The NORSUnian 7th Issue 2014 - 2015

NORSU to partner with Google Phil Vol.XXXII Issue No. 7

By Everon Joy P. Catanus and Maria Dominique Ferrolino

G o o g l e , o n e o f the leading Internet search engine, will soon be partnering with Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) in its project called ‘Google for Education’.

Computer Information System (CIS) Director Guilbert Nicanor Atillo said the project was introduced when a Google Philippines representative conducted a survey in NORSU last June 20. This is to determine if the university is capable of being one of Google’s partners.

The director revealed shared that the project will allow students to acquire their webmail, Google Cloud and Google Drive where they can store educational resources,

syllabus, lessons, e-books and others.

It will also provide innovative tools and educational content that is not only beneficial to both faculty and students.

Moreover, Atillo said NORSU is the first university in Negros Oriental to partner with Google.

“The reason for the partnership is because NORSU is one of the outstanding schools in Negros Oriental having a big volume of the students. NORSU also has a good reputation,” Atillo disclosed.

For a fourth year Bachelor of Science in Information Technology student, Cherry Mae Iso, the project is a way of embracing the advancements brought by technology. “It’s very useful for students in using the

different features of Google,” she said.

Stephanie Megan Cristuta, a sophomore Pharmacy student, said it allows students to be updated with the lessons in class. She added, “Dili hassle kay naa ra sa Google with one click only.”

Like Cristuta, another Norsunian, Carl Baya, said “Okay kaayo ang partnership kay dali sa mga estudyante ang pagsabot sa lesson with the help of Google.”

The Google team is expected to set up the Google resources in the university this July while the launching of the “Google for Education” project in NORSU is proposed to take place during the celebration of NORSU’s Founding Anniversary on December.

Norsunians complain on slow ID processing, payment

By John Dave V. Laturnas The long queue, the slow process and the Php 100 payment for the continuing students were the complaints of some Norsunians regarding the ID processing in NORSU. For a freshman BS Pharmacy student, Regine Mae Dungco, the ID processing is too slow and it took her a long period before she got it. She continued she has started processing her ID early June and she got it by July 2.

Jessel Acas, another first year student expressed his dismay with the ID processing, she said, she has been visiting SSO for already three weeks and as of the press time, she did not get her ID yet.

Aside from the complaints on slow ID processing, a junior Education student who wished not to be named said she was upset knowing that she still needs to pay Php 100 for the securing a student ID considering that she is a continuing student.

“Sa una wala ra man mi pabarya and supposed to be libre ra man unta na [ID],” she

said.

To shed light about the students’ complaints, the director of the Student Services Office (SSO), [formerly known as Student Affairs Office or SAO], Robert Poculan explained the late delivery of materials necessary for ID making has caused the delay of ID processing.

“The Board of Regents has not yet approved the Annual Procurement Plan (APP) causing the delay of the delivery of the materials like ribbons, transfer films and others needed in the making of ID,” he said.

Moreover, with regard to the 100 Php worth of ID payment for continuing students, Poculan clarified that with the previous school years, the students were paying 155 Php for the I.D itemized in the miscellaneous fee. He continued “But right now, it’s not included in the miscellaneous fee except for the 1st year students.”

To minimize their students’ expenses, Poculan suggested, “To economize, continuing students who still have their I.D sling can only pay 50 Php or they can just buy a validation sticker for 10 Php instead of having new I.D.”

Patience. Norsunians wait for IDs to be processed. (Photo by Kendrex B. Pael)

July 14 - 20, 2014

5 NORSU programs to be accredited this July

By Nova Mae G. Lecira, and Ivan G. Ho

N e g r o s O r i e n ta l S tat e University will be very busy this month for five of its programs will undergo accreditation by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP).

The five programs are Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Bachelor of Science in Geodetic Engineering (BS GdE) and Bachelor of Science in Geology (BSGeo) which are all applying for Level 1 status and Bachelor of Science in Criminology (BS Crim) and Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology (BSIT) for the Level 3, phase 2.

