THE NORSUnian VOL XXXVI | ISSUE NO 6 | JULY 9-13, 2018

WE write for you. we fight for you.

VOL XXXVI | ISSUE NO 6 | JULY 9-13, 2018

First year population doubles OVERFlOWING LEARNERS. With the large number of enrollees accepted, the university tries to cope up with scarcity of facilities to provide quality education for the students. Photo by Pamela Louise M. Abrasado

Increasingt wo fold in the students’ list, Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) System’s freshmen population increased by 43% compared to last year’s enrollment data.

A total of 9,476 students were enrolled in NORSU in the first semester compared to last year with only 4,140 enrollees.

NORSU Dumaguete campuses I and II contributed 54.39% (5,154 students) of the whole population, followed by the Bayawan City-Sta. Catalina

campus, 14.69% (1,392 students), Bais I and II campuses, 14.61% (1,384 students), Guihulngan Campus, 10.93% (1,036 students), Mabinay Campus, 4.43% (420 students), Siaton Campus, 10% (948 students) and Pamplona Campus, 0.95% (90 students).

According to the University registrar’s data, a total of 26,206 students from all year levels and programs accumulated this year’s population as of June 20.

Further, NORSU Dumaguete campuses I and II remained the most populous with 13, 406 enrollees, seconded b y NORS U Bayawan CitySta. Catalina Campus with 4,020 students, and NORSU Bais campuses I and II with 3,545 students.

Among the offered programs, Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology (BSlT) covered the most number of

students in the NORSU System with 3,828 enrollees.

Following BSIT, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) gathered 3,670 students in their department and Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (BSEd) totaled 2, 863 enrollees, completing the top three programs with most number of students.

Meanwhile, Bachelor in Technology tallied the lowest number of enrollees with only 40 students, followed FREE EDUCATION NA! Rose Marie Pinili, Vice President for Academic Affairs

by Bachelor of Laws with 50 (VPAA), orients Norsunians on the implementing rules and regulations of the students and 55 enrollees Free Tuition in the UNIFAST Informative Drive and Orientation, July 4. for Bachelor of Science in Fisheries.

Photo by Pamela Louise M. Abrasado

gerard rick c. jardin

USMO to install 16 CCTVs Reychemver C. Credo

Upgrading security and safety within the premises, University Security Management Office (USMO) on July 6, announced to put up new surveillance cameras in Dumaguete campuses I and II. According to USMO director Rosalinda Abellon, 32 Closed-

Circuit Televisions (CCTVs) that is estimated to reach P 700, 000 were purchased due to the number of cases of students losing personal properties.

“The first phase of this [improvement] will be in MC II with 16 cameras while the other half for the second phase here in MC I,” Abellon said.

“Dugay na ni namong

NORSU to hire more teachers gerard rick c. jardin

With the increase of student population, Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) president Joel Limson disclosed plans to hire more permanent and part-time faculty members.

During his State of the NORSU Address, Limson said that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) permitted the plan, allowing more teachers to serve the

students in the future.

“The DBM has approved 125 new faculty plantilla positions. This school year, 35 new faculty members have been added to the teaching force of NORSU,” Limson explained.

Meanwhile, in an interview, chief administrative officer Jim Villahermosa said the government gave these vacancies last year based on the Personal Services Itemization and Plantilla of Personnel (PSIPOP) update.

HIMALA NG AKRE SLICE OF LIFE

OPINION | see page 2

giplanohan and fortunately, anytime from now pwede na siyang ma-deploy but not in all the corners of NORSU because we cannot yet supply all,” she added.

Students, faculty and staff, and the visitors of the university are consummately aware of how CCTV cameras benefit the campus.

Arlene Atoy, a junior BS in

Office Administration student, said, “We cannot assure 100% safety jod sa mga cameras. 16 is still not enough yet. We have to start securing things on our own.”

“Thankful ko kay og naay mga wala, makit-an ra dayon and dili na mahasol ang mga students sa pagpangita.” Vea Nica Verden, a junior BS in Information Technology said.

