The NORSUnian 5th issue

BSC, BSIT attain level III accreditation status

July 20–August 06, 2013

Vol.XXXI Issue No. 5

By Rujonel F. Cariaga and Ariel B. Dizon

THE ACCREDITING AGENCY of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) has recognized the Bachelor of Science in Criminology (BSC) and Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology (BSIT) of Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) level III accredited programs, July 16.

According to the letter from AACCUP Executive Director Manuel Corpus, dated July 22, 2013, the BSC and BSIT were accredited level III programs with a validity of one year from July 16, 2013 to July 15, 2014.

Meanwhile, the Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED), Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED), Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM), Bachelor of Arts in Social Science (AB Socsci), Bachelor of Technological Education (BTE) and Bachelor of Mass Communication (BMC) have all been level II re-accredited programs valid from July 16, 2013 to July 15, 2017.

The result showed the ratings of each program.

BSC obtained 4.24, BSIT garnered 4.10, BEEd received 3.87, BSEd attained 3.90, BSHM got 3.79, AB SocSci achieved 3.93, BTE got 3.96 and BMC gained 3.72.

It is to note that 4.00 minimum grand mean (MGM) and 3.50 minimum area mean (MAM) are needed to qualify for a level III status while 3.50 MGM and 3.00 MAM are needed for a level II status.

Level up: A proud Norsunian reads the congratulatory banner of the 8 NORSU accredited academic programs.

(Photo by: Kendrex B.Pael)

Five is the highest point a program can get to be accredited level IV and be considered programs as center of excellence.

Sought for his reaction, NORSU President Don Vicente C. Real said he is very happy and thankful to those people who have worked handin-hand in the accreditation.

He said, “We can now ask higher subsidy from the national government fund through the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) for further improvement of the accredited programs.”

The president said the university will

apply for the center of development with two level III accredited programs to make NORSU a leading institution among all other State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the country offering the same programs.

For Quality Assurance Management Center (QUAMC) Director Jim Villahermosa, NORSU is the only university in the region that obtained the [most] upgraded levels” and the “only university that provides the highest quality education in the province” in the said programs.

The accreditation was held on July 1-6, 2013.

BOR mandates decrease college fund

By Rujonel F. Cariaga and Jirah Kim R. Quinamot

NEGROS ORIENTAL STATE University-Board of Regents (NORSU– BOR) has mandated the administration to decrease the college funds collection in all colleges in the main and satellite campuses.

According to Federation of Student Governments President Norelyn Talorete, the complaint of Provincial Board Member Arnie Teves, which was aired on his privilege speech on the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session on June 5 made the body to mandate the decrease of the college fund collection.

Talorete said the decision of the BOR was also one reason why the college fund collection has to be decreased. “The BOR decides to reduce the budget for extracurricular since we must focus on academics,” she said.

FSG president said Dr. Don Vicente C. Real created an ad-hoc committee to process the proof of the SGs’ right to collect funds that was questioned by the BOR on their meeting.

In line with the implementation of legalities, Dr. Real directed the NORSU– SGs to “issue official receipts (ORs) for all funds they collect to ensure higher degree of accountability and transparency among SG transactions.”

As of the press time, the decrease will be announced after its board meeting possibly in November. The refund will follow afterwards.

It is to note, that there was no scheduled board meeting yet since the CHED’s commissioner’s post was left vacant after Nenita Defensor’s term ended. The BOR first meeting was held on June 14.

AACCUP exec director 2 NORSU studes win 2nd JPIA quiz bowl visits NORSU

By Kimberly Rose E. Lumaya

AACCUP Executive Director Dr. Manuel T. Corpus (center) receives a Certificate of Recognition from NORSU President Dr. Don Vicente C. Real. They are joined by (left to right) Dr. Jim Villahermosa, QUAMC Director, Dr. Peter T. Dayot, VP for Administration, Planning and Development, Dr. Bernadette O. Tan, VPREXIL, and Dr. Ester V. Tan, VPAA.

ACCREDITING AGENCY OF Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) Executive Director Dr. Manuel T. Corpus visited Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) for a Forum on NORSU Accreditation Strategies at the university’s cultural complex on August 12.

Dr. Corpus, who heads the institution that determines the accreditation status of state colleges and universities in the

country, was invited by the NORSU Quality Assurance Management Center (QUAMC) to assist the university’s administrators and faculty achieve their goal of having all the university’s academic programs accredited by 2016.

Dr. Corpus said he is encouraged by NORSU President Dr. Don Vicente C. Real’s support for the accreditation process.

Because of this he promised to prioritize the accreditation

AACCUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR... page 4

TWO STUDENTS NEGROS ORIENTAL State University (NORSU) won second place in the recently concluded Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) interuniversity quiz bowl competition.

Girlie Faburada and Steven Paul Balbuena, senior Accountancy students, were the representatives to the JPIA quiz bowl held at Foundation University on July 21.

NORSU JPIA Adviser Brigido Enquilino Jr, said he was happy of the win although their aim of being a grand slam champion this year was not pushed through.

Enquilino said he is still delighted with the result although there are minor misunderstandings.

He extended his congratulatory message to the representatives for doing well in the competition.

‘There was miscommunication’ Enquilino, in an interview with TN, alleged there was miscommunication in the competition since the topics that are supposed to be included in the exam questionnaires were not followed.

He said coaches were given the coverage of the 5 topics that

will come out in the exam, that is, included in the subjects provided but it turned out that only one subject came out.

“Dapat ang ila unta i-provide na subjects, at least nalang unta nay mugawas bisag usa-usa kada subjects. Dili even ba,” he said.

