Category: Admin

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CNU Alumni to the world: Testimonials of excellence

Crimson and gold, which signify excellence, inevitably become part of every Normalite’s identity after they graduate from Cebu Normal University (CNU).

This is proven true yet again as some CNU alumni who have already conquered various corners of the globe gave their testament on how they took excellence with them through the talk, CNU Alumni to the World and for the World which was live-streamed last Monday, June 22, at the CNU Public Information Office (PIO) Facebook account.

Alumni of then Cebu State College (CSC) now CNU shared how their formative years and growth in the institution has enabled and prepared them to be world-class educators, leaders, and advocates.   

Dr. Nerissa Linell Joie Tago Calub, CNU alumni, former Assistant Schools Division Superintendent of Department of Education (DepEd) Cebu Province Division, and now Education Administrator IV of the New York City Department of Education organized the talk called Conversations with the CNU alumni in North America that includes USA and Canada. 

“Your presence in the United States is contributory to that pride that Cebu Normal University is indeed successful in its mission to produce quality graduates…proving to the entire world that CNU alumni are always great,” Dr. Ramir Uytico, CNU Federation of Cebu Normal University Alumni Association Incorporated (FCNUAAI) President said.

The conversations was facilitated by Calub and was participated in by: Ms. JohJoh Seno Demol-Jenae, Mathematics Teacher of Bronx International High School in the New York City Department of Education; Dr. Amelianita Jugasan, Grade 1 Teacher of Prince George County Public Schools in Maryland, USA; Mr. Melvin Damaolao, Assistant Principal of Bronx International High School in the New York City Department of Education; Mr. Nixon Go, Assistant Nurse Manager of Kaiser Foundation Hospital, Walnut Creek Medical Center in California USA; Mr. Marcelo Inot, Math Teacher of New Utrecht High School in the New York City Department of Education; Atty. Alberto Montefalcon Jr., Immigration Attorney of Montefalcon Law Offices in USA and the Philippines; Atty. Rhigel Jay Tan, Assistant Professor at the School of Nursing at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; and Atty. Marco Tomakin, Immigration Attorney of the Law Office of Marco FG Tomakin in Albany, New York, USA.

The talk was conducted as part of the 118th Foundation Celebration of the University and is the second portion of the discussion on how the University has been leading in the new normal in relevance to this year’s foundation anniversary theme, Thriving, Leading, and Serving in the New Normal. 

Read related article: [Former student leaders motivate Normalites] 

“CNU has equipped me with the necessary tools to persevere and become productive in my teaching profession. This is because Cebu Normal University has instilled in me how to cope with the demands of my work and to balance with my responsibilities for my family,” Inot said. 

Inot has spent seven years as a classroom teacher, and eight years as an administrator in the country before he decided to migrate to a different country. He said he took the risk after he was offered a job in New York even if it means “back to square one” to provide a good life for his family. He said he took four licensure exams to be able to stay and be given a permanent teaching position in the US. 

He is the current President of the Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America Inc. or AFTA, the premier Filipino-American Teacher organization in the US.

Damaolao said that being resourceful, resilient, and adaptable are the significant learnings he has acquired as a Normalite.  

He said one must find out first what he or she loves to do and to work towards it to become successful. He encouraged Normalites to create doable and attainable goals. He also recommended that one must find balance in life, work hard and still have time for family and friends. He said one should also not be afraid to fail to succeed.

“Know what you want to do. Don’t just trust that chances will bring you there,” Dr. Tan also said.

“What you think is best for you and what you define life will be will get you there,” he also added.

Tan has spent 20 years at CNU as a student from kindergarten to graduate school. He claims the University to have instilled in him the passion for learning and the quest to be innovative and creative.

Jugasan also encouraged the Normalite community to never stop learning and to seize every opportunity to enrich oneself since learning continues as long as we live.

She reminded Normalites to enjoy the present moment still since tomorrow is never a promise to anybody. She also advised to wisely pick one’s battles in life because not all are worth fighting for. She said it is also a human need to be appreciated, so one should celebrate success also and pray hard.

Jugasan was a former Professor and Board Secretary of CNU before migrating to the US.

A recording of the CNU Alumni to the World and for the World can also be viewed at the CNU PIO official YouTube channel. (JDF)

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Former student leaders motivate Normalites

10 Normalite student leaders share their insights on leadership in celebration of the 118th founding anniversary of Cebu Normal University (CNU) to inspire students and aspiring student leaders on how to face the upcoming academic year ahead with the new normal.

A talk on Student Leadership in CNU: Insights for the New Normal was live-streamed last Monday, June 22 at the CNU Public Information Office (PIO) Facebook account. 