PURGING PLASTIC. The Dumaguete City government pledges to mobilize different sectors to reduce and eliminate plastic in the ocean through the launching of Clean Seas Pilipinas’ Visayas League. Photo by Jose Marie Royo

THE CALL THAT ...

UNIVERSITY DIARIES

FEATURES | see page 3

Sojor on improper waste mgnt: ‘Blame yourselves’ gerard rick c. jardin

FormerNegros Oriental State University (NORSU) president Henry Sojor stressed that students are to blame for the inapt waste disposal in the campus.

“Garbage is personal. Do not blame any other person of garbage. It is you who throw the garbage. It is you who causes the garbage,” Sojor said.

The former president recalled the time in his administration when all students valued discipline in terms of proper waste disposal.

“During my time, students develop that kind of discipline not to throw any plastics and piece of paper in this campus. Walay plastic na maglupad-lupad, walay papel, why? Every student had that responsibility,” he said.

According to him, he

started with himself, picking plastic or paper and eventually other members of the university followed, saying it is “shameful as the population increase, the garbage follows as well.”

“Ma-ulaw ta sa university because you are about 12 thousand. During my time it was 11 thousand here in this campus pero limpyo kay kada tao dili mulabay og papel ug plastic and ako mismo ang namunit og papel ug plastic and so everybody slowly copied,” he added.

Sojor said, as scholars, students need to help keeping the university clean aside from advocating for the environment, it is also a form of support for the school’s administration, staff and faculty.

“You are all scholars and make use of that at least, that kind of advocacy in SOJOR ON/ to page 4

CAN YOU DISTINGUISH...

UNIVERSITY POLL

BACKPAGE | see page 4

OPINION

2

VOL XXXVI | ISSUE NO 6 | JUlY 9-13, 2018

EDITORIAL Is it really free?

Word got around quick at Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) after the administration required the students who benefit from Republic Act 10931 or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education law to serve in compliance to the “return service” as part of Commission on Higher Education (CHED)’s implementing rules and regulations (IRR).

Although student-beneficiaries of this law will not be paying for their tuition fee, the university however proposed that each Norsunians need to collect a minimum of 150 points that should be complied before the first semester ends as a way of giving back to the community.

“They are now being paid for by taxpayers’ money and it is their responsibility to give back to the community or to give back to the nation,” CHED officer-in-charge J. Prospero de Vera said in a press conference.

So how does one earn 150 points? Through attendance on various events held in the school, joining activities and being active in a particular organization. This proposed return service gives an opportunity for the school administration to combat apathy among the students and making them more participative in every event within the school.

But let us get into the context where education as a right.

Taking a closer look at our 1987 Philippine Constitution, it speaks elaborately of the right to education wherein it vows to “…protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and… take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.”

CHED’s IRR could possibly contradict the concept of education as a right. In a statement, the Kabataan party-list said the IRR contains provisions which make the youth into slaves, such as the return service agreement.

Ensuring a free higher education should be a state obligation and must be given without having to exchange anything either through monetary value or service. If fighting apathy among students is the main reason for the return service system, the university should find other means on how to handle this problem without having to compromise how education must be offered in this country.

Although the students who are benefiting from this should give back to the government by being productive contributors to the country’s economic growth after graduation, it doesn’t mean that they should be forced into complying regulations or a particular regulation since firstly, they participate different activities if these activate their interests.

Himala ng akre

It is quite disappointing how we tend to fake our appearance for the pleasure of others, just to show outsiders how great and how disciplined we are. But the truth is, we are not.

We all seek the same thing, and that is a leap forward for our university. However, creating a façade during the accreditation period would not bring forth the change we want. We do not want our departments and

programs to close down, that is why it is understandable that the administration would go to extents wherein they would be top class actors when facing the accreditors.

The university might not be well equipped but it has millionsworth of paraphernalia hidden away that would amaze those who see it. Even the students are shocked by how the university managed to hide all that

Don’t go toxic In a news article published

by Phil Star, it was in 2016 when Cyberbullying cases have increased by 70.74 percent, as reported by the Philippine National Police – Anti-Cybercrime Group. Two years have passed since the last reported statistics of the rampant increase of crimes, what more awaits us in this era wherein technology and social media platforms are freely used by kids and adults?