The adviser said “Wala sila niagi sa Practical Accounting 1 and 2, ug lahi nga authors ang ilang gigamit..naay discrepancy” .

Norsunians react Steven Paul Balbuena said, “I’m still happy about the result of the competition even though w e h a d n ’t w o n a s c h a m p i o n .

Well, at least we still ranked at the second place. I also want to thank God for the opportunity and guidance he gave us during the competition.”

S o p h o m o r e Accountancy student, Charina Rendal, said she is not contented with the result of the competition.

“There are certain events that were not fair and

were full of bias. But despite all the fraud, were still overwhelmed to be able to join the JPIA Week celebration. It was quiet tiring, but it was yet very fun.”

Silliman University(SU), Asian College of Science and Technology(ACSAT), St. Paul University-Dumaguete (SPUD), Negros Oriental State University(NORSU), and the host university- Foundation University(FU) were the contenders of the said event.

NORSU representatives Girlie Faburada (left) and Steven Paul Balbuena (right) place 2nd in JPIA inter-school quiz bowl competition (Photo by Marve G. Fabela)

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July 20–August 06, 2013

Vol.XXXI Issue No. 5

No pain, no gain We cannot expect change in Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) if we tolerate things that need to be changed, for the better and for the best.

A mere fact in the previous school year that left NORSU with doubt and fear was the closure of the College of Maritime Education (CME).

As the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) started its formal survey visit to assess the programs offered in the university, several midnight candles were burnt. Huge preparations were undertaken to pass the said visit. The bayanihan spirit prevailed as the faculty and staff, student-leaders, and students help one another closely.

On July 22, 2013, the university attained new program statuses as per declared by the AACCUP. Two programs were upgraded to Level III and six others were Level II re-accredited.

The Bachelor of Science in Criminology (BSC) and Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology (BSIT) are the programs with Level III accredited by the AACCUP, valid from July 16, 2013 until July 15, 2014.

In addition, the Bachelor of Elementary Education, Bachelor of Secondary Education, Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, Bachelor of Science in Social Science, Bachelor of Technological Education and Bachelor of Mass Communication have achieved the Level II reaccredited status valid from July 16, 2013 until July 15, 2017.

What does it mean to us?

Emotionally, it means a heartfelt commendation to the university president for being an excellent head of the university and for all those people who went the bayanihan process before and during the accreditation.

Economically, it means a privilege to ask for higher subsidy from the national government fund through Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) for further improvement of the accredited programs.

Radically, it means that NORSU will apply to the Centers of Development through its two Level III accredited programs, making us one of the leading State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) on fields mentioned.

Academically, it means that NORSU, most assuredly, is the only university which attains the “[most] upgraded levels” and the “only university that provides the highest quality education in the province” of the aforementioned programs.

However, the efforts will be forfeited if unity is not in one pact. For the faculty, we expect attainment of a post graduate degree and more researches. Let us strengthen the professional involvement among teachers and students. Let us encourage full-time teachers to take part as volunteers for international linkages.

Let us extend our social welfare and external relations, we mean, the extension and community involvement. And we expect the NORSU faculty and staff to put heart in their NO PAIN, NO... page 6

Pork barrel, local corruption?

Recently, our country is faced with issues on pork barrel and corruption. It have become the hot talk of the town lately. The 10 billion pork barrel fraud of the senators and congressional representativesspark the interest of Filipino to participate and react. This intriguing issue has opened the eyes of people. It has unclothed the closet of skeletons. Many secrets are exposed – corruptions and the like. And the people are now calling for the abolition of the pork barrel system.

Pork Barrel, by definition, encompasses all the lump sum appropriations in the National Expenditure Program app ropriated fund for the Executive Branch of the government wherein the sole discretion of its release is on the President and/or Department heads; and all the off-budget accounts that the government, especially the office of the President, will use.

Editor-in-Chief Jessie P. Dolia Associate Editor Joeylen A. Dela Cruz News Editor Rujonel F. Cariaga Features Editor Jirah Kim R. Quinamot Assistant News Editor Ariel B. Dizon Assistant Features Editor Arean Fel E. Dorio Arts and Graphics Unit Head Mayette Hanna F. Diez Senior Reporters Mary Cherry S. Sanchez • Mei Anne A. Morales Mary Grace G. Bornales Cartoonists Ranulfo D. Repe, Jr. • Angelo K. Sastre Karlo Billy S. Rubia • Marko Mikhal G. Deposoy Paul Anthony M. Eso • Arvin V. Rodriguez Layout Artists Head John R. Rio Layout Artist Hikaru S. Kanazawa Photojournalists Kendrex B. Pael • Marve G. Fabela Webpage Developer Leonil G. Dayado

Business Manager Princess D. Ebo Assistant Business Manager Jela Mae T. Ruales Staff Secretary Shenmae S. Sojor Circulation Managers Dennis M. Ybañez Froiland D. Liu Adviser Joy G. Perez, Ph.D. Contributions, comments, and letters are most welcome.

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

The staff reserves the right to edit submitted articles.

A commendable disposition in life It was around 1:35 in the morning. That was supposed to be the time I am already in deep sleep. Ironically, here I am, sitting on a stool in a corner of a 24-hour food chain spending a couple of hours in studying several written and photocopied handouts. It was midterm week and I need to set aside those unwinding activities and concentrate more on squeezing my brain and tightening my naturally big eye bags.

Once in a while, I realized I’ve been into over studying, to the extent that I can feel that my nerves were about to crack. Eventually, I decided to chill out and spend the rest of the hours there in the boarding house of one of my closest classmates.

