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November 17, 2023November 17, 2023

CNU conducts orientation and roadmap development for ESD and GCED

Cebu Normal University (CNU) — spearheaded by the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Office — successfully conducted a three-day workshop entitled “Training and Developing Futures Thinking Research: Brainstorming CNU Writing Proposal Writeshop on ESD and GCEd.” This workshop is also supported by the Planning, Foresight, and Futures Thinking Unit and was participated by administrative officials, Department and College Chairs, and non-teaching staff representatives.

The workshop began last November 13 with ESD Fundamentals, Framework, and Implementation. This was facilitated by the Interim President of the Cagayan de Oro College — Dr. Jestoni Babia. During the workshop, Dr. Babia recalled on how CNU was given the opportunity to integrate ESD into existence in the country. He also introduced different ESD frameworks — including the Asia-Pacific ESD Teacher Competency Framework which he co-created with Dr. Ethel Abao, the former CNU CTE Dean — as well as different analyses on ESD. The facilitator encouraged the participants to determine the root problems and causes of poor quality education through the Problem Tree Analysis. Most of the participants agreed on different leadership priorities as well as poor strategic planning to be such issues. Furthermore, Dr. Babia emphasized the importance of institutionalizing ESD and recognizing CNU’s ESD stakeholders. At the end of the workshop, the participants described their ideals for ESD in CNU — to be a “High Impact Institution,” an “Internationally-recognized ESD and GCEd Center,” and to be an “ESD and GCEd Global Hub or Great Technology Hub.”

The second part of the workshop was conducted on the next day with the Introduction to GCEd and GCEd in the Philippine Context. Philippine Normal University professor and GCED Cooperation Centre (GCC) Philippines Deputy Director — Prof. Carl Dellomos — facilitated the workshop. Prof. Dellomos focused on orienting the participants about the importance of integrating GCEd into the educational framework and how its effective implementation must extend, not only to faculty and students, but to administrative offices and the non-teaching staff. The participants were tasked to conduct a GCEd SWOT analysis and the facilitator gave out pointers on how their respective offices can contribute to the GCEd integration in CNU. Dr. Janet Mananay, GCEd Region 7 focal person reiterated that these will be the spring board for GCED initiatives in the university.

Additionally on the 2^nd day, Dr. Rebecca Rosario Bercasio — Director of the Bicol University’s Center for Teaching Excellence — inspired the participants by sharing Bicol University’s best practices in GCEd implementation. She joined virtually via Zoom and discussed about their Regional Training on GCED in Bicol — which aims to transform teachers and transform communities — as well as their Project MENTOR (Motivate, Engage, Nurture, Team-up, Organize, and Reflect). One of the highlights from her presentation includes Bicol University’s pursuit for GCEd during the pandemic. Dr. Bercasio also shared Bicol University’s lessons and ways forward with the GCEd agenda.

Through these engagements, the participants were able to present their GCEd SWOT analyses as well as take on a logic frame for possible GCEd activities on the third and final day on November 15.

Each workshop had an open forum where the participants were given the opportunity to ask questions and engage with the facilitators. To end, the closing remarks were given by Dr. Jeson Bustamante, Director of the Planning, Foresight, and Futures Thinking Unit.

With the theme, “Empowering Tomorrow’s Global Citizens and Sustainability Leaders,” this two-part workshop becomes an avenue to map out existing Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Global Citizenship Education (GCEd) practices of the university and aspires to ignite a collective commitment to fostering global citizens and sustainability leaders who will, in turn, guide CNU toward a more sustainable, just, and interconnected future.

As remarked by Prof. Rhoniel Ryan Ymbong, “As a student of Science, I believe in one ecological idea: The Gaia Hypothesis. It states that everything is interconnected with everything else, that the world is a super organism. When one part is nonfunctional, then the entire biosphere will face the consequences. So, let us take part and do the little ripples we can create for us to move forward.”

November 10, 2023November 10, 2023

CNU welcomes distinguished professor from Indonesia

Professor Achmad Arifin, affiliated with the Biomedical Engineering Department at the Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) of Indonesia, visited Cebu Normal University (CNU) last 06-07 November 2023 to meet with various offices to create a meaningful working partnership.

