WE write for you. we fight for you. VOL XXXV ISSUE NO 21| NOVEMBER 13-17, 2017
COVER, HOLD. Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) officer guides the students way to Dumaguete City Freedom Park during a fire and earthquake drill on November 17. (Photo by John Michael Ausejo)
‘If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail’–DRRM
Michelle M. Salmin
the DisasteR Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) through the resolved mandate of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), led Norsunians in a three-day workshop-seminar that centered on calamity risks awareness. “We are mandated to train because the first responders are the students,” Dunhill Sayson, Dumaguete City firefighter and rescuer said.
Taking place on November 15-17, DRRM initiated an orientation at the university gymnasium with regard to various measures for calamity risks awareness, and conducted a fire and earthquake drill at the Ninoy Aquino Freedom Park. “All the learnings during the trainings kay madala sa ilang [Norsunians] mga panimalay,” Rosalinda Abellon, University Security Management Office (USMO) head, said. Discussing on its possible
cases of occurrence, DRRM emphasized to students the significance of mental and physical readiness directed with the theme: “If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.” Joyce Behne, a BS Biology student said students should build resilience to reduce risk factors. “Dapat kabalo ta sa proper ways and techniques in rescuing a victim in order to save ourselves and to save a life,” Marjun G. Lopez, a freshman BS Engineering student added.
The said event was made possible with the joint participation of BS Criminology students and Army, Air Force, and Navy Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets. Rowena Divinagracia, a freshman BS Tourism student said the most important thing when we are caught in an emergency or disaster is our “presence of mind.” With the joint cooperation of DRRM, USMO posted evacuation plans and disaster guidelines for students, faculty and staff at
the university gates in case of occurrences of natural, manmade disasters. Markedly, the NORSU Planning and Development Office initiated the event in coordination with the office of Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAG-ASA), Philippine
Institute of Volcanolog y a n d Seismology (PHILVOLCS), Philippine National Police Special Weapons and Tactics (PNP-SWAT), University Security Management Office (USMO), Buildings and Grounds Office and National Service Training Program (NSTP) coordinators.
Photo courtesy of Facebook
Dumzville ranks 5th nationwide DOTA 2 tourney Norsunians speak on LGBT Union Bill
GOOD GAME! Dumaguete City DOTA players outside SM Manila after a successful tournament. Irish Mae S. Cuaresma
C omp e t i ng against 69 teams nationwide, Dumzville— a group of five Dumaguete City gamers ranked fifth during
the Defense of the Ancients (DOTA 2) tournament on October 6-7, SM Manila. Dumzville players are Tristan Gamo, Rudolph Taub, Michael Wellner, Jackryan Cabagnot, and Jothan Cruz
Alpuerto, a sole student from Negros Oriental State University (NORSU). Cabagnot organized the team with the purpose of competing with players around the country, and
the team successfully made it to the top five during the regionals and qualified themselves for the nationals. During the first game of the tournament, Dumzville won against Team XO; however, they lost the second game against BRZ Gaming. Based on matchmaking rating (MMR), Skyville, a Pampanga-based organization topped the qualifying competition. Meanwhile, BRZ Gaming ranked second followed by Alpha Gaming, Young Minds and Dumzville. The said competition was spearheaded by Gosu Gamers, a professional gaming organization that brings latest news and schedules from eSports events and teams worldwide in partnership with Summer Summit, an industry blog dedicated to discussing current events in sports.