When I was on my way to her boarding house, a phone call coming from my mom saying “Pauli na! Naunsa man ka? Kadlawon na kayo unsaon nalang man ug ma-disgrasya ka!” That actually stopped me from going there.

This allocation, however big, is not undergoing strict auditing (i.e. liquidation by certification) by the Commission on Audit although the law strictly mandates to audit all utilization of public funds. That is why corruption exists everywhere. It is very apparent that the people who forcibly crafted or cooked these policies find hard to implement it since they are also involved in this system.

For the 2014 budget, there are 25.2 billion allocated Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) for Congressmen and Senators and 1.33 trillion for the President’s PDAF. Yet, only 39 billion is allocated to state universities and colleges, a very far answer for the needed 60 Billion budget.

With this, Noynoy Aquino must not be hardheaded from the call to scrap pork of most Filipinos. He must not refuse to follow his boss’s directives, that is, to eradicate the congressional representatives and senators’ priority development fund. Moreover, PNoy himself, together with his allies, must not keep the presidential pork barrel and justify it as intended for calamity funds and other social service projects.

These people must bear in mind that they are politicians by will, who are supposed to be “public servants” and not public bosses and that they must be thinking for the sake of the majority and not of their self-interest.

To abolish pork barrel is to end the systematized corruption in the Philippines.

Therefore, we must help advance the fight PORK BARREL AND... page 4

An hour had passed and a text message popped out on my screen saying, “Nasunugan mi! Wala juy nabilin nako.” The sender was my friend whom I was supposed to be with. I sighed.

My heartbeat stumbled back and forth. I didn’t know what to do. All I knew was that I was saved

by Mom’s phone call. But I can’t calm myself for I am worried with happened to my friend.

Remember the fire incident that took place in Capitol, Dumaguete City recently? It was such a tragic event! It burned down two houses that included a boarding house where copious NORSU students rent. Worst thing is that my classmate was one of the unfortunate victims.

By the way, this column I am writing is in the purpose of recognizing her estimable disposition in life albeit such miserable happening.

I know most of you readers, if not all, already know her. If not by face, perhaps by her achievements and public exposure in school. We, as her classmates used to call her Margaux. We came up with such name because aside from the looks she got, she can also do singing, dancing and acting like Maja Salvador does. Modesty aside, she’s undeniably intelligent. She also has a commendable attitude that’s why she has a lot of friends.

I could still recall the days after the tragedy.

She wouldn’t let us visit her in the hospital.

“Wala jud ko’y nawong nga ikapakita ninyo guys” That is what she usually say in the text message whenever we tell her we wanted to visit LOCAL A COMMENDABLE... page 6

Vol.XXXI Issue No. 5

July 20–August 06, 2013

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Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent. ― Victor Hugo

Whenever a man feels sadness, he never wants to laugh. Corollary, when a man is in great joy, he refuses to listen to music with a slow tempo. The emotion we have therefore affects our choice of music.

In a research conducted by psychologists, Jason Rentflow and Sam Gosling, it suggested that knowing the type of music to listen can actually lead to surprisingly accurate predictions about your personality.

Rentflow and Gosling even found out that people could make judgments about an individual's levels of extraversion, creativity and open-mindedness by just listening to ten of their favorite songs. They predicted extraverts tend to seek out songs with heavy bass lines, while those creative and have wise people tend to listen to jazz and classical music.

Another study was conducted by researchers in Heriot-Watt University by examining more than 36,000 participants from all over the world. Participants were asked to rate more than 104 different music genres in addition to offering information about aspects of their personalities. The following are just some of the personality traits linked to certain musical genres:

Perseverance: Pop music Are you fond of listening to the music of Rihanna, Selena Gomez or Flo Rida? Or did the awe-striking Korean male and female group take a considerable portion of your iPod playlist? If your answer is yes, chances are you are hardworking, you have a high self-esteem or you are honest and conservative. Though you have the good traits mentioned, researchers suggest you tend to be less creative and more uneasy.

Enthusiasm: Rap Gloc 9, Eminem, Salbakuta rule the rap industries in their respective places.

Most people tend to stereotypically classify artists who rap and listen to it as aggressive and violent people— basically more on the bad side. But guess what? Researchers actually found no link between bad behavior and rap music. According to them, rap zealots have high level of self-esteem and are enthusiastic in work.

Stability: Country music Ever had an LSS or last song syndrome with Jason Mraz’s and Tailor Swift’s songs? If you affirm the query, there is no doubt that you are a fan of country music. Usually, the lyrics of country music are emotional.

Such songs generate the concept of love, heartbreaks or conflicts with friends.

Perhaps, this idea gives us a hint that country music lovers are those who cannot move on easily. Nevertheless, research shows that they

“Learn to value life to the fullest for you won’t know its essence until you’d almost lost it.”

—Anonymous

Like every typical girl would do, adventure-taking is my gratifying pastime. I yearn of experiencing different extraordinary adventures each day. I wanted to execute lots of things I’ve never ever done before. In short, I’m an extremist type of a youngster. I really wanted to experience everything just to feed the eagerness lurking in my veins in exploring the wonders of the world.

I usually indulge myself in terrifying activities just to reach a sense of fulfillment and independence. Whenever I hear a peculiar and challenging activity, I always wanted to undertake such thing regardless of how dangerous the consequences could be.

But in a snap of a finger, my immense enthusiasm in achieving all these expectations came to an end on that fateful day.

When I was in my secondary years, I used to stroll beside or swim on coastal beaches almost every day. Then there came a day when I decided to swim farther than the usual. I was so confident that time and I didn’t even anticipate for any accident to happen.

