The NORSUnian 22nd issue 2014 2015

Vol.XXXII Issue No. 22

November 10 - 16, 2014

NORSU partners with 5 int’l institutions Paving a way for academic standard improvement, Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) partnered with five international academic institutions t h ro u g h t h e m e m o r a n d a s i g n e d o n February 3-24 in Noida, India and which was duly approved by the Board of Regents on October 5.

The new partners of NORSU are (1) Hanoi National University of Education (HNUE), Hanoi, Vietnam, (2) Da Nang University of Economics (DNUE), Da Nang, Vietnam, (3) L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (LNGENU) Department

By John Dave Laturnas

of Sociology, Astana, Kazakhstan, (4) Budi Luhur Institute of Health Sciences (BLHIS), Lewigajah Cimahi, Indonesia and (5) Kyrgyzstan State University of Construction, Transport and Architecture (KSUCTA), Bishkek City Kyrgyzstan.

According to International Research and Linkages Director Craig Refugio, the partnership with these five universities is a great opportunity for NORSU in gearing with ASEAN integration and in strengthening quality education. “With this, foreign exchange of researchers and instructors, and as well as of students will follow,” he said.

Student leaders expect NORSU’s betterment

Student leaders expect for NORSU’s betterment

By Francis Ivan G. Ho

HNUE and DNUE partnered with the College of Education (CEd) in research undertakings, LNGENU with CEd and College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) in the field of Sociology and other Social Sciencerelated researches, BLHIS with College of Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Allied Health Sciences (CNDPHAS) and KSUCTA with CEd and College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) in the field of research endeavors.

Moreover, Refugio said there will be more partnerships in the future mostly with universities in Asia and some in America and Australia.

NORSU Tigers prepares for SCUAA ‘14

By Kimberly Rose E. Lumaya

Federation of Student Governments (FSG), Student Government of Dumaguete City (SGDC) I and II, and League

By Francis Ivanpresidents G. Ho of Student Organizations (LSO) hope for the implementation sa Federation of Student betterment of Negros Oriental State Universitypolicies after the under the university code and Governm n t s President ( F S G ) , for assumption ofeVice Administration, Planning S t u d e n t G o v e r n m e n t o f student handbook abiding the andDumaguete Development (VPAPD) Peter Dayot Officer-in-Charge Board of as Regents (BOR) in City (SGDC) (OIC) I a nlast d IOctober I , a n d L4, e a2014. g u e o f every decision he makes.”

M o r e o v e r, S G D C - I I Student Organizations (LSO) presidents hope for president Lawrence dela Peña Hon. Talita, SGDC-I president he expects said hesaid praysthat for Dr. Dayot in evtheRojan betterment of Negros erything under the responsibility of the to be smoother. newOIC appointed position. “I Oriental State University his and be pray thattohe a fthat t e r the t hnew e a temporary s s u m p t i oadministration n “I just hopewill hope able work o f V i c e P r e s i d e n t f o r will be able to manage the harmoniously with the faculty and students” Administration, Planning university well satisfactory and Development (VPAPD) to the stakeholders especially theadded, students.”

Peter as Officer-inAs for the Dayot whole student body, Talita “I hope that it will not Dela Peña added “As a Charge (OIC) last October affect the relationship between the students and administration.” student leader ganahan ko 4, 2014. nga he will still fight for the rights of every Norsunian and H o nLSO . R oPresident j a n T a l Vince i t a , Anthony In addition, Villanueva, representfight for the justice of our“As SGDC-I president said that he ing the whole organizational body of NORSU expects that, expects everything under the university.”

Dr. responsibility Dayot assumed office, of the OIC Itoam be expecting that he would continue smoother.

“I hope that the new OIC speaks to be student-friendly.”

