The NORSUnian 2015-2016 1st Issue

TheNORSUn an 33 YEARS OF SERVICE

W E W R I T E F O R YO U. W E F I G H T F O R YO U.

The Official Weekly Student Publication of Negros Oriental State University A member of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines Negros Oriental State University Kagawasan Avenue, Dumaguete City Philippines

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June 1 — 7, 2015

Vol.XXXIII Issue No. 01

Norsunians enjoy ‘hassle-free’ enrolment

By Trixia Pauline C. Acab and Lifeel Gleedz Raga

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s a result of the NORSU administration’s effective planning, Norsunians enjoyed the ease of enrolment processing this year.

In a meeting focused on the interventions for the improvement of NORSU’s enrolment system held several weeks before the opening of the school year, Dr. Peter Dayot, NORSU Officer in-Charge (OIC), together with the University Registrar Reymil Cadapan and the rest of the deans and vice presidents, piled up effective solutions to the long-time enrolment dilemmas.

“I told the registrar and planning office to address and come up with a system or a solution to ease up the university’s enrolment system,” Dayot said.

As noted, the administration designated more cashiers with 30 computers and printers to be used in the processing of scholarships and related payment transactions positioned at the university gymnasium which resulted to a speedy enrolment processing.

As for the advising, colleges speed up the process notably through effective accommodation.

A faster outflow of students on the process has also been observed as a result also of the abolishment of clearance system especially in the colleges that imposed such system in the previous school year.

Meanwhile, the encoding of subjects was also made even more convenient as the colleges were assigned to specific areas for encoding with an increased number of encoders.

Delighted of the process, Dayot said, “Ever since before, I don’t want to see any students lining up outside, exposing themselves under the sun.”

A call for justice. Participants of the 75th CEGP National Student Press Convention had a candle lighting as a tribute to the 72 workers killed in Kentex factory fire in Valenzuela City. (Photo by Marve G. Fabela)

According to Ralyn Bandoquillo, a third year BS Criminology student, “Dali ra g’yud ang processing nya fair naman pud ang talay-talay which helped to a smoother enrolment process.”

Marliza Inoveno, a second year BS Psychology student, said “Mas dali ‘run ang enrolment processing compared last year kay half day ra, enrolled nako.”

“Mas better naman but still for a scholar, daghan man gung papirmahan imbis nga mahuman na unta,” said

TN, 2 staffers reap CEGP awards

By Maria Dominique P. Ferrolino and Hengie Jalando-on

BOR cuts unnecessary school fees

By Maria Dominique P. Ferrolino

The NORSUnian (TN), the official weekly student publication of Negros Oriental State University, and its two staffers soared high as the publication bagged awards during the 75th College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP)-National Student Press Convention.

The NORSUnian grabbed the 11th Gawad Benjaline “Beng” Hernandez award for its The NORSUnian Vox Populi, the publication’s video program which broadcasts various issues within the university.

Gawad Beng is a major citation given to the publication with best program upholding human rights by the CEGP as a tribute to Benjaline Hernandez, a journalist who gave up her life for democratic rights of the people.

It is to note that in last year’s NSPC, no publication was granted because none of last year’s entries qualified for the award. However, for the previous years, the Philippine Collegian of the University of the Philippines-Diliman (UPD) dominated the winning of the said award, as mentioned by the CEGP Vice President for Visayas, Franel Mae Poliquit.

Competing state universities and colleges for the Gawad Beng include Pangasinan State University (PSU), Southwestern University of the Philippines (SUP) and NORSU.

Melba Del Rosario, a second year BS Civil Engineering student.

However, for a third year BS Criminology student, Carele Fate Somoza, who has been assigned to guard in front of the Student Affairs Office (SAO), “Hasol kaayo kay sige mi’g awayon sa students samot na pag kuyog nila ilang parents for support kay maki-insert sila. Worst scenario, manghilak ng uban,” she said pointing out how upsetting the enrolment processing still is.

Academic year 2015-2016 opened a good start as the Board of Regents (BOR) ordered the abolishment of the unnecessary collections in the university through the BOR resolutions approved on March 12.

Bringing home the bacon. Sapepe (right) and Laturnas (left) smile as they proudly show their certificates of recognition. (Photo by Francis Ivan G. Ho)

2 Norsunians on top Out of 287 student journalists from both private and public universities in the Philippines, John Dave Laturnas, TN news editor, and Caryl J. Sapepe, TN feature writer, bagged the top ranks in the on-the-spot writing contests.

Laturnas won the first place in the on-the-spot News writing contest wherein no second placer was recognized as assessed by the judges under set of standards.

Mary Angeline Ponce of the University of Northern Philippines landed third next to Laturnas, while Jerome Estavillo of the Wesleyan University received a special citation for the said category.

On the other hand, Sapepe won second place in the Lampoon writing under special category.

Sought for his statement on the victory, Laturnas TN, 2 STAFFERS... page 5

These resolutions intend to stop all the collections having no approval from the BOR, except for the collections published in the official schedule of fees.

