computer Science and Information Technology Department Chair Roche Cabanlit are happy about hearing that the suspension was nullified.

“We are happy about hearing the news…mahuwasan na jud ang burden sa ubang faculty members, maka-function na sila ug tarong and maka-move na among organization,” shared Computer Science Organization President Arlyn Sarita and Information Technology Society President Hendrix Cabañog. (With reports from John Dave V. Laturnas)

CHED, OSG investigate Php 6.8M speech lab proj

By John Dave V. Laturnas

The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has recently conducted an investigation on the P6.8 million speech laboratory project implemented by University President Don Vicente C. Real in the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU)–Bayawan Sta. Catalina Campus.

In an article reported by Dems Rey Demecillo of The Negros Chronicle, the representatives from the OSG and CHED met with the members of the NORSU-Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) to investigate the alleged irregularities in Php6.8 million worth of speech laboratory which was constructed in the Bayawan Sta. Catalina Campus.

In an interview with TN, Real said he was compelled to submit his answers separately to the OSG as well as to the Commission on Audit (COA) regarding the same issue of unapproved procurements.

COA will be handled by Dr. Real’s lawyer and university legal counsel Atty. Cristofeel Bangquirigo while his affidavit in answer to the investigative reports of the representatives from the OSG will be taken care of by his

Dr. Don Vicente C. Real (Photo by Mayette Hanna F. Diez)

lawyer in Cebu whose name he cannot disclose to public.

Real said, “I am answering to two addressees regarding the same issue…one is to COA, and other one is to the Office of the Solicitor General in Cebu.”

The university president also said that with regard to the allegations against his leadership, not a single case was charged of which, he’s been waiting.

“I am waiting for case to be

charged,” was Real’s statement during the interview.

The 2-day investigation was held at the Bethel Guest House Dumaguete City and was attended by the BAC members, Bayawan-Sta. Catalina Campus Administrator Leticia Trayvilla, NORSUFFA President Roche Cabanlit, Supply Officer Glen Lumjod, CARE Center Director Noel Marjon Yasi and other concerned officials. (With reports from The Negros Chronicle)0

NORSU has 2 new BOR members

By Maria Dominique Ferrolino and John Dave V. Laturnas

Rizal Boulevard, one of the most visited places in Dumaguete City. (Photo by Kendrex B. Pael) SEE FULLSTORY ON PAGE 4

C omp l e t i ng t he 11seat highest policy-making body of NORSU are two new members representing the private sector. They are Engr. Ricarte Santos and Atty.

Marcelino Maxino who won the election held during the BOR special meeting on September 5.

Based on the results of the election, Engr. Santos garnered nine out of nine votes while Atty. Maxino got eight out of nine votes.

Santos is a high school alumnus

(Class Valedictorian, Batch 1996) of the Eastern Visayas School of Arts and Trades (EVSAT) that is now Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) and an outstanding alumni of Cebu Institute of Technology.

He is also an international-level manager and a management specialist recognized as “One of PHINMA’s best” by the late Ambassador Ramon V. Del Rosario, who is also the founder of the Philippine Investment Management Incorporated (PHINMA, INC.)

Presently, Santos is the Chairman and CEO of Japlas Injection Moulders Inc., Euro-Access Company Inc., and Uni-Access Company Inc. Meanwhile, Atty. Maxino is a respected lawyer both in the country and in the State of California, USA. He used to be the dean of the School of Law in Foundation University and the President of the same university. To note, he has served as the number one was once recognized as the number NORSU HAS 2... page 3

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Vol.XXXII Issue No. 17

September 22 - 28, 2014

Bounded or Blinded?

Unending allegations, inexhaustible issues, arising conflicts, allies and antis.

What seems to be something to cause a noise barrage from students evidently became so silent. Are we even aware of what is happening? How scattered are our thoughts on issues inside campus?

Negros Oriental State University system constitutes an immense number of 24, 980 students. Only a few of these thousands knew what really is occurring and what our university is undertaking.

