WRITING WINNING PROPOSALS: Capacity Building on Project Development and Resource Generation for Research, Development and Extension

The office of External Affairs and International Linkages (EAIL)  successfully conducted a three-day training workshop entitled Writing Winning Proposals: Capacity Building on Project Development and Resource Generation for Research, Development and Extension held on March 28-30, 20223 at Alta Cebu Resort, Cordova, spearheaded by Director Naila Y. Beltran (Director, External Affairs and International Linkages) which was attended by seventeen selected College faculty members and facilitated by nine College Extension Chairs and administrative staff which was a fruitful, meaningful and engaging training activity.

This three-day training-workshop program is aforethought for new faculty members without extension projects and no experience writing extension project proposals. Its goal is to share cutting-edge information, knowledge, and skills in order to improve the capabilities of CNU staff in project development and resource generation. In general, the goal of this training is to strengthen CNU’s capacity for project development and resource generation.

The first day of training began with an engaging activity called “getting to know each other.” Director Naila Beltran elucidated the strategies of the extension services and the mandates in detailed during her opening remarks. Additionally, she discussed with the participants the goals of university extension services, the principles for conducting extension services, and the standards for project evaluation.

“Make sure that when you’re going to have this engagement, to take the extension must be based on the CNU’s vision and your strength translated into a framework of an extension precisely”, she said.

Director Naila Beltran (Director, External Affairs and International Linkages) delivered her Open Remarks and Rationale

On the second day, the faculties superbly presented their output to Dr. Evelyn Esquejo. The faculty were expected to present the Project Idea, Stakeholders Analysis, SWOT Analysis, Problem Tree Analysis, and Objective Analysis. Afterward, Dr. Esquejo appraised on their output they presented and she clearly discussed the log frame and on how to write a project proposals from picking the right topic and picking a good subject.

First presenter, presented by Ms. Rianne Ranario and Mr. Joebert Padata a faculty from Medellin campus
Second presenter, presented by Ms. Bridyet Garcia a faculty from Balamban campus
Third presenter, presented by Mr. Landmark and Ms. Mirasol Montano a faculty from CAS department
Fourth presenter, presented by Dr. Menchu A. Montezon  a faculty from CTE-ILS department
Fifth presenter, presented by Ms. Marjorie Sta. Teresa and Mr. Alberich Machacon a faculty from CAS department
Sixth presenter, presented by Mr. Jovanni Villacora and Mr. Gallardo Gulay a faculty from CAS department

The third day of training was jam-packed with engaging activities plied by Dr. Esquejo. Faculty members from various colleges presented their outputs. Dr. Esquejo talked through of her presentation after the faculty presented their project proposal outputs. She generously shared her knowledge of writing a project proposals and sustainability plans. Her discussion is so insightful that the participants can actually learned something. She also has activities that taught logic that are very applicable and related to her topic, along with this, for those who can answer correctly, she awards prizes. Her activities are extremely enjoyable, and the participants are undoubtedly enjoying and learning from her.

Dr. Evelyn Aro-Esquejo (Deputy Director, ATI, Quezon City) imparting her knowledge to CNU faculty participants
The folding and tearing of a piece of paper while following instructions is one of the fun activities they experienced.
Rock-Paper-Scissors hand game during the engaging and fun activity

The External Affairs and International Linkages (EAIL) team was indeed extremely happy and grateful to Dr. Evelyn Aro-Esquejo (Deputy Director, ATI, Quezon City and Adjunct faculty of Benguet State University-Open University) for taking part the training program and tirelessly assisting the faculties to developed a good proposal by generously imparting her knowledge. Cebu Normal University will never forget her tenacity, passion, and dedication in training the CNU faculty participants. (LET)

Awarding of Certificate of Recognition to Dr. Evelyn Aro-Esquejo (Deputy Director, ATI, Quezon City and Adjunct faculty of Benguet State University-Open University) assisted by the College Extension Chairs.
Photo Opportunity with Dr. Evelyn Aro-Esquejo along with the College Extension Chairs, CNU faculty members and staff

Extension Project In-House Review

On March 2, 2023, the Office of External Affairs and International Linkages held its annual In-House Review at Tandang Sora Hall, Cebu Normal University. This annual in-house extension project review is one of the most important activities for developing valuable skills, increasing coordination, and raising the project profile. It will bring together the faculty and partner agencies involved in community building, and a representative from each project attended the aforementioned event.

