WE write for you. we fight for you. vol xxxv issue no 5 | july 3-7, 2017
KEEPING UP. Aviation students keenly read the newly published school newpaper at the university open court . (Photo by Ma. Angelica G. Ho)
NORSU population decreases
With the nonenrollment of Senior High School students, Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) recorded a 11. 22% decrease in the total student population for the first semester as of July 7. University Registrar Reymil Cadapan disclosed a total of 23,570
Norsunians enrolled this semester, lower than last semester’s 26,548. Significantly, NORSU Dumaguete City campuses hold the largest population of 11, 645 students with a difference of 1,138 from last semester’s 12,783; followed by Bayawan-Sta. Catalina campus with 3,721 enrolled students, lower
NORECO II to NORSU: Share load to Leyte Jesyl Mae C. Vidal
“We need to share load to Leyte. Naguba ang ilang ubang substation. Wala silay electricity, so kinahanglan ta mohatag nila,” thus said NORECO II representative Novem Orcullo. National Grid Corporations of the Philippines (NGCP) continues its Visayas power restoration efforts for facilities affected by the
6.5 magnitude earthquake on July 6, requesting NORECO-II to do Manual Load Dropping (MLD). Orcullo explained NGCP ordered the mandatory power interruption in the province of Negros Oriental for the power restoration in Leyte. “Kon dili mi moputol, ang NGCP nga maoy head sa tibuok nga kuryente, ang moputol diri,” Orcullo NORECO II/ to page 4
NORSU Bajumpandan studes demand equality
Mary Joy C. Llorente
Questioning the equity of facilities and equipment in the two Dumaguete campuses, students from Bajumpandan campus called the attention of the Federation of Student Government (FSG) president Kristine Rose Pening and aired their concerns. BS Electrical Engineering student Mila Tayco commented, “Mabuhat man
gani nila sa Main Campus, dapat kita pud naa pud tay project nga dinagko diri sa Bajumpandan nga para ika-benefit sa mga estudyante.” Agreeing with Tayco, BS Mechanical Engineering student Jason Cataylo asked, “Diba project man sa FSG ang CR sa Main Campus? Mas kinahanglan man og renovation atong CR diri sa Bajumpandan, dapat diri pud NORSU/ to page 4
than last semester’s 4,268. Bais City campuses tallied a total of 3,256 student population with a difference of 338 from last semester’s 3,594; Guihulngan campus recorded 2,628 student enrollees, 335 less from last semester’s 2,963; Siaton campus with 1,434 students from 1,774 and Mabinay campus with 625
SEE PAGE 2
since the data on transferees are greater than students transferring from NORSU to other schools,” Cadapan furthered. Despite the halt on the admission of SHS students in NORSU, the Registrar recorded a total of 4, 098 freshmen enrollees from the main and satellite campuses. The said number was contributed by the implementation of free tuition in NORSU.
USMO warns studes smoking along Kagawasan Elmark Jade C. Ignacio
After some Norsunians were caught smoking along the parking area at Kagawasan Avenue, University Security Management Office (USMO) Director warned students violating the smoke free ordinance of the city. In an interview with The NORSUnian (TN), USMO Head Rosalinda Abellon was shocked upon knowing some students are smoking in the said area. Also, some Norsunians noticed student violators around the premises. Clint Anthony Abueva, a sophomore Information Technology student reported, “I was just shocked og nganong naay namaligya ug naay nanigarilyo idto dapit sa parking area [Kagawasan Avenue].” Meanwhile, a senior Education student Arjay Narciso said, “Dili gayud na maayo ilang gibuhat kay daghang mga estudayante nga galabay-labay.” Abellon said students are reminded not to smoke within the school premises and its nearby places during orientations. “Mao sigurong tua sila sa gawas kay abig okay ra na, but that is a violation of the City Ordinance,” she stressed.