The collaboration between CNU and ITS began through the University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP) Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) Course Development Program where Prof. Arifin partnered with Dr. Janet Mananay, the CTE IZN Focal Person. This launched the “Assistive Technology to Improve Learning Performance of Students with Language and Communication Disabilities,” which will also be led by Dr. Venus Cortes, Program Chair for BSNEd.

Prof. Arifin’s visit was an auspicious occasion to discuss and explore ways forward with our academic cooperation with ITS. He was received by Dr. Mananay and Dr. Cortes and was introduced to Dr. Genara Pacaña, the Director of the Center for Internationalization, ODL, and CELL. The professor also sat down with the University President and the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Internationalization for a series of exploratory meetings and partnership deliberations.

During his visit, Prof. Arifin was toured in the SPED Center, which will play a significant role in this partnership. The COIL Project with ITS is focused in the understanding and assessment of assistive technology to help the learning process of students with language and communication disabilities. The BSNEd students in CNU will be learning together with the Biomedical Engineering students in ITS. A coordination meeting together with Prof. Arifin, Dr. Cortes, Ms. Marites Serenado and Ms. Fanny Mae Mobida was conducted at the CTE Dean’s Office.

Prof. Arifin’s second day in CNU started with a lecture session at the ACAS Building with Mr. Rhoniel Ryan Ymbong’s Biotechnology class. During this interaction, he gave a discussion on biomedical engineering and assistive technology with Third Year BS Biology students. In here, there was an exchange of ideas regarding science, technology, and engineering. The professor also showed video clips of the innovative projects done in ITS. He remarked about the enthusiasm and curiosity of the students after the class.

The professor also stood as a special guest during the “Training Workshop on the Development and Validation of Needs Assessment Instrument for Community Extension Projects” hosted by the Extension Services Office at the Summit Galleria Cebu, where he met the Vice President for Research, Publication, Innovation, Commercialization, and Extension and the Dean of the College of Teacher Education. Prof. Arifin also sat down with other faculty members from different colleges who were keen for exploratory discussions for ITS collaborations.

Finally, in the spirit of Filipino hospitality, Prof. Arifin was taken on a tour around the historical landmarks in Cebu City.

A strong dedication to strategic internationalization is demonstrated by the recent cooperative efforts between the Center for Internationalization, ODL, and CELL and our international partners. The openness of the academic units, which allows the University to forge meaningful links across international borders, further supports this commitment.

November 6, 2023November 7, 2023

Lecture Series on Language Documentation in a Multilingual Society

CNU English Language Majors gathered on October 26, 2023 at the Tandang Sora Hall to listen and learn from an informative lecture series organized by Dr. Janet Mananay and the English Fellows Organization about the realities and complexities of the English language in globalization. The lecture started with a thought provoking question by Dr. Reynaldo Inocian in his Welcome Remarks which said, “Who owns the English language?” This question is a great way to open the talk as it unlocked the curiosity of the audience. Dr. Inocian concluded his message explaining that no one owns the English language exclusively because of the different varieties of English. Following the Welcome Remarks is the Inspirational Message from CTE Dean, Dr. Amelia Bonotan who emphasized how the Internet revolutionized our lives by creating a global society with a dynamic language. She said that in this era, we have to embrace the effects of globalization and part of it is to be open to the changes of language.

The first speaker is Dr. Aurelio Vilbar who talked about Intercultural Communicative Competence for Multilingual Filipino English Speakers. He presented the different realities of a multilingual society like the Philippines. Firstly, he pointed out that the language learned at home is not really used and taught in school. He connected this with his study about the Mother Tongue Based-Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) where he found out that teachers have difficulties in teaching certain subjects with the formal and deep register of MTB. Teachers said that despite teaching in Mother-Tongue for the students, they still go back in using the English language to make learning easy and understandable. Another reality presented is the sustainability of teaching the Muslim students in public schools. Muslims use different language so they need a teacher who knows their language as well as culture. This difference plays a role on the sustainability of education for the students because the less teachers there are to teach them, the lesser education would be given for the students. Last reality presented is the fact of having World Englishes which are the varieties of English being used and spoken by different people around the world. These Englishes made the language global, dynamic, and unique. With this reality, Dr. Vilbar finished his talk with this message, “It is more on the sensitivity to one’s culture to be communicably competent in an intercultural society.” It is based on one’s preferences on what variety of language to use as long as it is understandable for him or her and to the person being communicated.