Discrimination, sexuality, gender, color, appearance, body build, intellectuality, attitude, upbringing, and the list goes on, these are just some of the factors that attract bullies. Your mere existence is too fragile. When

you trip a little, they’ll come in groups, bringing their keyboards and attacking you with insults until you fall off a cliff. This is not exaggeration; this is just how reality is today.

Cyberbullying seems to be underrated in this age, and honestly, I too, did not really see how big of a deal it is, until I saw posts of teenagers bickering in social media. Thirteen-year-old girls are called sluts and partygoers. Young boys are called ‘fuck boys’ and threaten other kids into fist fights through comment sections. Yes, you have read it right, victims of such crimes start from ages within as early as 13.

Teenage sexual videos and photos are even uploaded on

equipment, and makes it appear as if it has been regularly used in class during practical sessions.

The people in charge of inventory might say that it costs a lot, that is why it should be kept safe, but what purpose does it have inside a closed cabinet? Why make students suffer by stuffing in their minds with descriptions when these pieces of equipment are only a stretch away?

Not only do the laboratories improve, but even classrooms, offices, facilities and the entire vicinity of the university progress overnight before the accreditation date.

Eye-catching plants are embedded along the pathways and buildings, comfort rooms are shockingly spotless and functioning, classrooms are designed and cleaned, the hallways are slippery, and administrators and instructors who used to hide themselves are now out in the open. Miracles, they do happen.

During the entire period,

teachers who did not even make an effort in teaching are now busy with everything. Where is the enthusiasm during our classes, Ma’am? Sir? Now that the university has made them see what they wanted the accreditors to see, what happens next? As of today, the embedded plants have withered, the room designs have now been removed, equipment have been locked away in preservation for the next accreditation, instructors are back to their usual selves, classes are conducted room-less, ladies and gentlemen, the university has turned blind and deaf again.

Everything might have been all just for show, but if it is the way this institution rolls, we just have to get a taste of the miracles that happens during accreditation— regular use of state-of-the-art equipment, clean surroundings, active instructors, tidy classrooms, and a university that cares for our well-being.

social media, and are passed around as if they’re chain messages demanding to be spread. Turning a scandal into an entertainment clip, mocking and pointing out the occurrences in the video and image, commenting on the victims’ private parts and tagging friends to come and laugh with them— these are some of the cruelties experienced by the victims.

It was years ago when a video took the attention of social media site users. It was a girl who had enough of the bullying she experienced in social media and in school. She filmed herself, live, poured out all her grievances bottled up, and hanged herself in front of all her live viewers.

I was too scared to watch it that I had to skip it from time to time, since it kept on showing how her body swayed in the air, he rneck tied, and until her device ran out of battery. It was an awakener that any means of bullying can kill.

We should be aware of our actions. Physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually hurting someone is already a form of bullying. As long as you have caused someone pain, trauma and tears, you are already bringing death towards that person.

Everything has its

consequences. A single share, comment or tag can bring your sorry-butt into jail. You or any individual including myself, in any condition, have no right to possess or spread any photo, video, screenshot, text or any sort of information that contain offensive or sexual content towards another individual, may it be a stranger or not.

In cases where you are found guilty for distributing or possessing child exploitation material, you will be sentenced to immediate legal actions. Recently in 2017, Surigao del Sur representative Johnny Pimentel filed the House Bill 4795, wherein a list of cybercrimes will be punishable by up to 10-years imprisonment or a fine of up to P500,000, or both.

Karma is always around the corner. Thus, do not become murderers in exchange for a single laugh. Publicizing someone’s pain, insecurities, and shame does not make you better nor tougher. Always consider yourself as a future victim because you cannot foresee what happens in the future. Your sister, brother, girlfriend, boyfriend, friends, or the people who are dear to you may be bullied today or tomorrow; so, do not be the same criminal you fear for them.