Quality Assurance Management Center (QUAMC) Director Benjamin Villahermosa said the date of accreditation for the said programs

is still tentative for this month.

Colleges’ preparation The College of Engineering and Architecture Dean Engr. Josef Vill Villanueva said they already have started preparing the different areas to be checked by AACCUP for Level 1 assessment of their program, BS GdE. “As of now, we are preparing the data, labelling some folders and gathering documents,” he said.

Villanueva explained the importance of having the programs accredited, he said, “When your program is accredited, you can easily ask budget from the government”.

In spite of the problems for budget and time, the CEA dean stated that they are hoping to meet the standards of the said accreditation.

5 NORSU PROGRAMS... page 4

Pharmacy grads record 62.50% in PLE

By Klin Mendez and Joanne Ferrolino

BS PHARMACY STUDENTS focusing on their academics. A good attitude in preparation when it’s their turn to take their Pharmacy Licensure Exams (PLE). (Photo by: Kim Eden Felize Belnas)

Fiv e o u t o f eight graduates of Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in NORSU recorded a 62.50 percent rating during the June 2014 Pharmacy Licensure Examination (PLE).

The PLE passers include three fresh graduates and two repeaters. They are Sheenalou Joyce Magallano, Ike Isidore Abad, Melanie Ong, Rochelle Cortez and Bea Camille Pasquil.

Based on the results released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), NORSU ranked 12 among 52 participating schools throughout the country and was top two, following the University of San CarlosCebu City among the 11 participating schools in Visayas.

College of Nursing Dentistry, Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences Dean Dalisay Dumalag said she is glad with the high result of the PLE. “Thank you Lord for the blessing

that is given to the Department of Pharmacy”, she said.

Sought about the preparation for the exam, Pharmacy Department Head Analiza Bais believes that the takers, really had concentrated with their two-month class reviews in Manor Review Center, Cebu City.

Meanwhile, the she encourages the other graduates who will take the PLE on January 2015 to do the same. “Hoping na maka-100% ta [on next PLE],” Bais said.

Fevey Jane Dela Peña, a first year Pharmacy student, said she will surely be pressured especially if her classmates will successfully pass the PLE soon.

A sophomore pharmacy student, Dweyne Delfin, praised the passers and hoped that she too can pass the board examination.

“Katung nakapasar kay bright jud to sila and deserving,” Delfin continued.

Another freshman pharmacy student, PHARMACY GRADS RECORD... page 4

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July 14 - 20, 2014

Vol.XXXII Issue No. 7

Scaling everything It is not far from our instinctive minds that our university has been into a roller-coaster ride, and such ride was driven inadvertently by our own university president. The latter brought him into some kind of massive abomination as the top echelon of this institution. Cases that lead individuals in division—one supports and the other does not.

Lately, there were movements from one division of individuals expressing their support for the university president, prior to his administration’s development in transparency and accountability. The other party had remained silent after their provocative rationalization last semester, who earlier stated their concerns to the president’s alleged issues, including his puppets in this institution.

But if you are to be asked, on what side will be into? On what party do you think you belong to? And on what grounds do you think Real has to undergo his verdict into?

Is it not scale everything first before we decide to do some actions towards one person? Is it not justifiable to question ourselves as to what has he done for the students’ welfare and what he has not? Is it not veracious to think of those valuable things as to what the university shall do next if worse things happen?

If we are to scale everything, was he able to support the students’ welfare and implement rules towards their development? Was he able to do his part as the father of this institution through morally developing the population’s ideals and interests? And was he able to do everything for the growth of our university as a whole?

If he was not able to do so, then that could have been grounds for him for an inquisition and wait for the decision of this university’s law-making bode perhaps.

If the verdict is to let him out or set him free form any charges, then all can do is accept the fact whether we think that the decision is prudent or justice was served.

Before we decide on every action or be part of any party, we could as well think of all possible consequences as to what choices we make. And please make sure that you, as a student or any individual in this university knows what you are fighting for, and not just joining because you think what you believe is correct. Make sure that you fight for what is right.

Would it be better for us to change our leader?