“I don’t know why, but temporary administration will be able to work harmoniously it is the Board of Regents Villanueva added and the students” upholding (of fairness BO R ) t h a tamong c h o s e all, m e “I [ ahope s with the faculty he shows in all student and still OIC],” gives strict implementation VP Dayot said during sa As fairness for the whole n i student n t e r v i ehandbook w w i t h Tabiding he body,under Talitathe added, “I hope policies university codeaand that it will not affect the NORSUnian (TN). the rBoard a y o t ahe l smakes.” o said e l a t i o of n s hRegents i p b e t w(BOR) e e n t h in e everyDdecision students and administration.” t h a t h e w i l l o n l y d o t h e responsibilities I n SGDC-II a d d i t i opresident n , L S OLawrence Moreover, dela Peñawhich said heare prays P r e s i d e n t Vi n c e A n t h o n y stated on the Commission on for Villanueva, Dr. Dayot in his new appointed position. “I just hope and representing the Higher Education (CHED) praywhole that he will be able tobody manage the university well satisfacSpecial Order (CSO) No. 84, organizational expects that, “As “tothedischarge toryoftoNORSU the stakeholders especially students.”all the dayDr. Dayot assumed office, I to-day routinary duties and am expecting that he would responsibilities of the Office Delac oPeña ganahan ko President…” nga he will still of the University n t i n added u e t o “As b e as student t u d e n t -leader Other of fightfriendly.” for the rights of every Norsunian andthan fighttheforextent the justice his responsibility, VP Dayot Vi l l a n u e v a a d d e d t h e of our university.” upholding of fairness among furthered that he will consult all, “I hope he shows fairness the BOR first before making OICinspeaks all and still gives strict any decisions.

“I don’t know why, but it is the Board of Regents (BOR) that chose me [as OIC],” VP Dayot said during an interview with The NORSUnian (TN).

Dayot also said that he will only do the responsibilities which are stated on the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Special Order (CSO) No. 84, “to discharge all the day-to-day routinary duties and responsibilities of the Office of the University President…”

Other than the extent of his responsibility, VP Dayot furthered that he will consult the BOR first before making any decisions.

Villanueva, Talita and Dela Peña (Photo by Mayette Hanna F. Diez)

College of Education Dean Dr. Libertine de Guzman said, “Well, this is a very good progress because with this, we can now tie up with the countries abroad in our extension activities.”

Meanwhile, Ziah Dion Alcosero, a 2nd Year Education student expressed, “Tsada na sya nga practice kay mahimo jud nga more globally competitive ang NORSU…I am hoping that with this, naay observable progress ang College of Education or ang NORSU as a whole.”

For the win! NORSU tigers men and women basketball teams practice late at night as preparation for the incoming 2014 SCUAA. (Photo by Kendrex B. Pael).

The NORSU Tigers which is composed of the different sports teams of Negros Oriental State University is currently preparing for the upcoming regional State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) competition to be held on November 25 at Cebu City.

As one of the five state universities in Central Visayas, NORSU will participate and vie for the different sports competitions organized by SCUAA this year.

Since the regional competition is fast approaching, NORSU Tigers currently maintains its day-to-day practices and continue to exert their

efforts in preparation for the said event.

“As a coach, I always think that there is always a room for improvement. So, for us to play better in the game and hopefully make it to the national level, we practice hard every day. We are doing the best that we can to achieve what we aimed so as to give honor to NORSU,” Coach Rico Cubcuban of NORSU-Tigers basketball team said.

“We have our practices every afternoon and every evening as preparation for the dancesport competition,” Mr. Warren Gimeno, the coach for NORSU dancesport team said. They are going to compete for regional SCUAA

dancesport in latin and standard category.

In an interview with TN, Director of Sports and Cultural Affair, Robeleo Padernal said there is no pressure at all in the preparations since NORSU teams are doing its best to do well in the upcoming event.

“We will give our best shot,” he stated.

F u r t h e r m o r e , N O R S U ’s volleyball men and women, softball women, swimming men and women and chess teams will regain its titles after being held as champions last 2012’s SCUAA competition. There will be also a search for Mister and Miss SCUAA whereas the NORSU tigers prepares ... to page 4

SGDC-I president-elect enrolled 2nd sem

By John Dave V. Laturnas and Joanne Ferrolino

Student Government of Dumaguete City-I Presidentelect Harold Pelaez was able to enroll this semester after the Board of Regents’ nullification of the expulsion order issued

by University President Don Vicente C. Real against him.

It can be noted that in the earlier reports of the local media, Pelaez was alleged for the misuse of P428, 715 taken from the College of Education-Student Government Fund during his governance in the said college.

