Opening Ceremony 123rd Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA)

Faculty members, teaching staff, and students of Cebu Normal University (CNU) gathered to open the month-long celebration of the Civil Service Month today, September 4, as part of the 123rd Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA).
 
The 10-year theme, “Transforming Public Service in the Next Decade: Honing Agile and Future Ready-Servant Heroes,” is helmed with its sub-theme “dynamism” to emphasize the importance of digital transformation, innovation, and excellence and continuity in public service.
 
In his speech, 6th CNU State Universities and Colleges (SUC) President III, Dr. Daniel A. Ariaso Sr., discussed the university’s P176.6 million budget cut in the year 2024 based on the proposed national budget submitted by the Marcos Jr. administration.
 
He conveyed that the situation requires much effort to retake and the university will regulate and rationalize travels to earn savings and must engage more in research.
 
Ariaso ended his speech with the quote by Jack Ma, “Don’t give up. Today is hard, tomorrow will be worse, but the day after tomorrow will be sunshine.”
 
The celebration is under the late President Fidel V. Ramos’ Presidential Proclamation No. 1050, series of 1997, which designated September as Civil Service Month.
 
Furthermore, various activities intended for the month-long celebration are now ready to set off. §
 
Words and Photos by Donna Rose Egos

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.

CNU acquires three-star rating in QS Stars

Cebu Normal University (CNU) moves forward with its vision as it was officially acclaimed as a Three (3) Stars Institution by the Quacquarelli Symond (QS) Stars Rating System on March 13, 2023.
 
The leading multidisciplinary research university of education’s three (3) out of five (5) stars rating means that CNU is a “well-recognized [institution] nationally and may have also begun to attract international recognition.”
 
They utilize three (3) criteria which consist of several categories when rating universities fairly: (1) the core criteria categories focus on the components of a university; (2) the advanced criteria categories look at a university with a solid foundation; and (3) specialist criteria categories look intently at an institution’s areas of specialization.
 
In an interview with Ang Suga, the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Board and University Secretary Dr. Laurence L. Garcia shared that the institution only achieved that overall rating due to a one-star rating in the internalization category in the core criteria.
 
He added that the university is not yet prepared to host international students because of inadequate space and the restrictions of the Philippine government.
 
“…Strict man god kaayo ang Philippine government to that…Bisan pa ang atong curriculum kay nindot na ug kanang prepared which is ato ng strength kanang academic development. Pero ang atoang…environment is not [yet] supporting international students kay gamay kaayo tag space,” Garcia explained.
 
Meanwhile, Ms. Naila Y. Beltran, Director for External Affairs & International Linkages (EAIL), expressed that the other universities in the Philippines that were also evaluated by the QS only received a three-star rating due to this issue in internalization.
 
“In the Philippines, nobody was able to get four stars because of that one [which is] internalization,” she said.
 
However, CNU excelled in the inclusiveness category part of the advanced criteria and has shown great remarks in the academic development and teaching category in the core criteria.
 
The assessment was made possible through the Fostering World Class Philippine Universities Project Grant for PHP 2.5 million under the support of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
 
QS Stars is a British company that is one of the “world’s leading providers of services, analytics, and insight to the global higher education institutions (HEIs).”
 
Recognition overseas
 
In a phone interview with Ang Suga, Dr. Filomena T. Dayagbil, OIC of the Office of the University President, shared that even before she became the university president, it was already part of her agenda to create a competitive advantage by getting recognition abroad.
 
The QS three-star rating is one of the educational institution’s successes in being recognized internationally, opening up opportunities to attract international students and expose Filipino students globally.
 
To cope with the weakness in internalization scope, Dayagbil shared that they have already applied for distance learning and are now at the CHED for consideration.
 
“Nagpaabot ta [sa CHED] sa ilahang mga suggestions to comply with all the [requirements]…Naa na tay curriculum…naa na tay module,” she said.
 