Michelle M. Salmin
C orr e s pond i ng to House Bill No. 6595 or known as Civil Partnership Act, Norsunians expressed mixed views in pursuance to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil union ratification. Jessa Credo, vice president of the Catholic Faith Defender – NORSU student chapter said,
“Dili jud ko uyon ana nga mahimong law kay wala sa bible nga pwede magminyo ang same sex couple.” Felix Jr. Gajunera, a sophomore Associate Hospitality Management student said that it’s unusual to see couples with the same sex living together in the community. “Dili sa ingun nga wala nato sila tagae’g rights sa NORSUNIANS/ to page 4
SDF tabled for Aliw Awards ‘17
Kenneth Carlorio S. Surilla
As a Nominee for Best Dance Company Award nationwide, NORSU’s Skip Dance Family (SDF) secured a spot in the upcoming Aliw Awards 2017 on December 19. Along with five other
dance companies nationwide, SDF has been nominated as a recipient of Best Dance Company Award. “This nomination serves as an inspiration and recognition not just for us, but as well as to all aspiring dancers in our beloved SDF/ to page 4
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UNIVERSITY POLL
OPINION
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VOL XXXV ISSUE NO 21 NOVEMBER 13-17, 2017
EDITORIAL
A call for action “Building inclusive economies, building a better world” is this year’s theme of the APEC summit forum. In accomplishing those goals, Philippines needs a more aggressive approach to deal with the problem in which unsurprisingly take account of dealing with the impact of climate change. Over and done with an awful experience, the country profoundly recognizes the straight linkage concerning the environment and economic advancement. In the past years, we have been thumped by extremely powerful typhoons and storm surges that have claimed thousands of lives. Natural calamities have inflamed the number of the, the famished, unwaged and underprivileged. Though we have just remembered the second anniversary of a super typhoon that killed thousands of innocent lives and laid waste Eastern Visayas, the punishing weather has become the new trend. Responsiveness to environmental issues has grown exponentially, but more can be done to make consciousness transform into accomplishment. We should mark everyday as Earth Day highlighting the importance of environmental literacy way down to the bedrocks. The cause is the unparalleled greenhouse gas releases from major anthropogenic activities leading to the augmentation of the greenhouse effect. Its effects lead to hasty destruction, sea level rise, swift spread of lethal viral infections, and climate change. There is really a severe need for us to gain fitting knowledge and facts, to enhance our perception more, and to do more action if not adapt to these conditions that are getting worse. This could be succeeded only by environmental literacy supplemented with science education. In opposing global warming and other environmental issues, even the micro actions help. Education is the key, making the environmental and climate literacy important. There is still a wide room for enlightening the community on what can be done. Inordinate understanding is required on the welfare of sustainable utilization of our environmental wealth. Environmental literacy must be converted into stroke of action and turn into an approach of living.
Dengvaxia: Who is to blame? It has been a roller coaster scene in the senate about the probe on dengue vaccine that took effect in December 2015, or better known as Dengvaxia. This put the whole nation in a dissention situation notably to the children who were vaccinated with Dengvaxia. Until now, it appears to be a case that branches out to new clues and suppositions – overpriced vaccines, its adverse effects, and the people behind this pandemic mass vaccination. According to an article online, Dengvaxia is a dengue vaccine used to help to protect somebody against dengue disease caused by dengue virus stereotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4. This vaccine works by stimulating the body’s natural defenses, which produces its own protection against the
viruses that cause dengue disease. Yet after this has had happened and based on articles, French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi Pasteur had admitted that its own vaccine might be detrimental if directed to individuals not formerly infected with dengue. And this is I believe due to government officials involved in this widespread, alarming dispute during Aquino’s administration, including himself. It is said that this vaccine was then approved with the P3.5billion money to obtain the doses from Sanofi on December 29, 2015 to note that the consent of purchase was just months before Aquino’s term had ended the following year. So the process and procurement took place in just a month knowing that there are 830,000 children and some 32,000 people were
immunized in private hospitals that were used for this mass vaccination and even putting their lives in danger. Not to mention, there were vaccinated individuals who died already recently in linkage to this extensive vaccination program. Let’s dig in to its staggering overpriced amount first. Health reform advocate Dr. Anthony Leachon said that ‘’Dr. Hilton Lam of the Formulary Executive Council conducted a costeffectiveness study of the vaccine and found that it should have cost P655 per dose. The government sold it at P1000 per dose,’’ during his interview in ANC recently. Imagine how the price has gone up using its inexplicable mark-up on the dose, compromising the lives of these individuals. This is undoubtedly because of ‘urgency to leave a scripted mark’ at the end of Aquino’s administration. Now several defendants have showed up during the senate probe on Dengvaxia including former Health Secretary Janette Garin and President Benigno Aquino III which could be held criminally liable for implementing the dengue immunization program and which had been suspended due to safety concerns, according to Senator Richard Gordon, the committee chair of the senate hearing. I mean there’s a lot of people
involved in this highly endemic vaccination program not just the one abovementioned but also “Food and Drug Administration, which had licensed the vaccine and approved its use, said that private physicians will decide for themselves whether or not to use the vaccine…” emphasized in PhilStar article online. The victims are merely the sufferers, what more to those parents who got their children killed because of this immunization program? How would they feel after their son’s or daughter’s lost merely due to these officials’ villainy and greed. They [officials] only care about figures – money after money – and after which they would just leave it all behind just like leaving garbage anywhere. But what more frustrating is that during senate hearings, these people would just act innocently and put the blame on what they called ‘bad science’ and wrong information provided to them. They are not just politicians, yet comedians as well trying to lure the eyes of Filipino with their sugarcoated excuses and answers. What else can I say? After all somebody has got to pay for all this mess not just lawfully but the fate after life. And I just simply wish, sana sila nalang [ang napuruhan].