As noted from the new schedule of fees released by the university accounting office, the collections for Athletics/ Sports/ PE/ SCUAA, Equipment fee, Internet fee, Anti-TB, FFP/FAHP, BSP and GSP, Student Insurance, The NORSUnian publication fee, PMHA, Red Cross, and Student Government fee were abolished.

BOR Resolution No. 49, series of 2015 also resolves to suspend the collection of P1,000 laboratory fee per student under the miscellaneous fees effective immediately. Furthermore, the BORcreated committee is directed to refer the status of the laboratory fee collections and disbursements to the academic council-created committee.

Moreover, BOR Resolution No. 50 resolves to remove the yearbook and toga rental fees together with the P300 Internet fee per student effective immediately resulting to a narrowed amount of P645 as the new total of miscellaneous fees from BOR CUTS... page 4

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June 1 — 7, 2015

Vol.XXXIII Issue No. 01

For the many, not the few

Just a Matter of Inflicting and Accepting I ain’t writing this piece to bash Mayweather. I can’t call his names because I already did that after the fight—and that’d be too much of a flattery for him. I ain’t writing this to expose how dirty he is, coz you saw the whole thing. I’m writing this as a concerned citizen, watching things on my own way of perspective. Hope I ain’t killing your joy (say what?).

I hate boxing. I really do. But I would be doomed if I can’t witness the ‘fight of the century’. I mean, I’m a Filipino, why shouldn’t I give our champ a cheer?

Bottomline, I enjoyed the whole thing. Not the drama. Not the challenge. Not the filthy way of a game the other one had played. I enjoyed and had fun watching both of them accept and absorb each and every punch (although one was chickened). I enjoyed watching both of them in pain. Well, what they had felt should be a pain in the ass. But it’s with the pride

and dignity they say.

The thing is, what I felt at that very moment was not as usual as others might say. Guess what, I was waiting bloodbath, that crimson flow of hot liquid gushing down from their head butted eyes to their red and sullen cheeks. But enough of this crap.

Now, just let me relay things out in the larger scope.

I know that ‘twas not just me.

I mean, lots of us want to see pain. See violence. That one knockout punch. Lots of us want to see lots of other people in the brink of grief and agony.

And honestly, I just can’t understand why lots of people do things their own way, even if it means aggravating the other. I just can’t get it why lots of individuals go astray just to dig deeper for their own graves. I mean, the reason of your existence will be put in great jeopardy if that’s the case.

On the other note, I still can’t fathom the reason why most people indulge themselves in pain. In violence.

In that war freaking thing. I just can’t get it why lots of other people enter the realms of the unimaginable pain just to contribute for one array of race from another.

Come on! We’re humans, not chickens or dogs or whatever. The hell were they doing that for? Fame perhaps? Or for the recognition?

Nonetheless, these things are, no matter how darn JUST A... page 4

he directly proceeds to the advising of his subject load which also takes some time. The most crucial stage of enrolment then was the payment of school fees. It is where the student would need to prepare the biggest portion of his patience for a turtle-like speed of processing given the fact that only three cashiers were functioning.

However, for a certain scholar, one still needs to process his scholarship papers at the Student Affairs Office that usually takes almost half-a-day to be released. He then proceeds to the cashier or Enrolment Ease Accounting Office to pay for the remaining balance if he enjoys a partial scholarship. Finally, he heads to I’ve been in this institution for almost four years the fourth floor of the College of Arts and Sciences now. I’ve witnessed how NORSU building named ‘Skylib’ to, once again, faced its ups and downs and how W e a r e j u s t fall in a very long line to encode his an ordinary student like me handled subject load and have his enrolment load patience-consuming enrolment system o v e r t h i n k i n g slip printed as a true evidence of his very being imposed in this university for the about something long patience. past few years. answerable by using This year, through the leadership of Before, in order for a student to be our sentido común. the university’s OIC President Peter T. officially enrolled, it takes him about Dayot and the collaborative efforts of the two to three days to complete all different offices, students enrolled this necessary enrolment procedures. First, he needs semester enjoyed an ease on enrolment compared to look for the last person falling in line just to to the system of the previous years. I, for one, can pile himself to get his enrolment load form from attest to this improvement. I finished my enrolment college dean’s office. After which, he needs to go processing in just a few hours: a few minutes in man hunting just to have his load form (which also getting my enrolment load form from the dean’s serves as a clearance) signed by the college governor, office and having some autographs from our adviser college dean, his instructors, university librarian and and the dean, another few minutes for processing my other not-so-known personalities of the college and ENROLMENT EASE... page 5

The Board of Regents, through the BOR resolutions approved on March 12, has suspended the so-called “unnecessary funds” from the schedule of fees which resulted to a big difference as accounted in the new breakdown of student fees for this school year.

This is indeed, a good news to many parents and students alike, but apparently not to some.As noted from the new schedule of fees released by the university accounting office, the collections for Athletics/ Sports/ PE/ SCUAA, Equipment fee, Internet fee, Anti-TB, FFP/FAHP, BSP and GSP, Student Insurance, The NORSUnian publication fee, PMHA, Red Cross, and Student Government fee were abolished.