This Project In-House Review is one of the core processes of the Extension Services for the depressed, deprived, and underserved. This review will assess the sustainability, viability, and impact of the new extension projects of faculty extensionists who do not have projects as part of their MFO4 functions at the university.

The goal of an Extension Project In-House Review is to enable the project proponents enough time to prepare next-phase proposals for existing projects for additional funding or to start a new extension project based on community needs.

With a total of 43 extension projects that were successfully presented, the School of Arts presented twelve (12) extension projects, the School of Sciences presented four (4) extension projects, the College of Teacher Education presented twelve (12) extension projects, the College of Nursing presented eight (8) extension projects, the Balamban Campus presented four (4) extension projects, and the Medellin Campus presented three (3) extension projects. This activity aims to determine whether they wish to keep working on the extension projects, terminate them, or start new ones.

In her welcome remarks, Dr. Angeline M. Pogoy, Vice-President for Research, Extension and Publication, emphasized that as a Higher Education Institution, we fulfilled a mandate in instruction, Extensions, and Research. She stated that the E-HELP program, led by Director Naila Y. Beltran has adopted communities and various projects in Education, Health, Environment, Livelihood, and Peace (E-HELP). Every year, the university conducts a call for project proposals and conducts the In-House Review to maximized the use of government resources for extension services. Several extension projects were implemented, monitored, and evaluated, or impact studies, MOAs, resolutions, and even some registered utility models and copyrighted modules were published as outputs.

 “We’ve gotten this far because it began with careful planning and dedication of people, and with the synergy in the university, we’ve grown exponentially as evidenced by our accomplishments every year,” she explained.

Several extension projects from different colleges and campuses were implemented, monitored, and along the way they have done some challenges and she knew that the extension project proponents experience that also, but even though those things that come to their way they have thrived and hope to continue doing the mandate with a commitment, dedications and diverse talent in the university and the community.

Today, with the new projects that are proposed, they will do the in-house review in extension services with their experience and expertise and will continue to work together in demonstrating the culture as to make the extension services relevant and significant to empower and improved our adaptive communities.

Dr. Josefino A. Ronquillo (Supervising Education Program Specialist, CHED ROVII), Dr. Merinisa J. Olvido (Public School District Supervisor, DepEd Mandaue City), Dr. Jonah Lydia Langga (Chief Nurse Officer, Saint Anthony Mother and Child), and Dr. Jestoni P. Babia (School Dean/Director, University of San Jose Recoletos) are the experts who have been invited to assess and evaluate the extension projects.

Director Naila Y. Beltran clearly presented her Rationale and Updates on Extension Activity Delivery and Documentation. She discussed the Legal Framework, the Extension Process Overview, and the Food Framework Agreement. She outlined the various mandates, an overview of extension services in Philippine Higher Education, as well as the goals of HEIs. She defined Extension Work as a collaborative, purposeful activity by the various members of HEI aimed at contributing to empowerment for identified communities so that the latter can eventually achieve development and inclusive growth on their own.

“As a collaborative, purposive activity it is assumed that extension service-in order to respond to the needs and requirements of the identified community-shall web together the functional expertise of the three pillars of higher education: instruction, research, and extension”.

Pertaining to the Extension process, she discussed the Pre-Assessment Phase, which includes the following steps: Identification of the Project Site; Meeting with Officials; Environmental Scanning; Needs Assessment/Benchmarking; MOA Signing; and Community People Orientation.

Furthermore, she also highlighted the Intervention Phase, which is a significant stage in consulting with various stakeholders before submitting a project proposal. The project proponents must submit a proposal for pre-screening, a project internal review for external evaluation, approval of the project proposal for funding, submission of a program of work, implementation, and submission of an accomplishment report at the assertion of the implementation of extension projects.

She went into great detail about the guiding principles of community development during her speeches. The community itself establishes the aims and purposes of extension initiatives; Extensionists’ duty is to direct and support the realization of these objectives.

Afterwards, she discussed the Extension Food Framework Procedure and the implementation period is April to December 2023 under the first come first served basis.

