WE write for you. we fight for you. VOL XXXV ISSUE NO 22 | NOVEMBER 20-24, 2017
THOROUGH PROLONGATION. The soon-to-be CIT Building still stands inoperative as the second semester of school year 2017-2018 starts. (Photo by Ma. Angelica G. Ho )
Norsunian tops Geologist Licensure Exam
Narlyn R. Mascardo
Alec Benjamin Ramirez, a fresh geology graduate in March 2017 ranked first in this year’s Geologist Licensure Examination given on Nov. 14-16 with an average of 83.20 percent. There were 452 examinees nationwide.
With Ramirez, other NORSU passers are Jorge Gabriel Adrian Adanza, Van Christian Adrias, Marlowie Ageas, Jenth Dales, Ma Alexa Ezquer, Wennah Fuentes, Wendel Rei Lagroma, Louie Morandarte, Alton Nabua, Lyndon Nawanao Jr., Faith Que, Bran Joseph Romares, Gale Salamorin, Chiran Solamillo
Norsunians call for
vending machine maintenance Faith Jessica E. Alejano
VENDING/to page 2
Photo by Pamela Louise M. Abrasado
Caus i n g inconvenience and risking students’ safety, Norsunians ask for maintenance on several vending machines located at the campus vicinity. The vending machines are situated at College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) building, Science and Technology (ST) building and near the university cafeteria.
Marlyn Alaban, a BS Education student said she witnessed cups are not refilled on time. Meanwhile, Syriyl Mapili, a junior BS Computer Engineering student, said some students using the said machine experienced electrocution. “Nakuryentehan na gani mi, tubig ra pa jud nga na’ay galutaw-lutaw na itom ang nigawas imbes na Milo, Rip-
BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY. Norsunians seeks safety and maintenance to every vending machines located around the campus.
Tortogo Jr.. Ramirez, a resident of Calindagan, Dumaguete City, said in an interview with The NORSUnian (TN), “Wala ko ga expect na maabot sa top, odds gud kay lisud gyud maka-abot dira.” Upon knowing the result, he expressed, “Lipay gyud kaayo, pero na shock ko, dili ko kasiguro kay
the results went out a day before the expected na mugawas siya, usually after three working days.” “It is helpful that you have mastered the basic subjects because once you have the foundation, you could apply it, and when it comes to the review time, you do not need to go back since you already know it by
heart,” he said. Ramirez did self-review as his preparation for the exam, he then organized a small review program in Dumaguete City with his batchmates wherein they would meet twice a week. “CVPC, NORSU Geology Alumni Association — they were NORSUNIAN/to page 3
Michelle M. Salmin
because it is part of our education… related to [the] sports program,” he said. As explained by Padernal, the budget for the intramurals was proposed together with the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) budget proposal for the athletes; however, it was removed due to prior scheduled events. “I scheduled it after the regional meet on January 23, so maybe we could have a week of training for the students,” he
said.
As explained, agri-fishery development is the priority program of the national government and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Guest speaker Asterio Saliot, agricultural training institute director IV said, “The president [Rodrigo Duterte] is much aware that the numbers of aspiring agriculturist are decreasing each year due to some technologies that makes new generation forget about agriculture.” Saliot furthered that through STEAM, it would help encourage students to engage in the agricultural
field.
Alec Benjamin Ramirez
Intramurals to push through in 2018 After struggling to insert the activity due to previous lined up events, Sports and Athletics Department assured tNorsunians that the annual Intramurals shall take place in January 2018. In an interview with The NORSUnian (TN), Robeleo Padernal, Sports and Athletics director explained that the delay is due to the budget’s late approval from the Board of Regents (BOR). “Dili mawala ang intramurals
Ryjim Clark Gallano, a freshman BS Computer Science student said, “Walay tay mahimo kung ma-delayed kay students raman ta ug igo ra ta mag-follow kung unsay gipang-implement sa school.” “We should consider nga there are more significant events and activities nga maoy ilang gi-prioritize maong wala ni siya na implement this year,” Nichol Domingo, a freshman BS Hospitality Management student
said.
AB Gen student Joane Roda said, “It allows the students to endure their education outside the classroom, as well.” “Last year na namo run sa university so dapat ma- enjoy ug magdula jud mi’g taman.” Arjie Esler, a senior BS Criminology student said. Responding to students dismay on the activity’s delay, Padernal said, “Ang unang ma-disappoint kung walay intrams kay ako, [since] it’s part of the sports program.”
