WE write for you. we fight for you.
VOL XXXVI | ISSUE NO 2 | JUNE 11-15, 2018
FREE TUITION KNOW HOW. To elaborate the guidelines of the free higher education law or the free tuition law, Rose Marie Pinili, Vice-President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), explained the the absorptive capacity for the fresh enrollees of this school year during the UNIFAST orientation in NORSU Dumaguete Campus I. Photo by Kenneth Carlorio S. Surilla
UniFast explains free higher education law Kenneth Carlorio S. Surilla
Photo by Pamela Louise M. Abrasado
Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) registered three passers from the November 2017 Bar Examination after the Supreme Court of the Philippines released the results on April 26, 2018. The three passers are Jorge Biñas, Mark Anthony Trayvilla, and Rodelio Solon. “There were few takers [from NORSU] this year,” Lawyer Manuel Arbon, NORSU College of Law (CoL) dean, explained. The important thing he added was that there are passers from NORSU who are maintaining the records. Furthermore, he expressed gratitude to the college faculty as well as the administration as it is devoting funds for the improvement of the college. “This is a good law school with proper support,” Arbon commented.
The dean disclosed that the college is currently complying with the requirements of Legal Education Board for continuous service in NORSU which includes its own facilities. The Language and Social Sciences Building, being under renovations, will be the new site of the college consisting of lecture rooms, library, dean’s office, faculty room and a student lounge. “So that we can invite more students to enroll here,” the dean said. Purchase of dozen and updated books were also executed and is already on the third delivery. Additionally, Arbon is proud that competent instructors are teaching in the collage of Law. To note, the Philippine Bar Examinations is the only professional examination not administered by Professional Regulation Commission. Plus, the bar exams largely rely on norsu / to page 4
BLOCK SECTIONING. Freshmen students take their time in finding their sections among the list posted at the University Gymnasium.
cheers to the sense... Liberis insignia
OPINION | see page 2
June 7 – Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFast) discussed the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Republic Act No. 10931 or Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act of 2017. The law is generally providing: Free higher education in State and Local universities and Colleges (SUCs and LUCs); Free Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in State-run Technical Vocational Institutes (STVIs); Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES);
and, Student Loans Program for Tertiary Education. SUCs & LUCs Generally stated, all Filipino undergraduates, who pass the admission policy of a state university or college, or any Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-recognized local university or college, will enjoy free tuition, miscellaneous, and other fees defined by the law. Further, those with no previous undergraduate degree,
and those who haven’t exceeded the maximum years needed to finish a program with a one-year allowance given by law, can also enjoy the same benefits. There are still exceptions with regard to non-credit subjects, review, and enhancement classes, and a system is created wherein a student may choose to pay the required fees or still enjoy the law after a voluntary contribution. However, all students enjoying free higher education will be required with a return-service
to the university to be complied only during the semester wherein implementing universities are charged with formulating its system. Additionally, CHED will charge sanctions to implementing institutions who doesn’t comply with the parameters set, including enrollment capacity. TESDA Meanwhile, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will start free TVET in STVIs this July 2018. Filipinos enrolled in TVET programs in public training institutions will enjoy free tuition,
UNIFAST / to page 4
Coin confusion is only temporary–BSP
Kenneth Carlorio S. Surilla
April 30 – Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said that confusion between old and new coins circulating in the country is only temporary and that they are still distinguishable. BSP-7 regional director Leonides Sumbi explained that the two currency coin series can be differentiated via visual and textile means in contrast to public reactions, and soon people will get used to it. “We are banking you [media] to help us disseminate that these are the new generation coins,” Sumbi said, aiming for the public to be fully aware of the changes. The new coins, or formally New Generation Currency Coin (NGC) Series, features the new BSP logo at the reverse side along with the Philippine endemic flora, plant life existent only in the country. At the obverse side, Philippine heroes Apolinario Mabini, Andres Bonifacio, and Jose Rizal are embellished on 10, 5, and 1 Peso coins, respectively,
Integrity in Currency! Bangko Sentral ng Pilipans claims the New Generation Currency Coin Series (bottom) is better than the BSP Currency Coin Series (above) in terms of security and aesthetic details.
