Lauding of Laudes: CNU applauds CAS awardees

Cebu Normal University (CNU) commended 556 College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) academic awardees and 9 non-academic awardees today, May 31, 2023, at the Samuel MacClintock (SM) Hall.
 
The Latin honorees, along with their proud parents, created a ring of proud clamor as they marched to claim the fruits of their labor within their four years of stay at the university.
 
The theme, “Creating the Desired Future Today: Graduates as Prime Movers of Sustainable Development” served as the guiding light for CAS Dean Dr. Milagros Greif’s opening remarks.
 
“You have the power to transform industries, communities, and mindsets as you build the future we all aspire to see,” she emphasized.
 
Greif urged the graduates to be the prime movers of sustainable development as they go beyond the university’s walls.
 
Meanwhile, the personification of Normalite excellence Summa Cum Laude Lyngil T. Olivar (Bachelor of Arts in Communication major in Film Media IV) expressed her pride towards her batch during her response speech.
 
“You cannot tell an empty stomach to wait for the diploma. But no matter what your circumstances are, I’m proud of you, guys!” she said.
 
Non-academic awardees were also recognized and awarded for their exemplary performance and service during their time as Normalites. §
 
Words by Kimberly Keith Gonzaga
Photos by Mardy May Amancio and Kitana Marie Misa
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CNU recognizes CTE, CN Latin honorees

With the theme “Creating the Desired Future Today, Graduates as Prime Movers of Sustainable Development,” Cebu Normal University (CNU) recognized 706 College of Teacher Education (CTE) and 54 College of Nursing (CN) academic and non-academic awardees at Samuel MacClintock (SM) Hall today, May 30, 2023.
 
“You have proven [yourselves] to be exceptional scholars of the government. You are diligent learners, compassionate individual[s] who understand the importance of sustainable development,” CTE Dean Dr. Helen B. Boholano expressed in her welcoming remarks.
 
Boholano reminded the honorees to embrace innovation, challenge the status quo, and never lose sight of their vision for a better world.
 
In her response speech for the Educators’ side, Jayen T. Guasa (Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science IV), one of CTE’s two Summa Cum Laudes, emphasized that relationships are pillars of strength during challenging times.
 
“Carry your torch of accomplishments with humility, knowing that true greatness is not measured by awards and medals but the impact you have on the lives of others,” she said.
 
Another CTE Summa Cum Laude, Zerah Charley I. Cabahug (Bachelor of Physical Education IV) recounted the fears and triumphs of their journey.
 
“[God] constantly reminds us that [in] everything [that] we do, we do it for our future and for our practice,” she stated.
 
Meanwhile, CN’s Magna Cum Laude, Patrice Danielle C. Lim (Bachelor of Science in Nursing IV) asked her fellow graduates that in the face of adverse paths, they “meet those challenges straight on with your head held high and your heart wide open.”
 
In the afternoon ceremony, special awards and citations for graduate school studies were recognized.
 
The CNU Chorale, led by Mr. Rithchie A. Asibal, serenaded the awardees, their parents, and the guests with the song “Give Me Wings.” §
 
Words by Andrea Ellaine Galorport and Jessa Sestoso
Photos by Argeline Albior and Darylle Dinaguit
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Normalite bags arnis SEA Games silver

Cebu Normal University’s (CNU) Ma. Crystal Jane Sapio (Bachelor of Physical Education IV) of the Philippine women’s arnis anyo team snatched the silver medal in the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games competition hosted at Phnom Penh, Cambodia, last May 16, 2023.
 
Sapio’s training journey began with courage and perseverance until she was recognized and granted the break to represent the Philippines for the women’s anyo non-traditional open weapon category, alongside Jeanette Agapito and Mary Allin Aldeguer.
 
During the competition, the team displayed an artistic demonstration of arnis anyo as their swift movements synchronized and displayed offensive and defensive techniques using a replica of a non-bladed weapon.
 
In her Facebook post, Sapio extended her gratitude to the people behind her achievement, including her family, the Philippine National Arnis Team (PNAT), the Lapu-Lapu Arnis De Abanico coaches, and even the CNU community.
 