FEATURES
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Avoid dangerous situations If your partner does not want you to go out late at night for a drink with friends, listen to him or her. As much as possible, let your partner know your whereabouts so he or she will be updated. Avoid dangerous situations that would make your partner upset. In that way, you will both build strong bond and trust to each other. Know each other’s schedule Knowing each other’s schedule helps both of you to set your priorities and also to set the “video calling” time. Show extra effort in this part of you both communicating because it’s the time you can see each other even just in the screen. Time is an important element in this relationship. Do things together In your video calling time, it’s better to do things together. For instances, sing a song together or watch new movies in Skype. You could also take a look around or make a tour in your place while video calling. You should be creative and spontaneous for it. Personally visit each other After long time of waiting, make visits. You both deserve fulfilling the little things like holding hands, or going to the movie house after being in a distance for a while. It’s important in a relationship to have intimate feelings towards each other. Have goals in mind Be positive in handling LDR. Set timeline showing how long you both are going to be in a distance. Think about the future. It’s good to be in the same page with your partner so even if you both are not in the same place. Some people think that LDR is hard— yes it is and nobody said it is going to be easy. But it all depends on the Irish Mae S. Cuaresma person’s attitude towards the relationship. There is always a Being miles away from your partner is not going to be easy. Imagine yourself walking from the smooth road to the possible in impossible if two people are on the same mindset rough and rocky path, there would be obstacles ahead. Expect that in the long run, things will change and feelings, to go through the distance together. In the end, what matters too. However, if two people are willing to work it out, then couple should see these proven and tested tips for any Long most is how you both conquer the barrier of geographical Distance Relationship (LDR) that makes the bond long lasting. distance, may it be due to work or personal reasons.
Going through the distance
Avoid being too clingy It is truly given that communication is one way of making things clear, but too much of it makes your partner too clingy, overly sticky or possessive which is not good. Many couples believe that they need to compensate for the distance by doing more. This is not true. Soon, you would get tired of loving. Just remember that less is more. See it as an opportunity Accept the challenge positively. Take it as an opportunity for both of you to grow. Eliminate the thought that the situation is pulling you two apart, instead you should trust that this experience will make you both strong. Set ground rules Couples should set ground rules to make everything clear of what to expect so none of you will do things that
will take the other party by surprise. This is applicable in cases like, are you two exclusive? Is it okay for the other person to go on dates? What is your commitment level? Be open to each other. Be creative in communicating “Good morning” and “Good night” texts daily will make your partner feel loved and cared about. It’s the simplest way but it could mean much to him or her. In LDR, creativity in communicating helps make everything better. Be playful with each other Sexual tension is considered one of the most important in the relationship. Sexual desire is like a glue sticking couples together from drifting apart. It is not just a biological need, but also an emotional feeling. Keep the fire burning by sending sweet texts filled with teasing descriptions.