while a sun and three stars are present in 25, 5 and 1 cents. Also, the sizes of the coins vary from smallest to biggest depending on their value discrediting possible notions that they are all similar in size, 10 Peso being the biggest at 27 mm in
STANDING (BUS)... UNIVERSITY DIARIES
FEATURES | see page 3
diameter and 1 cent at 15 mm. The edges are also varied with 10 Peso having reed edge with letters of the BSP in full text, 5 Peso being plain, 1 Peso with intermittent reed edge, 25 Cent with plain edge, 5 Cent with reed edge and 1 Cent with plain edge.
NGCs are all made of nickelplated steel, causing the uniform silver-color as opposed to the old coins, which are color-oriented in nature. Despite the confusion it caused, it increases durability and coin / to page 4
DO YOU THINK NORSU’S...
UNIVERSITY POLL
BACKPAGE | see page 4
Photo by Ryan Alfaras, Philippine Information Agency-Cebu
NORSU has 3 Bar passers CoL eyeing improvement
Kenneth Carlorio S. Surilla
VOL XXXVI | ISSUE NO 2 | JUNE 11-15, 2018
EDITORIAL
How cheap is your vote? I’m always skeptical. I ask when I doubt something. I seek for answers if thoughts leave me hanging. But the most intriguing question that no one could seem to provide me a concrete and a justifiable answer is coming from this thought: “How much is your dignity?” I know that dignity is somewhat general, nevertheless, dignity or self-worth is like hiding your old teddy bear inside your cabinet and waiting it to be surrendered and sold— finally. Let me make this passage
worthy of reading and for you to know what I’m pertaining to. Recently, I noticed some of my personal friends and neighbors running for Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairmen and councilors were yearning for power and authority. I meant it in a way that they do “vote buying,” somehow paying one’s worth in exchange for a particular amount of money, for example, just for twenty pesos. I call them greedy and desperate and I mean it. Well, who would have ever
Cheers to the senseless! You might remember the time when you were still a senseless kid who always had the knack of talking or fighting back whenever you were bullied. We were irrational beings who looked cute when we cried and whined for thinking we were right. Oh, but certainly we were right (basing on our own perspectives). All we did was to throw back nasty words to our kiddie enemies which we think now as something very embarrassing and absurd. But if you thought these child wars only happen to children, they could happen between teenagers and adults, too (interesting)!
Just recently, president Duterte had caused national chaos when he kissed an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in South Korea. Once again, the country had been divided to justify the people’s personal thoughts regarding the matter. Some were outraged since according to some, the president should be a good example not only to his people, but to other countries, as well. If he cannot even be respectful to his own people, then how much more for others who molest our Filipina OFWs who only work for the good of their families? By witnessing this act from the Philippine
thought that it’s possible. Now, let’s make this even more reasonable. If I’m going to vote for a candidate in exchange of twenty pesos for three years serving our local barangay and just see if his platform will come to life, it only means that my worth is nearly seven pesos a year letting him sit on his throne and wait until what happens next. However, my dignity could even be more worthless and futile after all if it is divided by all of the days he serves in the office (excluding weekends) for only .024 cents day by day in a year. Imagine that your vote is that cheap in exchange for greediness and egocentricity. Chances are, your twenty pesos will be used in a day or you can have it laminated as your souvenir of being dumb since it will be useless after all. Does that make sense now? It saddened me a lot since I don’t really mind other’s businesses, thus, in this case, it is different. When will this end? What happens next? Why can’t we just have a clean and
fair election? Questions like these are never ending and no one knows when this stops. But I know if one is responsible enough to stand on his own then he is nowhere far from having his own dignity. The saddest part of this is that the right to suffrage can never be exercised rightfully anymore. It will now become as the right to suffer. Indeed, it will happen again because it already happened. Our vote is Holy and powerful. We decide on our own but they can never and shall never be traded it by just a cheap-worth of money. You will suffer and regret it for the next three years just because of the wrong choice you made. And guess what, I did not vote last election because I could still smell how stinky the election was way back in years; and, I know I will never regret it because no one deserved my vote, honestly. Voters today are easily lured and deceived by money. Don’t make it as your world because that will never help you become rich, but your right choice will.