“To my CNU FAMILY, thank you so much sa inyong lahat. To my mentor Miss Mary Flor Ilustrisimo Villaruel, ILS (Integrated Laboratory School) supervisor Dr. Bojos, and University President Ma’am Filomena T. Dayagbil. Thank you so much for the kind consideration and for allowing me to pursue my career in [the] national team while continuing my studies in your prestigious institution,” she wrote. “Thank you for your support! Pugay po!”
 
In an interview with Ang Suga, ILS supervisor Dr. Marlon Bojos conveyed his insight on Sapio’s silver medal victory to the CNU pride.
“It made an impact on the university because she [always] carries the name of CNU. Though CNU [only] imparted a little contribution to her physical arnis training, the university is in full support through adjusting her internship schedules. Her victory will boost further the name and morale of the university,” he said.
 
A student-athlete, Sapio is also a graduating student with Latin honors. §
 
Words by Jeorgiemerl Codaste
Photos grabbed from Ma. Crystal Jane Sapio and Philippine Sports Commission
Commission
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

CNU fosters US-PH exchange programs

To commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the United States (US) and the Philippines (PH) exchanges, Cebu Normal University (CNU) hosted the U.S.-PH Exchanges Roadshow at the Tandang Sora Hall yesterday, May 19, 2023.
 
The External Affairs and International Linkages (EAIL) headed by Director Dr. Naila Beltran and the CNU – Tourism Society (TourS), in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines and the U.S. Department of State, spearheaded the event to witness the promotion and strengthening of the U.S. Government exchange programs and opportunities.
 
In her opening speech, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Dr. Gwendelina Villarante described the beauty of the U.S.-PH relationship and the exchanges that brought possibilities for both countries.
 
“We will witness the exchange of ideas, the blending of culture, and the forging of life-long connections as participants engage in academic programs, professional internship[s], cultural exchanges, and entrepreneurial ventures. They will not only enrich their own lives but contribute to the development and progress of both our nations,” she said.
 
Moreover, the Deputy Cultural Attaché of the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Pauline Anderson proudly pointed out the 350 exchanges happening every year and highlighted the US’ high investment in the Philippines’ education.
 
“We are schooled that there are three pillars of our relationship…I go to bed and I think three pillars…those are friends, partners, and allies,” Anderson added.
 
In an interview with Ang Suga, Math Circle Mayor Hon. Niño Rey L. Armas expressed his joy in joining the event and shared that it was “beneficial” on his part.
 
U.S. experiences
 
Public Engagement Specialist of the U.S. Embassy of the Philippines Helen Vallejos directed the discussion on the plethora of programs and exchange opportunities and underlined the specifications of each program, such as the age requirement and application process.
 
Vallejos accentuated the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) as the U.S. Government’s most featured program in liaison and leadership training in Southeast Asia and the Fulbright program that offers scholarships.
 
“Don’t be intimidated by the idea of trying to apply, don’t be afraid of rejections. The first step is for you to just start applying [and] unless you start doing that, you won’t really get a hang of how to do your applications,” Vallejos reminded.
 
Meanwhile, YSEALI Professional Fellowship Alumna Atty. Aliko Garganera; Fulbright CHED Alumnus Arch. Neil Andrew Menjares; and Fulbright CHED Alumnus Mr. Adrian Perez Del Monte graced the event as speakers in the panel discussions and narrated their struggles in applying and their life abroad.
 
“Be truthful sa imohang narrative…for example, these are your goals in life, make sure na they are truthful and pwede siya mabuhat ba, dili nga you are aiming for the biggest stars. Maybe start from simple na mga pangandoy nga achievable,” Del Monte said.
 
Meanwhile, YSEALI Alumni and Tourism Faculty Member Ms. Clareziel D. Ladringan conveyed how important the event was for students to experience the opportunity to live abroad fully funded by the government.
 
“I can say that no amount of heartbreak can equate to the gains you will gain once you join the fellowship. I can say it’s a life-changing experience for me to be able to go to these programs,” she shared. §
 
Words by Aldwin Villacrucis
Photos by Angeline Cediño
Photos by Angeline Cediño
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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CNU-Main, Medellin top WURI ranking

Cebu Normal University’s (CNU) Main and Medellin campuses came in 10th and 50th, respectively, in the Crisis Management category of the annual World Universities with Real Impact (WURI) rankings released yesterday, May 18, 2023.
 