Along the sidewalks and city streets, shabby children and elders roam aimlessly, begging alms just enough to last them a night. A few of them ride from one public vehicle to another in hopes of finding people who are kind enough to give them a mere peso without considering how dangerous it is. According to SPO1 Michael Reyman Bomediano, team leader of Tourist Police Assistance Desk Team, the number of stray people in Dumaguete City increases during seasonal periods. Bomediano mentioned to reprimand those people who beg for money, and to tell tourists not to give them donations in order for them to become independent. He shared that the city allocated a budget for a group of people (Badjao) last September for them to go back to their place. Noel Tan Jr., beat patrol of the Tourist Police said that if the people will keep on giving, “Dili maputol ang tradition nga manglimos ra japun in the future [The culture of begging will not stop].” Hazel Dagoy, a third year Bachelor of Science in Tourism (BST) shared, “Kanang uban kay makalo-oy, makit-an jud nimu sa ilahon na gakalisud sila [Some of them are pitiful, you could see that they’re really struggling].” She gives an amount not less than five pesos whenever street people ask from her. “Gamay lang na siya nga butang para makatabang ko sa ubang tawo [It’s just a small thing that I could help to other people],” she furthered Like Dagoy, Ariel Elloren Jr., a first year BS Aviation Maintenance student also feels bad to those street children and gives money whenever he has an extra from his allowance. However, Joyce Ann Megio, a third year BS Hospitality Management student said, “Dili ra kaayo nako padakan kay basin mugara sila ba, maayo nang makabalo pod silang mangita [I will not give greater amount to them
because they might be dependent, they should know how to earn].” DSWD: Move for change The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) had launched an advocacy to encourage people to prevent giving alms to street people since it can create an idea that they don’t need to go school anymore and earn for a living. The theme, entitled: “Maging maagap at magkaroon ng malasakit, ‘wag kunsintihin ang kultura ng pamamalimos, makibahagi sa pagwawakas nito,” emphasizes the idea that giving alms is not a way to help; instead,, it can increase accident cases and criminality especially for children. Here in Dumaguete, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD) has a program called, “Back to School Program for Street Children and Out of School Youth,”
Illustrated by Claire Francis B. Elum and Joleos June S. Vegare
Illustrated by Jameel E. Daskla and Jessa C. Araneta
VOL XXXV ISSUE NO 21 NOVEMBER 13-17, 2017
Narlyn R. Mascardo
wherein they provide school supplies, Lilibeth Filipinas, Social Worker, stated. Aside from their program, Filipinas said, “They can enrich their skills from the seminar nga gihatag sa ilaha like values formation, life-skills program, bala-od about right sa children [RA 7610], pagpalig-on sa ilang pagkatawo and other activities.” Also, they initiated the so-called “Rounding” [curfew] with the help of the Local Council Protection of the Children (LCPC) in which minors are not allowed to roam around the city streets beyond 10 o’clock in the evening. When asked about the people who give money to street children, she said, “Bilang usa ka Filipino, like us nga tagaDumgauete nga very hospitable, dili pud nato sila ma control nga manghatag sila. Sila ra gyud onta mu control sa ilang kaugalingon nga not to give.” FOSTERING/ to page 4
NEWS
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VOL XXXV ISSUE NO 21 NOVEMBER 13-17, 2017
NEWSBITS
Photo by Pamela Louise M. Abrasado
CEd – Guihulngan pins 171 studes
SOCIAL AWARENESS. Norsunian education students participate the whole-day values education seminar presenting the very purpose and main function of education on the development of an all-round and well-balanced personality of the students held at NORSU gym.
NORSUNIANS/ from page 1 Technology student said, “Uyon ko para wala nay butanay, kay as of now lain kaayo ang tan-aw sa mga tawo nila.” “Dili jud ko dapat kay maglinog ang kalibutan then daghang katalagman nga mahitabo kay wala gahimo ang Ginoo og lain nilalang kundi laki ra jud ug bayi,” Sheimie Palabol, a Bachelor of Arts in General Curriculum student said.