That time, I was with my 10-year-old cousin. We dived around the vicinity and enjoyed the scenery underneath.

Then suddenly, without any reason, my cousin clanged to me like a disgusting gecko. I don’t know if he was playing a prank on me or whatever, but one thing is for sure—it made me lose my stability and dragged me down the water’s bottom. I couldn’t breathe! I was overwhelmed by the deprivation of air so I struggled hard to escape from the situation. My cousin was still clinging to me and I couldn’t find the strength to shove him away. Everything I resorted to getting away from my cousin seemed so futile. As I comprehend the danger that I got myself into, my breath was slowly deteriorating.

“I don’t want to die yet! I still have lots of dreams to chase!

What about my mother? What will happen to her?” Random images envisioned my mind as I was fighting the brink of death.

are passive and emotionally stable. To add, they are hardworking, conservative and outgoing.

Lonesome: Rock and Heavy Metal Despite of the aggressive image of rock and heavy metal music, researchers found out that the devotees of these genres are gentle and mysterious. They tend to be creative, but often want to be alone. Moreover, they may suffer from low self-esteem.

Examples of bands that play rock and heavy metal are Urbandub and Linkin’ Park.

Socially inclined: Disco Some people when listening to this music definitely get up and groove.

According to researchers, people with this preference are very confident, outgoing and sociable. They do not hesitate to know people and befriend them.

Creativity: Classical music In the world dominated by popular music, classical music lovers are the most endangered species among the listeners. They are those who listen to the obra maestras of Beethoven and Yiruma. This group of listeners is noted to be exceptionally creative and to have a good sense of self-esteem.

I was almost hopeless. I felt like crying, but it seemed my teardrops are lost in the middle of the vast ocean.

I was scared to death. Can you imagine almost out of breath under the water, yet you can’t do anything to help yourself because your locomotives are betraying you already?

My heart was beating faster already. My feet are freezing, as well as my hands. My lungs have no air to succumb already. My hopes were all gone. At that moment, I knew I needed to let go.

Suddenly, an image of my mom smiling at me was so vivid

Intelligence: Jazz and Blues Like the classical music lovers, people who enjoy jazz and blues are endangered.

Mostly, those who are into it are the oldies.

One remarkable jazz artist is Louis Armstrong who sang the famous, “What a Wonderful World.” Jazz and blues lovers are found to be more extraverted with high self-esteem. They also have the traits of creativity, intelligence and calmness.

Indeed, music, like any other activity is an expression of the inner being. It is but a mirror of what is inside us. What we like to listen into reflects who we are, the life we live and the character we possess. So the next time you put together a playlist, consider how your personality might be affected by your choices.

References: • Collingwood, J. (2008).

Preferred Music Style is tied to Personality. Psych Central.

Retrieved from http;//psychcentral. com/preferred-music-style-is-tiedto-personality// • North, A.C., and Hargreaves, D.J. (2008).The Social and Applied Psychology of Music. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

• North, A.C. and Desborough, L., and Skarstein, L. (2005). Musical Preference, Deviance, and Attitudes Towards Celebrities, Personality and Individual Differences, 38, 1903-1914.

that it looked like a screen projected in front of my very two eyes.

When I saw her, I pondered on the thought of having my mother cry upon seeing me lifeless. It gave me the stimulus not to give up yet. At that instant, it seemed like I regained all my energy, and I had the enthusiasm to preserve my life. Upon swimming back up to the surface, I happened to hit a rock.

Because of this, I reached the surface of the water with lesser energy needed, then I immediately sucked air. Now, I have the energy to push my cousin away from me. As he swam away from me, I returned to the seashore to stay away from more accidents to happen.

When I knew I was safe, I made a sigh of relief. Still, I noticed that my whole body was really trembling. I don’t know what to think nor had any idea on what emotion to show. Should I be mad and irritated of my cousin for doing such thing to me that I almost lost my life? Or should I be happy because I was safe? Still the thought of almost losing my life overpowered me.

So I eased my mind for a moment then went home as if nothing disastrous event had happened.

Until now, nobody, not even my parents knew of this recount. I kept it a secret. But every time I recall this event, it reminds me to exercise utmost caution whenever I indulge myself on life-risking adventures. I also realized that I don’t need to be independent all the time. Sometimes, I need to have the presence of a company so that whatever unexpected happens, someone would be there to extend his or her hand for me.

And most especially, I realized that I only have a single life. I must be aware of my weaknesses and limitations on choosing the activities to do. Once gone, life can never be returned no matter what I do.When I cheated death that one moment, I started to appreciate the significant worth of my life.

And what now? Truth be told, I am partly glad that I was able to experience such adversary. Because if it wasn’t for it, maybe I would still be an egocentric and easy-go-lucky lass today.

Ameshe is a freshman Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering student. She is someone who desires to be a part of a world where all impossible things could become possible.

Vol.XXXI Issue No. 5

July 20–August 06, 2013

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You are like a flower! You grow, and you blossom. You cover numerous petals of personalities. You have your roots and stems that establish your varied personalities. You have a stigma and that is your soul.

Like any flower, you are an ornament that decorates a monotonous world. Perhaps, it is safe to say beyond the fact that both flowers and human beings coexist because of various reasons. One reason is that it boils down to the demands of society that both creatures can only be appreciated when they start to bloom and showcase their assets. By then, you’ll find out how they are alike or even unusual.

They may differ in hues and other features; but above all, they equally fall into one—both are born, grown and bloom on their season. In due time, they will wither and die.