Former student leaders of then Supreme Student Government (SSG) now Supreme Student Council (SSC) recalled and shared their experiences of being a Student Regent of CNU, and how it made an impact on their lives.  

These student leaders are: Atty. Mario Dennis Calvo, CNU-SSG President A.Y. 2006-2007; Dr. Michelle Mae Olvido, CNU-SSG President A.Y. 2008-2009; Mr. Marck Kenneth Albiso, CNU-SSG President A.Y. 2010-2011; Mr. Glenn Brigoli, CNU-SSC President A.Y. 2012-2013; Atty. Danrey Cabataña, CNU-SSC President A.Y. 2013-2014; Ms. Evangeline Yrat, CNU-SSC President A.Y. 2014-2015; Ms. Janvarica Acop, CNU-SSC President A.Y. 2016-2017; Mrs. Lesieg Lyn Ann Macachor, CNU-SSC President A.Y. 2017-2018; and Ms. Anne Marion Judilla, CNU-SSC President A.Y. 2018-2019. The talk show was hosted by Hon. Neil Joseph Iyog, the incumbent CNU-SSC President (A.Y. 2019-2020).

The former presidents then took turns in answering a set of questions recollecting why they chose to run for the position, the challenges they encountered within their term and their personal struggles, and how they overcame it. They also shared how their experiences as a student leader influenced their decisions that led them to where they are at the present moment.

They also encouraged the students to be resilient with the ever-changing demands and needs of the present time, to use whatever learning opportunities available, and to never give up.

“Education happens anytime, anywhere,” Judilla said.  

She shared that the mode of delivering education to students will change perhaps because of the health crisis, but learning should still continue.  

“Trust that the people who are working to make sure that education continues to be of quality are also doing their job,” Olvido said.

She also encouraged students to focus on their circle of influence; on what they can do to alleviate or keep themselves from anxiety that most people are facing. She believes that what sets Normalites apart from others is the attitude of being “kugihan” or hardworking. 

“A CNU student was not built for the easy,” she said.  

The Higher Education Connect (HEdConnect) was also launched by the end of the talk. HEdConnect is a forum wherein Higher Education Institutions converse about the education landscape in the new normal.

HEdConnect is spearheaded by the University to virtually gather educators and education stakeholders to discuss ways to handle the challenges in the education sector brought by the pandemic. The first session of HEdConnect will be live-streamed on June 30, 2020, 1:30 PM at the CNU PIO Facebook account.           

A full video of the talk on Student Leadership in CNU: Insights for the New Normal may also be viewed at the CNU PIO official YouTube account of the University. (JDF) 

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CNU thrives, leads, and serves in the ‘new normal’

“CNU is committed not only to survive but to thrive, to take the lead, to excel, and to serve the community in this new normal.”

This is what Cebu Normal University (CNU) President Dr. Filomena Dayagbil said in her message on the 118th Foundation Celebration of the University that was streamed live last Tuesday, June 16, through the CNU Public Information Office (PIO) Facebook account.

Representatives from the different stakeholders of CNU – teachers, alumni, parents, community partners, and students – also gave their messages to honor the celebration.

“I believe we really have to celebrate because we would like to remember milestones. We would like to recognize events, and appreciate our blessings,” Dr. Dayagbil said, although on a different platform devoid of physical contact.

This year’s foundation celebration theme is Thriving, Leading, and Serving in the New Normal. 

“This year’s foundation celebration is indeed very challenging because we are in the midst of a pandemic… This global health crisis has created a lot of changes in the way we live… The pandemic has created unprecedented challenges including challenges in the academic community, but in spite of that, CNU remains steadfast in its commitment to quality, excellence, relevance, and responsiveness,” Dr. Dayagbil said. 

She said that CNU has gotten its strength to continue its commitment to the education sector from stakeholders who have supported the University for 118 years. 

Mr. Romualdo Generalao, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) faculty and National Service Training Program (NSTP) Director said he is a witness of CNU’s transition from a college into a University. He has been a faculty member in CNU since 1984. In his message, he recalled CNU’s rich history and the structures that changed through time. He said that the current administration building has withstood the remarkable tests of time.

He also shared that out of the then 10 state universities in the Philippines, CNU was the first state university in Central Visayas and had the smallest land area with only 1.6 hectares. According to him, CNU was founded on June 16, 1902, a year after the Philippine Normal School was established. 

Dr. Ramir Uytico, Federation of Cebu Normal University Alumni Association Incorporated (FCNUAAI) President said that he will always take the pride of being a CNU graduate. 

“We would like to continue our advocacy in touching the lives of the men and women who are always considered as products of the greatness of the University,” he said.