Limson to focus NORSU agri-fishery expansion Faith Jessica E. Alejano
Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) president Joel Limson pushes to launch the academe’s expansion of agriculture and fisheries during the opening ceremony of the Philippine Agricultural Extension forum, Nov. 23, 2017. In his speech, Limson said, “Starting 2018 we have to refocus our direction and our resources towards the development of STEAM [Science, Technology, Engineering, Agri-Fishery and Math] .”
Jun Rey Nahial, a freshman agriculture student said, “As an agriculturist…the plan of the president, if would be implemented next year, will make a change for the better.” “Happy kaayo ko kay murag napansin jud ug naka-realize sila na tagaan og priority ang agriculture kay nakasalalay jud namo puhon ang pagkain ng bayan,” Jelyn Pasco, a sophomore agriculture student said.
Citing the problems faced by agriculture students, Trixie Claire Duhaylungsod, a sophomore forestry student said that no equipment is provided during their classroom sessions and field work, and the library lacks learning materials to cater their program. Limson, on the other hand said, “We still have to see good results on our agriculture and fisheries board examination, hopefully this year we could really make a good name on our agri-fishery.”
CHANGE FOR THE BETTER...
HAVING THE HOTS
DO YOU THINK...
SEE PAGE 2
SEE PAGE 3
SEE PAGE 4
BEYOND BOUNDARIES
features
UNIVERSITY POLL
OPINION
2
VOL XXXV ISSUE NO 22 NOVEMBER 20-24, 2017
EDITORIAL Lately, a Civil Partnership Act, House Bill 6595 was proposed by a group of people led by House Representative speaker, Pantaleon Alvarez. This bill allows couples to enter into civil partnership, whether they are of the opposite or of the same sex. The union of same sex has been practiced now by other developing countries, but not in the Philippines. In line with the pursuit of the homosexuals, they pleaded for equality and acceptance. Philippines is sensitive especially when it comes to customs and norms. For the past decades, our country has been practicing different traditions but slowly adopting some changes. Allowing couples, either the opposite or of the same sex, experience legal procedures to ensure and give merit in their partnership, it is about time that this change be applied. First thing to understand is that the bill only asks for homosexuals to enjoy the rights experienced by married heterosexuals. This will give protection to the couples by penalizing unlawful and discriminatory practices committed by persons or institutions against them on the basis of their civil partnership status. The Philippine Constitution may at least be responsible on the statement “state values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.” Second, as the homosexual activist Paul Varnell emphasized in a Chicago press, the gay movement does not merely focus on the civil rights movement nor sexual liberation movement, but rather a moral revolution aimed at changing people’s view of homosexuality. Acceptance as a whole is what the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LBGT) community deserves. LGBT members are not here to harm people, rather expect from them a new kind of environment full of possibilities. Last, the bill is flexible and emphasized considerations. While Bishop Jose Oliveros said the church’s stand against same-sex marriage “is not a matter of rights but rather a matter of what is contrary to the nature of marriage,” the act respond fairly as stated in Section 6, to those persons lawfully authorized to solemnize marriage under Article 7 of the Family Code of the Philippines is free to choose whether or not to administer or officiate a civil partnership ceremony. Moreover, as Alvarez said, the Catholic Church in particular is free to oppose the proposal for it only covers civil union and provision on conjugal ownership. To clarify, the act protects partners in a same-sex relationship in the context of assets and properties that may have been accumulated during such coverture since they cannot procreate. It will provide definite rules on how properties acquired during such a relationship are to be divided between the parties after such relationship shall have ended. The act indeed is either a benefit or the contrary. No one can really judge it objectively for each opinion is created from the individuals’ bias. As far as how we value our culture, norm itself cannot just stay stagnant. If the EDITORIAL/to page 4
Illustrated by Jameel E. Daksla
To whom it may concern
Change for the better, not for the worst Change is a good thing, or is it? On day-to-day basis, I see NORSU as it is. But since I consider myself as one of those curious people, I observed. I remembered the time when people were fixing the university gymnasium’s roof. A lot of student and teachers were in a rush. Plants were delivered and a group of people were drilling the pathway to CAS besides the admin building. I wonder, why all of a sudden? Schedules of upcoming
events were posted. The Founders week which will happen in a week’s time and the National PASUC which will be held in NORSU. Two events, sudden improvements. That explained everything. Change in the university is not uncommon though it gives people a thing to comment on. “This could be the start of making our university better than the others,” “Sa sugod rana,” “Maytag padayunon ni nila.” These are words often said when
transfomation subsists. Now, we see a lot happening. Some thinks it’s just random. Some are amazed of the steps made by the admin. Some just don’t care. There are may be a lot of changes and improvements this time but real improvements will come days, weeks or months after they were made. Students were excited in making the booths for the Founders week. Same goes with the preparation to welcome PASUC delegates, but it worries a lot of students too since the PASUC will coexist with the Founders week. It could either bring them to explore the booth areas or it will just allow them to make it as an excuse for not participating in the founder’s week activities because it is National PASUC. Will the changes in NORSU keeps on growing and making it possible for all the students to appreciate every effort done by the admin and costudents or will it just stop somewhere without reaching the end of the line? I’d probably study here again years later and see what NORSU has to offer by that time.