As affirmed by the NORSU System Officer-in-Charge Peter Dayot, Pelaez was allowed to enroll because there are no legal

predicaments against him and that the requirements for enrollment were duly met.

“Anyone who is not yet convicted to a crime is innocent,” Dayot said.

The OIC wrote an order addressed to the Office of University Registrar and College of Education Dean’s Office to allow Pelaez to be enrolled.

This was in accordance with the BOR Resolution No. 52 nullifying Pelaez’ expulsion which states, “Resolved, to nullify the expulsion of Harold Pelaez because it was based on his selfconfessed admission in apparent violation of his constitutional SGDC-I president-elect...to page 3

Pelaez. (Photo by: Kendrex B. Pael)

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Vol.XXXII Issue Issue No. No. 22 21 Vol.XXXII

November November 10 - 16, 20143 - 9, 2014

Towards global standards Recently, Negros Oriental State University links up with five international universities namely Hanoi National University of Education (HNUE), Da Nang University of Economics (DNUE), L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (LNGENU) Department of Sociology, Budi Luhur Institute of Health Sciences (BLHIS) and Kyrgyzstan State University of Construction, Transport and Architecture (KSUCTA).

Being one of the growing academic institutions in the country, it is quite impressive that the university has initiated with such partnership. In fact, working with these international universities is a good start for NORSU to widen its connection not only in the country but in the world as well.

As mentioned and explained by International Research and Linkages Director Craig Refugio, the partnership would enable the exchange of researchers, instructors and perhaps students among these universities.

With this, NORSU will be influenced with international way of learning practices which would also strengthen and improve the quality of its education. In addition, it would also be a great chance for the university in gearing towards ASEAN integration.

Aside from the aforementioned universities, Refugio revealed that NORSU will be involved with another upcoming partnership to universities in America and Australia.

This current opportunity enjoyed by NORSU is really a proof that the university is very lucky to enter into greater and better developments.

It may sound like daydreaming but who knows, this could be a sign that NORSU will become an international school and be well-known in the future?

There’s nothing wrong with dreaming yet in order to fulfill it, hardworking and action are really necessary. Likewise, as part of this institution, we hope that the implementations of the partnerships will be put into reality. We must also help through prayers, that in one way or another, the goals of NORSU will be attained. Indeed, the success of this institution will always depend on the productivity of its stakeholders involved.

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

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The food trip syndrome Lately, I’ve been very engrossed into eating a lot of food items. And while I am writing this column, assorted foods and fruits like green mangos, grapes, oranges, ice cream, balut, pizza, spaghetti, tempura, siomai and creamy nachos are simultaneously popping out of my mind. I imagine myself eating those in just a single day.

Oh! Perhaps, you are thinking that I am pregnant.

Yes you’re right! In fact, I’ve been carrying these “babies” for so many years already. Speaking of tapeworms, I guess these contribute to my craving days.

For a normal student like me, having a little weekly allowance in my pink iridescent wallet was a big challenge to deal with. To tell you honestly, the monthly honorarium I get out of working in the publication would just be gone in just a snap.

Before, I used to spend it in buying clothings, gadgets, or any other material wants. But now, having food trips is I believe the best reward for my v vV

Senior Reporters

Dayanara G. Villalon • Niña Marie T. Pino Kimberly Rose E. Lumaya News Writers

Francis Ivan G. Ho • Maria Dominique P. Ferrolino John Dave V. Laturnas • Joanne P. Ferrolino Irish Mae C. Cuaresma Features Writers

Roma-Amor A. Oligo • Oliver Orlando Dometita Trixia Pauline C. Acab • Caryl J. Sapepe • Hengie V. Jalando-on Artists

Karlo Billy S. Rubia • Joleos June S. Vegare Joemar B. Villarejo • Emmanuel D. Manlun-uyan Layout Artist Head

The search for imperfections

Alyana Wilma C. Molinos Layout Artists

Froiland D. Liu • Clarisa Marie M. Cadiz Senior Photojurnalists

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

Jergo T. Acido Webpage Developer

Randolf Zosa Chavez Business Manager Marve G. Fabela Assistant Business Manager Princess D. Ebo Staff Secretary Kim Eden Felize B. Belnas 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, double-spaced and with sender’s full name and signature.