In his keynote presentation, Dr. Josefino A. Ronquillo focused on the Community: Socio-Economic Development for Sustainability and International Zone Network. He briefly talked on integrating the SDGs into the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 as well as the Millennium Development Goals, SGDs, and Ambisyon Natin 2040, which embody the collective long-term vision and aspirations of the Filipino people for themselves and for the nation up to 2040.

In addition, Dr. Ronquillo shared several key takeaways with the audience, emphasizing that in light of the information aforementioned, the following must be considered when making decisions: “What do we need to do” Who will carry it out? Whom, When, and How do we need to act? How do we do it? How much do the beneficiaries of our stakeholder’s benefit? To address Dr. Ronquillo’s conclusions, we need to take aggressive actions to address the issues preventing the Philippines from meeting the 17 SDGs in accordance with the revised 2030 objectives and Ambisyon Natin 2040 incorporated within the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028. For the benefit of the Community/Stakeholders, the CNU and Community Partners will carry it out. How will it be accomplished? By partnerships, collaboration, and connections. Lastly, how much will the Stakeholders benefit? It is both locally and globally.

A question-and-answer segment immediately followed the presentations where an invited Resource Persons expressed clarifications on the result and utilization of the extension programs.

Subsequently, the breakout sessions began, with representatives from each extension project conveying. Dr. Ronquillo evaluated the extension projects presented by the Medellin and Balamban Campuses at the Office of External Affairs and International Linkages, Dr. Merinisa Olvido evaluated the extension projects of the College of Teacher Education and ILS at the CTE extension office, Dr. Jonah Lydia Langga evaluated the extension projects of the College of Nursing at the CN e-classroom, and Dr. Jestoni Babia evaluated the extension projects of CAS-School of Arts and School of Sciences at Tandang Sora Hall.

Balamban and Medellin Campuses presented their extension projects
College of Teacher Education presented their extension projects
CAS School of Arts and School of Sciences presented their extension projects

The EAIL team would like to extend their gratitude to the Resource Persons who analyzed and reviewed the extension projects as well as to the project proponents for their efforts in delivering extension services. (LET)

Photo opportunity along with Dr. Josefino A. Ronquillo (Supervising Education program Specialist, CHED ROVII), together with Director Naila Y. Beltran and the College Extension Chairs.
Photo opportunity along with Dr. Jonah Lydia Langga (Chief Nurse Officer, Saint Anthony Mother and Child), together with Director Naila Y. Beltran, Dr. Angeline M. Pogoy and the Extension Chairs of College of Nursing and Balamban Campus.
Photo opportunity along with Dr. Jestoni P. Babia (School Dean/Director, University of San Jose Recoletos), together with Director Naila Y. Beltran, Dr. Angeline M. Pgoy and the College Extension Chairs.
Photo opportunity along with Dr. Merinisa J. Olvido (Public School District Supervisor, DepEd Mandaue City), together with Director Naila Y. Beltran, Dr. Angeline M. Pgoy and the Extension Chairs from different colleges

Collaborative Community Planning and Organization Through Partnership

Building For The Attainment of SDG 2030

At Barangay Nangka Balamban in Cebu, the Office of External Affairs and International Linkages successfully carried out the first day of training on “Collaborative Community Planning and Organization Through Partnership Building for the Attainment of SDG 2030” last February 6, 2023. The on-site program was spearheaded by Director Naila Y. Beltran and Dr. Angeline M. Pogoy with the coordination of the Barangay Nangka, Balamban, and Municipal Agriculture and Municipal Planning and Development of Balamban, Cebu.

“This training aims to conduct multisectoral partnership collaborative planning and organization with community stakeholders in four days, define a common vision for the community, combine complementary resources and competencies, and share risk in order to maximize the values of SDGs to benefit each of the partners.

The main objective is to identify what programs must be implemented in relation to agriculture and this training program will be led by CNU.

The training program was graced by representatives from the Provincial and Municipal Planning and Development, Engr. Nemesis R. Almento, Mr. Felojyn Sundo, Municipal Agriculturists of Municipal Agriculture Balamban, Cebu as well as Dr. Carolyn May O. Daquio, Regional Director ATI VII, Dr. Anthony Del Socorro, Extension Coordinator, CNU-FAII, Hon. Pablo P. Tagalog, Barangay Captain of Barangay Nangka, Balamban Cebu, Hon. Jocelyn T. Badili, Barangay Councilor, Barangay Nangka Balamban, Cebu and the beneficiaries of the Extension Project “Root Crops Production” and “Superwoman” attended this training.