Perhaps, some of these collections have not been justifiable in providing expected services to students, but this shouldn’t have been generalized as true to others.

During the consultative student assembly spearheaded by Faculty Regent Roche Cabanlit last February 27, Norsunians contested to abolish collections for BSP-GSP, Anti-TB, Red Cross, FFP/ FAHP, PMHA and others with acronyms still alien to them, as these have never been significant at all.

However, some institutions have been functional in providing what are due to students. To state, The NORSUnian publication has been fully functional in raising awareness and delivering weekly news and updates through newspaper releases.

Likewise, The Pylon and Student Government, somehow, have been productive in its service to students. And also, though questions have struck the Federated University Parents and Teachers Association (FUPTA) on how its funds are utilized, right now, its multi-Million building project is rising with the hope of providing better service to students.

Meanwhile, the cause of the collection for Athletics/SCUAA has been visible before our eyes as justified by our Athletic Team’s outstanding performance not only in the regional level but in the national meet as well.

Most importantly, these institutions have also produced countless professionals through its scholarship grants. Thus, in other words, the BOR’s approval of the abolishment of these collections may also result to the abolishment of the institutions running, which means, its scholars will have to seek for another scholarship grants in order to pursue their studies. Now, what if these scholars won’t be able to find another grant? Will that also mean abolishment of their hope?

Only those insignificant collections should have FOR THE... page 4

Editor-in-chief: ariel b. dizon Associate editor: kleine jun b. ontolan News editor: john dave v. laturnas Features editor: francis ivan g. ho Arts and graphics editor: angelo k. sastre Business manager: marve g. fabela Assistant business manager: kim eden felize b. belnas Staff secretary: Kimberly rose e. lumaya News writers: Niña marie t. pino • maria Dominique p. ferrolino Joanne p. ferrolino • irish mae S. cuaresma Hengie v. jalando-on Feature writers: Roma-amor a. oligo • oliver Orlando dometita Trixia Pauline c. acab • caryl j. sapepe Cartoonists: Karlo billy s. rubia • joleos june s. vergare Joemar b. villarejo • Emmanuel d. manlun-uyan Layout editors: Alyana Wilma c. molinos • froiland d. liu Graphic artist: Clarisa marie m. cadiz Photojournalists: Kent s. mapula • mayette hanna f. diez Web content editors: Jergo t. acido • randolf z. chavez Circulation manager: Mark Lloyd M. regalado Technical adviser: joy g. perez, ph.d.

June 1 — 7, 2015

Vol.XXXIII Issue No. 01

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Wake up! Wake up! It’s time for school!

Yes, as much as we’d like to skip breakfast and stay in our bed until lunch time, reality has other plans for us. When the alarm rings or our mom pesters us to get up, we just have to roll and get our ass up from the bed or else, we’ll surely be late for our first class.

This is what we usually call as a post-summersyndrome or PSS. Most students who decided not to take any laborious part-time work during summer will surely endure their first week in school. Don’t worry, we’re not the only one on a lazy mode, believe it or not. But hey! We know we needed to go and move it.

So what are the things that keep us going?

Here’s a few stuff that can lighten up our mood and motivate us on a shift back to school.

Everything’s new One of the perks during the start of the school year is this: our parents make sure that during the summer, everything is prepared for the start of the semester. New bags, new shoes, and new school supplies! Yes, even if it looks like you’re on preschool. But, what’s good about it is having new stuff on your first day of school.

Allowance and budget Admit it, not going to school could mean a cut of a day’s allowance. It is right to say that you have more money when you’re at school than when you’re at home. We’re not

saying that you should enjoy or go to school simply because of monetary reasons, but admit it! It’s one of the bonuses.

your grandparents’ casa or probably meeting your soul mate, the chat will be unlimited!

Strangers into new friends

If you’ve spent your summer having a part-time job to earn for your tuition, you’ll learn the value of money and you’ll have this great feeling of satisfaction within you.

A moment of silence…

The awkward feeling during your first week in class with all this new people around you.

From different origins and lifestyles. But you don’t need to worry, everyone has gone through the same route as you did. Open up, and you’ll see, you’ll learn a lot from the different types of people you meet.

Old friends Finally, you can personally tell your best friends what happened during your summer vacation! From the beaches, to the mountains, to spending the summer heat at

Satisfaction

While most think they have to go to school because society and our norms tell us we have to, the greater purpose why our parents endure the longing to see us away all the time is for us to learn something and become a citizen that can contribute to society one day. So make your parents’ sacrifice worth it! Make them proud while you’re at school! users under the age group of 13-24.

How does it work? Easy! Putting a name, comment or emoticon below or liking a post of somebody will be your valid pass for a successful TBH. After which, you will be receiving a message from your Facebook friend telling you all you need to know about yourself.

You could do otherwise, you ask them to comment on a post you’ve made and you can tell them whatever you want because they’ve signed up for it.

For others, TBH is an annoying game. Suppose, you are not acquainted to a Facebook friend and he/ she comments for a TBH, it would be hard for you to tell him/her honest opinions when you are only basing it on his/her profile appearance. This is the reason why it has been dubbed as a ‘positive-lying self-esteem’ booster.