The staff reserves the right to edit submitted articles.

One’s success can never be a good news to everyone.

It’s been a trademark for us, Filipinos, that when someone reaches the heights of success, there will always be other people who will find ways to pull that someone down. Perhaps, to keep that someone grounded but actually, the intention is beyond this. Something that is caused by insecurity and jealousy. The so-called crab mentality is the right term to describe such.

Now that the election for presidency is fast approaching, about a few quarters to go, politicians and politics-oriented people are exposing one another’s hidden secrets. Secrets that have been kept for years.

Secrets that once revealed, can destroy a politician’s reputation in the eyes of the country’s voters. They’re like pulling one another’s tail not to make anyone succeed in getting the public trust.

In the previous months and years, some names were already mentioned and revealed to the public for being involved in the multibillion pork barrel scam. Almost

hardwork. Crazy to think but it really hurts that despite eating much, still my skinny body never progresses.

In connection with this, last week, I was surfing the internet and found an article about a mysterious condition that makes a boy never feel hungry nor thirsty. Upon reading the title, I was like—“What! Is this serious? How could he live with such condition?” The article stated that the 12-year old kid noticed something was wrong when he woke up on Oct. 14, 2013, feeling dizzy and suffering from chest congestion. And ever since that day, the boy’s weight has dropped from 104 pounds (47 kilograms) to a mere 68.4 pounds (31 kg), and his parents say they have to constantly remind him to eat and drink. The boy even had medical tests and doctor’s appointments in five cities, in attempts to find the cause of his bizarre condition. He has undergone a spinal tap, brain scans, abdominal imaging, and nutritional and psychiatric evaluations, but doctors have been unable to diagnose the problem.

His condition is really incredible yet at the same time, pitiful. Surely, he’s health is greatly affected. It might even lead to death. Also, it is so sad to think that with his very young age, he cannot experience and appreciate everything that life has to offer.

With this, I came to realize how fortunate I am.

I could clearly see, hear, smell, touch and taste; in short, I have the complete senses which will aid me in appreciating every single thing God created for us.

However, there are some things that I need to control. For instance, my bad eating habit wherein I used to choose different types of food that are unhealthy and at the same time, a waste of money.

Well, this is not just a realization to me or to those people who have the same case as mine. But, this is also The food trip ... to page 4

all were in denial regarding the issues. We get it. Of course, who would ever want his/her reputation to receive stains from others? It’s like Domino Effect that when someone’s bad side was revealed, that someone will seek ways to expose others’ and those others will find another to do the same.

To cite an example, just recently, we’ve heard of allegations against Vice President Jejomar Binay for the overpricing multimillion-peso New Makati City Parking building contract, alleged use of public funds for campaign and election purposes and many others. Perhaps, this is just a revenge of other politicians whose names were pointed out in the previous multibillion fund scam issue. Or perhaps, this is just a move of his future co-candidates for the highest position in the land since Binay is indeed one of the strongest presidentiables to beat. Well, we cannot blame them if that’s how they play the game!

In some ways, we, common Filipinos, can benefit on what they are doing in the higher ranks of the society because, in that manner, we can be able to know who really the right ones are. The ones who really deserve our trusts.

Probably, looking for our future leaders’ flaws is a thing that can help us decide on who to vote for the upcoming national election. Unfortunately, we cannot find the right person for the position because an ideal leader is nowhere.

Why not understand their sides, weigh their good and bad sides, and search for the good deeds they did which can really help elevate the country’s current status.

Remember, good guys are bad guys that haven’t been caught, if I am to revise the song “Good Girls” of 5 Seconds of Summer. There’s no absolutely good person. We all commit mistakes, we all commit sins. Looking for one another’s dirt will only ruin our country. Why not do the search for imperfections for ourselves first? Surely, we can find a lot of things we need to change in us. Crab mentality is only for those damn insecure people.

Vol.XXXII Issue No. 21 22

I am a disgusting woman. I desired flesh. Later on, I was hurt. Was dead. Yet the arrival of realization was too late.

“Hey, Mom!” I screamed excitedly. My Mom was stunned.