Since the beginning of this semester, walloping allegations thrown to the current administration are creating a huge impact to the public. If these assertions are baseless and untrue, then why are they surfacing?

What we have been reading on social-networking sites and hearing on local media are not mere tittle-tattles. Say who cares? As students, we are only sent to school to study.

Now, if you fortuitously met an accident or fall off a building and the pending student insurance fail, who cares? Who cares if the budget planned for NORSU, benefitting projects intended for the student body, won’t be reconsidered for the next BOR meeting?

Thus, some of our student leaders recently appeared in two separate meetings— NORSUFFA and LSO assembly, expressing their stance on issues that involve the administration.

Never in the history of our humble university from its founding grounds, to straw classrooms and now enlisted top performing school in the country, had issues against the administration which brought lengthy problems, to the extent of pleading someone to step down.

During the said meetings, the student leaders urged faculty members to encourage Norsunians to become actively involved. They also addressed that it is right for the students to know the issues circulating around.

In order to attain freedom, our forefathers as one, in pens and in bolos, fought and revolted to recuperate our nation against Spanish tyranny. In all Asia, Philippines became a symbol of freedom, when Filipinos, arms and hands tied together, fought to untangle the tight grip of Marcos. It all recurred when the public seeing irregularities inside the government run by Estrada took a stride of valiance impeaching him from office –people power. All of them were valiant and in faithful conviction, stood their ground on what they believe as right and just.

If so, when will we learn to exercise our student powers? Will we be forever restrained and bounded?

Two definite factions. Both so certain that they could run over the other. What side are you on? The ones who vaguely discuss what they are up to, or those who strongly consider the retaliations of the faculty and the students in general? Those who disobey the highest governing body of the university, or the opposition who creates disputes impeding the tranquility of our university? Will we passively continue to expect better results, without even spending an effort to recover the name of our university? Or together, hearing all these loud noises, seeing these silent brawls, we would act and stand against intolerable fraud and disobedience wearing just armaments and in plea for the unjust to step down?

Well then, take a stand! It is the best time for us to have a stance on what we consider correct and despise the things that contributes to the miscarriage of the university, as a student and as a state scholar.

A blind activist is well better than a blinded student. Go voice out and denounce the untruthful. We are not just students, we are Norsunians!

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

Dayanara G. Villalon • Niña Marie T. Pino Kimberly Rose E. Lumaya • Meljean Dela Peña News Writers

Francis Ivan G. Ho • Maria Dominique P. Ferrolino John Dave V. Laturnas • Joanne P. Ferrolino Irish Mae C. Cuaresma

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Threatening fun in the Philippines As I surf through the internet to find a topic for my first column, this news from ABS-CBN suddenly caught my attention. According to the news, Philippines appeared as the most dangerous country for Koreans.

With some data showing the total numbers of reported crimes against Koreans including last year until the present, Philippines overtook China’s place as the former top on the list. Stated in a news report from ABS-CBN.com, 780 crimes were committed against South Koreans in the Philippines in 2013.

The crimes included were murders, robberies, thefts, rapes, abductions, physical assaults and fraud cases.

Moreover, the Korean Embassy said there have been nine Koreans murdered from January to July 2014, as well as two incidents of kidnapping.

As a Filipino, it was a shocking revelation and it truly hurts, of course. It is hard to take since Filipinos were known to be hospitable by nature.

We are even claiming that “It is more fun in the Philippines” to attract tourists to visit our country. v vV

Features Writers

Roma-Amor A. Oligo • Oliver Orlando Dometita Trixia Pauline C. Acab • Caryl J. Sapepe • Hengie V. Jalando-on Senior Cartoonist

Karlo Billy S. Rubia • Joleos June S. Vegare Cartoonists

Marko Mikhal G. Deposoy • Joemar B. Villarejo Emmanuel D. Manlun-uyan Layout Artist Head

Alyana Wilma C. Molinos Layout Artists

Froiland D. Liu • Clarisa Marie M. Cadiz Senior Photojurnalists

Respect and discipline please

Photojurnalist

Waiting outside the room for my next class in English, I was standing in one of the busiest hallways of the university. There, students flock a lot, chatter here and there, not minding of their volume and language as they laugh boisterously and pull off pranks on their classmates. Being all high and gay about it, they forgot that they were just adjacent to some classrooms. Later on, a door close to them suddenly opened—BANG!, and then she came out. With a red face about to burst, the terror teacher scolded those students.