GIMME A BREAK TRUST ISSUES STURDY JUSTICE
students, lower than last semester’s 805, with 180 difference. Cadapan said the factor behind the decrease may be attributed to the implementation of the Senior High School program wherein there are no longer first year students enrolled except those lifelong learners who graduated prior to 2016. “There is no significant effect on students transferring to other schools
UNIVERSITY DIARIES SEE PAGE 3
Photo by John Michael Ausejo
Irish Mae S. Cuaresma
SMOKE STILL. A Norsunian smokes in the parking lot area after his class despite the implementation of the Smoking Ban as per City Ordinance.
Resolution 171 and Ordinance 94, s. of 2011, also known as SmokeFree Ordinance of Dumaguete City, aims to protect its people from the harmful effects of smoking and tobacco consumption. Under the said ordinance, it is considered unlawful and calls for penalties if someone is smoking in an enclosed or partially enclosed public places such as schools of all levels.
More so, it was clearly explained that selling or distributing tobacco products within 100 meters from any point in the perimeter of the school is strictly prohibited. Consequently, penalties will be imposed to all violators. First offense calls offenders to be reprimanded, second offense entail P500 penalty, and third offense and subsequent offenses USMO/ to page 4
WHICH MEDIUM... UNIVERSITY POLL SEE PAGE 4
OPINION
2
VOL XXXV ISSUE NO 5 | JULY 3-7, 2017
EDITORIAL
Perhaps majority of the Filipino population have heard regarding the 6.5 magnitude earthquake that had struck the province of Leyte on July 6, this year. The rupture, reportingly had caused 4 deaths and injured approximately 100 people. This has been a devastating event not only to the people situated in the province, but to the whole Filipino people as well, for it not had only costed lives, but an estimated P271M worth of damages including schools and other infrastructures resulting to the declaration of Ormoc and Kananga into a state of calamity as of July 11. The province had experienced a major blackout, affecting its neighbors, Bohol and Samar as well. To somehow give remedy to the darkness that covers the affected areas, Negros, Cebu and Panay Islands have experienced occasional power interruptions as stated by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NCGP). These interruptions are due to the transmission of power to Leyte V Electric Cooperative, Inc. (LEYECO V). This sounds like a very cooperative way of helping not only our neighboring islands, but our brothers and sisters caught in between the darkness brought about by the earthquake, as well. But evening classes in schools and universities have been affected, as well as the daily life routine of our fellowmen. Should this be a very bothersome thought? Do frequent blackouts even match the sufferings of the people from affected areas? According to Negros Oriental II Electric Cooperative (NORECO II) Representative Novem R. Orcullo, our power supply in the province shares a sum to Leyte every now and then in order to ease its continuing burden on electricity. The NGCP is already monitoring and assessing as to how much damage the disaster had caused. The Filipino people should become one in order to conquer the tragedy that dawns and will dawn upon us. Although the Philippines has had its fair share of challenges for this respective year, we must always open our hearts to extend our torches of light to ignite the hopes of our fellowmen in standing again despite the tragic events. The NORSUnian (TN) reaches out compassion to the affected people and strongly believes that regardless of status in life, we should give light to those who are stuck in the dark. We believe that we can be a better country if only there is a light within us that is very much willing to lend a hand to our people in Leyte and other affected areas.
Illustrated by Jessa Araneta
A torch in darkness
The Great Exodus Recently, the president of the Philippines signed into law the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, a law providing free tuition for students, and our institution, Negros Oriental State University (NORSU), is one of the 112 state universities and colleges (SUCs) who shall benefit the provisions of the said law. It is known that the economic advisers of the President openly opposed to this as they said the government funds cannot suffice to sustain it. Duterte’s decision of signing it was never their expectation. But he did.
Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno claimed the policy would need P100 billion for it to be realized and the government cannot afford such amount at the moment. However, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) foresees spending P16 billion for the law, and even to some lawmakers P14 billion. With such opportunity for students to avail free education, people forecast a great shift on the number of students enrolled in the private colleges and universities to the existing large number of enrollees in state universities and colleges. Having said that, can we still
Gimme a break!