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othing has changed the Web more than the rise of social networking sites (SNS).

Before social networking, the World Wide Web was full of interesting information, but there was little opportunity to contribute or participate. Now, even somebody living in the most remote places on Earth could participate, upload and become a viral star on the internet, as long as there is a steady connection.

With billions of users around the world, social networking has a lot to offer, from the most inconvenient to the most appropriate –whatever pleases our senses. So, what’s new that everybody loves? Let us round ‘bout three popular ticks and flicks flooding your Facebook, Instagram and Twitter feeds.

Dubsmash-ing phenomenon “Walang sa’yo Nicole! Akin lang ang asawa ko!”

–Monica, The Legal Wife.

No doubt you’ve been seeing and hearing this from your friends using Dubsmash by now. Dubsmashing has been a popular trend, not only on our local newsfeeds but internationally, even celebrities enjoy uploading their Dubsmash videos.

“Bakit ganon? Sinabon ko naman…ayaw kuminiiiis!!” –Eskinol Commercial As a mobile app that allows users to create short selfie vids dubbed with famous sounds from movies, music videos and television commercials, Dubsmash has become very popular in a short period of time. Lots of people are posting their

Video transformation short videos on the internet for others to watch.

Filipino versions of Dubsmash flicks are popular locally. Hugot lines, catchy advertisements, and intense teleserye feuds are the most viable mediums for a Dubsmash to become popular.

Most viral Dubsmash videos use talk-show host Kris Aquino’s popular statements made on national television.

“Never nakialam si Noy. Never kong ginamit ang kapatid ko. Hiyang-hiya na ako sa pamilya ko Ted.” –Kris Aquino, Live Interview on TV Patrol.

One of the great things Dubsmash has to offer is it’s easy to make and share feature.

Dubsmash-ing would only take you six to ten seconds of exact lip-syncing. And it would be a total plus for wannabes if they could incorporate a funny act in their future viral upload.

“Di ko kailangan ng tissue, I don’t need tissue, please stop judging me!” – Mace, That Thing Called Tadhana Aside from the increasing number of uploads a day, Dubsmash app has been recording a growing number of downloads every day, contributing to the overflowing dub-miming activity on our social media centers.

The honesty game How do we know how people see us on the internet and on the real world? The answer would be ‘comment (something) below and I’ll TBH you.’

TBH or to be honest, is a popular chain game trend on our local Facebook newsfeeds attracting

Aside from the brain-wrecking idea on how autobots transform from a simple, well of course –first class vehicles into giant-armored robots, another hit on SNS today is the transformation brought by drinking a bottle poured with detergent powder (children are not advised to do this at home) or any other drink unsuitable for consumption.

The video transformation phenomenon features somebody wearing an up-close wacky make-up, drinking an undrinkable liquid solution, and turning from ‘chaka’ to a beautiful goose. Of course, not all of the video tranformations are ugly-duckling stories, some remain ugly, and some uploads viral on the net are parodies and candid flick versions.

Users of the popular video transformation uses VivaVideo app to complete their stunning transformation.

Social networking sites have offered us a way to connect the gap in between –with the utmost help of new mobility applications. The same as, ‘we’re all done with the old make-up transformation photos in collages and filters and we’re all done with the icebucket challenge.’

Yes, we’re all done with being unsocial. Social now is being online and becoming every minute updated.

This moment of time could give rise to another online phenomenon we never thought existed. A phenomenon that could outperform the history of these new local social media buzz. With the help of contributions and participations, our will, begun!

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June 1 — 7, 2015

Vol.XXXIII Issue No. 01

BOR stops clearance system, college govs warned

By Joanne P. Ferrolino

“Resolved, to stop the clearance system in the various colleges and remove the college governors as signatories to clearance forms.”

Such was the mandate from the Board of Regents (BOR) through Resolution No. 52 series of 2015 resolved last March 12 of this year, stopping the clearance system persistent in the university.

As resolved further, the university administration is directed to strictly

implement the order immediately upon the date of approval.

The clearance system was jointly implemented by the colleges and the student governments to monitor students’ attendance on various activities and meetings with which for absences, students would have to render community services before being cleared for enrolment.

As noted, only the College of Education (CEd) and the College of Nursing Dentistry Pharmacy and Allied Health Services (CNDPHAS) from the

main campus are implementing clearance system, a matter that is agreeable, yet burdensome to many.

Bhelinda Mirasol, a BS Pharmacy student, sees clearance system as a hassle while James Orosco, another BS Pharmacy student says it’s a burden. “If daghang requirements, madugang ra sa burden sa usa ka student,” he said.

Meanwhile, Harold Pelaez, former Governor of the CEd explained that the clearance system is a call for the students to be participative in the college activities saying, “The administration just wants

NORSU enlists new professionals

By Joanne P. Ferrolino

Anot h e r s e t o f new professionals have been added to the record of Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) CPALE, LET, CLE, and MLE results in April and May 2015.