VENDING/from page 1 off kaayo sa among para na gabayad og tarong” Mapili
added. “Para nako ila ng ilisdan kay naa pod madaot ana if di gani mofunction. Para asa lang diay na, design?” Nova Babe Torres, a junior BS Education student said. University Buildings and Grounds (BG) director Edgar Abella said the concerns did not reach his office; thus, he encourages the students to direct their complaints to him for immediate solution to be done. Abella assures to send people to check the grounded vending machines and do what they can to fix the said problems. Furthermore, the guest university physician recommended to make the vending machines clean and safe for health .
FEATURES
VOL XXXV ISSUE NO 22 NOVEMBER 20-24, 2017
3
Illustrated by Jessa Araneta and Claire Francis Elum
The Geo Legend
Setting the Bar High Kenneth Carlorio S. Surilla
Sweat conjures a map on his back. Focus fades from his eyes. Fear shakes his marking hand. The silence of the 10m x 12m room occupied by 19 other examinees seem suffocating. He stands, walks, and enters the comfort room. There, the breeze of silence greets him with comfort, or at least for a second. Alec Benjamin Ramirez sees another examinee returning to the exam. He is the examinee, another random licensed-geologist-wannabe. And in a brief moment when they lock sights, Alec senses the agreement of the stranger; that the last day of the exam is the hardest and that few will return home with smile. Alec was not hoping but he brought home his best smile and honor of Negros Oriental State University as he became the first Norsunian to have topped the Geologist Licensure Examination (GLE). “It is an honor [to be the first from NORSU]. But there NORSUNIAN from page 1 our partners in contacting sa mga other professionals and alumni na pwede mo-teach gyud pud and also with the help of other people,” he disclosed.
He marks the most prestigious milestone in the history of the Geology program of Negros Oriental State University… 83 other Norsunians failed really make this year’s victory all is also a great conviction to “I think it’s not anymore recalled his college years. really work hard and help my new to our fellow Norsunians Before graduating in March recording NORSU as lowest the more meaningful,” he said. “The success of the first colleagues who did not make it the struggle that the Geology 2017, Alec was a member of performing university among the seven (7) Norsunian to top the GLE is this year,” Alec, stressed proudly Program has faced and still is Unrelenting Passion Christian schools offereing just one of the firsts. In aiming for even better results in facing today. While I am really Campus Ministries. He served BS Geology in the future, it will rain”, the future. thankful that there were some as a student assistant in the the country with as what Alec said with Ramirez, born on May mentors with great dedication university library during his a 15.31 percent faith in God… “We 30, 1997, is from Calindagan, to really teach, I still maintain first and second year. By his passing rate. need to learn more Dumaguete City. Not only our stand last year, when we say third year, Alec became a writer “I really things about earth, being the fourth, he is also the that our situation should not be of The NORSUnian (TN), the and serve better the hope we could only man standing out of the the status quo,” Alec said. official university campus paper, society from this finally improve four children of Bienvenido To note, no instructor promoted as its first online aspect.” on our passing rate Ramirez Jr. and Lily Ramirez. designated to a regular or editor, and even contributed Alec graduated from St. permanent position has in uplifting NORSU in various next year. That Louis School-Don Bosco as ever taught in the Geology student press conventions . w o u l d Valedictorian in elementary Department for years. Such Lastly, he was voted as the and Ramon Teves Pastor situation even led to the President of the Geology Memorial-Dumaguete Science escalation of the Geology Students Society (GSS), one of High School as 1st Honorable students’ “silent rally” during the most participative academic Mention before studying in the opening of the 2016 Charter organizations in the university. NORSU, under the Geology Day of NORSU. Its purpose “I do not have concrete Program. was to make the administration plans for the short term yet, NORSU established its find regular instructors for but in the long term, I am Geology Program in 1995 and the geology program of the more inclined to continue with help from, instructors, university. postgraduate education, still in alumnus, and other universities, “Still, the journey was line with geology,” Alec stated the program was sustained and made meaningful and fun with with determination and trust in became one of the flagship the help of my friends and his faith. programs of NORSU. About colleagues in NORSU, the select Alec hopes that NORSU’s 300-500 students are enrolled in mentors, and others whom passing rate raises in 2018. the program per semester. I have not mentioned,” Alec Because, while 15 passed, Stating his motivation in the exam, he acknowledged his classmates, friends, teachers and his family, “most especially akong father dugay nagud na siya