If yes, then we could as well prepare for another roller coaster ride with the new one. Because we might just be imprisoned by our prejudiced belief of development and growth, unaware of the lurking evil doers of one’s mind.

Editor-in-Chief Joeylen A. de la Cruz Associate Editor Ariel B. Dizon News Editor Mary Grace G. Bornales Features Editor Kleine Jun B. Ontolan Arts and Graphics Unit Head Angelo K. Sastre Senior Reporters

Dayanara G. Villalon Kimberly Rose E. Lumaya • Meljean Dela Peña Feature Writers

Niña Marie T. Pino • Everon Joy P. Catanus Cartoonists

Karlo Billy S. Rubia • Joleos June S. Vegare Layout Artist

Alyana Wilma C. Molinos • Froiland D. Liu Photojournalists

Kendrex B. Pael Kent S. Mapula • Mayette Hanna F. Diez Webpage Developer

Jergo T. Acido Business Manager Marve G. Fabela Assistant Business Manager Princess D. Ebo Staff Secretary Richel Mae S. Dennison Circulation Manager Dennis M. Ybañez

Adviser Joy G. Perez, Ph.D. Contributions, comments, and letters are most welcomed.

Articles must be typewritten or computer encoded, doublespaced and with sender’s full name and signature.

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Of Public Safety It was 5 o’clock in the afternoon, people were busy and I, found myself sitting in front of the computer searching for what they called as good thing for that day. I was scanning published articles in the Manila Bulletin website when a certain news struck my attention as it pushing me to read the whole article. With my curiosity not just as a mere person but as a student with great concern, I took the initiative to explore with it.

For everybody’s information, it was actually about some plastic bags used in local markets of the country for packaging foods and beverages which are confirmed to contain a toxic metal. And to tell you, this metal is a lead compound. Something that Mother Nature and the human body must be scared of.

Based on the laboratory analysis, “Centrum” yellow sando bag had 168 ppm of lead, “Swimmer” with 322 ppm, “White Dove” had 365 ppm, “Sunshine” with 437 ppm and “Mercury” had

521 ppm. These are types of the plastic sando bags that are typically used for the goods we bought everywhere.

But don’t be so afraid if you had used one because there was no established test showing that it can cause risk to human health.

However, I supposed there is one reason for you to avoid using this plastic bag in favor for our environment’s safety. You must to know that the toxic bags you throw would later end up as garbage, sent to water ways, causing far-reaching and persistent environmental contamination.

Hence, at the end of time, there is a great chance of hazards for us human since lead is an element that cannot be destroyed. It is so toxic to humans most especially to children that it may cause nervous system damage and can prevent proper production of hemoglobin in just low levels of exposure.

Perhaps for you this thing is out of your business that you will just let it pass like a wind without knowing about it. Or you will immediately ask your seatmate “who cares?” Well, let me ask you these questions. Are you just living to abuse this planet? What is really the purpose of your life in this earth? Or are you really a human? These questions may sound like rude but entails the real truth. The truth that since we are human, we must be aware of the things we are dealing with. Most importantly if it concerned on the good of ourselves and our environment.

Let’s not wait for the time when nature will pay back the debt of our wrong deeds. Where is the DumaguetePlastic free established by the local government on the previous years? When will be the total enforcement of such law? Is it just a law of practicing trial and error? If and only we have just a little concern for everything, no bad future will be destined to happen.

Vol.XXXII Issue No. 7

July 14 - 20, 2014

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Possession-–the occurrence of unsolicited control over one’s thought, will or physical body by a spirit or more.

Chaos and lamentations overwhelmed the public as screams and shouts from the unfortunate abducted ones crumpling through the air. Many felt afraid and petrified to witness the so called demonic possessions with their naked eye—here in our humble university grounds.

According to Spiritual Science Foundation Research, one percent of the total 7.1 billion people on earth experience spiritual encounters. About thirty percent of which are possession incidents. This means that persons who experience these unnatural instances are the ones vulnerable to spirit sensing. Creepy!