Pity those who suffered the shame from being yelled at and the stares of those people who witnessed such scenario. To think, they are already college students and still they receive reprimands like those of the little children. However, I pity more those who get distracted and lose their concentration

Kendrex B. Pael Kent S. Mapula • Mayette Hanna F. Diez Kim Eden Felize B. Belnas Webpage Master

Jergo T. Acido Webpage Developer

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

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

The staff reserves the right to edit submitted articles.

What really caught my attention is that why of all the countries, Philippines was chosen as the top dangerous country? It merely looks as if it was a great humiliation slapped directly on us, Filipinos. Is this really how crimes are active in our country that they would find it scary to live here?

In fact, it was for the first time in the Philippine record that the number of crimes against Koreans was greater than in China. So, does this mean that cases of crimes here are not yet controlled or worst, are the authorities take everything for granted?

Koreans, according to surveys, are the top tourist market of the Philippines in 2013. But due to those alarming events, their population declines. From January to June this year, South Korean tourist arrivals fell by 6.4 percent due to safety and security concerns.

Never had I imagine that Philippines can be tagged as most dangerous. I mean, yeah, there might be some crimes happening all around the country but aren’t they all just normal? Is there no country committing those same mistakes to another? Of course, everyone does. But here is the thing, though everyone of us commits mistakes, there is still no excuse that it can’t be controlled nor changed for the better.

One of the country’s sources of money is the tourism department. If the government is really looking for something beneficial for the country like tourism, then they should do something to ensure the safety of the tourists who were having their visit here. They, in a way, must prove that the “It is more fun in the Philippines” tagline is definitely true not because of the uproar from crimes but the excitement and fun they (tourists) can actually get out of living in the Philippines.

Feel free to share your insights with me by adding me through FB with the e-mail address, kimberlyrose_ lumaya@yahoo.com. in class because of others’ unpleasant manners. Do we Norsunians really lack respect and discipline?

The moment our teacher went back in our classroom, ‘twas nothing actually happened. Those stubborn individuals continued making noise. The worse thing, they gave bad comments and backbite the teacher. What would have been the effect to those who wanted little silence and concentration? When everything is all but a destruction?

Then I entered my next class. It was an English class and we were supposedly be learning new lesson from our teacher. But later on, she seemed to have altered the topic.

She was not talking about the lesson anymore, instead, she was already talking about proper decorum and conduct, saying that there are some students who don’t even know how to greet their teachers or elders, who enter offices like there’s no one in, who treat teachers as if like a wind. I wandered my eyes across the room and found my classmates dozing off, fumbling with their phones and simply not listening.

Pity on our teacher seeing that only few pay attention to her. I even noticed that she’s feeling bitter sad about it.

However, I felt more pity to those who don’t know how to respect and be reprimanded in front of other people.

Are you guilty of this apathy? Are you one of those students who are inconsiderate to others?

If not, prove them wrong. We are deserving students of the State University, scholars of the nation. Wherever we go, we bring the name of our school and the pride of being Norsunians. Moreover, we are educated through the citizen’s taxes, thus we must try our best to serve our country for the better.

As students, we are honed holistically. Do you call RESPECT AND DISCIPLINE... to page 3

Vol.XXXII Issue No. 17

Fine. The Ice Bucket Challenge was really contagious— and indeed influential. But we have to move on and proceed to another scope. Or should we say, another way of spreading something on hand. Enough of those numbness and freezing feeling. Here comes the new trend, Rice Bucket Challenge.