Illustrated byc Joleos June S. Vegare
Having the Hots Story by Low key
w
HAVING THE HOTS Story by Low Key
ganahan gyud makakita sa fruits pud sa labor.” He furthered, “But most especially ang Ginoo, kay among all other things, dili gyud na maabot sa imuha if dili gitugot
sa Ginoo.” As for a message to his fellow Norsunians who will be taking the board exam soon, “Tip wise, make sure to have a strong
foundation in Geology subjects. He emphasized that the board exam and rating will not define for who you are, as a person or even as a geologist.
“Dili gyud ang board exam ang pinaka importante sa imohang life, there are far more important things in life,” he said.
“Naa koy tulo ka joke,” you grinned as I curled my fingers and prepared myself to cringe. “Joke! Joke! Joke!” You laughed so hard, and I admit, I too laughed, not because it was funny but because I felt the last string broke, the string that held my senses, the only string that stopped me from jumping off the cliff. But it was too late. The moment I heard the string snap, I knew I was doomed. Doomed because I ended up falling into a bottomless pit, the type of pit where no one catches you when you fall. I laughed like a lunatic because my sanity won’t stop poking me, teasing me, saying,
“Yehey! Wala kay pag-asa niya.” I was contented from afar. I would stare at your physique and wonder how someone so thin could still look so cool. Those were the serene days, the calm before the storm, but then at some point, you smiled and laughed, and damn, I went mad. I got intoxicated by how adorable and dark you were at the same time, with those big ears of yours. You would go sinisterly Nirvana one second, and instantly shift into a die-hard fanboy for Paramore, the next. Really, you were a Black Parade amidst all the Swallalala. Impressing you was a brawl. You were skillful, I was not; yet
I tried sketching, doodling and even murdered a fish twice just to prove I, too can cook. I even went comical, boosting my confidence through studying, telling myself, “Maski sa brains lang makabawi bahala’g maot.” Things that I hate doing, I sought for it. Walks are sweeter, they say, but when it’s with you, it becomes the sweetest – forget the butterflies – I freaking feel Dracarys burning down an entire city when I’m next to you. Enthused by a movie once, I played my cards, I went ‘100 tula para kay Stella’ on you, and dared to sway you with an embarrassing poem. The heavens were with me on that one but not enough to
make you see me. Tell me, how many cheesy lines does it take for you to stop whatever it is you’re doing and just look my way? All these giddy feelings I have for you, it makes me wonder, would the odds be in my favor before you graduate? Or am I just stuck in an appreciation zone called friendship? I don’t know if you’re too dense, or if you’re just too slow, still, hoping you’d notice me. “Hi crush. Kudos on becoming a geologist.” Pathetic and cringeworthy, Low key is a BS Engineering student who has already embarrassed herself way too much.
Backpage
4
Exchange studes share Singapore exposure Trixia Pauline C. Acab
REMINISCENCE. Exchange students’ visit to Marina Barrage, Singapore. (Photo Courtesy of Muhd Irsyad)
Princess Ebrole, senior BS Education student said she realized how leadership with good character matters. “Through my exposure and educational journeys in the program, I’ve understood how sustainability factor played big role in different
aspects of development,” Ebrole added. “It has also enabled me to prepare for the 21st century with best practices in technologies and need for harmonious relationship amongst people.” The said program aimed to establish connection with
the Philippines and impart the different aspects that established the Singapore’s success of today, including its governance, water management, social unity of its multi-culture and multi-religion, tourism, and economy.