VOL XXXVI | ISSUE NO 6 | JUlY 9-13, 2018

FEATURES

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e m d e v a s t a h t l l a c The Story of MistyV Pride Month: A Colorful Protest ALVORD VAN PATTEN VALENCIA

Photo by Harvey M. Iquio

“Problema ra na. Sus! Madala ra na og smile. Kaya ra na nimo.”

If someone would actually make an effort to tell me these lines, then things that are bothering me would maybe disappear and would uplift me from my sorrows.

But is everyone aware that I exist? I doubt it, because no one has ever tried to ask me if I’m okay or how my life is going.

The unending anxiety I get in every occurrence keeps me thinking and evaluating that I could have done this and that instead of what I did and did not do.

I feel so lost and confused. Somehow, I feel like in any moment I might break. Sometimes, when I space out, I tend to ponder how people around me react if they would know my frustrations and confusions.

One time, I couldn’t keep calm and hold everything in anymore. The tears flowed down my cheeks as if someone had caused me so much pain. I cried silently, alone, in the cold night, somewhere public. I let all of my sadness go. I could very well imagine how pathetic I was.

I reached the point where in the only solution I could think of was to end my life. In that way, I could find a way out, an escape. But each attempt I make, a sort of force held me back from doing it.

My thoughts of being unknown and forgotten vanished when I suddenly received a phone come from someone whom I least expected. The person’s voice and words calmed me. The unexpected event made me think that despite the emptiness, someone still cared and worried about me.

It was a simple and ordinary conversation. The person asked if I was eating well and how was I doing with my studies. The person just randomly called, with no intentions, but it was too meaningful for me.

That person just saved my life.

I was desperate for someone and having that call made me want to cry so hard. But I kept it in, tears were falling but I did my best to contain my sobs.

I was grateful that someone actually thought of me and gave me a call. It made me realize that I have been selfish and have disregarded the people who still care about me.

I just hope that everyone who are in the same situation as me would have a person who would make them realize that in this world, we are not alone.

MistyV is a student from NORSU who loves to do nothing but sleep.

CAMPUS IMAGE

Varying looks of disgust. Eyes penetrate and judge the soul. Tongues speak of discrimination. And words that poison a heart. Indeed, these are incidents that the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer + (LGBTQ+) community experience in the society.

You could ask yourself lipunan’ is one of their ideal orientation, and to give them why some people feel easy value because they are also goals. to stereotype them. We Pride month signifies humans, and are capable of are living in the present, that we should not be being wounded by the sharp the 21st century, which dictated by society. That words they receive. means that we are This colorful protest our happiness should surrounded with diverse not depend on the hopes that one day, all humans people in a diverse opinions of others nor be will have an understanding society. The world manipulated by what and loving heart, bearing is constantly the society thinks. We respect and love for the changing, should freely express unique. That all people can but there are what we feel, as long express and show themselves some beliefs and as we don’t step onto to the universe without fear perceptions that, and with heads high. someone’s dignity. afraid of showing yourself to perhaps, will never.

A dream that beki, Pride month dreams that the world. It is the mission Pride month origin all the people should heartily tomboy, and maya, after a of the rainbow armies to tell June is celebrated by accept and respect diversity long and heavy climb in a people to take courage to the LGBTQ+ community as, regardless of the gender steep mountain, can reach burst out and show the rest of “Pride Month”. It all began in o r s e x u a l the top and wave the rainbow the world who they really Stonewall Inn in Greenwich flag with great pride and are.

Village, Manhattan in 1969, honor, singing a line Breaking free where the Stonewall riots took from a famous song, To expose themselves place. It was so that the LGBT “This is brave, this is and get out behind those were involved in the riot. This proof. This is who I metal doors of anxiety and celebration is not just a parade meant to be. THIS IS free themselves from the of the colors, walking through ME”. chains of rainbow pedestrian lanes, nor fear is never just a public display of colorful an easy flags, and unicorns, but is thing to actually a remarkable protest do.