This challenge bloomed and paved its way in India, with the mindset of spreading help in an ingenious way for those who are in need, with the help of an Indian journalist Manju Latha Kalanidihi. And since India is the second biggest rice-consumer in the world, she thought that there is a need of a challenge as an “Indian version for Indian needs” as its Mission states.

According to Kalanidihi, she meant the rice bucket challenge as a joke as it rhymes with the ice bucket challenge but it struck her that this kind of challenge is far more useful in his country than just pouring ice and water on oneself as in India, 104 million people is in need of clean water. “The objective is simple — Feed someone who is needy and hungry and nominate more people to do so. I was very happy when people responded to it.”

Launched last August 25 and far from the popular trend of dumping buckets of water over their heads, this initiative is better than the ice bucket challenge. Come on, with this game, you can help without wasting any fresh water. Also, it actually urges participants to donate a bucket of cooked or uncooked rice to a needy person. A further option is the donation of medicines to the value of 100 rupees ($1.65) to a local government hospital.

That is a lot cheaper than that of the ice bucket.

More so, this is also a response to face the more urgent matters that our world is facing – hunger.

A simple thing to do If you want to join the challenge, it’s pretty simple! All you need to do is to pick up a bowl of rice from your kitchen; go to the nearest needy person and give it to them; click a picture and post it on Facebook with hashtag #RiceBucketChallenge;

September 22 - 28, 2014

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and tag all your friends and ask them to take up the challenge.

You may exert a kinky portion of your effort field but the impact will really be huge.

Though the idea of “paying it forward” is still there, there is no wasting of water involved, no monetary donation needed when you cannot do what you’ve been dared to do, you can tag anybody to pay it forward and last and most importantly, you can see the effect right away.

In Kolkata, India, an e-grocery store ‘Salt n Soap’ will flag-off an online campaign to add to the mass movement in mid-September. The shoppers will be encouraged to pledge a kilogram of rice when they place their orders and the organizers expect a pledge of 500 kilos after 2-3 weeks. Not that much of an extra pay, you could say.

Sad Reality We all know it! Media is the gateway to popularity. Charity should fundamentally be about outcomes and not intentions. The sad thing is, a number of people who join this challenge give more thoughts on how they’ll look in front of the camera rather than on how it would affect the lives of the people they’ll give the bucket of rice to. Talk about overnight popularity!

Our generation, for the most part is inclined in donating when there is social pressure. Most people don’t even research what the purpose of the donation will be and if their donations indeed reach the place that it’s allotted.

Domestic entrance Admit it! Filipino as you are, what are in the trend shall be absorbed by your nerves and be adopted through your veins.

And this challenge is on its way to the peak.

Guess what! Six days after the rice bucket challenge went viral, the Philippines, being in-trend would not miss the chance to help the needy, has as well adopted the “Rice Bucket Challenge”. The Soldiers’ Wives And Girlfriends or (SWAG) Philippines donated 120 kilos of rice to their chosen beneficiaries. They even coined their own hashtag #ricebucketchallengePH. Challenge or no challenge, whether or not what you do will make you popular in social media, it should be our practice to give what we can to the less fortunate. So indulge yourselves with the charity of the Rice Bucket Challenge.

Dear TN,

This has always been a question in my mind: Is it necessary to act and do things like other people do, just to fit in or blend in the so-called social trend?--Harry G. Hi Harry G., We understand that you might be pressured by your peers and sometimes, you think that there is a need to be “in” to “belong”. Ask yourself this question though: Will you be happy if you do these things just because you are pressured? If your answer is yes, then, go for it. But also keep this in mind: Is that sense of happiness worthwhile compared to you being yourself? Remember this, God made you uniquely special for His own purpose. Do not let the status quo define you. Be yourself.--TN

NORSU HAS 2... from page 1

Councilor of Dumaguete City.

Atty. Maxino was also the former Lead Appellate Court Attorney in San Jose, California and Consultant and Bar Examiner of the State Bar of California.

Their contributions Engr. Santos stated in his profile, four main contributions he will impart to the BOR. First on list is, “To help the Board of Regents maintain the highest standards of Ethics and Accountability, committing themselves to the principles of good governance.”