Ascending to the heights of the crimson and gold standard, CNU-Main secured the highest ranking among its previous editions – now ranking 2nd nationwide and 10th worldwide, finishing 14th in 2021 and 15th in 2022 in the same category globally.
 
The crisis management criteria evaluate the university’s real contributions to society, highlighting creative and innovative approaches to universities’ research and educational programs amid global and local crises.
 
Dr. Michelle Mae Olvido, Presidential Assistant for the Planning and Development Office and Chair of the Technical Working Group (TWG) for WURI 2023, expressed in a Facebook post her gratitude to the CNU community as “a testament to [a] team effort.”
 
“Allow me to make a special mention to the proponents of our three projects submitted for evaluation this year: the College of Teacher Education (CTE) headed by Dean Helen Boholano, College of Nursing (CN) headed by Dean Jezyl Cempron Cutamora, and CNU-Medellin Campus headed by Director Grace Nellas Malaga,” she said.
 
Olvido further mentioned that CNU-Medellin’s first attempt at the world rankings became fruitful as they ranked 50th globally and 6th nationally in the crisis management category.
 
“Three years and counting…hopefully more to come as we continue to carry on CNU’s excellence manifested through work that targets [on] significance,” she added.
 
Breaking its previous record as 101st-200th placer in the Global Innovative Universities last 2022, CNU-Main also grabbed 98th place among the Global Top 100 Innovative Universities 2023, bagging the 7th place among other national universities.
 
WURI is a global ranking of universities with industrial application, entrepreneurial spirit, ethical value, student mobility and openness, crisis management, and the fourth Industrial Revolution as its six categories for evaluation.
 
Other national universities that secured spots were Far Eastern University – Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation (FEU-NRMF), Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), Far Eastern University Institute of Technology (FEU-Tech), and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta (UPHSD). §
 
Words by Marjuice Destinado
Layout by Josi Mari Malazarte

CNU, MRU pact alliance

Cebu Normal University (CNU) officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Manav Rachna University (MRU) of India via Zoom today, May 18, 2023.
 
After a series of prior engagements steered by the College of Teacher Education (CTE) – Internalization, the CNU and MRU partnership was formally cemented, bringing forth prospects for student and faculty exchange programs, research collaboration, and joint online learning.
 
Correspondingly, the focal fields of the accord are behavioral sciences, media and humanities studies, hotel management, culinary arts, applied sciences, and education.
 
Anchored by the Internalization Chair Dr. Janet Mananay, with the External Affairs and International Linkages (EAIL) Director Dr. Naila Beltran, the ceremony was outset by messages from either dignitary.
 
Vice President for Research, Extension, and Publication Dr. Angeline Pogoy expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership by accenting both universities’ “shared efforts and unwavering determination [to] create a brighter future for students.”
 
“Our partnership aims to promote cross-cultural understanding, diversity, and innovation, enriching the academic experiences of our students and professors alike,” she said.
 
Pogoy furthered that she is honored to join hands with MRU, calling it an institution “known for innovation, research-driven approach, and dedication to holistic development.”
 
Meanwhile, International Affairs Executive Director Colonel Girish Kumar Sharma conveyed gratitude for the sealing of matters, considering the amount of energy and effort in initiating dialogue between the schools.
 
“I am very optimistic that our relationship will be a sustained one, and in [the] long term, our two universities will bond together,” Sharma stated.
 
In an interview with Ang Suga, Mananay underlined the importance of “bridging the gap” by strengthening intercultural relations.
 
“Initiatives should be made clear,” Mananay shared, “which is why the ceremonial MOA signing had to be done. [Internalization] is now really the direction of the university, gearing towards collaboration with universities outside the country [and] moving towards forging friendships.” §
 
Words and Screenshots by Carlos Leopoldo Cabeza III

CNU triumphs regional research competition

Cebu Normal University’s (CNU) fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Zoology representatives bagged 1st place in the 8th Central Visayas Health Research and Innovation Conference (CVHRIC) on May 10–12, 2023, at the Siquijor State College (SSC).
 