The second speaker is Prof. Dr. Peter Siemund whose talk revolved around his research on Global English in its Local Multilingual Ecologies. He started his talk with a simple thought, “To make the world a better place, you must learn to understand.” He presented his research on the place of English language in local languages used in certain places like Singapore and Dubai. He pointed out that as time goes by, a language shift is happening where English language is now widely used among other languages. This brings risk to the extinction and dying of other languages when they will not be used anymore by its speakers. Dr. Siemund’s thoughts on this reality is focused on the fact that English is permanent. It will always be there to stay and flourish. However, to use English does not mean that one would have to give up on using other languages. English may be universal now but people should not forget their other language which also shapes their own culture.

Overall, the two talks given by Dr. Vilbar and Dr. Siemund share an emphasis of understanding the varieties of English and the call for awareness on the language shift of English happening today. Both believe that with the widespread use of English, people did not realize that they have slowly turned back on other languages and forget it. Lastly, they are open to the usage of the different varieties of English as long as it is understandable. One does not have to be strict or be standard-based in using the correct form of the English language because it is a dynamic and evolving language. Each place has its different form of it. There is no correct or standard form of English, even the American-English and British-English are just part of these varieties of English.

The lecture series ended with Dr. Janet Mananay’s noteworthy hashtag about the event which is #EnglishForLOVE. She gave meaning to each letter of the word LOVE which are the following: L=Language, O=Openness, V=Vigor, E=Endless. This acronym concluded the lecture series with a thought that language is dynamic. Thus, openness is important to understand each other and make the world a better place. Moreover, emerging issues and concerns revolving around language are crucial. Thus, the lecture series ignited the vigor in the hearts of the English major students who are there to become fighters on advocating awareness on the great power of language to society. Lastly, there are endless possibilities that could happen with the English language as well as to the other languages. Hence, people shall also be ready and open for these possibilities to understand each other and continue making the world a better place to live.

October 31, 2023November 6, 2023

News Update: CHEDRO VII SUC TWG for CNU’s LUDIP holds a conference at CNU-Medellin

The CHEDRO VII Technical Working Group (TWG) for State Universities and Colleges’ (SUCs) Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP) visited the Cebu Normal University-Medellin Campus and held a conference on Friday afternoon, October 27, 2023, at the CNU-M’s Foreign Language room.

The LUDIP is based on Republic Act No. 11396, which mandates compliance with land use plans and practices in state universities and colleges (SUCs) to ensure coordination across geographical boundaries. The conference is about onsite monitoring and validation on campus and CNU’s LUDIP was successfully presented by Dr. Jeson Bustamante, OIC Director for Planning, Foresight and Futures Thinking.

The TWG composed of Ms. Zarah Leigh Ranile-DBM, Engr. Gerry V. Araneta-Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP), Dr. Sotera C. Cagang- CHEDRO VII, Ms. Jacqueline Pono- Te, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and Dr. Leonardo R. Tanael, Jr.-CHEDRO VII organized a post-validation conference after the ocular validation process to provide necessary feedback regarding the validation’s results. Moreover, the office will send an official report to the institution on the TWG findings days after the visit.

Meanwhile, the conference was attended by Dr. Grace N. Malaga, the Campus Director of CNU-Medellin, Archt. Jodl-Job Dabon, Planning Officer III, Engr. Cairns Ragasajo, Engineer II and Mr. Louwell Ponpon, CNU-Medellin’s LUDIP Representative.

Text by Norlyn S. Dela Cruz | BANWAG
Photos by Dr. Grace N. Malaga | CNU-Medellin, Campus Director

August 22, 2023August 30, 2023

CNU Research Institutes bag 4.9M NEDA Innovation Grant 2023

The National Innovation Council – Executive Technical Board (NIC-ETB) of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has approved a ground-breaking initiative sponsored by Cebu Normal University (CNU) to transform the cinnamon sector in Cebu, Philippines on August 11, 2023. The NIC-ETB determined that Cebu Normal Univrsity’s proposal showcased innovative solutions that can significantly unlock new opportunities towards national development and sustainable economic growth.