He further stated, “To help the Board of Regents develop policies, by applying sound management practices” and “to introduce to the BOR insights on how best NORSU can generate additional augment its limited resources.” Lastly on the Santos’ mission is “to assist the BOR to develop an economic and academic

incentive programs for all stakeholders to avail.”

On the other hand, profile Regent Maxino stated in his that he can contribute his long years of varied experiences in education, exercise independent judgment on any issue that comes before the Board, and help formulate policies aimed at developing the student’s ability to think and instill in them a sense of responsibility, respect, honor, values, civic consciousness, and moral rectitude that is, according to him, is lacking in many university graduates today.

In an interview with TN, NORSU president Dr. Don Vicente C. Real said he is proud to welcome them as Private Sector Representatives of the NORSU BOR. “ There will be a grand welcoming for them…we will surely feature them as the new BOR members,” Real said.

Santos and Maxino replaced former BOR members, Ms. Arlene Ramas-Uypitching and Atty. Jun Orquillas whose terms ended last July 5, 2014.

There are a lot of things I wished I didn’t do but I figured I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for those experiences.

If you were in a place where nobody knew you, what would you do? Me? My mind was made up. I’d unleash the devil inside that’s been waiting to break lose. After all, who would know?

“En vino veritas,” In wine there is truth, or so the popular saying says. I don’t believe in the entirety of that saying, though.What I know is this: I do the unexpected when I’m drunk.

I remember everything. I was so drunk but still sane. If not, I would not be telling you this story. It all started out one night when my new friends and I were partying. One close friend of mine came over to visit me in my new place and we decided to paint the town red. Needless to say, we all got a little too much to drink. One of the guys with us was living in the same dormitory where I lived. I knew him since I was young.

He was actually like a big brother to me and it was just sheer luck that we ended up renting in the same place.

Though drunk, we were able to get back home. The next things that happened are like episodes of a movie. First thing I was lying on the floor, he then offered to get me a pillow, then he started kissing me and I kissed him back. The next thing I knew I was naked. Then, the deed was done. He wanted to talk about it right after but all I did was to grab my clothes, get dressed and slept.

In the next few days, he tried to find ways to talk to me but I always found a way to avoid him. One time, he found the perfect timing. We were able to talk briefly and he asked him what happened to us meant to me. I told him mockingly, “It was sex, a one night stand, that’s all.” After seeing his faced turn gloomy, I then added, “You don’t expect us to be boyfriends and girlfriends now just because we slept, don’t you?”

After that, he became cold to me. I couldn’t care less.

After all, I knew how to set my expectations, he didn’t. That was the first mistake.

The second mistake was this: we ended up in bed again because of the same cause – intoxication. There he was again, going through the same routine I rejected. My mind was made up – I did not want to be in a relationship with someone in a place I knew I would be leaving soon.

Judge me as you see fit, that is your opinion and not mine.

What I know is this – every one of us has that little devil inside ourselves wanting to break lose. I gave mine a chance to break free, but I did not let that define me as a person. That episode was just a chapter of my life that I call “Once upon a drunken night.”

Badong is currently in a relationship with a man who loved her for the person she is despite her past and accepted her for the person she’s not.

RESPECT AND DISCIPLINE... from page 2

yourself a product of the university if you don’t have manners? From where is such student with lack of respect and discipline?

Have an edge as a Norsunian! Be evident that we may be poor but we are deserving students of the country. Be proud and in order to be, we should always remember to discipline ourselves and respect others. In that way, there would be no students who’ll be scolded along the hallways and there would be no teachers who’ll be giving sermons, instead of relaying the lessons that are to be discussed.

I hope I gave you a column that is worth reading, considering that this is my first time. I am open for comments, suggestions and questions. You can contact me through dominique.ferrolino@norsu.edu.ph.

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September 22 - 28, 2014

Vol.XXXII Issue No. 17

Univ physician, DOH warn students on suspected chikungunya cases To spread awareness and maintain healthy living, the Negros Oriental State University physician and the Department of Health (DOH) advised students to adapt the measures provided in preventing suspected cases of mosquito-borne virus called chikungunya.