Meanwhile, the Vice-President for Research Extension and Publication, Dr. Angeline M. Pogoy, gave her opening remarks. She set out what is E-HELP and on her remarks.  She hoped that everyone succeeds with the assistance of different government agencies

Director Naila Y. Beltran, Director, External Affairs and International Linkages gave her rationale and gave a brief background of the E-HELP when it started. She states that the CNU team is looking for a project for the farmers last 2022 and that is the Extension Project Root Crop Production. She encourages the beneficiaries of the Root Crops Production and Superwoman to showcase their product for the upcoming Agro fair that will be held on September 2023 and challenge the beneficiaries to discover new products, with the hope that the product will be huge and draw attention to the advancement of the barangay and municipality of Balamban, Cebu.

Engr. Nemesis R. Almento, Municipal Planning and Development Officer, talk through about Municipal Planning and Development of Agricultural Areas for Food and Root Crops Production. He expounded on how to and where to and what to consider when planting according to the month’s seasons and with the hope that whatever is learned during the training will be applied.


A question-and-answer segment immediately followed the presentations where an invited expert made clarifications on the result and utilization of the program.
The emphasis of the Municipal Perspective on Food Crops Grown for Domestic and Commercial Consumption was made by Mr. Felojyn Sundo, Municipal Planning and Development Officer. He discussed how important agriculture is to reaching sustainable development goals.

With an open forum, Dr. Antonio Del Socorro emphasized if the DAR would give information on what plant was best during seasons or what was best to plant during that month (planting calendar).


Dr. Carolyn May Daquio encouraged to have their own herbs or have institutionalized seed banking, attract the young to agriculture and have a farm business venture for the out-of-school youth with the support of LGU in Balamban, Cebu.
The program came to a conclusion at the perfect time to improve the community through pertinent efforts of the Research and Extension Services in collaboration with the renowned partner community and related organizations like DTI, DepED, DOST, DAR and what extent to the program will help the beneficiaries of the community to implement the plan. (LT)

Ms. Naila Y. Beltran (Director, EAIL), Dr. Carolyn May O. Daquio (Regional Director, ATI VII), Dr. Angeline M. Pogoy ( Vice-President for Research, Extension and Publication), Dr. Antonio Del Socorro (Extension Coordinator), Mr. Felojyn Sundo ( Municipal Planning and Development Officer)

E-HELP LIFE FESTIVAL 2022: CELEBRATING 12 YEARS OF SUCCESS WITH THE COMMUNITY EXTENSION PARTNERS

Cebu Normal University spearheaded by the External Affairs and International Linkages Office unveiled its E-HELP Life Festival, which was participated by its own extension community partners-two barangays from Medellin- Caputatan Norte and Antipolo, Pulpogan, Consolacion, and Barangay Nangka in Balamban.

Present on the opening day were the Director of External Affairs, and International Linkages Office, Ms. Naila Beltran, the Vice-President for Research, Extension, and Publication, Dr. Angeline M. Pogoy, the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Gwendelina Villarante, the administrative council officials, and the Barangay Captains and Councilors of the 4 barangays.

This 2-day celebration showcased the project extension products feasible as livelihood programs for its partnered communities. The festivity and merriment continued with the “Festihaw” performed by the CNU Faculty Performing Arts and CNU Chorale.

Meanwhile, Hon. Raul Remulta, Barangay Captain of Caputatan Norte, Medellin uttered wonderful words of appreciation for the extension programs of the University. He took pride as he shared their lived experiences that create great waves of opportunities that turn a ripple of success.

The celebration did not just offer an avenue to celebrate its success but it also included informative lectures, engaging the minds and curiosity of the exhibitors. A plenary talk from Mr. Emmanuel Ng of Ai-Reen Designs brought the audience to different places by sharing his own experiences in handling business. The speaker shared tips to expand its services and answer the needs of its clientele.

Following was the lecture led by Engr. Joenero Bollozos enthralled the physical and online audience. He imparted his expertise in product licensing and registration.