“Why? What’s happening?”

“I…I…I got high on my College Entrance Examination,” I replied.

She congratulated me with full bliss. “Thank you, dear.

I’ll be expecting good grades from you in all subjects. I can’t wait to tell your father ‘bout this.”

Because of such heart-warming respond, I promised to be an outstanding student. Yeah. I’m a daddy’s little girl, meaning I’m good ‘as they say’. But, life changed…

What the! What’s this? As I entered the University, I felt alienated. The laughs. The giggles. All have groups to be with, I suppose. Some of them approached me and asked if I could hang around with them. I felt nervous. I don’t want to but they insisted. Fine. I have to go with the flow maybe.

Those promises, dreams and aspirations in life were shattered into pieces. It’s as if I have never swore those to myself.

Barhopping. Cutting-classes. I’m not used to this.

However, I wasn’t able to resist those temptations that surrounded me. One night, my friends and I were partying.

I was so drunk. Satan’s attempt to entice me to distrust God and his word won that made me engaged in a war. An invisible war which is fought by my body—and I lost.

I was motivated by the lust of flesh and the deed was done. Days later, it happened again. Yes. I slept with different men. I am this disgusting thing.

Slut. Adulterer. Strumpet. Bitch. You can call me with anything you want. It’s like I was an angel back then, turned to a spiteful monster.

Even though I became a trash, the Almighty from above gave me a boyfriend whom promised me marriage. That promise gave me the idea to start a new beginning. Those soft, harmonic words ran through my veins, causing a fast palpitation of my heart. “I don’t care about the past. What I care about is you,” he said. I blushed; flushed cheeks were visible and I started crying.

But… But…But… But he left. Darn it! The thing was more painful than having the lowest grade on a quiz. He left when he found out that I got pregnant.

Three months later, I had a miscarriage. Maybe this was the punishment for all that I’ve done. Fool. That’s what I call myself.

It was just really about choosing two paths and I lost my way. I have such intelligence yet I failed to use it. If only I avoided those fellows carrying bad influences before, life could’ve been better by now. Actually, my parents know nothing about this. It’s like the 10 commandments that God want us to obey were replaced with #YOLO, meaning ‘You Only Live Once’ motto. Will God still accept me?

I’m a student. A spiteful one. Grannies would probably say, ‘Gross!’ because I’m the opposite of Maria Clara whom I was like before the peer seeped in me. Be the judge but don’t be somewhat like the Almighty for he is the judge of all the judges.

November November 10 - 16, 20143 - 9, 2014

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Do you get it? Assumingly not, how could you get it if this is still the first sentence? You get something from the title, oh yes-yes, but you’re not even there yet, you might even be inferring something wrong. Stereotypes of never ending idea packed filled articles.

“Being a good guy or friendly is not on trend anymore.

When you’re friendly your presence is taken for granted. If you’re a good guy, people play with your feelings. If you are both friendly and a good guy, combine the two side effects.”

(From the book: translated)

Tried looking up a song and then liking it a second after hearing it and searched for the lyrics guessing that the title and lyrics are completely unrelated— this is sort of like that. The world has great deal of translating words so it comes out understandable but do so know this you can translate the word “halo-halo” in English but it won’t come out with the same desirable punctuality.

Piss them off better It is awesome being a Suplado some say. You get to piss off people and you don’t take credit for it because you just don’t care. People take the bait of getting pissed so easily by these kind of people, it’s like their job is to piss everyone out and look good by doing it. Not being bitter is the name of the game, but you probably can’t say the same for everyone.

Pulling it off is the hard part, but some just do it with ease. Compare it with a younger brother giving hell to his older brother by pranking each other out, being Suplado is being superior in taking criticisms of others and turn them into something better without letting people know that they actually gave care.

Give people the best “I don’t give a damn” look and everything will follow. Just make sure you do it on the right person.

CAUTION: Just don’t if you’re just trying to be, do it if you already are.

If it happens that you pounce on Stanley Chi’s book and read it, there’s something called their called a “bastard meter” with his face drawn. The more faces, the more bastard-like you are.