CPALE result The College of Business Administration (CBA) Accountancy department has produced four Certified Public Accountants during the May 2015 CPA Licensure Examination (CPALE) as announced by the Professional Regulation Commission posted on May 21.

Out of eight examinees from NORSU, four passed registering a 50 percent passing rate as compared to national passing rate of 35.78 percent set by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

The successful CPALE passers are Carrie de la Cruz, Steven Balbuena, Vera Nataa, and Decca Barrera.

PRC announced that 2,132 out of 5,959 passed the Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination given by the Board of Accountancy in

the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo and Legazpi this May 2015.

LET result

In the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), the College of Education (CEd) has produced ten elementary level teachers and 30 secondary teachers during the March 2015 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) announced by the Professional Regulation Commission posted on May 22.

Ten out of 27 examinees passed the LET elementary level with a passing rate of 37.04 percent while 30 out of 121 examinees passed the secondary level, giving NORSU a 24.79 percent passing rate.

PRC and Board for Professional Teachers (BPT) announced that 12,103 elementary teachers out of 44,144 examinees (27.42%) and 17,904 secondary teachers out of 56,596 examinees (31.63%) successfully passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (L.E.T.) given last March 29, 2015 in Singapore and 17 testing centers all over the Philippines.

CLE result The College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE) has produced

criminologists during the April 2015 Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE) posted by the PRC on April 28.

Twelve out of 34 examinees passed the board exam for Criminologists, registering a passing rate of 35.29 percent.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 4,337 out of 14,696 passed the Criminologist Licensure Examination given by the Board of Criminology in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Tacloban, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga this April 2015.

MLE result The College of Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences (CNDPAHS) produced three midwives who took the April 2015 Midwife Licensure Examination as posted by the PRC last April 23.

Out of six examinees from NORSU, three of them passed obtaining a passing rate of 50 percent as compared to the national passing rate of 44.82 percent.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 882 out of 1,968 passed the Midwife Licensure Examination (MLE) given by the Board of Midwifery in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Legazpi, Lucena, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga this April 2015.

the students to fully enjoy the thrill of a university life.”

In contradiction, Frecella Lumacad, an education student expressed, “Hasol and samok kay malangay ka ug pa-enroll nga pwede raman unta grades ra ang requirements para maka-enroll”.

Being so, as publicized by the NORSU Alumni page via Facebook in the light of the BOR Resolution No. 52 series of 2015, the continued practice of the clearance system as done by student governors is illegal and subject to disciplinary action.

FOR THE... from page 2

been abolished and not the fundamental ones. In a review of the new breakdown of fees, only the Library fee remains, hence, we do not see new books coming out. In fact, reports say that our university library has been accepting donations of books from colleges and students.

We appreciate that the Faculty regent Roche Cabanlit has spearheaded a consultative assembly among the students yet, before the Board of Regents approved the resolution, they should have considered the possible negative impacts of abolishing the significant collections.

“For the many and the few, State U leads to heights anew…” This line from our university hymn should prevail because in this university, every voice should be heard!

JUST A... from page 2

hard we try to convince ourselves that it does not exist, it does. And it is, in one way or another, happening normally. Not just in boxing, but everywhere. You can’t hide inside your nutshell not to witness things first hand.

Oh! And I am not exempted. I shall never be. Because I enjoy things like that. I feel the fun watching people feel pain. But I ain’t a sadist nor a masochist or anything in between. I am a normal individual in a pure dynamic, violent environment. I am in between clinging on the matter of inflicting and accepting pain.

2 Norsunians reach TOSP reg’l selection

By Niña Marie T. Pino

T w o N orsun i a ns , Ro d r i go Jay Miralles and Richard Dadan, wave the banner of the university as they were among the regional finalists for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP).

Miralles and Dadan, fresh graduates of BS in Geology and BS in Business Administration, respectively, were among the 20 Region VII finalists who underwent the final Top 10 selection in Cebu City on April 28 to May 2 at Cebu Capitol Social Hall.

Even before the annual search for the TOSP commenced, Dadan and Miralles were already seen to have great potential for forming a legacy in their respective fields as students.

Miralles has been active in various university activities besides having led different organizations since his stay as a freshman.

Meanwhile, Dadan has been productive in leading NORSU’s biggest college, the College of Business Administration (CBA) as the SG governor. He also founded the ENACTUS Philippines, Dumaguete

City Chapter, a nationally known nongovernment organization that fosters youths’ passion for business in the whole country.

Though they failed to represent the university to the region’s finalists who will bid for the national search, Dadan and Miralles were still thankful and proud for bearing the name of NORSU to the regionals.

In the TOSP Region VII Facebook page, Dadan ensnared the spirit of motivation in a quote, “Motivation is the internal fire which allows each of us to ascend to something we have yet to achieve,” and as for Miralles, “volunteerism, nothing is too big nor too small…”

TOSP coordinator, Rolando Villamero said, “It’s a big honor for them (Dadan and Mirales) and for the university (NORSU) as well.”

He added, “NORSU is a melting pot of outstanding students and there should be a full support of the administration from 1st year to harness their ability in leadership.”

