Welcome to this first-ever Annual True State of the University Address. I would like to greet and give my respect to our visitors who have confirmed physically and virtually. Some of them will be given recorded messages. The very reason why they were not able to come here was because of the full hotel accommodations.

But first, I would like to greet Hon. Edsel Galeos, Cebu’s second district representative; Hon. Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco, Cebu’s fifth district representative; of course, former Sen. Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV; former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, who is also coming; TESDA Regional Director Gamaliel Vicente, Jr.; and DOST-7 Regional Director Engr. Jesus Zamora, Jr.

Of course, the honorable members of the CNU Board of Regents under the leadership of CHED Commissioner Dr. Shirley Agrupis; our beautiful and intelligent NEDA Regional Director Jennifer Bretaña; Hon. Rudy Trangia, our distinguished private sector representative; Hon. Ella Nicole Mata, the student regent; Hon. John Rey Ybañez, the president of CNU Faculty Association Inc.; and pinakamagandang Board and University Secretary Atty. Christina Jude Bien.

Also, the mayors of our CNU campuses. We have here Catmon Mayor Avis Monleon, Alegria Mayor Gilberto Magallon represented by Architect Gilbert Paul Magallon, and Argao Mayor Allan Sesaldo represented by his officials.

We also have here my friend, compadre, and the president of Eastern Visayas State University Dennis de Paz; another inseparable friend, the president of Guimaras State University Dr. Lilian Diana Parreño; and the representatives of SUCs present today; our partners from Cebu South Medical Center, from Sagip-Wika, and from CIA; and of course isa sa pinakagwapong municipal mayor ng Leyte, Hon. Eduardo Ong. My wife, Dr. Rowena Ariaso, and our son, Hon. Daniel Ariaso, Jr., the SK Federation president of Carigara, Leyte.

Vice President Helbert Antoine Achay, the group head of the Development Bank of the Philippines; Ryan Pastrana, the senior manager head of DBP; ang ating mga naggagandahan at naggwagwapohang faculty members; ang ating mga studyante; mga topnotchers ng licensure examinations; and colleagues from government service. Ladies and gentlemen, good morning!

In compliance with Paragraph 2, Section 71, Rule No. 16 of the 2024 IRR of Republic Act 8688. In my capacity as the president of Cebu Normal University, I hereby render the True State of the University Address (ATSUA).

One year, 1 month, and seven days ago today, I stood here before you during my Investiture, setting forth the GREAT plans and vision, and recalibrating our trilogy of functions, which include instruction, research, and extension services to adapt to digital transformation and innovation.

When I also assumed the presidency on August 3, 2023, dominant in my mind were dreams and vision that aligned with the aspirations of CNU. To steer this 122-year-old institution toward becoming a beacon of knowledge and symbol of academic excellence— a globally recognized educational institution as Agile and Technologically-Proofed (GREAT) SMART Campus.

Let me now report to you on the successes that we can now lay claim to, also the challenges that we continue to face, and our aspirations for the next two to three years.

In my investiture, I emphasized, particularly on instruction as our primary function, to ensure and sustain all or 100% of our curricular programs are issued with Certification of Program Compliance (COPC) from the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), and are 100% at least level III AACCUP (Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines)-accredited. These are imperative in preparing our students to be agile, future-proof ready, and resilient amidst rapid societal and technological change.

As of December 2024, all 33 or 100% of the undergraduate programs across the campuses have been granted COPC accreditation. The reason why CNU is among the top performing institutions in COPC compliance in the region. Among the 48 graduate programs, 24 or 50% have received COPC accreditation, while 24 programs or 50% are awaiting feedback after undergoing the COPC evaluation and are currently addressing the compliance suggestions.

My administration is confident that before my term ends in 2027, the 24 graduate programs sans COPC will get certifications for us to achieve the 100% target in compliance with the pertinent provisions of Republic Act No. 7722, otherwise known as the Higher Education Act of 1994. I would like to stress that ensuring 100% of the university’s curricular programs are issued with COPC assures a culture of excellence in the delivery of education services to its students, clients, and service areas. Kaya kayong mga studyante hindi na kayo magproproblema ng pag-take ng inyong licensure examinations. Ang pagpasa, bahala na kayo dyan.

By the first semester of the academic year 2025-2026, curricular programs with COPC will be adopted in the proposed CNU campuses in Argao, Alegria, and Catmon. That is why we will sign an amendment to the Memorandum of Agreement we signed last year. We will not offer programs without COPC kasi recognition and requirement yan ng CHED and Congress.

Of the 81 total programs offered across existing campuses, 22 or 27.16% have licensure examinations. These are 14 from CTE, one (1) from CCAIS, one (1) from CNAHS, one

(1) from CPGSS, one (1) from COM, two (2) from Medellin, and two (2) from Balamban. To fulfill our promise, my administration will ensure that faculty complements are highly qualified and that the laboratory, equipment, facilities, library holdings, infrastructure, research, extension, and production, among others, exceed the minimum requirements as prescribed under CHED’s Policy Standards and Guidelines.

Also, we now have 37 curricular programs with AACCUP accreditations. This translates to 46.25% of the total 80 program offerings across campuses. Of the 37 AACCUP accredited programs, 17 are Level IV, seven (7) are Level III or 8.75% of our target, six

(6) are Level II, one (1) Level I, and six (6) are candidates for Level I. Moreover, four other programs are subject to renewal, compliance, and validation.

The bulk of the COPC and AACCUP accomplishments come from the College of Teacher Education. This triumph further marks and cements CNU’s reputation as the center of excellence for teacher education.

My administration champions advancing quality assurance (QA) at CNU, and values accreditation to strengthen the university’s internal QA, which is moving forward to institutional accreditation this year.

In preparation for the institutional accreditation, 65 of our faculty members and staff will undergo the AACCUP Institutional Accreditation Orientation and Workshop on January 22-23. This is as we aspire for Level III Institutional Accreditation. This speaks to a sense of public trust, as well as professional quality and educational excellence.

In my Investiture, I laid down with utmost commitment and resolve the direction of my presidency, anchoring on a student-centered approach. If I remember correctly, my administration, I said, will institutionalize a career path dubbed as “from enrollment to promotion in employment” wherein CNU provides affirmative actions to students and their needs like helping them prepare for review classes, eligibility, and licensure exams, and national certification programs, among others.

We have implemented a graduate tracer study for the institution to better assess and track graduates’ journey after degree program completion. For example, CNAHS reported 72 graduates in 2024 and 71 graduates in 2023. Of the 71 graduates, 61 or 85.91% are

employed in their aligned program, while only 2 or 2.78 % out of 72 graduates in 2024 are working in their aligned field.

We registered 1,754 graduates for the second semester of the school year 2023-2024 for all colleges and campuses, while the first semester of SY 2024-2025 produced 60 graduates. We also had six graduates during the mid-semester of 2024, totaling to 1,820.

Our affirmative actions formed part of why CNU maintained, if not surpassed, the Crimson and Gold brand of excellence. The year 2024 bore witness to how CNU further raised the bar of excellence. The year kicked off with five topnotchers and with CNU ranking second among the top performing schools in the March 2024 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (Secondary level) and got a 92.12% passing percentage rate.