You could become so obsessed in becoming something you’re not that you might surpass even the teacher, not a good sight to look at. Be cool and don’t stress out. But DON’T overdo it.

Keeping it cool Do you consider yourself a person who understands people or somebody who blabbers about everyone’s indifferences towards you? Ever met somebody you completely despise then hates them for a second afterwards the opposite happens? Perhaps reverse psychology has something to tell, an aura with despising negative-positive traits of Suplado people. You don’t have to stand them, you have a choice, but it’s their right to get satisfactory “Hi-Hello” moments, but be forewarned about their attitude. Good thing is their better-to-know-up-close than just by selective rumors. You might get a glaring stare from them after saying Hello, but that depends.

You don’t desire to be with them but sometimes admit it, there’s that feeling that you want to know them, know if they’re the happy type, the overly gloomy serious or someone who has that “krgemlgknqknlgkn” attitude. You don’t get them and immediately, you dislike them. But wait! There are a lot of good things of being somebody of that modern era attitude, they don’t give that chivalric consciousness a lot but when they do you’d appreciate it for sure.

Another great thing about being Suplado? You don’t have to take criticisms the way they should. They will just look you straight and give the “I don’t give a damn” face. The modern era doesn’t get them maybe, and there’s this book “Suplado Tips” by Stanley Chi (look it up), saying “Daig ng Suplado ang Gwapo”.

Now you might just get it. Remember the difference in having a rude act and a bastardly non-chivalric kind of an attitude, you act cool and get positivity in negativity rather than becoming a chain of disastrous rude reactions! Bottomline, rudeness with a dash of awesomeness.

Absolutely remain coolheaded or just basically, LOSE EVERYTHING.

Dear TN,

I’ve been living with pain and condemnation. Our love story blossomed back when we were still in high school. I had the courage to ask her hand to her parents. However, they said we were still young and we should first prioritize our studies. We separated because I chose to study here in Dumaguete City. Because of a long-distance relationship, I was tempted to cheat on her. My world crashed after knowing her death caused by a disease called acute pneumonia. I’m down. Help me! It’s like following her to the other dimension would be better. –Josh Dear Josh, We wrote this advice expressing our condolences after your lover passed away. Remember that we will continue to grow old until God takes away our delicate life. Actually, it’s your choice if you’d continue to live or be with her ‘til eternity. Come to think of it! What about your family, friends and your future? If she’s watching you now from a distance, she’ll be happy, seeing a successful former boyfriend of hers. Good luck and may you decide what’s best for all.

SGDC-I president-elect...from page 1

rights against self-incrimination.”

Since it is not stated in the university handbook to have a clearance before enrollment, Dayot said, “It’s not necessary to have clearance as a requirement for admission.”

Meanwhile, College of Education Dean Libertine de Guzman said she will not sign Pelaez’ college clearance unless his obligations as the previous college governor will be settled especially on the issue on the alleged mishandle of the SG fund.

The dean also said Pelaez should justify himself to the students especially to the parents who are claiming for refunds.

Upon knowing the clearance problem before he could enroll, Pelaez said, “If so, baliwala ra diay ang nullification order sa BOR?” The student leader further said, “I’ve been into a point nga hopeless nako nga ma-enroll this semester but I am thankful nga na-enrolled nako.”

Former CED-SG vice governor Napoleon Omole Jr. said, “Dapat i-allow si Harold nga mu-enroll kay right man pud na niya, beside, wala pa man pud final findings sa iyang case.” He added, “But dili dapat niya kalimtan ang iyang obligasyon as the former governor and that he should justify in the liquidation of the money.”

The former CED-SG adviser Carlou Bernaldez said

he respects Pelaez’ right to enroll however he cited out that parents are asking for a refund of the money that was intended for the college T-shirts and that Pelaez should be liable to explain since he was the governor at that time.

Sought for his statement, SGDC-I Acting President Rojan Talita said, “Harold is enrolled but it does not mean nga ato nang kalimtan ang issue…we will still conduct an investigation which will start in the Student Government level.

Moreover, regarding the FSG presidency assumption, Pelaez said, “As a sign of respect to those students who believed and voted for me, I will not promise, but I will do my best to take back the FSG presidency position.”