Organized by the Central Visayas Consortium for Health Research and Development (CVCHRD) with the theme “The Roles of Academe, Industry, and Government in the Attainment of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals,” the event was attended by esteemed scientists, professionals, and students.
 
It featured research activities such as infographics, infomercials, poster presentations, and the oral presentation of research.
 
The winning experimental study entitled, “Cinnamomum cebuense L. Phytochemicals as Targeted Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: In Silico and In Vitro Evaluation” was led by Normalites Beatrice Rae Datiles, Happy Marie Abad, Vanessa Ompong, Gianne Abay, and Daryl Bace.
 
In an interview with Ang Suga, Datiles shared that their research focused on using the extract of an endemic plant species, the Cebu Cinnamon, to evaluate its potential as an anticancer agent, particularly against hepatocellular carcinoma.
 
The study used computer-aided methods with an experimental assay to evaluate whether the compounds found in this plant have anticancer properties and toxicity.
 
Despite the challenges and lack of prior training in silico methods, the team overcame these obstacles through the guidance and support of their advisers, Dr. Jay Picardal and Mr. Seagal Asjali, MSc., RChem.
 
“Participating in this big research event was overwhelming, yet exciting and fulfilling. It has opened doors for us to continue our research endeavors and contribute to the scientific community locally, nationally, and globally. This is just a stepping stone towards our personal and academic growth,” Datiles said.
 
Meanwhile, Research Institute of Tropical Biology and Pharmacological Biotechnology (RITBPB) Director and thesis adviser Dr. Jay Picardal, MS, Ph.D. believed that their research students stand out due to their strong theoretical understanding of the research problem.
 
He emphasized the importance of having a working knowledge of literature, experimental design, research protocols, and data analysis tools and being ready for open forum discussions.
 
Assistance for research initiatives
 
Picardal also shared that he plans to continue supporting research endeavors by providing technical assistance related to biological experimentations.
 
“However, given the lack of manpower in the office, the response to queries and clarifications is dependent on my available time. For this academic year, I already provided help to some medical students, biology majors, and science education majors who intend to conduct life science experiments,” he added.
 
Picardal encouraged thesis advisers to make students appreciate the scientific method, provide the needed theoretical understanding of the topic, assist them in hypothesis generation and testing, reach out, and employ independent learning approaches.
 
“As mentors, our major role is to assist and provide guidance, and we must extend the extra mile to be more understanding, patient, and considerate,” he said.
 
Words by Alea Marie Bareng
Photos grabbed from Jay Picardal and CNU-Biological Society
 

CNU places 43rd in EduRank nationwide

Among the 229 universities nationwide, Cebu Normal University (CNU) ranked 43rd among the top 100 best universities in the Philippines based on the recent EduRank 2023 rankings.
 
CNU also landed 4th among the 10 universities in Cebu, 2,814th out of 5,830 universities in Asia, and 7,259th out of 14,131 universities worldwide.
 
Further, CNU got 23rd place out of 26 based on its research performance in Liberal Arts and Social Science.
 
Dr. Daisy Palompon, Director of the Center for Research and Development, shared in an interview with Ang Suga that the achievement is a great honor for crimson and gold.
 
“It’s an affirmation of the excellent performance of our university through the research accomplishments of our faculty members for the past years,” she said.
 
Palompon further stated that EduRank increased CNU’s visibility both inside and outside the university, implying that the previous years’ efforts in research and research-related activities have already garnered recognition.
 
“This is actually an honor and an accomplishment of the entire university, including our students who are part of the university for the past years until now, and also our faculty and staff who worked together for the improvement of our research culture in the university,” she expressed.
 
The participating Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) were evaluated in three areas, such as research performance (45%), non-academic prominence (45%), and alumna score (10%).
 
As indicated on EduRank’s website, “the rankings are determined by analyzing 373k citations received by 30.4k academic publications made by 229 universities around the Philippines, the popularity of 889 recognized alumni, and the largest reference database available.”
 