Calling all Norsunians who are tired of accepting Negros Oriental State University ‘as is’ and who want it to be the service-oriented institution it should be. RA 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act, was seen as a welcome development at the time of its passage in 2007. Included in the requirement is to observe “No Noon Break Policy.” This aimed to increase transparency and accountability in providing quality service to the public and to students. Working with the publication means you also have to work with the people on top, including this government institution’s public offices.
Seven years after the law has been implemented, compliance with it has not been stellar. Countless times have I visited offices and been asked to return some other time because the “not-so-important” people are taking their breaks. Countless steps have I taken back and forth of the administrative building’s stairs to the second floor to ask for updates on the papers I am processing. Nevertheless, we have no choice but to let them work on our papers. Though the government has taken steps to reduce the paperwork and bureaucratic delays, others would remain in their twisted ways. There
receive the quality education we need? Also, there had been arguments saying this law would benefit the rich more than the poor. In an article from Rappler, the author said in SUCs, the richest students outnumbered the poorest: 12% of SUC students come from the poorest income group, while 17% come from the richest income group. This income grouping is based on the 2014 Annual Poverty Indicators Survey (APIS). Additionally, it is presumed by the year 2018 there would be a big wave of K-12 graduates expected to flood colleges and universities. There would be no way SUCs can escape this considering the free tuition law is so enticing to students. So, ang NORSU, kumusta? Makasagang pa? Stricter admission policies should be implemented to make sure we cater deserving students. The free tuition privilege should always favor the ones who really need it and it is our poor students. Economic status should not be one of the qualifications of the ‘tighter’ admission policy. Back to the question, service and facilities-wise, kumusta ang NORSU? Are we ready for the great exodus? are honest, dedicated and competent faculty and staff, but there are also those who have long benefited from collecting grease money to facilitate transactions. Their activities can be stopped by implementing measures to cut red tape that only the higher ups can provide. In connection to customer focus, employees shall attend to internal and external customers even during break periods. Thus, employees present in the offices shall make their services available even to customers who arrive or seek services after working hours on a work day. They shall see to it that all service units, especially those providing frontline services like the cashier and other administrative offices should be manned during lunch time and break periods from 10:00 to 10:15 a.m, 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 to 3:15 p.m. No student or parent shall be made to return another time to be attended to, or to come back the next day because they arrived at the office after office hours, as long as there are still available staff to attend to them. Part of the dreary performance lies in the poor accountability of these administrative offices to the students they serve. The vigilant and informed studentry is the pillar of any effective institution – pillar which needs to be reinforced.
FEATURES
3
CAMPUS IMAGE
A Puff to Deterioration Donna T. Darantinao
Illustrated by Jonel A. Baligasa
You seem tired due to the day’s demanding school work. You seek for a refreshing atmosphere outside the campus after your classes, but circles of cigarette smoke welcome you instead. Your eyes search as to where they must have come from and get surprised to see some minors with lighted sticks. Cigarette smoking is one activity common within the Filipino community, particularly among minors and students. An estimated 28.3 percent are tobacco users, comprising 17.3 million of 61.3 million Filipino adults with ages 15 and up, according to a survey of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey in 2009. Although the number of smokers have declined through the years, the country is still one of the nations with the highest smoking rate and number of female smokers in Asia as of 2013, according to the Philippine News Agency. This is why the Republic Act No. 9211, otherwise known as the Tobacco Regulation Act of 20033, prohibits smoking in certain public areas where youth activity is centered. National smoking ban Every year, an increasing number