CNU continued its streak of excellence with one securing the sixth spot in the August Psychometrician Licensure examination. CNU’s overall performance was 95.24%.

For 13 consecutive years, CNU College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (CNAHS), which is renowned for producing high-caliber nurses, has been consistent with its 100% passing percentage for the Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination (PNLE). For 2024, CNU clinched the No. 1 Top Performing School nationwide under the category of 50-99 examinees with 100 percent passing percentage, including nine topnotchers. Of our nine

(9) topnotchers, Chariemae Cañazares ranked first. This was the first, after eight long years, that CNU produced a first placer in the PNLE. A very historic milestone for CNU.

CNU’s habit and culture of excellence did not stop there. Two weeks after the PNLE results, 29 of our education graduates topped the September 2024 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LET) for Elementary and Secondary levels with three of them claiming the top position.

For the very first time in 122 years, CNU produced 29 topnotchers whom three ranked first in a single licensure examination. This was the most number of topnotchers this institution has produced since. Lara Montebon Tero ranked first place for the secondary level, while Nomel Alyssa Tabanao Andan and Mary Eloisa Fullo clinched the top spots for the elementary level. Thank you to the deans of the College of Teacher Education (CTE). Dr. Venus Cortes, now the Vice President for Special Needs, Early Childhood Education, and Lifelong Learning (SNECELL); and the current dean, Dr. Joseph Sol Galleon. Of course, the faculty members of CTE. Kindly stand up. These are our world- class teachers for our education program.

Not only that, CNU was named the Top 1 performing school for Bachelor of Secondary Education garnering 94.32 passing percentage, and the Top 5 top performing school for Bachelor of Elementary Education securing 92.31%.

In 2023, bouncing back from the COVID-19 pandemic, CNU produced six topnotchers in the PNLE, and another 13 topnotchers in the LET—11 from CNU-Main and two from CNU Medellin Campus.

The years 2023 and 2024 were indeed a testament that excellence is normal at Cebu Normal University. Normal sa CNU maging Top 10. This time, normal maging Top 1.

All of these went beyond our target of five topnotchers every year. In total, we produced 44 topnotchers in 2024, which is 880% higher than our target, and 19 topnotchers in 2023, which exceeded our target by 380%. Hard work, as once said by Benjamin Franklin, is the foundation of all achievement. My administration, faculty, and staff are also working tirelessly to meet our target of 95-100% passing percentage in all licensure exams, as promised. Let me extend my hand in gratitude to all who kept faith with me in this new era of CNU, the Golden Journey.

In celebrating excellence, CNU across all campuses made history by issuing for the first time ever original copies of Diplomas and Transcripts of Records (TORs) to students during last year’s graduation ceremonies. My administration only committed to the release of the diploma, but we went beyond our promise and included two copies of TORs free of charge. Kaya ang mga bata hindi na bumabalik sa campus after graduation trabaho na agad. This remarkable milestone not only signifies the culmination of academic achievement but also underscores the university’s steadfast commitment to maintaining high standards in academic administration.

A total of 1,820 original copies of TORs and diplomas were distributed during the commencement exercises last year. Of the 1,820, 1,545 came from various colleges in the main campus, 107 from the Balamban Campus, and 168 from the Medellin Campus.

It has always been our mission to enhance student learning, engagement, experience, and outcomes through review and enhancements of all our curricular programs. To recall, within one month of my assumption in office, the Board of Regents approved the reorganization of the College of Arts and Sciences into three (3) separate and distinct colleges. These are the College of Culture, Arts and Sports (CCAS); College of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, and Sciences (CCAIS); and College of Public Governance and Safety (CPGS).

CCAIS, for example, focuses on Artificial Intelligence (AI), data science, robotics and machine learning, e-sports, forensics, and other emerging programs that support innovations, manufacturing industries, and tourism. Now, the college offers PhD in Mathematics. The first, I think, in Region VII. In preparation for the AI program, we are hiring one (1) Professor V for AI. Also, CCAIS will soon offer a BS in Artificial Intelligence major in Data Analytics, in which data science or management program is already embedded, a BS Artificial Intelligence Major in Natural Resource Management, and a BS

in Statistics. These programs are already approved by the university’s Board of Regents but are still subject to CHED-7’s evaluation.

To support sports, science, culture, and heritage, I vowed new programs for CCAS. We have proposed the offerings of six new programs: MA Social Science, MA Philosophy, MA English Language, PhD Filipino, Bachelor of Science major in Fitness Management, and DA Literature. Feasibility studies are being conducted for the possibility of offering these programs. Hopefully, effective first semester of school year 2025-2026. Kaya, Dean (Dr. Reynaldo) Inocian gawin mo na ito.

To address the increasing need for lawyers, and paralegal, CNU will soon offer the College of Law. The application for a government permit or authority to operate for the Juris Doctor had been evaluated and inspected by the Technical Team of the Legal Education Board (LEB) in November last year, and the report thereof is expected to be deliberated by LEB any time before the end of January 2025. The proposed offering of the JD program is a way of making Cebuano dreams realized. Everywhere I go in Cebu, Cebuanos have been looking for a high-quality, accessible, and affordable program in law. This program would prioritize our poor but deserving students to promote equity and access. SUCs have the constitutional and statutory duty and obligation to serve the poor. Ang walang kaya o hindi kayang pumunta sa private, dapat ang SUC ang sumoporta sa kanila.

To meet the demand of the pharmaceutical industry, we will soon offer BS in Pharmacy. At present, a feasibility study is still being undertaken for the degree program to ensure the provision of a multi-faceted, outcome-based program to prepare students with knowledge and skills for careers in various areas of the pharmaceutical field.

This is a call and a challenge to our deans to make our curricular programs responsive to the ever-changing needs of our stakeholders.

To ensure inclusive and equitable quality early childhood education and special needs, we have created the College of Special Needs, Early Childhood Education (ECD) and Lifelong Learning. It offers Special Needs Education, and an ECD program. And, this college is unique to CNU. Even other SUCs do not have this. But you can have it now para magkaroon tayo ng stronger collaboration. More so, aside from the dean, we have designated Dr. Venus Cortes as Vice President for Special Needs, Early Childhood, Internationalization and Lifelong Learning (SNECILL). She is the first vice president of this office.

Under my leadership, CNU continues to prioritize safety, dignity, and well-being. Programs like the Child Minding Center, which was launched in December 2023, reflect the administration’s unwavering focus on creating an environment of respect, inclusivity, and empowerment. These initiatives not only support the welfare of women and children

at CNU but also foster a thriving community free from violence and discrimination. CNU remains steadfast in its advocacy, inspiring stakeholders to join the movement towards a safer, more inclusive society.

My administration also fosters social cohesion to broaden community participation, ensure gender and culture-responsive interventions, and promote the welfare of and prevent acts of violence against vulnerable groups, including women, children, elderly, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or transsexual, and queer. In line with this, we institutionalized the Pride Freedom Day every Wednesday. Magsuot sila kung anong gusto nila basta hindi yung inviting troubles.