University Physician Noel de Jesus said suspected cases of chikungunya were already being monitored in Negros Oriental.

He shared that students who are diagnosed with such disease are advised to skip their classes and spend two weeks of rest.

With this, De Jesus warned the students and advised them to follow the precautionary measures provided by the DOH. Meanwhile, Dr. Socrates Villamor,

chief of the provincial team of the DOH, revealed there are already suspected cases of chikungunya in Dumaguete City as reported to him by the City Health Office, however, the patients were not subjected to blood serum testing by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) in Metro Manila due to late reporting.

Villamor then encouraged the public to undertake preventive measures such as the 4S approach which signifies—(1) search and destroy mosquito breeding grounds (2) seek early consultation, (3) self protection such as the use of insect repellant lotion and netting and (4) saying no to indiscriminate fogging, “Other provinces in the Philippines had also reported confirmed cases of chikungunya but so far, Negros Oriental does not have a single positive case except for

those that are under suspicion,” he disclosed.

Ma. Angelica Noel Solon in a telephone call, confirmed that her teenage son, Derrick, was diagnosed to have chikungunya recently after he returned from Manila.

Aside from her son, two of her workers, both from Barangay Cadawinonan, were also reported to have exhibited symptoms of chikungunya and were all diagnosed by a private physician in Dumaguete.

Students react Information Technology Joan Pitogo said, “Even though I’ve heard some suspected diseases, all we can do is to adapt the precautions for us to be secured and be saved from harm. So, we should start from ourselves and then into our environment as well.”

Like Pitogo, another Info Tech student, Sheila Temporada shared the same view.

She said, “Being aware that the disease has reached the province, prevention is better than cure.”

For a second year Industrial Technology student, Jeziel Suico, one simple way of preventing such disease is to get rid of mosquito breeding places like those that contain stagnant waters.

Chikungunya is a mosquito-bourne disease carried by aedes aegypti or aedes albopictus, the kind of mosquitoes that also carry dengue. However, chikungunya is not a fatal disease compared to dengue.

Symptoms of chikungunya include rashes, fever, muscle pain, headache, nausea and joint pains. –By Joanne P. Ferrolino (With reports from Visayan Daily Star)

CSC-R7 confers Pagasa award to CAFF asst dean Another award was conferred to Negros Oriental State University after Civil Service Commission (CSC)-Region VII chose College of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery (CAFF) Assistant Dean Alan Faburada to be one of the two Pagasa awardees.

Pharmacy students enjoy dancing as they shower with bubbles during their Foam Party held at the NORSU Open Court. ((Photo by Kent S. Mapula)

Among the 11 regional semi-finalists vying for the title, Faburada, together with Jonalyn Ojastro of Local Government Unit of Bayawan City, received the said award on September 3 at Cebu Provincial Capitol Social Hall. Each of them also received Php20,000 and a plaque of recognition.

After gaining the CSC Pagasa award, Faburada revealed there will be a national competition in selecting the nationwide Pagasa awardee.

Meanwhile, Faburada said the awardees of the National Pagasa award, together with the other two namely Presidential Lingkod Bayan and Dangal ng Bayan awards, will be announced within this month by President Benigno Aquino. “The result of the national competition will be released anytime this month in line with CSC anniversary,” he disclosed.

Sought for his reaction, the CAFF dean said, “I am happy that I made it to the national level being a finalist. I’m honored to be part of this national competition.”

Faburada also thanked University P r e s i d e n t D o n Vi c e n t e R e a l a n d t h e administration for the support and for

BSBA, HM reps crowned Mr. & Ms. CBA The representatives of the Business Administration and Hospitality Management Departments were crowned Mister and Miss College of Business Administration (CBA) 2014 on September 17.

The title holders are Rodrigo Bendijo, a BSBA student and Czariza Entea, a BSHM student, who will represent CBA in the upcoming search for Mr. and Ms. NORSU 2015 during the university’s founders day celebration.