True to its theme “Celebrating Success: Capacity Building and Innovation in Empowering Communities”, the first day of the festival has brought together the members of its partner communities to herald and celebrate.

The celebration of the 12th  anniversary of the E-HELP Program commences its 2nd day with the presence of the Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region VII, Hon. Shalaine Marie S. Lucero.

Today is a demonstration and engagement of how converenge works in the community,” said Hon. Lucero on acknowledging the efforts of the University in working hand-in-hand with the local and national government units in their service beyond the walls of the academe to provide a sustainable livelihood program.

8 booths were making the celebration more festive by bringing the best products, from lagundi juices, detergent soaps, delectable pastries, fresh vegetables, and recyclable handicrafts to handmade pieces of jewelry. Each booth was scrutinized and gained praise by our esteemed evaluators, the Education Supervisor Program Specialist of CHED Region VII, Dr. Josefino Ronquillo, and the Director of Extension Services of Cebu Technological University, Dr. Jorelyn Concepcion.

The booth of Caputatan Norte the Lagundi Ko, Kaayohan Ko (LakoKako), and My Skill, My Key, My Future. This was awarded as the Best Community Booth and DSWD Choice Award

The booth of Nangka National High School, Balamban, Cebu the PAN Alang sa Negosyo. This was awarded as Best in Innovation Award.

The booth of Pulpogan, Consolacion, Cebu the Chika Ta. This was awarded as the Best in AgriFood Product.
The booth of Antipolo, Medellin, Cebu the Germs Alis. This was awarded the Best Scientific Award and the CNU President’s Choice Award.
The booths of Nangka, Balamban, Cebu the Superwoman which was awarded the DTI Choice Award, Kwarta sa Di Malata as Best Educational Award, and One Bead at a Time as CHED Choice Award and Best in Entrepreneurship.

The exhibit showcased wonders from various walks of life. It also displayed the creativity and learnings of those who worked behind each project. In addition to highlighting the distinctive characteristics of each booth, the exhibit displayed the beauty of diverse barangay and municipalities through colorful images and mementos, aiming to empower communities’ capabilities.

Words by: Florelie Mae Datulayta, EAIL Staff

Photos by: CNU-PIO

International Virtual Students Leadership Program Module 3: My School Day

Enflamed with the strong desire to provide a network of opportunities for our student leaders, International Virtual Student Leadership Program’s third module continues. Last September 23, 2022, the training adopted the hybrid modality wherein some facilitators were physically present at Cebu Normal University whilst the delegates, and the other facilitators were attended via Zoom Communications.

The worthwhile and fun interaction between the Cebu Normal University (CNU) students and the local and international delegates from ASEAN countries started with the opening remarks from the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Gwendelina Villarante. She emphasized the vital role of working as a team. With this, the delegates entered each break-out room and shared insights about their respective schools.

Giddy faces were captured as the delegates took pride in sharing information about their school through telling testimonies and showing video presentations. The activity indeed enhanced the communication and camaraderie amongst delegates.

Verily, everything happens for a reason as Hon. Shella A. Carpina reaffirms in her closing remarks, “You are here because you have [a] purpose, you have a mission and a vision and you actually want to learn and to discover within yourself at the end of our 8 modules.” Everyone’s presence created a great impact on the success of the program. Third modules down, to more fruitful collaboration to come. Kudos to our young leaders!

Words by: Florelie Mae Datulayta

Photos by: CNU- Student Supreme Council

The training consists of synchronous sessions in which the resource speaker will deliver a presentation as well as provide linkage to open educational resources (OERs)

CNU fortifies its partnership with other State Universities through the National Field Exposure Study Trip (N-FEST)

For more than a century, we have witnessed a remarkably consistent effort of the University to maintain its prestige and excellence by yielding not only research-driven individuals but also devoted community builders and highly motivated educated persons. In line with this, Cebu Normal University (CNU) has designed this National Field Exposure Study Trip (N-FEST) to gather a collaborative model for internationalization, establish strong linkages, and build good partnerships with other SUCs.

Faculty members and staff, led by the Vice-President for Research, Extension, and Publication, Dr. Angeline M. Pogoy, Ms. Naila Y. Beltran, the Director of External Affairs, and International Linkages visited Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) and Tarlac State University (TSU).