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Vol.XXXII Issue No. 22

November 10 - 16, 2014

UP-Diliman conducts LEAP to Norsunians

To e nhanc e t h e E n g l i s h proficiency of the selected Norsunians, University of the Philippines-Diliman (UPDiliman) conducted series of beta testing of an experimental research through the software called Learning English Application for Pinoys (LEAP).

This project was developed by a team from UP-Diliman’s College of Engineering and was funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

According to Dr. Susan Festin, one of the developers of LEAP, this was tested to Norsunians in order to check their proficiency on the English language. She added that it can help them with their studies.

As part of the research process, 30 students were randomly selected coming from different colleges to test the application.

These students underwent pre-assessment by taking up written grammar exams and a speech exam.

Based on the results of the said examinations, 15 students will be taken and will be exposed to beta testing of the software for a period of 30 hours. They are expected to report at least 2-3 hours per day during vacant time at the Internet Research Station (IRS) and then complete grammar and speech lessons until the allotted 30 hours is consumed.

After completing three weeks of testing the software, the UP Diliman researchers will give post assessment exams to the same 30 selected students and then compare it to the two groups’ results.

Other than NORSU, the research team also went to the different colleges to test the software on different language groups in the country which include Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Bicolano and Chavacano. “We’re getting samples from provinces all over the country so that those who have tested it are not just Tagalog speakers… the DOST and UP Dilliman wanted the major language groups represented among the students who have tested the software”, Festin said.

In the experiments conducted with other schools, the software has brought positive results and students are interested to learn through the software. “There was a positive impact on the software, but you have to be contentious. It’s a self-based learning system.

There’s no teacher who will push you to study, you have to push yourself to use the software,” Festin explained.

Meanwhile, Dr. Rose Marie Pinili, English Department chairperson, encourages NORSU students to benefit from the project developed by the DOST. “This software is expected to enhance the communicating aspect in English language of the Norsunians and improve their proficiency in the

Community News

NegOr ranks 2nd in reg’l tourist arrivals A m ong t h e provinces in Central Visayas, Negros Oriental placed second for its immense contribution to the tourist arrivals in the region for the first half of the year.

During the culmination ceremony of the Buglasan Festival, Department of Tourism (DOT)Region VII Director Rowena Montecillo reported that the province has contributed to the 2.9 million tourist arrivals in the region with totaling to 457, 618 tourists last year, as written in the Negros Chronicle.

Aside from this achievement of the province, Dumaguete, its capital city, ranked third among all the towns and cities in the region with the most tourist arrivals. Leading over Dumaguete are Cebu City and Lapu-lapu City as first and second placers, respectively.

Having this recognition, Montecillo acknowledged the provincial tourism officers, the provincial local chief executives

and Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo for the success and in maintaining the rank during the first half of the year.

Following these tourism achievements of the province, Montecillo encouraged the community of Negros Oriental to support the DOT’s campaign “Visit the Philippines Year 2015”.

According to report of Visayan Daily Star, the campaign was a strategy of the DOT to enhance the current promotional campaigns in attracting tourists and visitors to stay in the country.

Montecillo further said the campaign is based on a year-round calendar of events. It includes a combination of traditional festivities, private sector initiatives, commercial events, LGU-led activities and other projects inviting the local and foreign tourists to join. In addition, it also aimed to highlight strategic tourism services and products. — By Maria Dominique Ferrolino and Niña Marie Pino

Select students utilizing the LEAP software installed in the computers at the Faculty Research Center. (Photo

by Kent S. Mapula)

grammatical aspect of the English language”, she said.

After the completion of the research process, NORSU will be given a copy of the software and this can be used by teachers for their modular instructions and also by students in the learning field.

“The software is free for the benefit of those who are committed and interested”, Pinili disclosed.

UP-Diliman conducted the research in partnership with the DOST and the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy & Emerging Technology Research and Development. —

By Joanne P. Ferrolino

BSBA studes take BEST Seminar for free

As part of the Service Management Program (SMP) of the Business Process Association of the Philippines (BPAP), the senior Bachelor of Science in Business Administration students took up the Basic English Skills Training (BEST) Seminar for free last October 13-18 and October 20-25.