To that magnifies acceptance, prove to respect, and love. the world Pride month does not w h a t only fight for equal rights they are or against discrimination, capable it is also a motivation that of and whatever color you might be, defy the you should be heartily proud idea that of it. As to whatever sexual they are orientation you have, may you ‘ m g a be bisexual or transgender, salot sa anything, you should not be

He was deep in thought.

His eyes were drawn elsewhere, while his lips pursed into a thin line as he mustered the perfect words to sum up his life.

“Being in the darkness makes you see the light,” he finally said.

He is a sturdy man in his twenties and carries the weight of the entire Negros Oriental State University Dumaguete campus II population upon his shoulders.

Thirsty gazes look up on him, expecting him to do great.

Some may even be raising their eyebrows, scrutinizing his every move, and eyeing him suspiciously, waiting for him to screw it all up.

He enters the office of The Supreme Student Government with dignity and hopes of leaving a legacy behind. The

crescent moon that shapes his lips together with his approachable looks is a portrait of an optimistic leader.

But, behind the diplomacy and privilege of sitting on the throne as the president of the Student Government of Dumaguete campus II, he is a man who once hit rock bottom.

Zacchariah Caraig is a fifth year Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) and is a resident of Bayawan City, Negros Oriental.

He was once in a place where darkness creeps in to steal everything that light possessed. It was a place where everyone around him seemed to be fine and breathing, while he was devoured by his inner thoughts, drowning, desperate and was holding on

for dear life. In such a place, there existed belittlement, melancholy, disappointment, anger and anxiety that boiled down to a manifestation called depression.

“Dako kaayo sila’g expectations nimo pero nganong dili nimo makita sa imong self?” A painful smile carved his face as he recalled how depression forced its way in his life.

He sailed among his thoughts like a captain maneuvering a ship. His palms met his jaw while his eyes were deep in thought as he traveled back in time, remembering how it all started.

“I lost someone really important to me,” he shared.

His loss, the pressure, the heartbreaks, disappointments, failures and unending struggles all bottled up made

him that way. Adding up to his melancholies were the decisions he made in the past that seemed to keep his consciousness at bay and his eyes wide open at night — the what ifs, the regrets, and the future.

However, he sought ways to overcome and survive.

He met people, friends and opened up to the world and what it has to offer. Though he still has not fully escaped the shadows, he still perseveres to bring happiness and light to the people around him.

With the weight he is bearing as a student leader, he wants to encourage the people who are suffering to keep on living despite the odds.

To address such people who were and are still stuck campus image/ to page 4

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Backpage

FSG pushes Pagsinati-ay ‘18

FOR A HEALTHIER NATION. To show appreciation to children who are soon to be the hope of the nation, Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go provides shoes as inspiration that each step a child takes is just a start of a new tomorrow.

of the university as well as its teacher’s allocation; and, as for recruitment, Villahermosa said it began last year with 54 applications.

“The recruitment started last year, I think it started sometime in June out of 54 candidates last year. 33 were already appointed approved by the Board of Regents,” he added.

Villahermosa mentioned the process of hiring and the intervention they made to hire the best applicants.

“We published those items given by DBM, although according to rules, publication posting is exempted for state universities and

WASTE MALPRACTICE. Despite having new garbage bins with signages from the different organizations registered under the League of Student Organizations (LSO), some Norsunians still fail to practice proper segregation which defeats its whole purpose.

SOJOR ON/ from page 1 that kind of advocacy in environment and you support the president, the faculty and everybody because it is for your own good,” he explained.

Along with NORSU

president Joel Limson and other staff, Sojor delivered this message as he graced the 7th NORSU Vendors’ Association (NORSUVA) anniversary celebration on July 4 at the NORSU canteen.

colleges but the university opted to publish those items to get the best and the brightest applicants,” Villahermosa stated.

Furthermore, he said that the university was able to receive some applicants not only in the locality but also in other regions and nations.