My administration affirmed CNU’s dedication to providing quality clinical exposure and professional development and improving access to quality medical and healthcare education.

Since its inception in 2021, CNU-Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center College of Medicine, the first state-funded higher education institution offering a Doctor of Medicine degree in Central Visayas, has been occupying a space at the DOH-operated VSMMC. But, our dream of giving COM a permanent home is now becoming a reality. Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and I signed a 25-year usufruct agreement on November 21, 2024, on behalf of the provincial government and CNU, respectively, for the use of the 1,460-square-meter Capitol-owned lot 519-A near the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) in Sambag II, Cebu City. We are set to hold the groundbreaking of the usufruct marker in February this year and this will translate to the beginning of all constructions.

My administration is planning to move house the CNAHS and College of Tourism, Hotel, Restaurant and Hospitality Management (CTHRHM), and the possible College of Law, College of Business and Economics to the proposed 21-story medical building from the main campus. Yan ang plano natin. Sa baba na floor ay spaces for clinics, 7/11 at convenience store, while sa taas ay roof deck, al fresco. It’s a dream right now, but we will do it. We will also offer health sciences and expand our offerings so that we can cater to the education needs of our financially –challenged but deserving students.

With the growing clamor and demand for accessible, quality, and free medical and clinical education in the region, CNU has proposed the offerings of Dentistry, Midwifery, Biomedical Technology, Biomedical Sciences, and other health-related sciences.

CNU-VSMMC-COM was a recipient of P35 million in funds from the Commission on Higher Education (Scholarship and Exchanges for Development (SEED).

However, we have a problem. A dilemma that needs your attention. Sixteen (16) of our medical students no longer have scholarships. To aid our students, we are talking with Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and the local government units where the affected

students come from for possible scholarships and support, and we are seeking the intervention of House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, and Sen. Pia Cayetano to lobby for the possible additional scholarship slots.

CNU, as a center of excellence in teacher education, has been proactive in various causes, especially in addressing the pressing challenge of reading literacy among children and adults in Cebu.

CNU was the lone tertiary higher education institution tapped by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for last year’s Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program where 445 tutors and 231 Youth Development Workers (YDWs) from among CNU’s pre-service teachers were deployed to 68 different schools across Cebu City. They served 3,761 learners and their parents from July 1 to 26, 2024.

And because of our great performance in 2024, DSWD will expand the program to several municipalities in Cebu Province with high rates of non-readers and poverty, targeting 22,000 students, still in partnership with CNU. With the expansion of the project and with the growing need for more tutors and youth development workers, our student teachers will again be tapped, and in exchange, they will be compensated. And, they will enjoy 60 hours of recognition for their practicum or internship.

With great pride, CNU received the “Trailblazer Partnership Award” from DSWD during the Social Technology Expo Awards in Manila on December 18. The award, which I received together with College of Teacher Education’s former dean Dr. Venus Cortes, was given to institutions that have contributed to nation building initiatives, including the successful implementation of the Tara! Basa Tutoring Program. For this year, we will enter into an agreement with DSWD for our complementary programs.

Also, we are set to enter into an agreement with DepEd-7 this year for the establishment of pilot centers. Beginning next school year 2025-2026, we intend to adopt a school as our pilot center under our IRR of RA 8688. We will designate a principal from CNU to lead the pilot centers subject to the requirements and standards of the Department Education. The establishment of the center is in consonance with Paragraph 2, Section 4 of RA 8688 enabling us to promote the innovative modality of teaching.

As part of our curricular enhancement initiatives, I recall committing during my investiture the offering of 2-3 master’s programs and two doctoral programs per college. We are proud to have produced an additional one master’s which is 4.76% of the total target of 21 from seven colleges, and six or 28.57% of our 21 target doctorate programs as of December 2024. These are PhD in Math from the College of Computing, Artificial Intelligence and Sciences; EdD-Culture and Arts Education, EdD-Social Studies, EdD- Special Education, and PhD Ed-English Language Studies from the College of Teacher

Education; and a Master in Nursing Education and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing of College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences.

The university is incessantly exploring more partnership opportunities with our Asian neighbors and in other countries that are open for academic mutual cooperation. My administration is committed and dedicated to promoting the internationalization of higher education as we have envisioned CNU to become a premier institution for global engagement.

In 2024, CNU strengthened its global presence by connecting with 15 international partners, including universities, colleges, and agencies. Among these, nine are based in Asia, three in North America, two in Europe, and one in Australia.

Also in 2024, CNU entered into memoranda of understanding and memoranda of agreement with six new international partners, which is 40% of our target. Our new partners are from the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training, and Sports of Span; the Exodus Immigration and Consultancy Inc., and Canada-Exodus Study and Immigration Services in Canada; Oxford Education International Group in the United Kingdom; California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt; Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember in Indonesia; and Skyline University College in UAE. Your administration assures you that we will work harder to meet the 15 partner institutions abroad.

By leveraging the provisions of the Transnational Higher Education Act, CNU is forging more robust collaborations with foreign institutions, especially in introducing joint degree programs, enhancing faculty exchange opportunities, and expanding research initiatives. As of the first semester of the 2024-2025 Academic Year, CNU welcomed six foreign students from Australia, Kenya, China, Korea, and Liberia.

As I envisioned CNU when I assumed office, our dearest institution is slowly but surely becoming an education and curriculum hub in the country and abroad.

Whether small or big wins, we celebrate and value our students’ accomplishments. This is our way of fostering social support, creating a positive feedback loop of success and satisfaction.

This is the very reason my administration pushed for the provision of higher incentives to recognize and reward academic excellence. I issued Memorandum Circular No. 30, S. 2023, or the updated five-year vision, mission, development thrusts, and roadmap of the CNU’s Golden Journey, which includes a promise of my administration to rationalize the incentives for exceptional and excellent achievements, such as board exams and international, national and regional competitions.

Before, the LET and PNLE topnotchers were only entitled to P30,000 for the first placer, P28,000 for the second placer, P26,000 for the third placer, P24,000 for fourth placer, P22,000 for fifth placer, P20,000 for sixth placer, P18,000 for seventh placer, P16,000 for eight placer, P14,000 for ninth placer, and P12,000 for tenth placer.

But now, the Top 1 or first placer from Doctor of Medicine, Nursing, Engineering, Chemistry, and other hard sciences with licensure examinations is entitled to 100,000, while the second to fifth placers are entitled to P60,000 and P40,000 each for sixth-tenth placer. For sciences belonging to Education, Psychology, Guidance, and Counseling, and Career/Civil Service Eligibility, the first placer will get P50,000, the second-fifth placer will get P30,000, and the sixth-tenth placer will get P10,000.

We also institutionalized the giving of cash incentives to students (group and individual) emerging champions/winners in international, national, and regional competitions, sports, culture, and non-academic contests with incentives ranging from P25,000 to P500. These rationalized incentives are expected to produce 95-100% passing in the board/licensure examination. Aside from the cash incentives, passers who landed in the top 10 will also be provided with life-sized checks and standees as part of the university’s innovation and best practices and to provide motivation to graduating students to perform better in their licensure examinations.