president, himself, this redefined a new perspective for neighboring countries about the Philippines. Meanwhile, other Filipinos did not see the wrong in his action. They said that it was right to fulfill a fangirl’s wish since allegedly, the OFW was said to have asked the kiss. A public personality, Ronnie Liang, 33, even tweeted that he didn’t see anything wrong with what the president has done; but got chopped with bashes. Then if this was the case, how sweet would it be if Justin Bieber or Jung Hoseok of BTS could kiss me if I asked them, too? Still a no? The country has been divided far too much when Angel Dei Peralta, 23, an Instagram public figure, tweeted on June 4 of this year, “If you ever voted or supported Duterte before but you’re regretting it now, then I’m proud of you.” She gained another round of applause accompanied with bashing, and a counterstrike from the daughter of the president, himself, Veronica Duterte, 14. Dated on June 5, she
tweeted, “if you just thought of showing your thin ass body on social media, decided to make nonsense videos and all that irrelevant stuff most people nowadays do, but you’re regretting it now and you’re planning to do something that actually helps, then perhaps I can say I’m proud of you.” With words spitted just like that, would it be funny to call the whoe scenario a kiddie feud or should it be branded a catfight? Although Veronica was only trying to defend the president as her father, it is never right to shame a person for his or her opinion. Angel didn’t say anything wrong though blatantly, we shouldn’t have tolerated ourselves by sending malicious comments against her. Plastic ban is now implemented, but it has been taken to a whole new level. We could never get used to it, couldn’t we? Well, Mahatma Gandhi said that an eye for an eye can make the whole world blind, guess the Philippines is, as of the moment. Cheers!
Art by Joemar B. Villarejo
The Philippines is a country with a rich biodiversity. It is the home to some of the most beautiful beaches and sceneries, with ecosystems housing numerous species of indigenous flora and fauna which is why it is no surprise that our country is one of the go-to travel destinations around the world. But, decades have passed, we have turned nature as a perfect opportunity for business—beach resorts, wildlife attractions, among others; and, not putting in mind the negative consequences that may occur in the future due to improper practices on maintaining and conserving the environment. A prime example to this is Boracay, a worldfamous tourist destination in Malay, Aklan. A couple of months ago, Press. Duterte ordered its closure for 6 months due to the severe environmental problems it has been facing. But this issue isn’t new to the island because in the past years, the island’s waters have been highly polluted since the local government unit neglected such problem as it worsened, leading to the half-a-year closure. Due to this, many Filipinos have lost their sources of income since thousands of employees worked in the island. All establishments were all closed, affecting the tourism industry of our country. Another case is the well-known Oslob Whale Shark Watching at Tan-awan, Oslob, Cebu. The way tourists interact (i.e. feeding, presence of pump boats) can cause change to their natural behavior for the worse. It may seem adventurous activities to most tourists, but this may be a nuisance to the whales and sharks in their natural habitat. We shouldn’t turn a blind eye to these issues. We must be responsible for our actions. Tourism in the Philippines is highly valued but tourism malpractices aren’t good as it could lead to the destruction of the environment. The goal of developing the tourism industry in a community should not just be maximizing its economic benefits but also should take into account the implications of this maximization on the environment.