“As the University braces itself with the new normal way of educating its learners, we remain dedicated in our commitment to be its most dynamic and effective partners in its quest for achieving academic excellence,” Judge Yvette Christine Labrador-Soleng said on behalf of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of the CNU Integrated Laboratory School (ILS). 

Hon. Raul Remulta, Barangay Captain of Brgy. Caputatan Norte, Medellin said that he is thankful for CNU’s constant support to its partner communities.  

“Kini dako kaayong tabang kanamo ilabina sa mga benepisyo nga among natagamtam, sa pag-motivate, sa pag-edukar, sa pagkat-on sa limpyo nga pamaagi. Kini usa ka dakong giya aron kami magmalampuson (It has been a big help to us especially the benefits we have experienced, for motivating, educating, and teaching us what is right. It has been a great guide for us to be successful),” he said. 

Mr. Neil Joseph Iyog, Supreme Student Council (SSC) President; Ms. Keisha Kaye Alberio, Nightingale Student Council (NSC) Governor; and Mr. Romer Ranco II, Educator’s Council Governor also expressed their gratitude on behalf of the students thanking the institution for guiding the students in achieving their dreams, providing the students avenues to hone their leadership skills, and a home where warmth and belongingness inspire them to strive for their future. 

“CNU is fully committed to its deliverables in providing quality and excellence and we continue to thrive. We continue to lead, and CNU continues to serve in the new normal,” Dr. Dayagbil said.

A recording of the CNU 118th Foundation Anniversary Congratulatory Messages can also be viewed at the CNU PIO official YouTube channel. (JDF)

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CNU opens 118th foundation celebration

“Do not count the number of hours of extra service, just perform your job well and go an extra mile.”

This is what Cebu Normal University (CNU) Vice-President for Administration Atty. Dominiciana Badala said as she gave her online speech about Allegiance to the Country: CNU’s Commitment to Serve during the opening salvo of CNU’s 118th foundation celebration.

This year’s foundation celebration’s theme is Thriving, Learning, and Serving in the New Normal. 

The opening ceremony was held at the CNU grounds this Monday and was streamed live at the University Public Information Office (PIOs) Facebook account. It was attended by the skeleton workforce on duty including the CNU administrative officials, faculty members, and non-teaching staff while still following social distancing measures for their safety. 

The CNU 2020 foundation celebration takes place from June 15 to 27, 2020. 

Two weeks of activities and events shall take place to commemorate CNU’s 118th founding anniversary and 22nd anniversary as a University.

The programs in store for the celebration include the different online sessions relating to this year’s foundation celebration theme with the participation of different CNU stakeholders.

The launching of #ThankyouCNU was also held during the opening ceremony where students, alumni, current and former faculty members and employees, or any stakeholder are encouraged to post on their social media accounts their photos and stories on their gratefulness to the institution.

Atty. Bandala holds the highest number of years of service in CNU. She said that it is a privilege to share practices on how to show allegiance to the country and commitment to CNU with her talk. 

Read related article: [Golden years of public service]

Atty. Bandala said that accepting additional responsibilities, observance of the code of conduct and ethical standards by public officials and employees, and working still during difficult times like the pandemic are ways each employee in CNU can show their allegiance to CNU and to the government. 

She also urged all employees of CNU to abide by the laws and rules of Civil Service Commission (CSC) and reminded everyone the eight norms of conduct which are commitment to public interest, professionalism, justness and sincerity, political neutrality, responsiveness to the public, nationalism and patriotism, commitment to democracy, and simple living. 

“Time changes and we have to adapt the new normal in order to thrive,” Atty. Bandala said.

She said that the whole CNU community has participated in the reframing of the University management system in accordance to the five strategic directions of the University. These five strategic directions under the new normal include flexible learning and teaching design; sustainable research, extension, and international program; responsive client service; relevant infrastructure system; and supportive University management system. 

Atty. Bandala then urged the faculty to be patient and committed in implementing what is new in the academic field, so as to help CNU achieve its objective in giving quality education to all its students despite the pandemic. She also requested the administrative staff for their support and appealed to all Normalite students to do their share in University’s quest for academic excellence. 

The program of the CNU 118th foundation celebration and the live video coverage of the opening ceremony may be viewed at the CNU PIO Facebook account. (JDF)

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CNU makes sure no student fails this sem

Cebu Normal University (CNU) has adopted a unique modification to the mass promotion concept as it announced the ending of the current school semester through its Strategic Action amid Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Modified Academic Plan (MAP).

Read related article: [CNU decides to end the current school semester]
    
“None of the students will be declared failed this semester, however, they are given the chance to comply [with their] academic requirements for one year,” Dr. Daisy Palompon, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) said.