Starting this year, we will double the cash incentives to P200,000 for sciences programs basta ang College of Medicine mag-produce ng at least five (5) Top 10.

My administration will review the cash incentives for additional increases this year. For education programs and other soft sciences-related programs, we will double the incentives. 100,000 for the first placer, while the second to fifth placers will get P60,000 and P40,000 each for the sixth-tenth placer. For LET, 10 Top 1. Kaya nyo yan kasi magagaling kayo.

We will also increase the appropriation of cash incentives to P5 million this year.

For 2024, we allotted P1,343,000 in financial incentives. Of the amount, we utilized P1,020,000 or 75.95 percent. For 2023, cash incentives totaling P364,000 were also given to topnotchers.

Moreover, we will institutionalize the motorcade for topnotchers to honor and celebrate the remarkable achievements of our board topnotchers. We will visit and pay homage to the first placer’s roots. For 2nd-10th placers, we will host a grand motorcade in Cebu City. Topping licensure examinations is no easy feat. Primarily, our topnotchers deserve all the spotlight, recognition, and incentives. Thank you, Mayor (Dr. Gilberto Fernandez Magallon) of Alegria for giving P100,000 to our PNLE Top 1.

My administration shall ensure the priority hiring of Top 1 passers in various licensure examinations with an entry-level of at least Assistant Professor 1. The Top 1 in PNLE and 3 Top of LET for 2024 will be the first batch to be hired in this new policy. We need the approval of the Board for this.

For this year, we expect to have at least 10 top 1 or first placers in all licensure examinations.

For our topnotchers to be and our students, it is your duty to uphold the excellence and dignity of CNU. It is your moral duty to uphold the legacy of our university. It is my fervent hope that our students will get inspired by the successes of our topnotchers. We hope to see our students reaching new heights of success, conquering challenges, and embracing their full and great potential. Each one of you is the brand of Cebu Normal University.

For the first time in CNU, 402 student-teachers took centerstage in the pinning ceremony in August 2024. The pinning ceremony will now be a CNU tradition, symbolizing future educators’ commitment to their duties to the communities they will soon serve. Another initiative of the administration is waiving the internship fees of our student-teachers to also help ease their financial burdens.

Aside from the free internship fee, my administration will also find ways and will work hard for the possible reduction of expenses for Related Learning Experience (RLE), an essential component of nursing education that builds students’ competence in their actual nurse-patient care. A nursing student spends between 40,000 to 20,000 for the RLE. Even former senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, the principal author of Republic Act 10931 or the Free College Act, vowed reforms in the educational system, such as additional allowance or free RLE; free RLE in public hospitals, and/or adopting the return-service program wherein nursing graduates will render service for 1-2 months in lieu of free RLE, when he graced the honoring of nursing board topnotchers and passers here last month.

Another milestone of my administration is the implementation of free tuition for the Integrated Laboratory School starting the academic year 2024-2025. This initiative reflects the university’s commitment and dedication to making education accessible to all, ensuring that more learners will benefit from the university’s esteemed programs. Kaya kayong mga studyante dahil libre na, dapat topnotchers. Lahat nagbabayad ng buhis. Give justice to our taxes by topping the board examinations. Para in 10 years time, we will hire Top 1. After 10 years, lahat ng mag-graduate ng education, nursing, and other board examination programs magiging topnotchers din. That is part of our plan.

As a center for teacher excellence, the university has been offering free review classes for LET to ensure we produce topnotchers and high-caliber graduates.

My administration has been very supportive of our student’s endeavors. We provided cash assistance to our singing idol Mary Khem Cabagte for representing CNU and Cebu during the grand finals of the TnT: The School Showdown of the noontime show “It’s Showtime.” She placed 7th. But you are the champion of our hearts and minds.

Cebu Normal University (CNU) Chorale has achieved remarkable success at the 13th Bali International Choir Festival (BICF), marking their first international competition in Bali, Indonesia with a series of outstanding performances that garnered multiple prestigious awards. The CNU Chorale’s success was a proud moment for CNU and a testament to the crimson and gold excellence. The achievement not only brought honor to the university but also highlighted the rich cultural and musical heritage of Cebu on an international stage.

I committed to starting the “OJT now pay later” in 2024, however, the program has yet to take off. But my administration is working on expanding opportunities for our students to undertake on-the-job training (OJT) abroad. We have established clear guidelines for the OJT/internship abroad now pay later scheme where students will have access to opportunities for paid internship abroad. This is yet to be approved by the board and I am going to present this during the first quarter meeting. Our first target will be this first semester in the United Arab Emirates where 10-15 of our tourism students will have their internship. Currently, the Office for Internationalization (IZN) is processing the application for CHED SIAP so our students can go to the UAE for a paid internship.

This was a result of the Office for Internationalization’s travel mission to the United Arab Emirates in September 2024, discussing with His Excellency Alfonso Ver, the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, CNU’s plans to create pathways for students to gain international experience through OJT placements in UAE. The Philippine Business Council in UAE with the Ambassador is with us in support of this international program.

Aside from UAE, we are also establishing linkages in Taiwan and Singapore for College of Teacher Education interns to have their practicum in these foreign lands. Thus, this semester is preparations for their deployment in September this year. We will be deploying 20-30 of our CTE interns in these ASEAN countries. This year, we will champion our OJT program, expanding to accommodate interns from tourism and communication arts, among other programs.

The initiative aims to strengthen the university’s global linkages and provide CNU students with invaluable exposure to diverse working environments, equipping them with skills to thrive in a global workforce. My administration will still see to it that we will realize our promise of sending at least 40 qualified students abroad for internship per year, implement financial loans without interest during their internships in our international partner schools, and vigorously pursue establishing partnerships with internationally

renowned companies capable of absorbing the students and graduates in various fields of specialization.

This year, as part of the university’s teacher exchange program, we will send at least one

(1) faculty member abroad.

On Research, we have rationalized the incentives for research outputs aligning with our commitment to excellence. Our faculty members are now entitled to cash incentives for research and development outputs–P100,000 for every patent, and P20,000 for every utility model approved by the Philippine Intellectual Office (IPO), which is P10,000 higher than what we promised.

Our publication award also honors research excellence, with financial recognition based on the Publication’s Impact Factor, ranging from P5,000 to P 70,000. In addition, P2,000 is granted per citation, distributed among eligible co-authors. Alongside the established Research Project grant, we are introducing the Creative Works Grant, with funding ranging from P 10,000 to P 200,000. Together, these initiatives reflect our dedication to advancing research and creativity across all fields.

Hence, to strengthen intellectual property rights and foster innovation, CNU signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), officially establishing CNU as part of IPOPHL’s Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO) network in July 2024.

In less than a year from the MOA signing, CNU recorded significant intellectual property outputs, including 17 patent applications, four utility model applications, and four industrial design filings. Additionally, one utility model was successfully registered.