The project attempts to capitalize on the economic and community development potential of Philippine cinnamon. It was chosen among 287 proposals because of its inclusive approach for social innovation. The primary goal is to set up an innovative cinnamon processing plant in order to increase product quality and match worldwide requirements. Local farmers will be trained to maintain quality and safety using successful foreign models. In addition, the project intends to provide training programs, workshops, festivals, and a regulatory framework to encourage innovation, community engagement, and sustainability.

As the project moves forward, Cebu Normal University, NEDA Regional Office 7 – Central Visayas, and a diverse team of experts from various fields are set to collaborate closely to realize the project’s ambitious goals. The individuals behind this monumental effort include: Dr. Jay P. Picardal, Director of the Research Institute of Tropical Biology & Pharmacological Biotechnology (RITBPB), Dr. Roberto B. Corcino of the Research Institute for Computational Mathematics and Physics (RICMP), Dr. Genara B. Pacaña of the Institute for Research in Innovative Instructional Delivery (IRIID), Dr. Roselle A. Jardin, former Director of the Research Institute for Public Administration and Governance (RIPG) and two faculty members from the College of Teacher Education Dr. Lelani C. Dapat and Dr. Marchee T. Picardal.

This project was recommended for approval by former VP – REP, Dr. Angeline M. Pogoy and endorsed to NEDA Innovation Council by then OIC to the Office of the President, Dr. Filomena T. Dayagbil. During the project’s implementation, the new management under the leadership of our university President, Dr. Daniel A. Ariaso, Sr. and with the supervision of the newly-designated VP REP, Dr. Rufina C. Rosaroso.

The approval of the “From Farm to Market: Co-creating the Cinnamon Industry in Cebu, Philippines” project serves as a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in propelling economic growth and fostering community empowerment. As Cebu, Philippines prepares to embark on this transformative journey, the nation watches with eager anticipation as the aromatic potential of cinnamon is unlocked, paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future.

Coordination Meeting at CNU for the approved NEDA Innovation Grant Project August 18, 2023 (From left: Neil Andrew Menjares – Supervising Economic Development Specialist, NEDA Regional Office 7 Dolores J. Molintas – Assistant Regional Director, NEDA Regional Office 7 Dr. Daniel Ariaso, Sr. – CNU President Dr. Jay P. Picardal – RITBPB Director)

Words by: Marie Therese Pacaña, BA COMM – JOURNALISM III

July 14, 2023July 17, 2023

Successful Accreditation of CNU’s MS Math Program by DOST-SEI: A Milestone for Project STRAND

INTRODUCTION

Cebu Normal University (CNU) has achieved a significant milestone in its academic journey as it was granted accreditation for its Master of Science in Mathematics (MS Math) program by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The successful evaluation and ocular visit conducted by the DOST representatives, led by former DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña, together with DOST-SEI Deputy Director Engr. Albert Mariño, DOST-7 Regional Director Engr. Jesus Zamora, and other math experts, on July 11, 2023, at the EMMA Center in Cebu City marked an important step in CNU’s participation in the DOST-SEI STRAND Scholarship Program. The accreditation has positioned CNU as one of the delivering institutions for the MS Math program under Project STRAND.

EVALUATION PROCESS AND OCULAR VISIT

The evaluation process and ocular visit were carried out meticulously to assess the suitability of CNU’s MS Math program for inclusion in the DOST-SEI STRAND Scholarship Program. The DOST representatives, comprised of experts in the field of mathematics and education, thoroughly examined various aspects of the program, including its curriculum, faculty qualifications, research facilities, and overall infrastructure.

The ocular visit began at 8:00 AM, with the DOST representatives being warmly welcomed by the CNU faculty and staff. The evaluation team had the opportunity to interact with the program coordinators, faculty members, and students of the MS Math program. They engaged in productive discussions, gaining insights into the program’s academic rigor, research initiatives, and overall learning environment.

ACCREDITATION AND SIGNIFICANCE

Following a comprehensive assessment, the DOST representatives acknowledged the commendable efforts of CNU in offering a high-quality MS Math program. The successful accreditation serves as a testament to CNU’s commitment to excellence in education and research, as well as its alignment with the objectives of the DOST-SEI STRAND Scholarship Program.