Furthermore, the university will track its progress using the QS World University Rankings. The institution will reapply if a second evaluation is required to obtain the five-star rating.
 
Dayagbil emphasized that they planned to apply for another assessment and quality assurance system known as Times Higher Education (THE).
 
“For the next three years, e-monitor nato ang tanan nga mga parameters sa QS, and then we will really reapply…At the same time, mo-expand gyod ta into Times Higher Education which is actually giving us proof that we can be very good in areas of research and quality instruction,” she explained. §
 
Words by Renee Ross Villariasa
Photo grabbed from CNU Facebook page
May be an image of one or more people and text that says 'SS Congralulations!!! CEBU NORMAL UNIVERSITY GOOD for being rated a THREE STARS INSTITUTION by the Quacquarelli Symonds Stars Rating System QS'
 

CNU presents research study on the Exploration of the Quality of Graduates of Teacher Education Institution

Cebu Normal University, a leading multidisciplinary research university in education, has championed the virtuous cycle of knowledge sharing and knowledge building in teacher education.  The university has been identified as the partner institution for “Study II – An Exploration of the Quality of Graduates of Teacher Education Institution” as part of the Scoping Study on Philippine Teacher Education of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). This laudable undertaking was concluded through “PADAYON: Philippine Pre-service Teacher Education Research Forum” of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) at the Philippine Normal University (PNU) on February 13, 2023.

The CNU research team from the College of Teacher Education is composed of the following: Dr. Michelle Mae Olvido, Dr. Filomena Dayagbil, Dr. Rivika Alda, Dr. Ethel Abao, Dr. Janet Mananay, Dr. Remedios Bacus, Dr. Maria Nancy Cadosales, Dr. Vincent Theodore Balo, Dr. Kim Francis Rodriguez, Ms. Baby Jane Uytico, Dr. Jewish Merin, Dr. Marchee Picardal, Dr. Jem Cloyd Tanucan, Dr., Dr. William Augusto, Dr. Jo Ann Petancio, Dr. Joje Mar Sanchez, Dr. Noremay Perez, Dr. Monique Cordova, and Dr. Gino Sumalinog.

The project is made possible by the support of the following: the Department of Education (DepEd) Central Office headed by Secretary Leonor M. Briones especially the Policy Research and Development Division together with the different regional directors and research focal persons who partnered with the team for data gathering; the members of the Technical Panel for Teacher Education Dr. Brenda B. Corpuz, Dr. Paz I. Lucido, Dr. Felicitas E. Pado, Dr. Maria Teresita P. Medado, and Dr. Runvi V. Manguerra who served as expert consultants for the team; the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Office of Programs and Standards Development, Office of Planning, Research, and Knowledge Management; the Office of Commissioner Aldrin A. Darilag and Chairperson J. Prospero E. De Vera III for the funding, without which, this undertaking would not have been possible.

The CNU College of Teacher Education hopes that the research undertaking significantly impacts the uptake of evidence-based policymaking. Their study looks into contributing to more robust research-based evidence on dimensions and categories of teacher quality and sheds light on curricular innovations, management, leadership, and policy reforms in teacher education to ensure teacher quality. 

Padayon CNU!

Words by: Dr. Michelle Mae J. Olvido

CNU exhibits at QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific 2022

Cebu Normal University (CNU) is the only Philippine university with its own exhibit in the Quacquarelli Symonds  (QS) Higher Education Summit: Asia Pacific 2022 held on 8-10 November 2022 in Intercontinental Jakarta, Pondok Pinang, Jakarta, Indonesia. Other than the exhibits, the summit featured workshops and interactive panels by experts in the academe for innovation with the theme, “The Next Big Thing: Addressing new opportunities and existing challenges in APAC higher education”.