Photo by Pamela Lousie M. Abrasado
Bakasyon de Basura
FEATURES
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Her eyes spoke of a sad story she could not help but rekindle. Her lips went dry when a memory of her parents flashed at the back of her mind. Looking back, things have always been complicated. Her parents were already on the verge of falling apart when they gave her up and left her to live with her grandparents. They were not yet ready for the responsibilities of rearing a child they have given life to, so they thought it was best to give her away. “Bata pa ko, gihatag na ko ni mama sa akong lola ug lolo,” she gently explained, bowing her head down as the words came out of her mouth stung her whole existence. Since then, she already knew she could never have a complete family— never with her parents. Although this made her quite devastated, she is happy that her grandparents were able to fill up the emptiness her true parents have left her. The love and care her lolo and lola gave her will always be incomparable gems. Her lola is a housewife while her lolo is a fisherman. They were the people who took care of her, and sent her to school from kindergarten until now. She knew how hard life was, especially for them who didn’t have much in life, so she set out and fortunately got a scholarship. It was a big help for her because she didn’t want to be much of a burden especially that her grandparents are not getting any younger. Contented and fulfilled from the love from her grandparents, she didn’t bother to ask her parent’s whereabouts. Instead of getting angry and putting the blame on them, she diverted herself into being thankful for everything she has in life. In 2016, she was then in her third year college when the bad news hit her. Her grandfather died because of stomach complications he suffered for a long time but just kept it to himself. She was really devastated because her lolo became the father figure to her. Now that he passed away, the spaces will never be filled again. But being a positive person, she didn’t let the challenges pull her down. Instead, these made her stronger and more determined to finish what she has started. A year later, she had the chance to meet her father for the first time. She felt nothing as if the person in front of her was just a calm wind. Just like her mother who presently has her own family with two kids, she felt like it didn’t matter anymore. Growing up with her grandparents made her an independent person, which makes her the lady she is now. This lass is no other than Juvy Ann Aviso, a fourth year student of Negros Oriental State University (NORSU)-Dumaguete campus I, taking up Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) major in English. She was born on January 3, 1999 and is a resident of Brgy. Campaclan, Sibulan, Negros Oriental. Her dreams are her motivation in life. It is difficult to be poor but it’s more difficult if one does not have dreams in life. These dreams will lead you to be successful in the future. campus image / to page 4
Standing (bus) Ovation Story by intern000
Art by Claire Francis B. Elum and Jessa C. Araneta
VOL XXXVI | ISSUE NO 2 | JUNE 11-15, 2018
CAMPUS IMAGE
OPINION
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Faith Jessica E. Alejano
Here we are again. The cold nights and summer getaways are over. Streets are getting busy, filled with people hustling to work clutching a cup of half-emptied coffee; and, students thrilled to enter the university as official freshies. It is the time of the year where we get back on track and face the daily pressures of life. To get through this reality, here are some commandments you can skim: Be the early bird “ T h e early bird catches the early worm,” they say. Wake up early and train y o u r body to adapt w i t h your new schedule. Summer days and long slumbers are finally over. It is time to reset a new body clock so you can avoid being awarded as the tardiest in class. Skip anything but breakfast Breakfast is the most important meal to start your day. It boosts your energy to get you going all throughout the day. A cup of water or milk, and a fruit would be essential to help you be extra active in class. Thus, to have a fine day, thou shall not
skip your breakfast. Wear comfy clothes Choose the right clothes. Let them give you the comfort and confidence you need. Wear them because you feel at ease and not because you want to show your sense of fashion and style. Wear a smile Spend your time studying with a friendly disposition. Have good values and always lend a hand. Smile, be approachable and ask questions. Yet, do not force it. Even if you meet grumpy teachers or snob classmates, still, smile. Get in the social circle Make the first move. Anywhere, such as near the restroom or at the canteen, you can find someone that has things in common with you. All you need to do is toughen up. Strike up a conversation, smile and c omp l i m e nt
them, and, of course, introduce yourself and tell them where you came from. You never know where you can find a nice friend. Be active in class Participate in class discussions and school activities. Volunteer and voice your mind when needed or asked. Raise your own esteem by being lively and give your best confidently and share your talents. Visualize your goal As you work to become more confident, it is important to change your mindset. Do not just go to school because you need to but because you have goals to reach. Visualize and make them happen.