My administration will keep the promise of producing at least four patents and three utility models per year. So far, we have accomplished one (1) utility model, or 33.34% of our target, and none for patents. But we hope that all the 17 patents we applied for will be successful this year. Sa lahat ng mga authors nito, tutulungan ko kayong mag follow-up sa IPOPHL. Hindi ako uuwi pag hindi talaga yan ma-approve.

As a research institute, CNU’s true status as a global leader is measured not only by its rich history and relentless pursuit of new knowledge but also by the quality and quantity of research development outputs and impacts. We committed to produce at least 500 completed researches/studies of which 400 are published and cited in refereed/juried/Scopus journals compliant with international standards and requirements.

Since 2023, we’ve made significant strides in advancing CNU’s research agenda. In just two years, we’ve completed 215 research projects, achieving 43% of our target which is 500. Of these, 193 were published in refereed, juried, and Scopus-indexed journals,

representing 48.25% of our goal of 400 published works. This progress underscores our commitment to producing high-quality, impactful research and reflects the unwavering dedication of our faculty, researchers, and students in positioning CNU as a leading force in academic and scientific innovation.

Our research impact is further evident in the citations it has received. Since 2020, CNU publications have accumulated 5,017 citations, with 2,748 over 54% coming from 2023 to 2025. This increase reflects the growing global influence of our work and our commitment to advancing academic research worldwide.

To adhere to the universal ethical principles for the protection and promotion of the dignity of health research participants, my administration will ensure that the university’s Research Ethics Committee will be accredited by the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB), a national policy-making body in health research ethics in the country created under DOST Special Order No. 091 s. 2006.

To strengthen our research and development process and quality outputs and capability of faculty members, the administration provided research training to faculty members as the key players and ultimate sources of quality research materials. We committed that all of the faculty members shall be given an equal opportunity to attend training and retooling for them to be adept with the trends in research, presentation, publication, commercialization, and protection of scientific outputs.

To provide access to faculty members in ensuring the timely publication of their respective outputs, my administration committed to establish and maintain at least four (4) refereed/juried/Scopus journals.

So far, we procured the P1.893-million CNU-Journal of Higher Education (CNU-JHE) workflow management with Digital Object Identifier (DOI) powered by Digital Commons, a company powered by Elsiever-a company that also owns Scopus. Now, all articles, including back issues from CNU-JHE’s first volume released up until the latest volume released are assigned with DOI, making each article easier to retrieve, and track its citations. Currently, it is being applied for Scopus indexing. CNU-JHE’s target is to be indexed in Scopus in the first quarter of 2025. The JHE represents one (1) or 25% of our target of four (4) journals. This journal will serve as a portal for the dissemination of research findings accessible to scholars worldwide. Kaya malaki na itong tulong sa ating mga faculty members. We are going to offer a discounted rate for our faculty who will publish in this journal. Pag marami like 20, libre na. Pag sampu lang, magbabayad kayo.

Each college and institute is encouraged to produce its own journal. There are already four (4) journals endorsed to the board for approval. I am calling on other colleges and institutes to follow suit.

In addition, we committed to pursue and improve faculty programs, and to send 20% of faculty for study/immersion programs abroad. CNU has 272 regular and temporary faculty members.

In 2024, 19 or 34.55% of the target faculty members visited the United Arab Emirates, Spain, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Thailand for study, training and immersion programs. Also, part of our roadmap is to strengthen our current faculty development programs by supporting faculty members studying and pursuing relevant degrees here and abroad. We have 61 faculty members who are pursuing master’s degree and 52 doctorate programs in HEIs of integrational standard, totaling to 113 or 46.12% out of our 90% target to take up graduate degrees.

As we aspire to be a world-class higher educational institution, it is imperative for our faculty members to have graduate study degrees. As of 2024, 253 or 93% out of our 272 faculty members are MA degree holders. We are 7% shy away from our 100% target. Also, we now have 146 doctorate degree holders, which figure translates to 46.32% out of our 90% target for PhD holders. Kaya starting next month, hindi na tayo maghi-hire ng faculty kapag walang master’s degree except if Top 1.

Acknowledging the importance of empowering faculty, staff, and students with quality education and training, and improving their vocational skills, we have facilitated the scholarship of 50 selected faculty and staff from TESDA Cebu Provincial Office under the Events Management Services NC III.

We thank Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia for allocating 1,000 scholarship slots to 400 incoming students of CNU Catmon, 300 students of CNU Argao, and 300 students of CNU Alegria. It is worthy to note that the 1,000 scholarship grants were charged from the respective funds of the said LGUs. The university’s TechVoc/NC Training and Assessment Center has facilitated the listing and orientation of the student scholars under the program, Sugbo Kahanas, with assistance from TESDA. For now, the center is preparing the application for accreditation of the Assessment Center for Healthcare Services NC II, Caregiving (Elderly) NC II, Caregiving (Client with Special Needs) NC II, and Caregiving (Newborn to Preschooler) NC II.

To keep up with the demand, we added new members to the CNU family. Our number has significantly increased to 788 as of December 31, 2024 from 731 of the same period in 2023. An increase of 7.79 percent, which includes 45 permanent administrative staff and 13 permanent faculty members.

Also, we had 39 promoted employees in 2024—34 from the admin, four (4) from admin to faculty, and one (1) internal promotion, while seven promotions in 2023.

CNU across campuses has 65 instructors, 52 assistant professors, 114 associate professors, and 44 full-fledged professors, including 18 Professor VI and two University Professors (UPs), namely: Dr. Filomena Dayagbil and Dr. Roberto Corcino. Our university is among the SUCs with the most number of professors. Under my administration, we intend to produce more UPs and Professor 6.

In pursuit of transforming CNU campuses into GREAT SMART campuses, I vowed to generate P1-2 billion in funding to acquire state-of-the-art facilities and equipment and construct a smart and green 10-story building, energy self-sufficient through solar, stable internet connectivity.

I’m proud that my administration delivered on that promise of funding allocation. CNU approved a budget of P1 billion for the University Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Modernization Development Program and another P950 million for the Development of the Centralized Student Smart Hub.

Lancaster Technology and Development Corporation, a Taguig-based firm, was the only supplier that submitted bids of P998,864,500 for the ICT project and P947,831,750 for the Smart Campus project.

Through the CNU Board of Regent Resolutions Nos. 266 (Smart Campus), and 267 (ICT project), the big-ticket projects were awarded to Lancaster with a total contract price of P1,946,696,250. Of the amount, P30 million is for our first-ever university-run broadcasting radio station. We are the sole SUC given this project.

We are one of the SUCs in the country granted P1.95 billion in one tranche for the modernization projects in 2024. And with that, we are thankful and privileged to get the funding and support from our Congress, especially House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former House Committee on Appropriations chairman Zaldy Co, and His Excellency President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. Finally, our dream has come true. As a team, this is our legacy. This is our milestone. The projects were formalized through the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between CNU and Lancaster in September last year. And we are now a step closer to really transforming our campuses into GREAT Smart ones. Last month, we had a monumental kickoff of the P947.83-million Centralized Student Smart Hub, which will house various technology-infused facilities that will help the university deliver quality education. This project is designed to support hybrid learning, to provide access to online education content, and to create a digital environment to boost learning efficiency. We also launched the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Modernization Development Project amounting to P998.86 million. And, these projects will finally commence this year.