Recently, NORSU Main Campuses were troubled with these possessions. It had been happening for three consecutive days, on June 30, 31 and July 1. For some, the possession was very unexplainable and to others, it was unbelievably horrifying. In other words, it was said to be nakakapanindig-balahibo!

One student, who first-handedly held the possessed lad, was actually bitten. With him were some Criminology students, others were students roaming around the College of Business Administration. The possessed individual caused him four skin-deep wounds covered with a purple mark –a sign that the bite was tightly attached.

The sore of the part which was bitten was exceptionally painful. “Bug-at kaayo sa paminaw ang kamot nga napaakan,” as he described it.

Another guy attending his Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC) training terrifyingly declared that the officer be dead, cursing them randomly. After which, the officers realized that this subordinate had actually been possessed. That guy also foretold the n a m e s o f the people who died on the Main Campus II [Bajumpandan].

Surreal but true.

The belief that demons exist and can possess people is of course the stuff of fiction and horror films — but it is also one of the most widely-held religious beliefs in the world. Most religions claim that humans can be possessed by demonic spirits (the Bible, for instance, recounts six cases of Jesus casting out demons) and offer exorcism, an act of expelling an evil spirit through adjuration, to remedy this threat.

Disputes between science and religion Let’s face it. This possession thing, indeed, will catch

the attention of its rival—science. Consider the fact that what happens paranormally can be explained by science. Simple fact, but to where will you believe in?

Let’s cite the movie ‘The Exorcism of Emily Rose’ (Anneliese Michel in real life) in particular. Knowledgeable are those who saw the movie. But for those who did not, you could at least try to watch it. There, she was allegedly possessed by demons. She spoke many languages during the possession period. Her physical body seemed to be so strong and powerful than usual. But science explained that she was studying multi-languages, making her capable to speak in many tongues. And she was reported to have been suffering from psychotic epilepsy, giving her the ability to be somehow transformed to another personality. She then died after years of suffering—negligence on the side of her family and the priest who initiated the exorcism–either from the possessions or from her epilepsy.

She was just one of those unfortunate individuals who were dwelt with by those malevolent things. And many are still on the way to abduct innocent bodies and influence diabolical identities.

In thorough relation to the scary episodes of possession, Sister Ana Luisa Ricabo, our multifaith campus colleague, associated those incidents to be caused by two major reasons: profound stress and inevitable family difficulties. Sister Ana revealed that the children who are sensitive to complications

regarding their family tend to suffer from this anxiety attacks.

They are at most psychologically and mentally ill. They tend to deviate from the society they are into. We see them as antisocial so they never interconnect with us. Just as Emily in the movie, experience spirit sightings which she doesn’t share with everyone else.

There is also a need to seek psychological attention and rehabilitation to improve the state of the victim, considering if the one suffering inherited mental disorders from his ancestors.

But if there is an instance where the party suffering from these possessions are proved to be possessed –priests who are designated to exorcise would take into consideration some factors before having what they call exorcism. And these exorcisms are tough jobs. What you see on movies really occur during an exorcism. Really creepy—and scary.

I live alone. No family. No true friends. I did not even dare to trust anyone, because I believe that life is a pretentious show. But I’m drowned with a bleeding heart in an environment of dejection and sorrow.

fathom. There were times when he stands behind me and touches some private parts of my body. His daughter even witnessed the vile act but she remained silent and ignored what happened. She will always say, “Pataka lamang ka ug gama-gama ug istorya!”

Why did they treat me that way? Was it because I am just an ordinary person who makes herself a slave just to attain her ambitions in life? I tried to take on all the burdens but time came that I can’t carry those barbaric actions anymore.

Hence, living with them was the worst nightmare of my ever been miserable life. But I still pursued on studying.

Later, I discovered that I suffered from ulcer and was attacked by asthma—those were my blessings in disguise.

Ironic as you could think but those illnesses was the way I was freed from suffering. I was pitied by instructor whom and where I found my new abode, away from those demons.

She looked for a scholarship for me to continue my college education while providing my food and shelter.