This 3-day study trip bespeaks the University’s desire for internalization. The first day was highlighted with the presence of Dr. Christine N. Ferrer, the Director of International Affairs and Linkages of Tarlac Agricultural University. The delegates from Cebu Normal University were awed as she shared their University’s best practices, their local and international engagement, and most especially the stories of their ups and downs.

The Director of the International Affairs and Linkages Office of Tarlac State University, Dr. Jasper Jay N. Mendoza, valuably proceeded the second day with his gratifying wisdom about the Post Pandemic Approach to Education Engagement with International Partners and the SUC’s perspective on the Management of Internalization.

Meanwhile, Dr. Lea B. Milan from Tarlac State University- Extension Services and Management Office gave an overview of their extension modalities and approaches. The wisdom she imparted can create a great improvement in the extension services and internalization of our very own University.

The study trip was concluded with the extension and internalization planning development training with journal debriefing. Additionally, it served as a venue for the enumeration and finding the solutions to each challenge in the conduct of extension services. With this, Cebu Normal University continues to engage in community building through external services and broadening its local and international partnerships.

Words by: Florelie Mae C. Datulayta, EAIL Staff

Strengthening Community linkages through Extension Project In-House Review

Cebu Normal University endeavors and commits to improving the social well-being of its
partnered community through a program called E-HELP (Education, Health, Livelihood, and
Peace). The University knows no boundaries in extending its support to the community even
though it has driven a global shift in meetings and events, switching from face-to-face gatherings
to a more virtual approach.
Priming towards sustainable results, the 2-day program started with the presentation of the
Barangay Development Plan of the Barangay Captains of Gaas, Sunog, and Nangka Balamban,
Caputatan Norte, Medellin, and Pulpugan, Consolacion.
With a strong initiative to strengthen the impact of the partnered community, the program was
graced by the presence of the significant evaluators, to wit. The Education Supervisor Program
Specialist of CHED Region VII, Dr. Josefino Ronquillo. The Director of Extension Services of
Cebu Technological University, Dr. Jorelyn Concepcion. The Director of Extension Division of
the University of Southern Philippines, Dr. Mervin G. Gascon. And Dr. Elias G. Tecson, a
Project Development Officer.
The pilot session focused on the salient objective of providing for the needs of the community
through participatory planning and creating a development plan.

The fruitful collaboration continues on the 2nd day of the program as the CNU Balamban and Medellin Campus, College of Nursing and Medicine, School of Arts, School of Sciences, and College of Teacher Education presented their Extension Projects and were deliberately reviewed.

The program ended propitiously to transform society through relevant initiatives of the Research and Extension Services in coordination with the esteemed practitioners, partnered community, and in-line agencies. 

Words by: Florelie Mae Datulayta, EIAL Staff

CNU launches International Student Leadership Training in celebration of the ASEAN Month 2022

Envisioned for internalization, Cebu Normal University held a multi-social- educational program highlighting the integration of the ASEAN Celebration and the launching of International Virtual Student Leadership Training last August 12, 2022.

During the opening program, the Vice-President for Research, Extension, and Publication, Dr, Angelie M. Pogoy, highlighted in her welcome message, the significance of internalization to higher education in the global era. She further said, “Internalization of higher education involves cooperation among universities to advance knowledge frontiers in promoting social and cultural diversity.”

As one of the leading universities in the region, it puts a premium on providing a “phygital” learning environment to its students on virtual and physical platforms.

The Director of External Affairs and International Linkages Office, Naila Y. Beltran, faculty, and the key administrators of the University were present at the event.
The student and faculty scholars actively participate in the International Student Forum.

In the said event, the student and faculty scholars were given the chance to share their learning experiences, insights, and stories in their educational journey. The fruitful engagement was graced by the faculty scholars, to wit: Ms. Anelyn B. Tacuyan from the ACT-HEI, Ms. Baby Jane Uytico of the EME Program Training, TIEC graduates Dr, Maricel D. Rivera, and Dr. Carlou John S. Letigio. 

Indeed, CNU continues to pave the way for students and faculty to create a network of collaboration with universities abroad in the context of cross-cultural and professional development.

The program concluded with optimism to keep moving forward to fulfill the exigent demand in the international arena and to maintain the culture of excellence despite the escalating threat posed by the pandemic.

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