of Filipinos get afflicted with tobaccorelated sickness like heart disease, emphysema, various cancers and nicotine addiction which later on become causes of deaths. To minimize the smoking of tobacco products, particularly by minors, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order No. 26 last May 16, 2017, and took effect on July 21 of the same year, which provides the establishment of smoke free environments in public and enclosed places. The order declared that “the State shall protect and promote the right to the health of the people and instill health consciousness among them” and further stated that there will be no designated smoking areas in colleges and universities. There shall be no s m o k i n g within 100 meters a w a y from the perimeter of a n y educational institution, public pl ay g rou nds , youth hostels, and recreational facilities f o r minors, but i t seems that plenty of students are fully unaware of this fact. USMO against students smoking A number of Norsunians do not really know that smoking within the aforementioned distance is strictly prohibited, causing some of
A Kick by the Street Story of Kick Ass
the students to freely smoke outside the campus premises. This alarmed the University Security Management Office (USMO) Director Rosalinda Abellon, warning the students about smoking in and out of the university. It violates not only the university rules, but the City Ordinance 94, s. 2011 as well. The students smoking outside the university vicinity may not be under USMO’s control, Abellon still encourages students to stop smoking within no smoking areas not just for the penalties, but because of its effects to one’s health. Furthermore, in orientations held for the students, she always reminds them to avoid smoking in school and in nearby places. This is for the good of the school and for the students as well. Many people might be drawn to the effects cigarettes may give, and it can never be denied that too much usage of it can cause grave
A PUFF/ to page 4 “I should go home now,” I thought. It was during one summer night when all of my boardmates have gone home for vacation leaving me all alone in our apartment. The Wi-Fi connection nearby was strong, so I decided to stay there. I can access to it anytime, so I often stayed until almost one in the morning. And for months of strolling easily, experiencing no harm in the night life of Dumaguete City, I never thought I’d come across danger this time. I accessed the connection and sat by the wall of a building facing the street. The newsfeed of my Instagram account was interesting but I my attention wavered away from it when I noticed two motorcycles with three occupants have passed by. In that moment, I crossed sight with some of them. A sight that was
NARLYN R. MASCARDO
In life, we are offered with two choices along our journey— to continue moving forward with a motivated heart, or to wallow in self-pity at times of failure and misdirection. For once, he tried searching for the meaning of his life. But in every attempt, he failed. In pursuit for happiness, he entered bars and partied whenever he wanted to, but it only worsened the emptiness of his heart. Even in his studies, he was as indecisive as any other person could ever be. He had an undecided future for himself and he never really wanted to change that outlook. Nevertheless, he managed to enroll for college. With ambiguity, he took up Bachelor Science in Industrial Technology (BSIT) major in Drafting. But due to his lack of interest in his study, he dropped most of his major subjects and thought of just enrolling in another program. Seeing his low marks, he shifted to Bachelor of Arts (AB) major in General Curriculum to somehow decide as to what course will he be really taking up. Knowing his poor performance in school, his family told him to just stop schooling. Not knowing the value of education back then, he did not insist in enrolling again for the next school year. The moment he had lost his interest in school, was the moment his life had lost its path towards his true purpose. Since he had the liberty to do what he wanted, he became idle at home. He spent his time hanging out with his friends and roaming everywhere. He spent his nights out and did anything to feed his delight. He told himself that he was happy, but he never really felt the happiness that he talked about. But the moment his cousin introduced him the word of God, it struck him. Realizations hit him hard and made him conclude that the misdirection of his life was because he never really turned to the Being that would give him the true purpose of his life. He was enlightened and the life he had before