To pave the way for the seamless implementation of two projects, CNU shifted back to online classes in October of last year. Our university adopted 75% onsite and 25% off-

site classes to ensure the safety of the students and the unimpeded implementation of the projects.

Amidst these changing dynamics, meeting the educational needs of learners remains front and center, that is, learners’ rights to education remain protected and non- negotiable. CNU demonstrates resilience—the ability to overcome adversity, a lifelong skill that it purports to develop among our learners.

Moreover, we vowed to procure and distribute laptops to faculty members and students through the “1:1 ratio” scheme. My administration procured 250 desktop computers, 280 laptop units for faculty members, and 1,000 tablets for students. These were already procured last year and the units are already for delivery earlier this year. We will harness and take advantage of the power of technology to create an immersive environment.

The construction of the proposed three-story school building for each of the soon-to-rise extension campuses of CNU in the municipalities of Alegria and Argao in the south, and CNU Catmon in the north is now edging to fruition. The Capitol, under the administration of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, will fund the construction of the three 490-square- meter school buildings, each will house six classrooms. All three school buildings are expected to have the same design and features.

Under my administration, we will push very hard for world-class campuses.

Today is a monumental day for all of us as we will officially launch the P947.83-million Centralized Student Smart Hub after my first ATSUA. This might trigger possible modification/revision of the current 75% onsite and 25% online classes. We might request CHED and the CNU Board of Regents for either 50% or 100% online learning in case it is already demanded.

Unfortunately, a month prior to the implementation of the blended learning, the structural integrity of the 122-year-old CNU administrative building dealt a severe blow following the magnitude 5.1 earthquake that jolted Cebu on September 29, 2024. The century-old structure was declared unsafe for occupancy, resulting in the relocation of offices. But the planned retrofitting hit a snag due to lack of financial resources. I already lobbied some current and former senators for the restoration of the admin building. As your president, I will cajole, push, and tangle with men of wealth and influence to get more funding for CNU for the restoration of the historic building, for innovations, and for our development programs. And I thank the Regional Development Council for endorsing our budget for 2026, which is part of that is the restoration of the admin building amounting to P246 million.

This year, I will move mountains to have our admin building retrofitted. The admin building was declared Grade II level by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. It

means we are entitled to privileges such as priority government funding for protection, conservation, and restoration as stipulated in the Republic Act No. 11961 or the Cultural Mapping and Enhanced Heritage Education Program.

As for the SMART and green 10-story energy self-sufficient building, we still have until 2027 to make this happen. Supposedly, this is the College of Medicine building. In fact, last year, we allocated P120 million, but the budget was reverted back to the national coffers as the project did not materialize. But rest assured my administration will recoup this in 2026 or 2027.

This infrastructure project will be part and parcel of the university’s Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP). The master plan for the campus was presented before the CNU community during the 2024 Year-end Evaluation and 2025 Foresight Planning in December. Thank you so much, Dr. (Jeson) Bustamante and your team for the successful activity.

With the advancement of solar power technology in the past years, the university can take advantage and maximize the said renewable energy source. We need to invest in the installation of solar panels amounting to P13.94 million. This is part of the plan to future- proof CNU by using solar energy, which would result in estimated savings of P487,854 per month or P5.85 million a year or P23.42 million in four years.

With the university’s path to the future laid in the Medium Term Development Plan and the LUDIP, it is high time that the university invests in a sewage treatment facility (STF). We can set up and install a modular system in the university equivalent to the size car park slot (2.5 x 5m), which could serve as the university’s discharge volume. Investing in an STP allows the university to recycle and reuse its discharge, effectively reducing the expense of water bills. Treated water can be used for maintenance work, toilets, and many more.

Two big-ticket projects in CNU-Medellin Campus broke ground in February last year, a demonstration of the university’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation. These were the P45-million four-story administration building and a P4-million four-story academic building facility. At present, the construction of the buildings is ongoing. The administration building, which will serve as the nerve center of school operations, is expected to streamline administrative processes and improve efficiency in handling the various aspects of campus life. From admissions to student services, the building is intended to meet the changing demands of the school community.

Equally important is the academic facility, which represents a commitment to academic achievement and scientific advancement. With cutting-edge classrooms, laboratories, and collaborative spaces, the facility is designed to provide a dynamic learning environment that promotes academic advancement and innovation. These structures are

important in further strengthening the future of education at the Medellin Campus, which offers students unmatched chances for study and growth. These new facilities will not only facilitate the smooth functioning of administrative processes but also elevate the academic experience for our students, empowering them to excel in their chosen fields.

Look around you. This is among the firsts for CNU. We are gathered here and not sweating. Kidding aside, we finally renovated this iconic Idea and Knowledge Center. The university spent P14.98 million for the first phase of the civil, structural, architectural, and electrical works, and for the 20 air conditioning units. This side is collapsible so it can be used as classrooms. We are proposing an additional P100 million under our proposed 2026 Tier 1 budget for the second phase of the renovation and interior fit-out of IKC. We truly want this to become a world-class convention center.

My administration will also prioritize the establishment of air-conditioned learning common spaces or lounges for students, teachers, and staff. The CTE second floor will be used as students’ learning common, while the ground near, near the canteen, will be transformed into a learning common facility for faculty members and staff.

To increase our fund sources under the university’s Income Generating Project, my administration is eyeing a multi-purpose building at the TAC building. I already talked to the Development Bank of the Philippines and it is willing to refer three potential investors to put up the building under a private-public partnership program.

As for LUDIP, the university has an existing plan but it is still subject to revision. We are still updating the LUDIP to incorporate future innovations and physical developments for the main campus, existing two external campuses in Balamban and Medellin, and other proposed campuses; gather and incorporate insights and recommendations from partners of local government units where the campuses are located. It is imperative that we come up with a holistic plan that is aligned with the current vision of the university, with the Central Visayas Regional Development Plan, Philippine Development Plan, Eight-point economic agenda of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., AmBisyon Natin 2040, and Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. This year, my administration will transform and renovate our comfort rooms into a haven of comfort and style. We will have them air-conditioned and improve their functionality.

My administration vowed to ensure continual improvements in ratings. A testament to our promise was our placement in the 2024 edition of the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI). From 98th place in 2023, CNU went up to 95th place in the Global Top 300 in the WURI. CNU also placed 28th in the Entrepreneurial Spirit (A4) category; 27th in the Social Responsibility (A6) category; and 61st place for the Culture/Values (B5) category.

CNU was also among the recipients of the prestigious CHED ICONS 2024 Awards. CNU was presented certificates of commendation for its achievements in this year’s World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI). CNU was also awarded as a Finalist for the Global Citizenship Award.