And now, I will be graduating soon. I may not have the courage to say “thanks” to the family of my newfound ‘family’ but in the bottom of my heart, I’m really grateful to be part of their lives. They were the ones who fulfilled my personality, fixed my broken hopes and dreams, and filled the never-ending emptiness. Well, that is life. An adventurous roller-coaster ride.

I am a product of a broken family. And to make the story short, I have to support myself from the strangles of this nothing-but-a-never-ending-misery-life. Thus, I have to look for some things that could as well sustain my needs. Guess what, I landed on the wrong dirty hands, working and at the same time studying to achieve my ambitious dreams in life.

I have to work in the hacienda and do household chores for my neighbors so I can earn money to pay for my school expenses…in order for me to eat and live on my own. I’m not used to ask money from my amo. Fast forward, I finished my high school education with honors despite the hardships that I had encountered. However, it has not ended there yet.

I was supposed to go to Manila after that, but I ended up working in those dirty evil hands of my teacher’s sister, earning a thousand pesos per month—including all my expenses as a creature living with her. I spent sleepless nights and empty stomach working for them. But I had to deal with that. Suffering is the rightest term to describe it.

Driven with perseverance, I saved some amount left from my salary to enroll as a Secondary Education student. Yet had I not imagined that the worst was yet to come. Being a slave to those diabolical things was bearable, but the husband of my amo has turned into a monster that I, myself, was not able to

QUESTION EVERYTHING Why do some Bachelor of Science in Business Administration students complain about the newly released course prospectus?

According to a junior student, Emily Timunan, the newly released prospectus has really affected her subject load. She said, “Kumpleto na unta among subjects, nya basing on the new prospectus, kailangan napod ming mo drop ug mu-add ug ubang subjects.”

For a senior student, Mylene Poyaoan the processing was too late. “Ang uban hapit na midterm usa pa nakasulod. Pagklase na, biya na kaayu. Ang teachers matingala ug maluoy nalang namo kung unsaon namu pagcatch-up,” she said.

Sherry Dawn Bosmion, another junior student, stated that they already are fullyloaded. “Samok, then problema siya sa

pagprocess,” she added.

Moreover, other students claimed that during the enrollment, there is no official notice as to what prospectus to be followed, whether the new or the old one.

One of them is Biance Jane Dagoy, a junior student who said, “I was confused on what to follow, whether the old or the new one.”

Now, probably they are suffering. Not just because of their heavy subject loads but also because they are already late in class and that they are having a hard time in catching up the lessons that were already discussed. How about those graduating or irregular senior students who dropped some of the subjects just to enroll to the additional subjects, can they still graduate on time? What will happen to them? Can the authority speak up regarding this matter?— Klin C. Mendez/NW

Hence, possessions or evil stuff are just around the corner and it is within us to believe or succumb to its power. If we’ll let ourselves be overruled by them, that will be of great threat.

But if we’ll remain unaware of such mystery, we might as well, end up in misery. So a little advice—be careful, be alert, and most of all, be faithful to our Almighty God. Source: http://listverse.com

ZHIAN45/06/24 will soon be graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education.

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July 14 - 20, 2014

Vol.XXXII Issue No. 7

NORSUVA answers canteen sanitation issue Negros Oriental State University Vendors Association (NORSUVA) answered the queries and concerns of Norsunians regarding the sanitation management and facilities of the university canteen.

NORSUVA President Felisidad Flores who is also an owner of a stall in the canteen said the sanitation management is the responsibility of each stall owner.

“Iyahanay man mi ug limpyo sa tables.

Kada stall naay responsibilidad sa paglimpyo sa canteen,” she said.

Flores said they have rules and standards to be followed in proper sanitation for all stalls.

“Nag-seminar mi ana sa food handling,” she said pointing out that vendors were given enough knowledge on the appropriate handling of foods.

In response to the students’ request for additional facilities, Flores said, “Nagpagama na mi’g lamesa, bangko ug benches.”