It is a surprising fact that flowers have imagery.

M e n t i o n e d hereunder are analogies of some various f l o w e r s to human personality.

Rose: Prepared The rose is the most popular and loved flower of all time. It represents love, and symbolizes a challenging life. When compared to a person, a rose is someone who prepares himself for the backbones of reality.

Like the thorns of a rose, he protects his soul from those who have intentions of breaking it.

Sunflower: Outgoing Sunflowers are attention-catching flora. When seen, it reminds people of radiance and happiness. If you’re

like a sunflower, then you are probably bright, cheerful, bold and comfortable.

You are a caring gift to your family and friends because of the positivity you possess. People enjoy your company because of your cheerful spirit and positive outlook in life.

Daisies: Flexible Daisies are known to be two flowers in one.

It has white petals and a cluster of yellow disc that forms the “eye” or its center. They are bright, long-lasting and ever blooming plants proven to be a smile carrier of those who stare at it. Flowers like daisies ignite resiliency, contentment and simplicity as a person. A person like this knows how to be flexible and accept changes in the society easily and embraces it positively as possible.

Although not the loud type, he/she has a strong stand on what he does and what he believes is right. Based on researches, daisies could simply alter a person’s disposition from being pessimistic to optimistic through its relaxing features.

People connected to this kind of flower love to have fun and enjoy life rather than sticking around with realistically unhealthy issues.

who can still stand out albeit the hindrances of life; a person who can do more beyond his/her physical aspects.

Moreover, just like the hibiscus, he/ she doesn’t mind what obscures his way as long as the beauty of his/her personality remains.

Gumamela: Sturdy Gumamela, or hibiscus, is popularly known in the Philippines as “island flower.” It is actually used as a herbal treatment for different types of diseases. But beyond that, gumamela is a symbol of fidelity, uniqueness and outstanding beauty that can still bloom amidst heavy rains storms. Likewise, a person like a gumamela is someone

Iris Orchid: Delicate Iris orchids are actually fragile unless they are located in an environment that they fit or been given the exact care. In fact, some people, if not all, are more of this kind of flower.

Iris orchids have distinguishable features that separate them from the rest. Likewise, having different personalities from the others can be an asset to that person. Yes, they are strong, yet they can be easily discouraged. It is to bear in mind that people like orchids are sensitive types. They easily attach themselves to issues around them; but they still make it to the point of solving and clearing everything for their own peace of mind. The nice thing about these types of people is that they are good in socializing. Since they can survive anywhere, they can also adjust to other people’s personalities.

Everyone desires to blossom like a flower in the garden where everybody admires. But we could be just like that.

If we strive to fertilize ourselves with good virtues, principles and beliefs, and then plant it on a good soil of hope and trust, we can develop a strong hold for our roots and stem—where our petals of personality actually rely on. If we could do that, then it is possible that we can be as pleasing, as wonderful and as strong as those of our favorite flowers that remain tough yet beautiful despite the strong winds.

The highest accreditation level awarded by the AACCUP is Level IV. This is the level that NORSU desires to achieve for all its academic programs by 2016. In his reaction to Dr. Corpus’ remarks, Dr. Real challenged all college deans and external campus administrators to work harder to provide quality services to the stakeholders of NORSU through accreditation. He warned that failure to do so would negatively affect the university’s long-term capacity to operate at the level it currently does.

In response to his challenge, several academic programs have set accreditation survey schedules with the AACCUP. The NORSU Graduate School, College of

Agriculture and Forestry and the College of Business Administration have several of their programs scheduled for a survey on September 16-20. Other academic programs of the university have also set accreditation schedules for November this year.

Dr. Corpus further guaranteed the University of his assistance and facilitation to ensure that the recently Level III accredited BSC and BSIT programs would be in a position to improve its accreditation status in a year’s time. This, according to Dr. Real is a welcome development since he eyes both programs developing into a Center of Development and eventually a Center of Excellence in the next few years./ NORSU IPO

funds. Now, is it transparent enough to claim that this so-called fund will really proceed to what it is intended for? This question is simple but it must be answered to address the students’ complaints. It must lay down its accomplishment reports and liquidations so that everyone will know where the students’ money go.

NORSU must realize how poor students find money. It is about time

for us, the people in the country and even the young people in the university to step up and take part in the nation’s fight including ours in NORSU. We mus t not cage ourselves.

We must remain vigilant, we must get informed in all means we can, as one of our major tasks so that one day, everything will change for a purpose – genuine change of the Philippine system and governance.

AACCUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR... from page 1

schedule requested by the University.

Corpus clarified that setting a schedule for accreditation is very difficult due to the number of State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) requesting to be surveyed.

He further congratulated the historical achievements of the university during the last AACUP accreditation held last July1-6, wherein the Bachelor of Science in Criminology (BSC) and Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology (BSIT), programs of the College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE) and College of Industrial Technology (CIT), respectively, were accredited Level III, while the other academic programs surveyed during the same period were re-accredited Level II. PORK BARREL AND... from page 2

for the rechanneling of these funds to social service budget for there are still many of our poor brothers and sisters who are dying because of famine and too much hunger while several politicians are living in luxury.

Similarly, Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) also faces related issue. It is about the questionable collection of college

“Mama, I need you now.” These are the words I utter whenever I need someone to comfort me during desperate moments, and what made me say these words is the substance of my story.

I’m Wena, and I’m currently 17 years of age. I am wealthy in terms of friends, and I got supporting brothers and sisters to approach when I’m in blue. But there’s this only one thing I do not have—a mother.