Amongst the finalists, 4 students from Negros Oriental had been selected as nominees for TOSP 2015 National Selection.

For the win! The NORSUnian staffers receive a special citation for its TN Vox Populi video broadcast as Gawad Beng awardee. (Photo by Kim Eden Felize B. Belnas)

BOR CUTS... from page 1

last school year’s P1,525.

Comparing the fees of the previous year to this year, the total tuition and miscellaneous fees under the regular programs decreased from P5,600 to P4,670 for first to third year students as well as for transferees, and P3,670 for fourth to fifth year.

For the specialized programs, fees decreased from a range of P7,600-P11,050 to P6,670- P8,670 for first year to third year and transferee students, and P5,670- P7,670 for fourth to fifth year students.

For the flagship programs, fees reduced from a range of P3,670-

P7,670 to P3,670-7,670 for first year to third year and transferee students, and P3,670- P5,670 for fourth fifth year.

The Visayan Daily Star reported that the issuance of the resolutions resulted from the letter of Board Member Arnie Teves addressed to the BOR, wherein he questioned the collections under the miscellaneous fees.

Teves said the annual allocation for the university worth P270M and the tuition fee of more than 21,000 students of all the NORSU campuses is enough to run the state university.

Vol.XXXIII Issue No. 01

June 1 — 7, 2015

Fee cut irks SG, NSF, pubs

NORSU presidential seat opens

By Joanne P. Ferrolino

Who would be the next NORSU president?

Norsunians scrutinize the decreased schedule of fees approved by the Board of Regent (BOR) for this semester. (Photo by Mayette Hanna F. Diez)

By Francis Ivan G Ho and Oliver Orlando Dometita

T h e S tu d e nt G ove r n m ent (SG) body, Negros Oriental State University Scholars’ Federation (NSF), The Pylon and The NORSUnian (TN) expressed their great dismay and displeasure regarding the suspension of collection of fees through BOR resolutions approved last March 12.

Despite relief brought by the fee cut to most students and parents, it actually imposes disarray to the organizations affected by the cut.

According to Student Government of Dumaguete City (SGDC) 1 incoming president Vince Anthony Villanueva, it was shocking and he felt that it was unfair that the suspension of collection will transpire during the span of his administration.

Moreover, as the BOR resolution explicitly states the cut of collection for the student yearbook, The Pylon is greatly affected. According to former The Pylon Editor-in-chief Archello Jhan Esmael, there should be a little consideration for their part because Norsunians want to have a remembrance, in the form of a yearbook, for their stay in NORSU. Also, Scholars’ Federation President Carlo Gadingan said the NSF fee is the bloodline of most NSF scholarship grantees. The P130 fee, collected only from scholars, is also used to provide services during the enrolment period and the entire semester, and programs intended for scholars through scholastic development.

NSF Auditor Jeson Moreno expressed, “Ang BOR ang ni decide nga walaon ang NSF fee and dili ang NSF. Ang budget gani karon para sa mga NSF scholars kay wala nakaabot ug one (1) million and di mi kakuha ug new scholars this sem kay ang budget nga gigamit para sa mga old continuing scholars kay katong sa last sem pa.”

Moreno added the trifling budget is putting them to use it to a minimum for less cost of expenses.

Furthermore, The NORSUnian Editor-in-Chief Ariel Dizon said the suspension of mandatory university fees such as the student publication fee is against the Campus Journalism Act of 1991. He added that the said law mandates the collection of the fee which is to be done by the school administration.

On the other hand, Dizon assured the students that The NORSUnian

can still publish and its remaining balance can still suffice the need of the publication during his term. He said he will be asking for a legal advise for the continuance of the student publication fee collections as soon as the remaining balance of the publication is nearing to its exhaustion.

All of these organizationinstitution of NORSU were advised to use the remaining balances on their respective funds to attest the objectivity of the fees collected.

Villanueva felt a big challenge for the SG body to provide more studentrelated activities for Norsunians using only the remaining SG fund.

Gadingan wants to remind the students, “to understand things well before jumping to undesirable conclusions and judgments.”

He also suggested to conduct a general assembly for stakeholders [students] to participate to give clarity on how the BOR came up with the decision of stopping some of the collections which were implemented before with good and visible objectives.

The exclusion of the SG fee and student publication fee which are both 150Php for the Academic School Year 2015-2016 resulted to only 645Php miscellaneous fee collection from 1,525 before.

Norsunians share their sentiments with the organization on the matter at hand.

“Lipay na ang wala na ang mga said fees pero at the same time makaduha-duha pud kay di na makita ang mga products sa mga groups nga affected sa pagtang tang sa fees.”

Lovely Solamillo, a freshman Bachelor of Secondary Education said.

Carl Garth Yburan, an education student major in MAPEH added “Gamay nalang ang bayran nila mama ug papa sa tuition ug other fees kay giwala naman so malipay jud ko.”

“Okay ra para nako kay gamay nalang siya at the same time di kayo okay kay like gitangtangan na ang publication fee niya basin result ana di na maka publish weekly ang school paper dili na kaayo ma aware ang mga students sa mga issues sa university,” sophomore business administration Stephanie Abayon said.