“Not only in the locality but also in the region as well as international and through that, we are able to have applicants from Surigao, Misamis and even Thailand applied here and Davao. It’s on the record they applied here because of our publication,” Villahermosa explained. campus image/ from page 3 in an island preyed by depression, he urges them to find someone who will truly listen. Find someone who won’t take your words lightly. Someone who won’t slap you with the remarks, “Ah, depression depression.

Drama ra na!” because it is a case that should be taken seriously by everyone.

In addition, there is one thing he would like everyone to keep in mind— depression may sip the last remaining positive thoughts you have in mind, it may deflate the balloon of happiness you have, but one should always, always pray to God. “Bahala’g lisod, bahala’g forced... talk to God. He will always guide you.”

Zach loves to play Frisbee during his free time and admits that he’s been taking medications for his depression.

Written by Jenevelle V. Banono

NegOr celebrates Nutri-Fest ‘18

Rean Jane D. Escabarte

July 8 – With the theme, ‘Ugaliing Magtanim, Sapat na Nutrisyon Aanihin’, Negros Oriental established the Nutri-Fest 2018 as celebration of this year’s nutrition month at Perdices Coliseum, Dumaguete City.

The program proper started around 6:30 in the morning with Dr. Lilan Estacion and the City Nutrition Council who led the nutrition month pledge before the chants and cheers

competition for the first batch.

Dumaguete City mayor, Hon. Felipe Antonio Remollo introduced one of the guests, Hon. Karlo Alexei Nograles, representative from the 1st District of Davao to give his message.

Furthermore, Roel Degamo, governor of Negros Oriental, acknowledged Sec. Christopher Lawrence Go, special assistant to the president, in his arrival together with the local actor, Philip Salvador and

avoided to lessen the boredom of the tudents.

Vergara also suggested there should be electronic dance music (EDM) because not all students enjoy live bands.

Meanwhile, FSG president Romar Pedrina expressed “We didn’t expect that the students will participate on that Pagsinatiay, because we do not have it compulsory... it was really overwhelming sa amun, and we are really thankful for the support of our students.”

Aside from the acquaintance party, FSG plans to empower and unite the students not just academically but also in the aspects of sports and other extracurricular activities.

introduced him for his message.

Go expressed his thanks to the people of Dumaguete for their support to the president and said that students should not use drugs, explaining the danger it can bring to the students and the people.

Students from different schools including Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) and employees from different government offices of Negros Oriental participated in the event.

Illustrated by Jeke Cris Rocaberte

Photo by Cor Uriel A. Balladares

NORSU TO/ from page 1 NORSU,” Limson explained.

Meanwhile, in an interview, chief administrative officer Jim Villahermosa said the government gave these vacancies last year based on the Personal Services Itemization and Plantilla of Personnel (PSIPOP) update.

“As said by the president, there are about 125 new staff for one position given by the government. It was given last year 2017 and it was downloaded on our PSIPOP. Then 25 new instructors landed the position,” he added.

PSIPOP is an initiative of DBM, itemizing all the personnel

Federationof Student Governments (FSG) continues plan for this year’s university-wide acquaintance party, Pagsinatiay 2018, at the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) Sports and Cultural Complex.

Bannering the theme, “Good Governance and Quality Service to Unfold Barriers and Diversity as one Academic Community”, the event, headed by FSG president Romar Pedriña, aims not just to acquaint the students of different year level and programs, but also celebration also aims to cater the students’ unity which was attended by students and faculty members of the

university.

Furthermore, the event is a way of expounding the student government (SG) officers’ gratitude to all the students who took part during the election.

Jocel Pameron, a freshman BS in Pharmacy student, said that having a university-wide acquaintance party is better because students can connect and meet other students.

Another freshman Bachelor of Mass Communication student, Geraldine Abranilla, said, “I met new friends tungod ato [acquaintance party].”

However, Therese Vergara, a freshman BS in Biology student, commented that long speeches should be

Illustrated by Jessa Araneta

Photo by Cor Uriel A. Balladares

Julius Joe T. Umbina

VOL XXXVI | ISSUE NO 6 | JUlY 9-13, 2018