She passed away at the age of 38. At that time, I was 2 years old. That is why I couldn’t remember any memories with my mother because I was a toddler back then.

When I reached high school, I’ve been carrying a lot of yoke that a normal teenager shouldn’t face. To sustain my educational needs, I supported myself by working as a house helper in my aunt’s residence.

Being a working student is not easy, especially that my aunt is strict and perfectionist. All her eyes are on me. One wrong move and I’m surely dead. But adamant to quit my studies and thinking that education is the key to my current sorrows, I took all the challenges from my aunt’s hand and endured all her rebukes.

One day, something happened that pushed me beyond my limits of resiliency.

My aunt accused me for stealing her 1500 pesos that was lost inside her room. Yes, I cleaned her room before that incident but I admit I did not do such crime. I explained to her that I did not know anything about the loss. However, she refused to listen to any of my explanations. I felt so hopeless.

I couldn’t bear it any longer. I felt so weak and staggered towards my room. I cried and shrieked, “Mama, I need you now!”

Despite of that incident, it didn’t hinder me to stop going to school. It is because I bear in my mind the advices of our mom as my eldest sister recalled it.

Eventually, I transferred to my brother’s place because I cannot bear any longer the taunting of my aunt.

When graduation came closer, there were foreigners who endorsed and offered me scholarship grants. Because of my high self-confidence and eagerness to enter tertiary education, I tried my luck and took the examination.

I was flabbergasted when I found out that I was the highest scorer among the 13 examinees. I felt the world stopped at that moment.

Out of jubilation, I leaped out then exclaimed, “Lord, I know this is for me.

Salamat ha!” No words could be enough how blessed and thankful I am with the provision he had given me.

Right now, I am continually pursuing my dream to be a successful and professional geologist. And to keep me motivated, I bear with me the lessons and sacrifices I undertook before these dreams came to realization.

We should not be easily discouraged about what others would say to us. What’s important is that we need to persist and endure even if we are victims of unjust scenarios like the one I have encountered.

More so, treasure every “tick-tock” of the clock while you are with your mother and father. Nobody knows when they’ll vanish.

Wena is a sophomore student taking Bachelor of Science in Geology.

Vol.XXXI Issue No. 5

July 20–August 06, 2013

5

SA honorarium increased NORSU-PE director

ranks 3rd in AACCUP nat’l accreditors training

By Mei Anne A. Morales and Meljean F. Dela Peña

the honorarium increase. She said SAs deserve to receive additional pay for their dedication in serving the school and their fellow students.

The FSG president encourages all SAs not to hesitate to visit their office for complaints and suggestions. She said, “If ever naay difficulties like molapaw ang time sa duty, ug uban pa just feel free to complain sa SG office”.

Richard Dadan, SA designated in the university library said, “At last, God and NORSU Administration heard our prayers and sentiments. It’s a dream come true for all of us especially to poor but deserving students who worked hard to help their parents.”

CBA SA Ana Marie Cordura supported Dadan’s views saying, “Maayo na kay makatabang na siya namo sa among gasto diri sa school.”

OUT OF THE 210 successful passers of the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and University in the Philippines (AACCUP) Training, Negros Oriental State University-Physical Education (NORSU-PE) Director Carlou G. Bernaldez ranked third.

Dr. Bernaldez was declared third highest in the most coveted spot after he scored 47 out of a 50-item examination among all aspiring accreditors from all over the country.

AACCUP training included sets of examinations and activities in measuring the abilities of the aspiring accreditors on areas of assessing, evaluating, interviewing, accrediting, and communicating.

In order to qualify for the training, one must have at least assistant professor position or preferably must be a doctorate on academic field; must have an age of not less than 30 years old; must be good in oral communication and must be of good moral character.

As for the director, one of the most important factors in qualifying for the AACCUP training is the endorsement of the university president.

“You cannot go or join any accreditation trainings if you are not endorsed by the president,” he said.

Freshman Secretarial Science student, Renalyn Pabalos said, “nakahatag siya’g tabang kay mura’g NPA kaayo mi atong una kay sige mi ug balhin-balhin. Big help jud siya kaayo.”

Moreover, first year Bachelor of Science in Criminology student, Ariel Elumbra, commended, “tsada kay at least naay improvement dayon kami pajud mga first year ang maka-benefit aning mga rooms.”

For Philosophy Instructor Vincent Imbo, he is happy for the realization of the additional classrooms. He said, “mas maayo karon compared to last year nga kulang kaayo ug rooms mao ng katag pa kaayo.”

Furthermore, English Instructor Monaliza Romano expressed her happiness saying, “we will no longer feel uncomfortable.”

The construction took two months, from June to July 2013.

Students are now using the newly constructed classrooms located at the College of Arts and Sciences fourth floor building. This answers the long problem ‘lack of classrooms’.(Photo by Arlyn D. Sarita)

Honorarium increase! Some student assistants assigned in the Student Affairs Office (SAO) process identification cards. (Photo By: Kendrex B. Pael)

By Dayanara G. Villalon

N E G R O S O R I E N TA L S TAT E University (NORSU) Federation of Student Governments (FSG) President Norelyn Talorete announced the increase of the honorarium for student assistant (SA) in their executive meeting, July 8.

Talorete said the increase is made possible through resolution no.14, series of 2013-2014. She said “the resolution is made [by the SGDC-I] to increase an amount of P500 only for the monthly honorarium of the Student Government Student Assistants.”

All SAs under the student government shall now receive P20 per hour of service as they are expected to render a maximum of 50 hours per month.