The QS Higher Education Summit exhibits provided an avenue for CNU to showcase the offerings of its colleges primarily in the areas of instruction and research. The delegation was led by Director Naila Y. Beltran of the External Affairs and International Linkages Office with Dr. Michelle Mae J. Olvido (Presidential Assistant for Planning and Development) and Dr. Laurence L. Garcia (Board and University Secretary and Director for the Research Institute for Ageing and Health). With 237 universities from 39 countries participating in the summit, CNU was able to enter into preliminary discussions for possible partnerships with 34 higher education institutions to add to the university’s efforts toward internationalization.

At present, CNU is undergoing assessment using the QS stars rating system to better understand its competitiveness using international rating and benchmarking which was made possible with the support of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) through the Fostering World Class Philippine Universities Project Grant in the amount of Php 2.5M. § MMO

CNU showcases Visayas vignettes at SUC Fair 2022

The Cebu Normal University (CNU) staff, faculty, and administrative officials showcased the rich Cebuano culture during the Visayas Vignettes cultural show on June 29 at the SUC (State Universities and Colleges) Fair 2022 held in SM Mall of Asia Entertainment Hall.

The SUC Fair 2022 was held to celebrate the 28th anniversary of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and its 2nd National Higher Education Day and ran from June 28 to July 1, 2022.

Themed Promoting Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Culture & Arts for National Development and Global Competitiveness, the Fair aimed to: 1) commemorate the anniversary of CHED and the National Higher Education Day and recognize its stakeholders’ contribution to the development of higher education in the Philippines; 2) highlight the roles of SUCs as prime movers of research and development, as the source of innovation, and as partners for national development, and 3) showcase the products and talents of SUCs across the country.

SUCs from the different regions of the Philippines highlighted their innovations and products in the innovation exhibits and product bazaar.

The nightly shows showcased the vibrant cultures of the three island groups of the country.

The Visayan Vignettes was the second of the three cultural shows boasting the rich culture of the Visayas.

The CNU delegation to the Fair represented the Region 7 SUCs and proudly featured the rich Cebuano arts and culture.

Ms. Naila Beltran, the artistic director of the presentation divided the entire performance into three themes: 1) The Faith, 2) The Art, and 3) The Beauty.

Recognizing Cebu as the country’s birthplace of Christianity, The Faith was manifested through the festive beat of the Sinulog by the CNU Dance Ensemble and the song Wala’y Sukod ang Pagmahal by Mr. Karl Patrick Casas as homage to the Sto. Niño and St. Pedro Calungsod respectively.

Exhibiting the musical artistry of the Cebuanos then and now, Ms. Kimberly Raya and Casas performed the time-honored classics Sa Kabukiran and Usahay respectively while Ms. Therese Marie Langit and Dr. Kim Francis Rodriguez playfully rendered the Vispop hit Bok Love.

Finally, The Beauty emphasized on the timeless charisma of the Cebuana defined by her strong character and unique charm in the song Babayeng Sugbuanon as performed by Rodriguez with the special participation of Dr. Daisy Palompon, the Officer-in-Charge to the Office of the University President of CNU and Dr. Laurence Garcia, the OIC University and Board Secretary.

“The concept of the presentation of Cebu Normal University really showcases the art and culture that we have been preserving and we are very proud of of our very own Cebu.” Palompon said.

Palompon also lauded the entire CNU delegation for having been able to come up with a meaningful and impressive presentation despite limitations of time.

“It was a very meaningful presentation despite the limited time preparation but the team – the performers really demonstrated their love for music, their love for arts, showcasing their talent and also giving their best for Cebu Normal University.” Palompon said.