Another sophomore business administration student Desiderio Banagua Jr. expressed relief for the decrease in the miscellaneous fee, “…kay para nako katong uban nga gibayran sauna kay useless like di mi maka-benefit atong mga fees to niya gabayad-bayad mi ato, next sem hopefully mas mugamay pa.”

5

Due to the resignation of NORSU President Don Vicente Real who is currently undergoing legal investigations with allegedly several administrative cases, the Board of Regents is now in search for a new NORSU president.

As stated in Rule VII, Section 21 of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order No. 03, the SUC’s Governing Board shall select and appoint a new president upon recommendation by the created Search Committee for Presidency (SCP) which is composed of representatives from the academic community, the private sector, CHED and Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC).

Being a state university, NORSU follows CHED Memorandum No. 16 s. of 2009 which states the rules and regulations governing the search for State Universities and Colleges.

Rule III section 5 states the minimum qualifications for SUC Presidency applicants.

The applicant should not be less than 35 years old but not more than 61 years old at the time of application, a Natural born Filipino citizen, and a Holder of an earned doctorate degree from a reputable higher educational institution. He/

she should have a proven track record as an administrator either President, Vice President, Dean, campus Administrator or Director preferably of an academe whether public or private for at least 5 years.

For candidates who have not previously served as SUC President, he or she should not have been convicted of any administrative offense or of any crime involving moral turpitude, wherein the penalty is more than six months.

For SUC Presidents who are undergoing evaluation for a second term, he or she must not have been convicted of any administrative offense or crime.

The applicants shall be screened through the following process: compliance check by the secretariat, profile appraisal, panel interview by the SCP, public forum/presentation, finalization of the SCP report, submission of the SCP report to the SUC GB and lastly, election of new president via majority vote of GB members.

Also, the applicants for SUC presidency shall be evaluated through their professional competence, academic background, public forum/ presentation and panel interview.

As mandated by BOR Resolution No. 62 s of 2015, Dr. Peter Dayot remains as Officer-in-charge of the Office of the President until the next president is duly elected and appointed.

ENROLMENT EASE... from page 2

scholarship at SAO and NORSU Gym where cashiering was located (since I’m a scholar) and lastly, about ten minutes in encoding and printing my load slip.

So why am I telling you this? It’s not because I want to brag that I’m the fastest to finish enrolling, nor to be close with the administration and make some “pasipsip.” It’s just that I want everyone to know that it is not impossible for NORSU to achieve a progressive development. It’s not impossible for NORSU to address its serious and complicated issues. Inconvenient enrolment processing of before had been one of these. If we are to look very closely, the administration’s solutions

now to the enrolment processing of before are just adding 30 more cashiers and almost 100 subject encoders. This solution is not that complicated and as a matter of fact, it is just a very simple.

NORSU main campuses have more than 13,000 enrollees each semester and therefore it shall have more operators for its enrolment to accommodate this big number.

Sometimes, a complicated problem doesn’t have to be answered by a complicated solution. It just takes a simple solution to do the thing. We are just overthinking about something answerable by using our sentido común.

TN, 2 STAFFERS... from page 1

said, “I was expecting somebody from UP or Ateneo to win yet, God gave me even more.” He added, “Write for a cause, not for the applause.”

Considering the fact that Sapepe was competing with the editors of the publication of different universities, she said “Maka-pressure jud kay puro mga maayo jud tanan akong kuyog sa class discussion.”

The NSPC provided lectures and workshops regarding journalism and advocacy work. In the 83 years of service of the CEGP in educating

student journalists, the plight regarding the social and political issues were also discussed by the speakers with the delegates.

Delegates experienced Basic Masses Integration (BMI) which allowed them to be exposed on-hand with the dilemma of the marginalized sectors in the different localities of Benguet and their issues.

The 75th National Student Press Convention of the CEGP was held at Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet on May 14-18.

6

June 1 — 7, 2015

Vol.XXXIII Issue No. 01

CEGP, student journalists push to oust PNoy

By Caryl J. Sapepe

Alarmed by country’s current social issues, 35 out of 64 publications signed and co-sponsored a manifestation resolution ousting President Benigno S. Aquino III (PNoy) during an emergency national congress organized

by College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) during the 75th National Student Press Convention (NSPC) on May 18.

According to Marc Lino Abila, national president of CEGP, the resolution regarding the resignation of PNoy to his position as the president of the Philippines, is the answer to the nationwide campaign against corruption and social injustice; a big contribution of the guilders regarding the political issues in the Philippines.

During the assembly, The Pioneer, the official publication of Palawan State University proposed the ouster of PNoy instead of just appealing for his resignation which will only give him a ‘graceful’ exit. The idea was then approved by the whole body,

The CEGP National Officers preside the emergency congress attended by representatives from different student publications of the country. (Photo courtesy: CEGP-National Office Facebook Page)

garnering 35 votes including The NORSUnian out of 64 publications involved.