Ta l o r e t e , u p o n a p p r o v a l o f t h e resolution, said she was happy about

When asked about the characteristics that an accreditor must have, Bernaldez said, “You have to be humble. You should not brag, instead, be down-to-earth.”

He said, “I am also proud and honored, we did also give back what NORSU is expecting in return.”

Pleased Norsunians NORSU part-time PE teacher Hywel M. Ramacho, said “It’s an honor to be one of his subordinates. I knew he would excel.

It was more than I expected. Overall it was amazing!”

Another PE teacher, Warren Gimeno praised Bernaldez for always being NORSU’s pride. “He is brilliant and visionary, that’s why we are privileged to be under his governance,” Gimeno said.

Junior Education student Jessah Elmido said, “I’m proud of him because he did his very best to pass.”

For Nolan Fyan Alas-as, second year Education student, Bernaldez deserves the honor. He said, “Bagay jud ni Dr. Carlou mahimong accreditor and we’re proud of what he had achieved.”

The AACCUP training was held i n P u n t a Vi l l a Hotel and Resort, Arevalo, Iloilo.

Dr. Bernaldez

NORSU has 4 new classrooms

By Meljean F. dela Peña

TO ACCOMMODATE THE increasing number of students, Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) allocated P200, 000 for the construction of four classrooms located at the College of Arts and Sciences building fourth floor buinding.

The newly constructed classrooms are named TR1, TR2, TR3 and TR4 which are intended for the English, Philosophy, Sociology and Mathematics classes.

University Engineer Jose Serester Tuballa told The NORSUnian (TN) the new classrooms were constructed to solve the university’s problem on the lack of instructional rooms.

When asked why the extension was constructed in the skylib, Tuballa answered, “there is no other place for the construction [of the new classrooms].”

HMS hosts nutri-month pageant

By Julius C. Asierto and Richel Mae F. Dennison

Faces of Victory! Both junior HM students, Ms. Janine Mae Burburan Omison and Mr. John Genby Chiong, proudly take home the crown as champions in the “HMS Mr. and Ms. Nutrition Month 2013”. (Photo by Kent Mapula)

Faces of victory! Third year HM students Janine Mae Burburan Omisan (left) and John Genby Chiong (right) pose for the camera as they were hailed Mr. and Ms. Nutrimonth 2013. (Photo by: Kent S. Mapula)

IN CELEBRATION FOR the nutrition month in a more fascinating and creative way, Negros Oriental State University-Hospitality Management Society (NORSU-HMS) hosted its first ever Mister and Miss Nutrition 2013.

Bearing the nutrition month (July) theme “Gutom at Malnutrisyon, sama-sama nating wakasan,” HSM highlighted the beauty, wit and talents of the students. Different nutri-fit activities were conducted in promotion of health consciousness and balanced living.

John Genby Chiong and Janine Mae Burburan, junior Hospitality Management students were hailed Mr. and Ms. Nutrition 2013.

Chiong and Burburan grabbed some

of the minor awards including Best in Production Male and Female Category, Best in Formal Wear Male and Female Category, Mr. and Miss Professionalism.

Chiong also garnered Mr. Photogenic and Mr. Facebook awards.

Other winners were Mr. and Ms. Grow (1st runner up) Dante Alban of the freshman and Czariza Entea of the sophomore level while Almar Bana (sophomore) and Kris Ann Suganob (senior) won Mr. and Ms. Glow (2nd runner up).

Moreover, John Lester Abijero of the seniors and Willowench Gonzaga of the freshman emerged Mr. and Ms. Go (3rd runner up) respectively.

Ma. Leroz Rizada, chair of the hospitality management department, said the pageant cultivates awareness and

HMS HOSTS NUTRI-MONTH... page 6

A COMMENDABLE DISPOSITION... from page 2

her. She would even say “Guba na kaayo akong kinabuhi. Makaskwela pa ba ko ani?” The worst thing was when she said, “Margaux is gone!”

So as her classmates, we did everything! We sent her couple of positive text messages. In fact, when she permitted us to see her in the hospital, we often visit. We always let her feel that we are by her side whenever she needs us.

I knew that the tragedy has created so much pain to her. To think, she lost everything. All her clothes and things in school. But I guess by the help of prayers, family, friends’ advices and her naturally strong philosophy in life, Margaux learned to stand up again. Now she’s back in school. And we will be supporting her all throughout until the day we march together on stage and grab our diplomas.

Vol.XXXI Issue No. 5

July 20–August 06, 2013

6

CHED picks NORSU for multi-million Service Management Project N E G R O S O R I E N TA L S TAT E University (NORSU) is the only State University and College (SUC) in Region VII to be chosen by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to implement the nation-wide Information-Technology Programs on Service Management for Business Process Outsourcing or Service Management Program (SMP) for short. The SMP is implemented by the Information Technology Business Process Outsourcing Association of the Philippines (IBPAP).

In its project brief, the CHED describes the SMP as an “18-month, P125 million project designed to help students in selected SUCs (across the country) acquire the skill sets and competencies needed for entry level positions and further career developments in the IT-BPO industry”. Its goal is to “… increase employability of graduating BA and IT students…” in areas identified as “Next Wave Cities” under the project. These cities are those that hold the potential for further growth in various industries. Dumaguete City has been identified as a “Next Wave City” in the IT-BPO industry.

The purpose of the SMP is to train teachers in IT-BPO competencies who will pass on the knowledge to students enrolled in SMP courses offered by the SUC. NORSU has revised the Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Information Technology curricula and is offering 21 units of SMP-aligned in line with CHED Memorandum Order No. 34 series of 2012. Other academic programs of the University are in the process of including SMP courses in their program offerings.