Moreover, Flores said the electricity expenses are shouldered by each stall owner and they are asking for the students’ consideration if they cannot fully provide the convenience they are looking for. She added the additional fans will surely consume greater electricity. — By Joanne Ferrolino

Cleanliness and orderliness. A vendor cleans up the mess on the table. (Photo by Mayette Hanna F. Diez)

CAFF asst dean awarded CSC Pagasa semi-finalist C o l l e g e o f A g r icu lt u r e , F o re s t r y and Fishery (CAFF) Assistant Dean Alan Faburada was one of the 11 semi-finalists throughout the country of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Pagasa Award on June 25.

The basis for the qualification of Faburada include the noteworthiness of outstanding performance, impact of performance, reliability in effectiveness, consistency of performance and demonstrated teamwork cooperation, camaraderie and cohesiveness.

Meanwhile, the selected winner according to the (state the source) will receive a cash prize of 100, 000 Php, a gold-gilded medallion, and a

plaque containing the citation and signature of the CSC chairman.

Sought for his reaction, Faburada said he was very overwhelmed upon knowing that he was one of the semi-finalists of the CSC Pagasa award. He added he is proud not only because the university recognizes his contribution in the field of agriculture education but also because of the CSC’s recognition for him.

Before being selected as one of the semi-finalists, the CAFF assistant dean was first nominated by the university to the said award through Human Resource Management Office and the office of Vice President for Research, Extension and International Linkages.

A junior Agriculture student, Christopher Gajelloma, said

because of the great achievement of Faburada, “ma-appreciate na jud sa uban nga students ug ma-eradicate na pud sa ilang mga huna-huna nga ‘agriculture ra’ among course.”

Jonny Yanong, another junior Agriculture student, said “Worth it ra man siya nga semi-finalist.

Tsada man ang iyang mga plano, ang ako ra bason ug suportahan ug dili abusaran sa iyang mga tawo.”

Together with the Pagasa award are the Lingkod Bayan and Dangal ng Bayan awards which will all be granted by the CSC in their annual search for outstanding public officials. — By Niña Marie T. Pino (With reports from Philippine Information Agency and NORSU– IPO)

5 NORSU PROGRAMS... from page 1

Meanwhile, College of Arts and Sciences Dean Michael Baldado said they have no problems regarding the incoming accreditation because the materials and devices that are to be used were already handed to them.

For Dr. Glicerio Duran, dean of the College of Industrial Technology they are having a busy time with the preparations and papers for the upcoming accreditations.

He also said that they will soon have a mock accreditation.

CCJE CNDPHAS Lendy Mae Amistoso, a BS GdE student, said she is excited knowing that their program will be accredited. However, she said, “Gikuyawan ko kay NORSU ray naay GdE dire sa Negros so kuyaw ug mawala kay lisud ug asa mi padulong,” she said.

Two junior BS Geology students Princess Ann Ruales and Al Remuel Tubongbanua said they are looking forward for more improvements after the accreditation. “Ang tulo ka slots nga mu-teach sa Geology wala pa gihapun na fill-an,” Ruales said asking for an immediate action. (With reports from John Dave V. Laturnas) Also, the College of Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy and allied Health Sciences [expound] Dean Dr. Dalisay A. Dumalag said that they are having financial difficulties to defray expenses in connection with their room renovations, office supplies, research and other equipment. Dumalag disclosed that there are things that are still to be accomplished.

Moreover, College of Criminology [expound CCJE] Dean [who’s who] opened that they are now focusing on the validation of the documents needed. “There are many documents to be prepared and complied,” he [Last name] said.

PHARMACY GRADS RECORD... from page 1

Maria Jiji Suan claimed that the passers really deserved it. “Sa akong panan-aw sa amo nga batch, makaabot pud mi diha nga 100%,” she confidently said.

The PLE was conducted by the Board of Pharmacy in areas of Manila, Baguio, Cebu and Davao on June 22 and 23. Professional Regulation Committee announced that 1,525 out of 2,779 examinees throughout the country passed the examination.

Some NORSU scholars clean the different areas of the university as part of the Community Service Activity of the NORSU Scholars Federation (NSF). (Photo By Kent S. Mapula)