The CNU performers consisted of administrative staff, faculty, and University Officials:

Administrative Staff:

  1. Mr. Nilmark Argomido (College of Medicine)
  2. Ms. Mary Jane Auman (External Affairs and International Linkages Office)
  3. Ms. Mary Jermaine Estrada (College of Teacher Education)
  4. Ms. Jessa Fernandez (Learning Resource Center)
  5. Mr. Harrold Gogo (Finance Services Division)
  6. Ms. Honey Grace Irizari (Supply Office)
  7. Ms. Imee Jeruta (External Affairs and International Linkages Office)
  8. Mr. Nelson Sombilon (Records Office)
  9. Ms. Mae Quilaton (Office of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs)

Faculty members

  1. Mr. Angelito Cabanilla (College of Teacher Education)
  2. Ms. Kimberly Raya (College of Teacher Education)
  3. Ms. Therese Marie Langit (College of Arts and Sciences)
  4. Mr. Karl Patrick Casas (College of Arts and Sciences)

University Officials:

  1. Dr. Kim Francis Rodriguez – Public Information Officer
  2. Dir. Naila Beltran – Director, External Affairs and International Linkages Office
  3. Dr. Laurence Garcia – OIC-University and Board Secretary
  4. Dr. Daisy Palompon – OIC-Office of the University President

The performance ended with a dance rendition of I Love Cebu with a curtain call of the performers and was well-applauded by the members of the audience. (KFR)

Dayagbil earns OPYA, MIT list spot

The fourth and former Cebu Normal University (CNU) State Universities and Colleges (SUC) President III, Dr. Filomena T. Dayagbil, CESE, was awarded the Outstanding Professional of the Year Award (OPYA) in the field of Professional Teachers for the year 2022 by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) last June 21, 2022.

According to the PRC, the OPYA is the highest award bestowed by the Commission upon a professional who has satisfactorily performed professionalism of the fullest caliber and has undertaken oneself with authenticity in the exercise of their profession as recommended by the awardee’s peers.

Furthermore, extending the reputation for competence and excellence, Dayagbil was also recognized as one of 2022’s Most Inspiring Teachers (MITs) in the Philippines by the Saceda Youth Lead (SYL) School last June 26, 2022.

Dave Saceda, the chairperson and founder of SYL School, revealed on his Facebook page that hundreds of nominees were screened for almost six months and yet only 28 awardees were chosen.

In an interview with Ang Suga, Dayagbil shared that it takes unwavering commitment, passion, and love for the teaching profession to be recognized in such awards. Hence, it touched and humbled her heart knowing that she was recognized as an educator who inspires youngsters.

“When you love teaching, you love the end-all and the be-all of teaching—the ‘welfare of the students’, and you aspire to make them learn and inspire them to become better versions of themselves,” she said. She then left heartwarming advice for future educators and educators who have just started to inspire students to “love your work, love your students, and nurture the essence of the teaching profession which is service above personal gains.”

The bestowment of the 2022 OPYA will be held on July 29, 2022, via a “new normal” setup while this year’s MIT awardees will be formally proclaimed in a Formation Training and Formal Awarding Ceremony on August 4-6, 2022 in Dumaguete City. §

Words by Sweety Mae Berandez
Photo grabbed from CNU’S Facebook page

CNU climbs 15th place in WURI Crisis Management ranking

Crimson and gold sparkled and soared yet again as Cebu Normal University (CNU) ranked 15th in the Top 50 Universities in Crisis Management category in the annual World Universities with Real Impact (WURI) rankings last June 9, 2022.
 
The university also bagged the 14th place in the same category the preceding year, where international and domestic higher education institutions (HEIs) were appraised for their efficiency, responsiveness, and societal contributions in the face of a variety of international and local disasters, ranging from climate crises to global pandemic, while also empowering education and resilience throughout.
 
The WURI annual ranking conference, now in its third year since its inception in 2020, honored and acknowledged HEIs that prospered in categories such like Innovation, Industrial Application, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Ethical Value, Student Mobility and Openness, Crisis Management, and this year’s new aspect, Fourth Industrial Revolution.
 
It was established by the Organizing Committee of the Hanseatic League of Universities (HLU) to assess and evaluate universities for their substantial impact on society, highlighting dynamic and imaginative approaches to research, and educational initiatives affiliating into the seven categories mentioned above.
 