“It wasn’t easy standing in front of the cheering crowd with their respective banners and choice of candidate. We overcome our fear and showed up all we’ve got to make all of our supporters proud. I really appreciate all the support I’ve got from my friends, classmates and to the eagles society,” Mr. CBA 2014 said.

Bendijo further said that having such title, he expects to shoulder bigger responsibilities.

“All I want do is to show to the whole NORSU community the ability, attitude and the heart of a soaring eagle,” he expressed.

Meanwhile, Ms. CBA 2014 said, “As the new Miss CBA, I feel very thankful and blessed for they have seen my potential to represent the college. Though unexpected, I think this will be a great opportunity and a stepping stone for me to prove myself that I’m worth the crown.”

CBA Governor Richard Dadan said the event was successful since unity was achieved.

“It was not dull because of the supporters of each participating candidates representing the different programs of CBA. It was a fulfillment in the part of the CBA officers as well as the working committees. Congratulations to the winners and persons behind the scenes,” he said.

Mark Adolf Mira, the pageant artistic director, also expressed that the whole event gave him a feeling of fulfillment. “It was fulfilling knowing that everyone gave their best

and made everyone proud of them.” he said.

For other major awards, Dhan Paul Aguilar of Hospitality Management Department and Bianca Jane Dagoy of Business Administration Department placed first runners-up and will serve as Mr. and Ms. Hugyawan while both representatives from the Tourism Department, Arthur Kong and Phoebe June Gordoncillo, who placed second runners-up, will serve as Mr. and Ms. Intramurals.—By Kimberly Rose E. Lumaya

Major award winners: (L-R) Mr. and Ms. Intramurals Arthur Kong and Phoebe June Gordoncillo, newly crowned Mr. and Ms. CBA Rodrigo Bendijo and Czariza Entea and Mr. and Ms. Hugyawan Dhan Paul Aguilar and Bianca Jane Dagoy. (Photo by Francis Ivan G. Ho)

Faburada, CAFF Asst. Dean (Courtesy of Facebook)

nominating him in such competition.

Moreover, he expressed, “A special thanks also to the office of Dr. Bernadette O. Tan and Dr. Virginia Laquesta for patiently packaging on my documents. And, thank you Norsunians.”

A BS Agriculture (BSA) student, Kresten Pearl Imbong, said she is proud with Faburada for bringing such honor to NORSU. For a senior year BSA student, Bethel Liz Macalisang, Faburada’s achievement gave pride and inspiration to the Agriculture students and to the entire university.—By Irish Mae S. Cuaresma and Niña Marie T. Pino DUMAGUETE DUBBED AS... from page 1

Aside from being named as the City of Gentle People, Dumaguete, the capital city of Negros Oriental, was featured by some internationally known institutions, dubbing it as one of the best places to retire.

According to a published report of Yahoo News, the city was one of the cheapest places in the world in terms of cost of living per individual.

It further stated that based on expenses such as rent, gas, electricity, water, cable, groceries, Internet, and entertainment, retirees living in Dumaguete will only need a monthly budget of US$910 or about P40,000.

Meanwhile, the city was also featured in the business publishing magazine, Forbes, dated last August 25. It was spotted there [said magazine] that Dumaguete City is the fifth rank out of the seven best places to retire around the world.

In the Overseas Retirement Letter of the 2014 Retire Overseas Index, Dumaguete was also named as the only best place to retire in the Philippines and one of the 21 best places in the world for overseas to retire.

Dumaguete City Tourism Office in the same article published in Yahoo News, also opined that Dumaguete was selected as one of the best places to retire because of its tropical climate, warm Englishspeaking community, and beautiful beachfront scenery.

For a freshman BS Mechanical Engineering student, Maypaz Catanus, she said, “They made the right choice because it has a lot of pasyalan and maaliwalas ang atmosphere. Not so modernized and liberated but a simple place.” –By Niña Marie T Pino (With reports from Yahoo News and Forbes)