By being granted accreditation, CNU joins the ranks of esteemed institutions contributing to the advancement of science and technology in the country. The MS Math program at CNU will provide aspiring mathematicians with a robust academic foundation, extensive research opportunities, and access to a supportive community of scholars.

The inclusion of CNU as a delivering institution for the DOST-SEI STRAND Scholarship Program expands opportunities for talented individuals pursuing advanced studies in mathematics. It opens doors for aspiring researchers and professionals, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute to the development of the nation in various sectors, including education, industry, and research.

CONCLUSION

The successful accreditation of CNU’s MS Math program by the DOST through the evaluation and ocular visit conducted by the esteemed representatives led by former DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña signifies a significant achievement for the university. This accreditation under the DOST-SEI STRAND Scholarship Program reinforces CNU’s position as an institution of academic excellence and further elevates its stature in the field of mathematics education.

CNU’s commitment to providing a robust academic program, state-of-the-art facilities, and a nurturing learning environment sets the stage for the next generation of mathematicians to thrive and make valuable contributions to the field. The accreditation serves as a testament to the dedication and hard work of the university’s faculty, staff, and students in pursuing excellence in education and research.

With the accreditation, CNU is poised to make a significant impact on the advancement of mathematics in the country, contributing to the development of a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce. The university’s participation in the DOST-SEI STRAND Scholarship Program signifies its commitment to national development through the promotion of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

The successful conduct of the TWG evaluation and ocular visit is a milestone that marks the beginning of a new chapter for CNU’s MS Math program. It is a testament to the university’s dedication to providing quality education and research opportunities to students, further cementing its position as a leading institution in the field of mathematics education in the country.

July 4, 2023July 4, 2023

SENIOR’S DAY with a TWIST

The Research Institute for Ageing and Health (RIAH) of Cebu Normal University conducted a Senior’s Day in Brgy. Tabunan, Cebu City last March 19, 2023. The activity is part of the RIAH advocacy for senior citizens. A health education was conducted and the twist initiated was the Zumba gold. Ways of caring for the self through nutrition and hygiene as well as tips on how to enjoy the provisions of the Senior Citizen’s Law to enable them to have discounted rates for medicines, food, and entertainment were presented to the senior citizens.

This activity enables the RIAH advocacy and research findings to be implemented at the community level. This is also the university’s contribution to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

July 4, 2023July 4, 2023

The 1st Health Systems Research Workshop Series In the University

Health research has high value to society. It can provide important information about disease trends and risk factors, outcomes of treatment or public health interventions, functional abilities, patterns of care, and health care costs and use. The different approaches to research provide complementary insights. These forms of health research have led to significant discoveries, the development of new therapies, and a remarkable improvement in health care and public health.

As the youngest and growing college of Cebu Normal University (CNU), the CNU- Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) College of Medicine in coordination with the Center for Research and Development and the Research Institute for Ageing and Health has launched the first Health Systems Research Workshop Series. This includes significant training and workshops in health research that could help influence and encourage each faculty to develop an attitude and interest in making research protocols and outputs. The initiative of spearheading the very first health research workshop of the College of Medicine serves as the primary step for the college to achieve its greater leap toward excellence in the field of faculty research.

The workshop series is under the training expertise of Dr. Fely Marilyn Lorenzo, a Former Professor at the University of the Philippines and a renowned health policy development enthusiast in the country. Phase 1 was conducted last April 26-28, 2023 at One Central Hotel. This focused on the conceptualization and development of the health systems research proposal. And the 2nd Phase was at St. Mark’s Hotel last May 24-26, 2023 where all faculty members of the College of Medicine presented their proposal to the panel members: Dr. Fely Marilyn Lorenzo, Dr. Daisy R. Palompon, Dr. Laurence Garcia, and Mrs. Jillian Bejoc. The next Phases to look forward to are Phase 3 on Data Analysis and Phase 4 on writing the publishable paper. The training was managed by the CRD staff Mr. Dexter Ontoy, Mr. Mario Marababol, Mr. Jose Rey Ocat, and RIAH staff Ms. Cindy Montegrande.

The celebration of the 116th CNU Foundation