“Hindi na dapat pang i-extend… Wala na siyang karapatan na tapusin pa yung term niya kasi for the past years, napatunayan niya na hindi niya natugunan yung role niya as a President,” shared Mary Joy T. Capistrano, Editor-in-Chief of Philippine Collegian, UP Dilliman, who cited the three points why PNOY should be removed from the position including the catastrophic aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, the Mamasapano case, and the controversial doubt on the national budget— questioning his accountability as the president.

Mary Joy Monsanto, editor-in-chief of The Soil Tiller of Bulacan State University, said she was disappointed by the current situation of Central Luzon, being turned into a commercial area instead of an agricultural land.

“Kung hindi ngayon, kailan pa?” Capistrano asked, challenging the public to make a stand.

Meanwhile, Bridgette Stephan Aranas, Editorin-Chief of The Varsitarian, University of Bohol, abstained to disclose her conviction with this matter.

“Sa personal jud nako, i-oust!” she said. “Ni abstain rako for the sake sa among publication na tulo rami kabuok [staffers].”

“I have my own conviction pero I don’t think kinahanglan nako siya i-publicize kay wa pa nako na-meet akong Editorial Board… very controversial siya,” said Katrina Kate Dianne Punay, Editor-inChief of Atenews, Ateneo de Davao University, who chose not to support the resolution.

Since majority voted for a ‘yes,’ CEGP plans to pass the resolution to the Philippine Congress as soon as possible, expecting to be immediately approved and be taken into consideration.

Question: Norsunians have always been complaining every semester about the university enrolment process. Do you believe that this semester is offering a more convenient enrolment schedule?

ARE YOU A SCHOLAR? All scholars, especially freshmen, are requested by the NORSU Scholars’ Federation to attend the annual Scholars’ Orientation together with their parents or guardians this coming Saturday, June 20, 2015 at 8 o’clock in the morning at the University Gymnasium.

Refreshments will be available during the event.

It’s different. It’s mind boggling. They stand for what they believe because they can feel the power. They can feel the incomparable aura from within their souls. Yes, I got the chance to encounter another faith last summer.

Well, I’m proud to be a Roman Catholic for I was destined to be one. I’m okay with performing the sign of cross, holding a rosary, kneeling, considering the statues of different saints in the church, and praying to the Almighty. Yet, there are those who come and introduce their religion to me.

“Two missionaries came to visit us,” my

brother informed. “They noticed that Mom wasn’t around, so they promised to come back next time and immediately left.”

“A missionary?” I thought. I got curious and asked him, “Hey, what’s their religion?”

“Hmm... they are inclined to Mormonism.

They are called as Mormons.”

The Mormon theology? As what I have searched from the net, it is a religious order of the Latter-day Saint Movement. Mormons believe that Joseph Smith is an ancient American prophet who compiled the Book of Mormon. For them, the Book of Mormon and the Pearl of Great Price are both holy.

Three days later, they came back as expected, standing at the other side of our door. The two missionaries in their twenties look respectable.

Despite the fact that they were strangers, I let them in. I never had any speculations at that time because they look unpretentious innocent travelers in noble poise. Also, Mom welcomed them.

Minutes later, they started discussing about their faith and what they stand for.

The discussion turned out to be a healthy one, and it got me even more curious about a couple things. I never wasted the chance of throwing questions to them. First, I asked if they believe that reincarnation truly exists. They said that there’s no such thing as reincarnation, and that it is beyond the control of their religion. Second, I asked about exorcism. They said that demons and angels exist; that demonic possession is true, yet it is usually misidentified as a psychiatric disorder. “It’s the work of demons,” sister Sulit said. “Exorcism drives out bad spirits and is practiced by different religions, but I’m afraid that most rituals are not executed just the way they should be.”

Third, I asked about their perception towards the LGBT community. Do they consider homosexuality as a sin? “Kana nga issue, apil siya sa gitawag na Law of Chastity,” she explained.

“Dili namo sila ginacondemn... kay naa tay kagawasan sa pagpili. As long as they are keeping the Law of Chastity, okay siya... pareha anang ganahan sad siya magkaasawa sa opposite gender og ganahan sad siya magkapamilya.”

Anyways, why are there many religions?

They are referring to the one and only God, but they have their own way of connecting Him. “Kinahanglan sa simbahan ni Jesukristo nga naay 12 apostles ug propeta,” Sister Sulit shared.

“Munang daghan mga simbahan karun kay pagusto naman lamang niya walay mga buhing 12 apostles ug propeta para mucheck and balance sa ilang ginapadayag.” Mom told Sister Peterson a while ago that it’s okay to speak English for she had the difficulty of speaking our dialect but she really tried speaking our dialect and supported her friend’s explanations.

Well, they ended the dialogue with a prayer.

After which, our two angelic visitors bid farewell and left.

I’m neither promoting Mormonism nor Catholicism. It’s on the person’s discretion as to what religion to choose as long as they feel close to the creator through a certain religion, then go for it.

Just be open-minded and learn to weigh things out.

Indeed, the talk was interesting and productive.

Cii cii is now a second year college student.

She loves to play Candy Crush Saga and surf the internet. Somehow she’s stubborn and only reads something when it is badly needed, but has a huge interest in writing.