was changed. Everything fell into place. During the second semester of 2016, he pursued Aviation Maintenance and was determined to finish his studies. He even plans to work abroad in the future. The things that he usually did before were now extinguished from his life. They were replaced. Now, he devotes his time worshipping God, studying his lessons and becoming a good son. When asked about his parents, he said, his mother passed away when he was still in second year high school and his father suffers arthritis. His older brother is the one who supports for his education. He is Mc Lenon Piñero, a 19-year-old freshman student who was born on November 25, 1997. He is from Oracion Drive, Looc, Dumaguete City, who CAMPUS IMAGE/ to page 4 both odd and ominous. I realized I couldn’t focus on my activity but rather on the insistent sound of the motor engine. Two more strangers walked by my spot but they seemed weird because they were looking pass me. I looked at the same direction and saw the same guys. My gut told me something bad would happen and thought of going home. I stood up, disconnected from the Wi-Fi, and placed my phone back in my bag. I started walking towards the direction back to my apartment but unfortunately, I also needed to pass by the suspicious group. I saw that one of the group members was way ahead of the rest and was nearer to where I was. I looked him in the eyes and passed by him. Suddenly, I heard one of them say something incomprehensible
to the one I looked at and when I turned my head back, I saw him jump and deliver a straight kick to my back. The succeeding moments were quick. I staggered up from the ground after getting thrown forward by the kick. I faced the assailant and it was a moment of duel. I figured out that if ever I would take the attacker on, his friends may help him beat me down. The assailant dashed forward and I did the most intelligent thing I could think of at that moment — to run. I ran as fast as I could until the sound coming from their motorcycles have faded. I went straight to my apartment and took all the stuff I needed. Since I was the only one left for that night, I fled and slept in a convenience store here in the city. Kick Ass is a nocturnal Norsunian who enjoys the night scenery of Dumaguete City.
Photo by Pamela Louise M. Abrasado
Illustrated by Claire Francis B. Elum and Joleos June S. Vegare
VOL XXXV ISSUE NO 5 | JULY 3-7, 2017
4
BACKPAGE
Norsunians consume street food despite viable health risks
NORECO II/ from page 1 explained.
Photo by John Michael Ausejo
Elmark Jade C. Ignacio
HEALTH ALARMING. Students eating street food in one of the food stalls outside the campus despite the feasible health risks they could get from consuming it.
taste, dapat dili na nila hutdon and be observant on how it’s being prepared,” he said. Oliveros furthered food that went through unclean preparations can cause diarrhea, hepatitis A and other foodborne diseases. According to World Health Organization (WHO), Hepatitis A is a viral liver disease acquired when someone ingested a contaminated food and water that can cause fever and yellow staining of the skin and sclerae (the whites of the eyes), also known as
jaundice. Meanwhile, Nida Calogcogan, one of the street vendors, said the food they are selling are safe as they are regularly evaluated by the City Health Office. “Mineral among ginagamit nga tubig ug limpiyo gayud kay mokaon man pud mi,” Calogcogan said. “Limpyo ra man pud, safe kaayo ug wala pay nireklamo nga estudyante,” Melody Tubio added, who guarantees her costumers safe and well-prepared food from her stall.
Photo by John Michael Ausejo
Notwithstanding the possible health risks of eating street food, some Norsunians are still patronizing the food displayed outside the campus vicinity at Kagawasan Avenue, Dumaguete City. “I don’t think the food they are selling here is healthy, but since I am hungry mopalit nalang ko,” Cyrine Rose Gonzaga, a junior Agriculture student said. Even if Gonzaga is uncertain with the safety of the food, she said she has not experienced any stomach-related illnesses after eating it. “Dili tanan safe mao nang akong ginapili akong ginapalitan,” Judy Mae Montegriyo, a sophomore Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) student, said. “Ako i-check ilang surroundings usa ko mopalit.” Conversely, a freshman BSBA student John Michael Alam claimed the food are safe for he saw how it was prepared. Alarmed with its possible health risks, University Physician Dr. Michael Oliveros warned Norsunians to minimize eating street food. “If makatilaw sila og lain nga
VOL XXXV ISSUE NO 5 | JULY 3-7 , 2017