 
Among the national universities which made it to the top were Far Eastern University, Biliran Province State University, FEU Institute of Technology, St. Paul University Philippines, Mariano Marcos State University, and Samar State University. §
 
Words and Screenshot by Kristine Mae Paquibot

CN celebrates Nightingales in face-to-face grad

Cap. Gown. It’s time to get down!
 
Despite the challenges and limitations imposed by the pandemic which temporarily halted face-to-face classes and even graduation rites, Cebu Normal University (CNU) – College of Teacher Education (CTE) of the academic year 2021-2022 held their 93rd Commencement Rites last June 7, 2022 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
 
Epitomizing the essence of the ceremony’s theme “Celebrating Success and Resilience Amid Adversities”, the proud products of crimson and gold degree holders from graduate and undergraduate programs gathered for the first time after two years of virtual recognition ceremonies.
 
In his inspirational message, CNU State Universities and Colleges (SUC) President III Dr. Joselito B. Gutierrez expressed his gratitude and happiness on this momentous day. He went on to encourage the graduates to explore their God-given calling while also reminding them of the uses and dangers of technology.
 
“Have enough confidence on yourself and grow spiritually. Be always thankful to everyone – especially to your parents and have a long and satisfied life. Last but not the least; do not forget to show love and gratefulness to CNU,” Gutierrez concluded.
 
The program started with an academic procession followed by the presentation of candidates and the imposition of hoods by the Graduate studies for the Masters and Doctorate Program. The awarding of diplomas from undergraduate studies was thereafter followed.
 
Commencement speaker, Dr. Maura Consolacion D. Cristbal, ED.D, CESO III – Director IV of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Region VII imparted to the graduates that this is a new start of a new chapter in their journey.
 
“In your life, difficulties may come along the way but consider them as challenges. Step up to these challenges and work hard to succeed,“ Cristbal said.
 
She also furthered that “No matter how things may appear, you must never give up. Always remember that failure is the backbone of successful people.”
 
The momentous ceremony ended with the graduates singing the University Hymn. §
Words and Screenshots by Alea Marie Bareng

Virtual ceremony no more: CTE marks face-to-face grad rites

Cap. Gown. It’s time to get down!
 
Despite the challenges and limitations imposed by the pandemic which temporarily halted face-to-face classes and even graduation rites, Cebu Normal University (CNU) – College of Teacher Education (CTE) of the academic year 2021-2022 held their 93rd Commencement Rites last June 7, 2022 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
 
Epitomizing the essence of the ceremony’s theme “Celebrating Success and Resilience Amid Adversities”, the proud products of crimson and gold degree holders from graduate and undergraduate programs gathered for the first time after two years of virtual recognition ceremonies.
 
In his inspirational message, CNU State Universities and Colleges (SUC) President III Dr. Joselito B. Gutierrez expressed his gratitude and happiness on this momentous day. He went on to encourage the graduates to explore their God-given calling while also reminding them of the uses and dangers of technology.
 
“Have enough confidence on yourself and grow spiritually. Be always thankful to everyone – especially to your parents and have a long and satisfied life. Last but not the least; do not forget to show love and gratefulness to CNU,” Gutierrez concluded.
 
The program started with an academic procession followed by the presentation of candidates and the imposition of hoods by the Graduate studies for the Masters and Doctorate Program. The awarding of diplomas from undergraduate studies was thereafter followed.
 
Commencement speaker, Dr. Maura Consolacion D. Cristbal, ED.D, CESO III – Director IV of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Region VII imparted to the graduates that this is a new start of a new chapter in their journey.
 
“In your life, difficulties may come along the way but consider them as challenges. Step up to these challenges and work hard to succeed,“ Cristbal said.
 
She also furthered that “No matter how things may appear, you must never give up. Always remember that failure is the backbone of successful people.”
 
The momentous ceremony ended with the graduates singing the University Hymn. §
Words and Screenshots by Alea Marie Bareng
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