According to Vice President for Academic Affairs Ester Tan, the seminar was supported and assisted by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in cooperation with BPAP. The 12-day seminar was divided into two batches with

over 100 participants each groups within six days. The session was a computer-based type wherein every student has a personal computer set with an earphone.

Furthermore, the participants were given pin cards to operate the application found in the computer.

They were also given free Compact Discs for personal installation of the seminar application.

Students Delighted One of the participants, Mary Ann Melencion said she was so blessed with the seminar for she learned many things like the proper pronunciation of words and sentences.

“It was exhausting yet very helpful to us. Thank you to those people who made this seminar possible,” Melencion said.

Likewise, another participant, Ruby Anna Nefalar expressed, “Nice kaayo nga nakahibalo me sa mga standards on how to correctly pronounce and spell each word,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mercy Grace Macay said that, “The system [computer-based type application] was very sensitive and we sometimes felt frustrated because of it, nevertheless, the seminar was so informative.”

— By Dayanara G. Villalon

Norsunians react on Jennifer Laude’s case A f t e r t h e controversial death of a 26-year old Filipino transgender woman, Jennifer Laude, some Norsunians, particularly the gay organization, Crystalias in Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) shared their views and insights on the issue.

As published in the report of Rappler, the principal suspect behind the death of Laude is a US Marine identified by witnesses as Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton.

According to a third year education student Peter Corteza, “The issue about Laude is actually a hate crime because in the first place naa nay nahitabo nila before siya gipatay.

We know gays are discriminated

but it depends on us, on how to deal with it.”

“It was partly a mistake of Jennifer kay naa naman unta siya’y fiancée. Kung tarong ka na pagkabayot, dili naka mu-entertain ug lain pang laki,” commented a third year business student Ikhe Viene Partosa.

Meanwhile, for other gays, the case of Laude served as a lesson to the rest of them.

“Know your partner lang,” Mark Adolf Mira, a third year Bachelor of Science in Business Administration student suggested.

“Lesson learned. Dapat kami nga mga gays should know where to place ourselves. Hearing the incident and as a gay, maka-hurt gud siya but there is also a part of me saying, meresi niya since naa nagud siyay fiancée, so dapat makontento na

unta,” Jesreel Antipuesto, a first year Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management student said.

Another Norsunian, Kim John Abapo, a third year Bachelor of Science in Computer Science student also shared the same view saying “be contented.”

Moreover, as part of Crystalias, Vi n c e A n t h o n y Vi l l a n u e v a commented that this case prompt them to be more careful.

“Though there was unfairness and discrimination on the treatment of the case, let’s not judge Jennifer.

Let’s learn how to respect ourselves first, because by that, we’ll be able to know how to be respected in the community. That is why, LGBT is fighting against discrimination,” he stated. — By Kimberly Rose E. Lumaya

some files as well as their talent presentation and some of the candidates’ personal aspects like how they answer questions, their physique, and beauty because it’s a beauty competition after all,” Mr. Michael De La Peña, coach of the candidates said.

Meanwhile, the university will

also compete in some other sports.

These include athletics, arnis, badminton, baseball, lawn tennis, table tennis, taekwondo, and beach volleyball—all under men and women categories. There will also be a competition in football and sepak takraw for men.

Norsu Tigers prepares ... from page 1

candidates will be represented by Christille Marie Medalle, a fourth year BS Pharmacy student and at the same time the former Ms. NORSU 2013 first runner-up and Dhan Paul Aguilar, a third year BS in Hospitality Management student.

“For now, we are still preparing Dumaguete City Bell Tower. (Photo by Kendrex B. Pael)

ERRATUM In the previous issue of TN (Vol. XXXII Issue No. 21), “Old university bus restored, blessed” in page 1, paragraph 3, the phrase is supposed to be “but because of Sojor’s retirement” and not “but because of Sojor’s resignation”. Our sincere apologies.

The food trip ... from page 2

for those who usually waste their money by just drinking alcoholic beverages, smoking weeds or engaging into other bad vibes.

We may have certain bad habits for so long that we do not realize they are unhealthy. But remember,

small steps toward change lead to more success in making long-term changes.

Want to discuss more about this? Add me in Facebook by searching Joey de la Cruz.