Founded in 2022, EduRank is an independent metric-based ranking of 14,131 universities from 183 countries. §
 
Words by Sweety Mae Berandez
Photo grabbed from CNU Facebook page

Ang Suga receives Best Student Publication Award

Joint Task Group (JTG) – Cebu honored Ang Suga Publication with the Best Student Publication Award for writing the best news article about the Youth Leaders’ Forum today, April 27, 2023, at Camp Lapu-Lapu, Brgy. Apas, Cebu City.
 
Held last February 25, 2023, the forum aimed to develop youth and community awareness in partnership with the Cebu City Federation of Tertiary Supreme Student Councils and Governments (CCFTSSCG), JTG-Cebu, and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region VII.
 
Ang Suga’s Lorille Antoinette Mata (Bachelor of Arts in Communication major in Broadcast Journalism IV), Mary Molly Tolentino (Bachelor of Science in Psychology II), and Lera Jane Camangyan (Bachelor of Arts in English Language II) accepted the award for their article “Student leaders, journalists acquaint at Youth Leaders’ Forum.”
 
As the Editor-in-Chief (EIC), Mata shared that the unexpected award is the “blessing and a boost of confidence” that she needed after a jampacked second semester.
 
“In Ang Suga, we put the truth and genuine service first above all else. We see to it that we live by it as student journalists, and we are overwhelmed that people can see and feel it emanate from us, too. We can thrive without validation, but it feels good to be recognized once in a while too,” she added.
 
Mata entered the publication in her first year and now that she is a graduating student, she can attest to the dedication and commitment of Ang Suga’s light-bearers.
 
“Ang Suga will always be the risk that I will always be willing to take, and it’s light I will keep burning in me forever,” she expressed.
 
Spirit of comradeship
 
CCFTSSCG President and Cebu Normal University (CNU) – Supreme Student Council (SSC) President Hon. Shella Carpina conveyed that today’s gathering broke the stereotype between students and men and women in uniform.
 
She furthered that the students and the people in authority are not enemies but allies and commended the authorities for being “pro-student.”
 
Meanwhile, Col. Joey Escanillas, PA, Commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) JTG-Cebu expressed how important it is to involve student publications in their cause because words have power that can influence readers with how to perceive things in the youth and government.
 
Escanillas also shared with Ang Suga his aspiration to conduct contests such as news writing and essay writing every month with specific topics to assess the skills and potential of student journalists. §
Words by Jonalyn Infante
Photos by Nicole Marie Dumayac
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Normalite tops DILG-7 on-the-spot painting contest

In celebration of World Water Day, Normalite Jason Banono (Bachelor of Arts in Communication – Integrated Marketing Communication and Press Relations II) won the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office (RO) 7’s regional on-the-spot painting contest last March 20, 2023.
 
Different Cebu-based colleges and universities participated in the contest which centered on the theme, “Accelerating Change to Solve the Water and Sanitation Crisis.”
 
In an interview with Ang Suga, Banono shared that representing Cebu Normal University (CNU) was a “healthy pressure” that pushed him to do his best and aim for victory.
 
“I feel proud representing the name of the university because not everyone can have that opportunity. It is an honor to do so,” he said.
Banono furthered that he was hesitant to accept the offer because the contest proper fell on the day of the midterm examinations.
 
However, he embraced the challenge and was able to paint a masterpiece in line with the theme within almost four hours.
 
“My artwork emphasizes that clean water should be accessible by everyone, from highly urban cities to the most far-flung areas that need them equally,” stated Banono.
 
He added that the water and sanitation crisis is an issue that cannot be fixed temporarily by bandage solutions.
 
“It sends a message that while we are obliged to help conserve water and not leave a negative impact on the environment, we can only do so much in bringing out real impactful change. A collaborative work between authorities and citizens is a must,” he concluded.
 
Meanwhile, DILG-7’s Engr. John Arnold Reluya and Josh Almonte from the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) bagged second and third place, respectively.
 
World Water Day is held annually every March 22 to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources and tackle the global water crisis in support of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030. §
 
Words by Jonalyn Infante
Photos grabbed from DILG-7 Facebook page
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