As for Extension, the university’s third mission, the role of CNU extends far beyond the traditional academic pursuits with the rapidly evolving education landscape. As an institution committed to societal advancement, my administration is committed to institutionalizing community-based extension services and NSTP engagement. My administration committed 2,000-3,000 beneficiaries annually for extension programs, servicing underserved beneficiaries. I am proud to share with you all that we went beyond the target in 2024 with 18,254 beneficiaries, which include single parents, out-of-school youth, senior citizens, ALS, lactating mothers, low-income, and other underprivileged individuals. The beneficiary turnout was 508. 47% or 15,254 higher than our 3,000 target. This milestone cannot be achieved without our 45 esteemed partners from the local government units and industries supporting CNU’s 44 extension programs, which include 28 continuing education and 16 short-term trainings, that are need-based and impact- oriented.

The level of trust bestowed upon us by our partners and stakeholders comes with a great price and responsibility. And that we must always uphold within ourselves the virtues of integrity, honesty, excellence, transparency and accountability in all our endeavors.

In line with our commitment to inclusivity and relevance, my administration has created a new extension services framework, embodied in the acronym RE-EMPOWERMENT, which was already approved by the Board of Regents. This innovative agenda seamlessly integrates research (R) and extension (E) services, setting forth strategic directions that align with the dynamic needs of communities. RE-EMPOWERMENT delineates a comprehensive approach to extension services, focusing on key thematic areas that resonate in the university’s academic offerings and external campus development programs. These thrusts encompass Entrepreneurship, Mental health and well-being, Partnership, Opportunities, Women’s rights, Energy generation, Resource conservation, Material recovery, E-transaction, Natural hazard mitigation, and Technology-proofing.

Rest assured my administration will fulfill the broader vision, and demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility, experiential learning, and the practical application of knowledge.

CNU piloted Comelec’s automated machine demonstration and information drive in Central Visayas. Comelec chose CNU as the host of its voter education and ACM demonstration, the first in the region, in preparation for this year’s midterm elections.

The undertaking was formalized through the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between CNU and Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia as partners

in the electoral process and in strengthening the election awareness drive in October 2024.

On the other hand, the right to health for all people means that everyone should have access to the health services they need, when and where they need them, without suffering financial hardship. For that reason, my administration initiated a healthcare program for all, making CNU the first state university in the country to participate in and implement the Universal Health Care (UHC) law. A total of 100,000 Cebuanos, including our faculty members and staff and their respective family members, shall benefit from the free medical services and medicines. The program was launched in CNU Main, Medellin, and Balamban campuses in September and October last year, in partnership with CareSpan Asia Inc., which digital health platform is one of the four approved health systems under UHC law.

As for the external grants, the university through the Research Institute of Tropical Biology and Pharmacological Biotechnology (RITBPB), received a P4.9 million grant from the National Innovation Council-Executive Technical Board (NIC-TEC) of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for Farm to Market: Co-creation of Cinnamon Industry in Cebu in Boljoon. The project’s cinnamon processing facility is also set to be established in the municipality of Alegria, which donated a 1,000-square-meter lot for the facility. Thank you so much, Dr. (Jay) Picardal and your group for this project.

In July 2024, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with DOST-7 and the local government unit of Alegria for the implementation of the Innovation, Science and Technology for Accelerating Regional Technology-Based Development (iSTART) Program in the southwestern town. This tripartite agreement aims to help Alegria in crafting technology-based development plans for the agri-based, manufacturing, and service sectors; in identifying technology-based investment areas following the validated plans in collaboration with the LGUs; and in engaging Researchers, Scientists, and Engineers (RSEs) who will support technology-based investments and projects in the region.

We also have two grants from DOST Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) for the Gums, Resins, Oils and Woodcraft Technology Hub (GROWTH) laboratory; and the development of the science communication toolkit for IDP laboratories. GROWTH is an ongoing project refurbishing an advanced research laboratory in CNU Balamban Campus intended to explore the use and value of Philippine plant-based gums, resins, oils, and exudates for pharmacological and industrial uses. At present, we are still procuring the equipment, chemicals, reagents and glassware in the laboratory. Next year, we are going to implement the IDP laboratory toolkit.

On the other hand, our university is also being eyed as a testing laboratory for food in the region. CNU can play a significant role in the implementation of the Food Safety Act of 2013, particularly in terms of education, research, and technical assistance. Companies and people are paying thousands of pesos to private educational institutions for food testing, so why not offer the service here? CNU will accommodate food samples to be tested for safety, such as nitrite content on meat-based products like tocino and longanisa, shelf life analysis of chicharon or nutrient content analysis of products.

Another milestone of ours is the One Campus-One Product (OCOP), which is CNU’s counterpart of the national “One Town–One Product” program aiming to harness the unique resources, culture, and creativity within each campus of CNU. Rooted in the principles of research, extension, and community engagement, it embodies the university’s commitment to driving inclusive growth and sustainability while showcasing each campus’ distinct identity and resource potential.

One of my administration’s priority thrusts is the conversion of Medellin and Balamban campuses into regular campuses through congressional action or enactment of the Republic Act. Through this initiative, we can expand our curricular offerings and serve more poor but deserving students in Cebu.

We are inching closer to reality as Cebu Third District Representative Pablo John Garcia authored House Bill No. 10619 establishing CNU Balamban as a regular campus, and Cebu 4th District Rep. Janice Salimbangon authored House Bill 10408 establishing CNU Medellin as a regular campus.

The bills were already approved by the lower House and are currently at the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical and Vocational Education. In December 2024, the Senate committee chaired by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano tackled the bills and the committee is supportive of the measures as these will result in more graduates and economic activities, and provide local students with greater access to quality higher education.

[Video clip presentation: 2 CNU bills tackled at the Senate committee hearing on December 17, 2024]

In our pursuit to further deliver GREAT, SMART, and quality education in Cebu province, four House bills establishing three CNU campuses were also filed in Congress. These are HB No. 10962, establishing the external campus in Alegria, authored by Cebu 7th District Rep. Peter John Calderon; HB No. 11063, for Catmon, authored by Cebu 5th District Rep. Vincent “Duke” Frasco; HB No. 111258, for Argao, authored by Cebu Second District Rep. Edsel Galeos; and HB No. 10966, for Argao, authored by COOP- NATCCO Party-list Rep. Felimon Espares. House bills No. 10962, 10966, and 11063

already hurdled the Committee on Higher and Technical Education deliberation at the House of Representatives on December 11 last year.

The regularization of the Medellin and Balamban campuses as well as the additional external campuses will surely increase the students’ population and service areas of the university. Thus, secure additional or more subsidies under the Free Higher Education (FHE).

We expect a committee report from Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano for Balamban and Medellin regular campuses submitted to the plenary before this month ends and hopefully subject the bills to a third final reading before the Senate goes on a recess for elections in February. Once approved in the third and final reading, the bill converting CNU-Medellin Campus into a regular campus would be up for signing by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. to become an official law, probably in the month of April or May. Since we introduced amendments to CNU-Balamban, the proposed legislation would be for concurrence of the House come June and might be signed by the president in July this year.

For CNU-Argao, CNU-Catmon, and CNU-Alegria, on the other hand, we expect a consolidated committee report also before January ends and be deliberated for a second reading at the House before the recess.