NEWSBIT 6 Norsunians pass PLE
Six out of seven examinees, with two fresh takers and four repeaters from Negros Oriental University (NORSU) passed the Psychometrician Licensure Examination (PLE) on October 29-30, marking 85.71% school rating. The passers were Sherly Veruasa, April Rose Catacutan, Faith Catherine Cayongcong, Roquelyn Ramirez, Justin Jane, and Ligaya Banagan. Derry Deff Sampang, a post-graduate student said, “As a psych graduate I’m very proud para sa department. I don’t blame the department for the passing rate right now, I know struggle kaayo siya.” Sampang added, “That’s why I’m asking the administration to help the department since bag-o ra na gi-regulate sa gobyerno ang among profession.” Meanwhile, Zede Zabdiel Vergara said, “Proud and happy para sa among department na majority sa ni take kay nakapasar.” As released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), 4,957 out of 8,701 examinees nationwide passed the said examination. To note, since its establishment in 2014, the PLE is now on its fourth year. [M. EROJO] TO WHOM / from page 2
grass roots try to be more open with the paradigm shift, then these LGBT people will receive what they deserve. More so, the lawmakers should give it a
thought for the amendment of such bill will give a way for the LGBT sector be safeguarded who are also significant segments of the society.
CAMPUS IMAGE Angeleah Grace J. Acaso
“Behind every favorite song, there is an untold story.” She went down from the stage after performing their last song for the night. It makes her happy performing with her band, as well as hearing hands applauding, coming from the audience. It satisfies her and she thinks she’s done for the day; exhausted but happy. Meet our senior BS Computer Science student, graphic artist, music lover and bassist, Ladylove Princess C. Capunay. This 20-year-old gal born on October 11, 1997 from Bajumpandan, Dumaguete City, started loving music at a very young age. In high school, she started exploring the music world. She thought it wasn’t enough to just listen to music and watch people create it. She believes that she could make her own music too, if not right away, in the future. She started playing guitar and felt that music is really a part of her. As she worked hard in achieving her dream of becoming a musician, she also worked hard in her studies. She is aware that her parents also have financial constraints, and that they might not be able to send her to college; but it never crossed her mind to abandon her studies. She applied for a scholarship and was granted a full scholarship since her first year in college under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) after passing its examination. Having a scholarship that requires her to maintain high grades, pass requirements on time, and study for exams, reports, and others, her time is usually divided between academics and music. Her life got more exciting when her band got accepted in Belltower Project in Dumaguete City. It is an organization that acknowledges local artists here in Negros Oriental that promotes local music. So, every now and then, they need to practice, requiring them to go to various places and perform. It was beyond imaginable for her at first, because it is the dream she always wanted. She worked hard for her studies and she also worked hard for her dream. Others may think that it is nothing, but she still considers it as a big break. Right now, she fully hopes for the next step in her life. March is fast approaching and she knows that whatever goal in life, may it be big or small, as long as she works with all her heart, she knows she can do it and she will achieve it.
SUN-KISSED SKIN. Vendor hauls his bangka carrying goods despite the heat at Manjuyod Sandbar.
Norsu-Bais 1st University-Wide Campus Journalism Seminar-Workshop
Best Photo by Marco Paolo Ramirez
Infographics by Javan Lev Poblador
Photo by Pamela Louise M. Abrasado
Connecting with Singapore’s diverse culture, some exchange students sponsored by Temasek Foundation International Specialists’ Community and Leadership Exchange (TFI-SCALE) shared their three-week experience. 30 Norsunians who qualified the initial interview of the foundation were sent to the said country for leadership skills training on October 14 – November 4. “It was not just a learning experience for me but rather a transformational point for me to apply the three guiding principles for societal development back here in the Philippines – Initiate, Innovate, Implement,” Wayne Banaybanay, a senior BS Geodetic Engineering student said. Meanwhile, senior BS Geology student Loren Kuizon realized the importance of considering micro to macro perspective in life.
VOL XXXV ISSUE NO 22 NOVEMBER 20-24, 2017