There are five tracks or areas of specialization under the SMP. These are Business Communications, Service Culture, Principles of Systems Thinking, Fundamentals of Business Process Outsourcing 101 and 102.

Students who have completed these five courses will then be endorsed by NORSU to avail of the full-time internship rogram, which will guarantee their employment in a BPO industry partner of the university.

NORSU President Dr. Don Vicente C. Real and NORSU VPAA Dr. Ester V. Tan hold the Certificate of Recognition presented by the IBPAP during the closing ceremony of the Business Communication and Service Culture Training Programs at the NORSU CNDPAHS AVR last August 10. With them (left to right) are Business Communication Master Trainer Ms. Jacqueline Gulrajani, SMP Project Specialist Ms. Rebecca Paige Giron, SMP Project Manager Ms. Arra Arielle Uri and Service Culture Master Trainer Mr. Micahel Lopez.

The IBPAP conducted an extensive 48-hour training workshop for 16 teachers in Business Communications and 17 faculty members for Service Culture at NORSU Main Campus I on August 5-10. The participants come from the different campuses of the university.

During the first day of the training, NORSU President Dr. Don Vicente C. Real encouraged the participants to grab the opportunity given to them by the CHED through the SMP to be able to serve the students and the larger society in support of the goals of the national government to lower incidence of poverty and provide employment opportunities for all Filipinos.

Dr. Real said that CHED’s recognition of NORSU’s capacity to be a partner of this multi-million project shows that the university

CNDPAHS produces 1 RPh, 1 RN

By Jeffrey T. Aguilar

NEGROS ORIENTAL STATE University-College of Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences (NORSU-CNDPAHS) has produced one registered pharmacist (RPh) and one registered nurse (RN) during the June 2013 set of board examinations.

May Dianne Noay mustered a 100 percent passing rate as compared to the national passing rate 58.96 percent during the Pharmacy Licensure Examination (PLE).

Moreover, one out of the two Nurse Licensure Examination (NLE) takers from NORSU, passed giving the university a 50 percent rate, as compared to the 42.81 percent national passing rate.

It is to note that the NORSU Pharmacy Department has maintained the three-year 100 percent in PLE. CNDPAHS Assistant Dean Nova Liza Leon said, “That is a feather in our cap to maintain the passing rate. Students are trained well here in NORSU that lead them to be prepared.”

Leon said the factor that might have caused the failure of the other NLE examinees was due to the length of time a graduate would take a board exam.

“The longer it takes the student to take the board exam, the greater chances to have a difficulty in passing the examination”, she said.

Graduating Pharmacy student, Geraldine Lim said, “na-pressure mi mga graduating students for knowing that previous batches achieved their goal to pass the licensure examination but it is not a reason to stop, instead we are inspired [by the passers] to study harder.”

Lim said the Pharmacy instructors are really good in educating and training; the students as proven the results of the PLEs. For junior BS Pharmacy student, Wingielyn Baldoza Noay, passing the PLE helped improve the image of the university.

“The passers had performed beyond expectation”, she said.

Chateau Indig, a graduating BS Nursing student, expressed “I’m proud and at the same time sad because of the one who failed to pass the NLE…but kaya namo ni!”

is in the right track in its effort to achieve its goal of being a university of national significance. He added that NORSU is the only SUC in Central Visayas to have been chosen as a CHED partner in this program while only 12 other SUCs in the country share the same privilege.

The resource persons tapped by the IBPAP for the CHED-NORSU SMP project were Ms. Jacqueline Gulrajani and Mr. Michael Lopez, for Business Communications and Service Culture, respectively. Both are Master Trainers and experts in IT-BPO competencies and operations and are currently employed by industry leaders in the country.

Training for the remaining three tracks have been scheduled by the IBPAP on October of this year./NORSU IPO

NO PAIN, NO... from page 2

the “only university that provides the highest quality education in the province” of the aforementioned programs.

However, the efforts will be forfeited if unity is not in one pact. For the faculty, we expect attainment of a post graduate degree and more researches. Let us strengthen the professional involvement among teachers and students. Let us encourage full-time teachers to take part as volunteers for international linkages.

Let us extend our social welfare and external relations, we mean, the extension and community involvement. And we expect the NORSU faculty and staff to put heart their duties and to be more honest of their work-time.

In the student publication`s situation, we expect improvements in the processing, bidding and procurement processes.

We expect good student leadership. As students, we must also take individual responsibility in our studies. We should be aware of our colleges and departments` mission, vision and goals. It should start in us since the success of NORSU as a center of learning and excellence is in our hands.

The year 2016 is still far, but “every day is research day, accreditation day and quality service day.” Thus, we should strive hard to take care the good seeds planted. We must cultivate the areas that are to be improved. Let us be selfless, and let us make a sacrifice by getting out of our comfort zones. Because after all, no pain, no gain!

HMS HOSTS NUTRI-MONTH... from page 5

consciousness among all students to eradicate hunger and malnutrition. She said, “the pageant served as their awareness in the eradication of hunger and malnutrition.”

College of Business Administration (CBA) assistant dean Elsie Ramacho congratulated the students for taking full responsibility in making the event successful. She said the pageant would not be realized without the students’ initiative.

“It was funny and entertaining, especially

some of the candidates’ answers, but I learned a lot from the show about fitness and malnutrition,” said senior HM student Jona Diongco.

Sherilyn Diongco, a junior Information Technology student, said, “tsada! Sadya sila bisan gamay ra! May untag naa ing-ani nga event sa CAS.” The pageant was held on July 19 that was participated in by four pairs coming from different year levels.