Moreover, exactly a week ago today, a bill establishing a new CNU regular campus was filed by Cebu First District Representative Rachel Marguerite “Cutie” Del Mar at the House of Representatives. House Bill No. 11256 establishing CNU-CCCC or Central Cebu City Campus shall primarily offer a Doctor of Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Juris Doctor or Law, Public Health, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Pharmaceuticals, Radiology, Bio-Medical Technology, Midwifery, Public Health Education, Tourism, Hotel and Hospitality Management, Business and Economics and such programs within its areas of competency and specialization. It is the sixth House Bill filed in Congress to establish an additional regular CNU campus. The bill was already endorsed to the committee level in just a week.

Once CNU-CCCC is established, the CNU Main Campus will mainly house education programs. Soon, the main campus will become an education policy and curriculum enhancement hub in the Philippines.

Barely a week after the CNU-CCCC bill was filed by Rep. Del Mar, Cebu Fifth District Rep. Vincent “Duke” Frasco also filed another bill establishing CNU-Poro campus on Camotes Island in northern Cebu.

This Friday, January 24, Congressman Edsel Galeos and I will meet with Dalaguete Mayor Ronald Allan Cesante to discuss the possibility of creating the CNU-Dalaguete Campus.

We hope and pray that all of these will soon be realized for the betterment of Cebuanos, and for the betterment of all. The reason we commit to advance education and expand access to quality learning opportunities, and to create programs that promote institutional development and academic enhancement, including but not limited to, student training and academic exchanges.

Under my administration, we will push and strive harder to have world-class campuses.

Our beloved institution has also reached a pivotal milestone with the approved 2024 Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 8688 entitled “An Act Converting the Cebu State College into a State University to be known as Cebu Normal University.” This is the first in 122 years that we issued an IRR, which was approved by the CNU Board of Regents through Resolution No. 306, series of 2024. The IRR was published in the Official Gazette and in a newspaper of general circulation. Now, our IRR is now being used by other SUCs as a reference.

The university’s PRAISE Manual was also granted with copyright in September 2024. This significant development marked a crucial step in the university’s commitment to fostering a strong culture of Intellectual Property protection, laying the groundwork for future innovation and academic excellence. Also, we must ensure continual improvements in SUC level, ISO surveillance, and PRIME-HRM audit.

We envision CNU to become Level IV SUC, the second highest status, from its current status of Level III. A higher level indicates that an institution is comparable to the best universities or colleges in Asia. The level does not only signify the performance of an SUC as correlated to other institutions but rather shows its development phase relative to existing standards. With a higher SUC level, an institution is expected to enjoy both prestige and benefits. Moreover, the level also means responsibility. An advanced SUC level corresponds to a more challenging role and expectations. To attain our envisioned status, we need to work harder. Our aspiration to become a Level IV SUC demands superior accomplishments to attain.

We also envision to further strengthening our PRIME-HRM (Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management) to attain excellence in our HR processes and systems. Per the core HRM system, our institution has maturity level 2. But we aim to transform CNU’s HRM system, competencies, and practices to a level of excellence that fosters good governance. By 2027, CNU will be SUC Level IV and PRIME-HRM Level 3.

It is paramount to ensure the university’s quality management system continues to meet the requirements of the ISO 9001 standard. This was evident when the university secured its ISO recertification on January 24, 2024 and is valid for three years until January 24, 2027. This is also a testament that CNU’s administration and management of BOR-

approved and CHED-recognized programs and initiatives, including instruction, research, extension, technical services, and essential support to operations, services, and facilities are compliant with international standards.

The three major surveillance and accreditation processes, the SUC leveling, COPC, and AACCUP accreditation, will really matter to our budget.

This year, we will also revise our University Code to ensure it sets the management and operational standards of the school to address the peculiarities and needs of the university and its stakeholders, particularly the students it serves. All our manuals must also be revised. So far, there are 15 manuals of operations from different colleges, offices, and units approved by the Board of Regents in 2024.

CNU ensures that the subsidy from the national government and the income (off-budget) funds are translated to the major final outputs expected of a state university. As of December 31, 2024, the university’s efficiency in budget spending under the continuing and current appropriations General Fund registered 94% in budget utilization rate (BUR) with an obligated amount of around P2.51 billion out of the P2.67 billion allotment. However, our BUR disbursement is still 20%, pending the disbursement of P1.9 billion in capital outlay. As for our Special Trust Fund (Off-Budget Fund), we registered 68% or P110.38 million utilization rate per obligation, while P59% or P64.87 million in disbursements out of the allotment totaling P161.2 million.

During the 3rd and last quarters of 2023 when I assumed office, our fund utilization yielded positive results. The strict observance of the Cash Based Budgeting and the regular monitoring of the procurement activities of the university contributed to the increase in the disbursements BUR which increased to 96% in 2023 from 95% Disbursements BUR in 2022.

To implement the different programs, projects, and activities of the university, a total of P562M was spent by the university in 2023 broken down into a General Fund (GF) of P465 million and an Off-Budget Fund of P97 million.

Under my administration, the University will continue reviewing its systems, processes, and protocols to ensure that the nation’s investments are maximized and translated into products and services for its stakeholders.

As for the university’s proposed 2026 budget, it has already been endorsed in toto by the Regional Development Council in Central Visayas on January 17. We are proposing P20.89 billion for Tier 1 and Tier 2 programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) and legislative priorities for next year. This covers P321.5 million for the restoration of the administrative building, P2.2 billion for the construction of the CNU- VSMMC-COM building, P250 million for CNU-Medellin eight-story dormitel, P200 million for CNU-

Catmon four-story multi-purpose building, P150 million for CNU-Balamban auditorium building, and P150 million for CNU-Medellin multi-purpose gymnasium, to name a few.

All that I have said may not come to fruition without this budget. I would like to request the Department of Budget Management present today, the people of the Republic of the Philippines are listening, this is what we need. Also, to the congressmen and legislators present today, please endorse our budget to the plenary.

The opportune time has come for the university must endeavor its institutional transformation in harmony with the education, social, and technological changes. Thereby, by 2027, my administration will lobby for the conversion of CNU into a Philippine Smart State University(PSSU). We will push and persevere to make our golden journey aspirations come true.

As your humble servant and president, I will not rest on my laurels. I will continue putting forth effort, innovate, and advance CNU’s status of excellence. Just like the rest of you, I will keep bringing joy and pride to our beloved CNU. Me being named as the Outstanding State University President in the country at the Asia Pinnacle Awards 2024 was a testament that our holistic and remarkable contributions and service made an invaluable impact on the lives of our clientele.

In conclusion, sa atong mga kaigsuonan, sa atong mga pinalanggang Cebuanos, to the CNU Board of Regents, to the Congress of the Philippines, to the faculty members and administrative staff, to the students the reason for the existence of this university, and to all of you present today, as we embark on this golden journey towards elevating CNU to new heights, I encourage everyone, our faculty, admin, and students, to collaborate in building a CNU that not only upholds its historical prestige but also pioneers of transformative changes for the betterment of humanity. In view of the foregoing, ladies and gentlemen, I am happy to tell you that the state of Cebu Normal University is resoundingly strong and resilient. Padayon, CNU. All hail crimson and gold. Daghan’g salamat!