Study well Strive to live each day from the heart and with focus and dedication. Work on your dreams with passion and success will chase you down. Be positive It is understandable that there are times when we will feel down; but, that is okay. Things get better when you do not focus on the negative side too much. Writing down good things about yourself and keeping the list somewhere handy, will let you feel less down and help you with overcoming your inner fears. Don’t forget to rest Spend a moment for yourself. Figure out the things you want to do or the things you have done. Think on it. Through this, you will be able to know yourself more. Resting is very necessary, may you be an introvert or an extrovert, we all need serenity once in a while so we can go on with our daily routine. It is another significant academic year that will surely mold us to be the best version of ourselves. Let’s make new friends and learn well as these are noteworthy instruments to achieve our dreams.
So, I was an intern in Cebu during summer and I had to go back to Dumaguete for a weekend event. Well, I hate many kinds of waiting… and in that Friday night, I had no plans on waiting at the terminal. Thus, I created a hellish experience for a passenger. I ended my shift at 5 pm and rushed home to catch the 6 pm trip to have more resting time, and a comfortable seat— the farthest left at the backset. Plus, knowing me, I don’t prefer commuting for most reasons. I spent half an hour walking to Cebu South Bus Terminal and had likely 15 minutes left before departure time. I regret not asking my manager to let me off earlier. The conductor shocked me with the info that the 6 p.m. trip was
pushed back to 4 pm and had left two hours before, because of influx in passengers. I still paid my ticket for the last trip, 11pm, but I was already in grief. That grief somehow became unfathomable when he apologized for the standing ticket. And seeing about 20 more rivals for lucky free seats, there faded my energy for tomorrow, not to mention, my food budget is prepared for my Duma stay, not for travel. I accepted my fate. The bus arrived and I equaled the spirit of fellow passengers, it’s either I stand or I don’t go. The scene imitated the usual packed trains— I promise I could barely move, and that conductor was making things harder for us. For three hours, maintaining the posture, I had no freedom.
For three hours, I held my eyes open, afraid of being able to disturb others. For three hours, the films played could never comfort me. For three hours all I could do was stare outside the window, doing my best to mute my grumbling stomach. We arrived at Bato and I gained half of the energy when I found a seat among the benches. We waited about an hour for the first sea trip of the day. That could be one of the moments “waiting” was worth it. The sea trip was short but somehow refreshing. Then we resumed our wicked formation for some time. I smiled this time, knowing the trip is finally reaching end. Now my stop, I pulled my pack from the baggage compartment and cut through whoever were left standing at
my front. I could be seen rude, I’m sorry. I still gave my thanks to the conductor. At least it was a safe trip which ended half-hour before 5. As payback, I went two hours early to get a ticket back to Cebu. I did get some sleep but it was cut with the sea trip, the bus was fast too. And I didn’t expect I’d still walk back to my apartment from the terminal in the early moments of Monday. Well, the story really does not have anything special. But I could say get your tickets as soon as they’re available, not when it’s almost closing. Intern000 was restless that weekend, he had to drink two sachets of Kopiko Brown Coffee in Monday. Plus, he was in agony to find he had P150 left of P1000. So, he didn’t get to enjoy food the following week.
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VOL XXXVI | ISSUE NO 2 | JUNE 11-15, 2018
Campus image/ from page 3 And as for Juvy, she dreams of giving her future children a complete family— one thing she never had. Aside from that, she also wants to serve as a good educator especially to children.
“I am thankful to all the people who never left me and became part of my journey,” she ended, tracing a genuine smile on her face. (Written by Michelle M. Salmin)
Photo by Pamela Louise M. Abrasado
Art by Jessa C. Araneta
Quality EDUCATION. Deans and chairpersons of all Negros Oriental State University campuses join the subject orientation on Competency Outcome-Based Education (COBE) syllabus construction seminar conducted by Quality Assurance Management Center (QUAMC) at the Dumaguete campus library, June 13.