Orcullo said the power interruption will mostly happen between 9 a.m.-3 p.m., although it will last until 10 p.m. at times. “Dili nato maingon nga exactly one hour, last night di man jud siya one hour, almost two minutes nalang mo-two hours na,” she said. As of press time, NORECO II is still uncertain until when this power interruption will last. Some Norsunians expressed their distress on the frequent power interruption, affecting their evening classes and other school-related activities. “Hasul kaayo kay naa bayay magdiscuss nga gagamit og powerpoint,” Jovily Nobleza, a sophomore Education
NORSU/ from page 1 ilang gi-renovate.” Comparing the comfort rooms and canteen of each campus, BS Computer Engineering student Syriyl Mae Mapili asks for equality. BS Criminology student James Pacturan said the admin should have the road cemented for it is almost impassable during rainy days while very dusty on sunny days. Having only one functional water fountain, students also shared they CAMPUS IMAGE/ from page 3 believes that Jesus revealed the path of his life. “Plans to bring you prosperity but not disaster. Plans to bring you about the future you hope for. You will seek and find me because you will seek me with all your heart,” he shared, with a light smile USMO / from page 1 entails P1,000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding five days, or both at the discretion of the court. Though USMO claimed this action is beyond their control since this is outside the university premises, they said they will follow this up to the city government for further actions. Abellon urged Norsunians to help in reminding these students to A PUFF / from page 3 consequences not only for them but for the people affected by second hand smoking as well. It is clear to say that
student, said. “Dili pud mi makahimo og projects ug maka-photocopy sa notes.” John Eleazar Silorio, a freshman Bachelor of Technological Education student, agreed to Nobleza, sharing his concern with regard to the mandatory power interruption. “How can we learn our lessons if almost every night mag-brownout? Silorio added. Meanwhile, Buildings and Grounds staff John Francis Quinicot said the university has no alternative source of power supply since the plan of putting up a power plant a few years ago was not realized. “Naa tay power generator pero para ra sa suga anang gym,” Quinicot said. “Dili jud kadaog sa tibuok NORSU.”
would be very happy if it would be regularly checked and maintained by the Dumaguete City Water District (DCWD). NORSU Bajumpandan Student Government (SG) president Faye Marie Sojor stated it is the administration’s duty to provide these basic needs of the students. Hearing their concerns, FSG president Pening said she will address the students’ voice in the upcoming Board of Regents’ (BOR) meetings. on his face. “He was lost but now found,” a line from the ‘Parable of the Prodigal Son’ which had made him realize that in almost twenty years of his existence in this world, each one of us has a purpose that we live for. stop smoking in the said area, not just for the penalties they might be getting, but the ill effects it gives to their health and to others as well. Remarkably, President Rodrigo Duterte has signed Executive Order 26 banning smoking in public places nationwide last May 16. (With reference from dumagueteinfo.com) too much smoking is a puff away to deterioration of the body, and the community.
ALERT AND RUSH. This policeman rushes through the NORSU parking lot, chasing a bystander who happens to be associated with drug-related cases, Wednesday afternoon.
NORSU yields 56 new criminologists
Comics by Jameel E. Daksla
passed out of the 315 examinees from the six campuses offering Bachelor of Science in Criminology program. Don Querubin, one of the 56 successful passers shared that it was his second time taking the examination. “My advice for those who took the exam and failed, just put God in the center of their lives, study harder, and have self-discipline in order for them to succeed,” he said.
Infographics by Jeke Cris G. Rocaberte
performance. In the external campuses, Bais City Campus yielded 10 passers Negros Oriental State recording 20.41% rating, Siaton Campus University (NORSU) produced 56 newly has eight passers attaining 17.39% rating, licensed criminologists in the latest Guihulngan Campus with five passers Criminology Licensure Examination obtaining 32.84% rating, Bayawan- Sta. (CLE) as released by the Professional Catalina Campus with five passers marking Regulation Commission (PRC) on June 30. 5.68% rating, and Mabinay Campus with NORSU Dumaguete Campus six passers obtaining 23.08% rating. yielded 22 passers achieving 32.84% rating Markedly, a total of 56 criminologists JURYLEAH MAE RAYAH ORANDA