University Guidance Counselor, Annie Rose Taguba said that we should understand the aspects of every individual, “if we see that they have a positive impact in the society, it would be okay as long as they were happy but regardless to the catholic concepts in marriage dili jud na pwede.” Notably, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez together
with Geraldine Roman, the country’s first transgender lawmaker and other enlisted representatives filed the bill with the purpose of granting LGBT couples the same rights and privileges enjoyed by spouses. As of press time, the bill is still subject for approval by the House of Representative on its third and final reading.
Province of Negros Oriental,” Jeff Regalado, a NORSU alumnus and choreographer of SDF said. Aliw Awards, established in 1976 by journalist Alice Reyes, is the pioneer in recognizing excellence in the entertainment industry such as theatre, opera, and dance,
live vocal, and instrumental shows, nationwide. “We were not expecting to be nominated since there are a lot of great and passionate dance company in the country,” Regalado shared. Furthermore, SDF won during Negros Best Dance
Crew Season 1-3, Magdegamo Negrense Got Talent 2016, World of Dance 2016 and World Supremacy Battle 2017 qualifier. As a registered student organization in Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) from 2007 to 2013, SDF was recognized as Most Outstanding Special Interest
Organization of League of Student Organization. “For me, it proves that Norsunians are very talented in the aspect of dancing. I think half of the dance community here in Dumaguete are Norsunians,” John Matt Senerpida, a proud Norsunian said.
FOSTERING/ from page 3 As stated on the Presidential Decree No. 1563, also known as Anti-Mendicancy Law, “Mendicancy breeds crime, creates traffic hazards,
endangers health, and exposes mendicants to indignities and degradation.” To note, mendicancy is the act of begging which
relies chiefly on charitable donations in order to survive. The situations of people living in the streets of Dumaguete is a huge problem linking to
poverty. Instead of giving them alms, the community can hold activities to promote their physical and mental health, and their independence.
kalibutan.”, he added. “Okay kaayo nga mahimo ni siya nga law para ma equal na ang race sa mga LGBT sa Pilipinas and to have the freedom and also build a family of their own,” Jayloumar Temperatura, a Mathematics student and acting Corp Commander of Airforce ROTC said. Also, Jasper John Credo, a freshman Industrial
Infographics by Jeke Cris G. Rocaberte
SDF/ from page 1
As part of their preparation as aspiring educators, Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) College of Education (CEd) – Guihulngan Campus recognized 171 interns during the annual pinning ceremony on November 23. For the elementary level, 14.6 percent of the attendees are Early Childhood Education students, while 17.5 percent are from the General Curriculum. As per the secondary level education, English majors had the highest total number of interns with 18.7 percent, while Social Science majors had the lowest rate with 8.2 percent of attendees. Meanwhile, the Technology Livelihood Education (TLE) has 18.1 percent, Mathematics major has 12.3 percent and Filipino major has 10.5 percent. The Pinning Ceremony is the annual occasion of the CEd for the aspiring teachers as they enter and practice the real world of teaching. “The event is very significant to our journey. Wearing this pin symbolizes the great responsibility of being a teacher,” Jouie Guzman, a BS Education English major said. Guzman also stated their readiness for the deployment for practicing teaching on December 4. “NORSU has equipped us with quality learning, so I don’t see any problem the moment we go to our respective schools,” he furthered. (JC. Perez)
CNPAHS yields 8 midwives With a total of 66.67 percent performance rate, College of Nursing, Pharmacy and Allied Sciences (CNPAHS) produced eight newly registered midwives during the 2017 Midwifery Licensure Examination. As released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in November, eight out of 13 first time examinees from NORSU passed. The passers are Iris Gariando, Dara Elyn Honrubia, Eunice Omaña, Catherine Monterona, Jane Mae Rose Sol, Anita Torrevilla, Antonieetta Tuco, and Jenelin Zozobrado. In an interview with The NORSUnian (TN), Zozobrado said she prepared for the licensure exam through working night shifts and by scanning through her notes and books. She then furthered that the examination differed from the normal exams since the questions were analytical, situational and needed the mind’s full capacity in order to analyze the questions. Tuco said, “I was so happy and thankful that all my sacrifices and effort has been paid off.” Notably, Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) has attained an overall performance of 66.67 % which is above the national passing rate of 43.56%. (M. Salmin)