CCJE dean is Outstanding Criminologist of the Philippines “Juvenile Delinquency,” which are used in other universities. P r o f e s s i o n a l Criminologist Association of the Philippines (PCAP), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) recognized Alviola for the award. Now, NORSU-CCJE is preparing for its level IV accreditation sometime in December 2018. Aside from its new building located in Dumaguete campus II, another building to house
counterfeit. Sumbi hopes the public would take a closer look and touch at the coins, and regardless of the changes, they are still far apart from the old coin series. The two currency coin series will continue to circulate until
all the remaining supplies of old coins from the government are released and the NGCs are finally sufficient. Besides media assistance, BSP is planning out an information drive with the local government units for the public knowledge.
other school fees, assessment fees, and receive daily allowances, free instructional materials and starter toolkits under certain conditions. However, those with undergraduate degrees or those who fail the admission policies of an STVI will not enjoy the free TVET, while assessment of National Certificates (NCs) IV and V will be free if part of a bundled program. Trainees should not fail any TVET course, subject, or program to continue receiving benefits. Training for Work Scholarship are offered to individuals enrolling under TVET Program in private institutions. TES Moreover, the law entails the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) Program that prioritizes support to poor but academically excellent students whether they choose to
study in public or private Tertiary Education Institution. Extended Students’ Grantsin-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGPPA) beneficiaries and those included in the Listahan 2.0 of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) are top priorities. All they have to do to claim the assistance is approach the nearest UniFast office. TES Grantees enrolling in public schools will receive P40-T for the school year but will receive P60-T for the year if enrolling in a private school. Additionally, they can still claim the financial assistance from other scholarships they are initially included in, like Department of Science and Technology scholarshwwip, ESPPA, and the free higher education.
Student Loans Lastly, a Student Loans Program is provided for individuals who cannot enjoy the free higher education. Students can avail shortterm loans (within 1-2 years) or long-term loans (full period of the program). They can pay the loan they availed whenever they are finally able sometime after they graduated through UniFast and its partnering agencies and can be processed during and after the enrollment. Humabon Marollano, UniFast Coordinator-Region 7, and Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) Administration headed the press briefing at Negros Oriental State University. To note, the IRR for the RA No. 10931 was approved on February 22, 2018.
Kenneth Carlorio S. Surilla
Aisha Dawn; Gahob, Jurylle Mae; Gooc, Arianne; Malacat, Jennie; Mercado, Anna Rica; Noay, Daryl; Rufino, Gicelle Jeanne; Tinay, Maristelle; and, Ventura, Jean Lee. Including the passers, a total of 15 NORSU alumni took the examination. The passing rate resulted to 66.67 percent with three fresh takers and seven
repeaters. In the national results, 1,695 out of 3,039 passed the PLE yielding the national passing rate of 55.77 percent. Last year, 25 out of 31 NORSU alumni passed the PLE while 2,426 out of 3,732 passed the exam nationwide producing a passing rate of 65.01 per cent.
The College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE) dean of Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) was awarded as Outstanding Criminologist of the Philippines 2018 in May. Dr. Armando Alviola, CCJE dean, received the award in Manila during the first week of May, as one of over 30 nominees. “This is not just for me, but also for NORSU,” Alviola commented as the award implies the quality of education taught in the coiN/ from page 1 prevents discoloration, rusting, and illegal extraction of metal content. Furthermore, microscopic details in the coins’ both sides like mint marks, dots, and texts, increases its security features, making it harder for possible UNIFAST/ from page 1
10 pass pharmacy licensure exam During the March 2018 Pharmacist Licensure Examination (PLE), Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) registered ten passers as released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). The passers are: Buena, Xylona Anne; Dimagnaong,
an indoor firing range is to be constructed this year and is already subject to bidding. Moreover, the CCJE dean has disclosed plans to provide additional programs in line with criminal justice such as Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement and Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science. As of 1 st semester SY 2018-2019, NORSU CCJE has calculated about 500 more freshmen enrollees with a total of 953 CCJE students including external campuses.
Infographics by Jeke Cris G. Rocaberte
university. Alviola was chosen due to his educational qualification, length of service, and accomplishment. Currently, he is one of the Board of Directors for the NORSU Alumni Federation and has served in the criminology education program, and dean of NORSU CCJE for 17 years already. O t h e r accomplishments include authoring several books, namely, “Introduction to Criminology and Psychology of Crimes” and
Kenneth Carlorio S. Surilla