“Faculty members can opt to use the midterm rating as basis for the final rating,” Palompon said as stated in the MAP for undergraduate and graduate studies.

Alternative assessments and home-based tasks given by the teachers can also be used in the computation of grades for all students.

Read: [CNU Strategic Actions Amid COVID-19]

“Students need to have a report of rating at the end of the semester since this will have implications for their qualification in their future employment; moreover, there are students who are also aspiring for honors or are currently having their scholarships which require ratings as basis for the continuation of their privileges as scholars,” Palompon said. 

“In [the usual] mass promotion, teachers will only report PASSED in the end-of-semester academic report of the students,” she said. 

According to Mr. Elvin Ruiz, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) faculty, ending the semester and having students comply with certain requirements instead of mass promoting students is the most appropriate decision.

“While mass promotion is democratic, it may not be fair,” he said. 

He said that the students’ midterm grade must be taken into consideration especially for those students who did their level best in their academic subjects.  

Ruiz said that students also have to understand that just because mass promotion was not done, does not mean their demands were not heard or understood.

“The Admin sought to look for the most appropriate course of action that will not only benefit the students but also the entire CNU community and its stakeholders,” he said. 

Ms. Sheena Marie Lopez, a Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education (BTLEd) 2 student said that the given one year period for students to comply with the academic requirements is agreeable especially for those who are having a hard time accessing the internet to catch up with the submission of requirements.

She said that some students have parents who are on no work, no pay arrangement and are severely affected by the health crisis. She said that she would rather spend on food than buy load for internet connection. She said that not all students even have smartphones and may be left behind in submitting class activities.  

Lopez said that as a student, it is still necessary to submit requirements to make up for their final grade. She said that she will conform with the decisions of her professors, but she hopes that the teachers would be considerate with the happenings brought by the pandemic. 

“We are compassionate especially amidst tribulations, but uncompromising in our pursuit for excellence,” Ruiz said. (JDF)

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CNU LRC launches new e-library service

Cebu Normal University (CNU) Learning Resource Center (LRC) launched its new electronic library service called Document Delivery Service (DDS) on May 1, 2020 which Normalites may avail of to gather resources from the school library’s electronic databases.

DDS was conceptualized by the librarians of CNU LRC to provide available electronic resources to the CNU Community. 

Teachers, students, and non-teaching staff are required to fill out the DDS request form found in the CNU LRC portal or through this link: http://bit.ly/37IfzEZ for CNU LRC librarians to process the requests.    

The requested documents available in the CNU LRC will be sent electronically via email to those who avail of the DDS.

According to Ms. Maria Divina Torrejos, CNU Head Librarian, DDS was already planned as one of the E-Library services to be offered in school. 

She said that it is high time to offer the DDS with the implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. 

Torrejos said that she has created a task force composed of the CNU LRC librarians Arlene May Ellos, Charlene Principe, Zucelle Gaviola, Gretchell Quirong, Lilia Vergara, Marites Ybañez, and herself to take charge of the DDS requests.  

She said that DDS is only exclusive to Normalites which includes the CNU faculty, students, and non-teaching staff.  

Torrejos said that the DDS will still be offered even after the ECQ is lifted. (JDF)

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CNU educators help make PPEs

Cebu Normal University (CNU) educators utilized 3D printers in the University to make face shields donated to health workers and medical frontliners in the city.

Ms. Clare Maristela Galon (left) and Mr. Allan Roy Elnar (right) poses a wacky photo wearing the PPEs. (Contributed photo)

Physics teachers Ms. Clare Maristela Galon and Mr. Allan Roy Elnar, both from the Chemistry and Physics Department of Cebu Normal University (CNU) made use of the 3D printers in the school’s Physics laboratory to make frames used in making face shields.

Galon said that they thought of maximizing the two 3D printers in the Physics laboratory to make Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to be donated to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) frontliners.    

Galon said that she and Elnar are assisted by their co-teachers, Mr. Gibson Maglasang and Mr. Carl Patrick Casas, both from the Physics Department, in making the face shields.

She said that they have been using Polylactic Acid (PLA), a formula used to create plastic films, food containers, and the like to print the shield frames. The shield frames were designed using an Auto Computer Aided Design (CAD), a software application for modelling, Galon said. 

Acetates coming from the University’s Supply office were used as the actual face shields. Galon shared that they first utilized rubber bands for the retainers but soon upgraded it into garters with the aid of donations coming from the Innovative CNU Assistance and Relief Effort (iCARE) Donation Center.

Read related article: [iCARE: CNU’s means of saying it cares] 

“However, it really takes time to finish printing,” she said.  

Galon said that it takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes to make one shield frame. 

Ms. Clare Maristela Galon waits for the frame to be finished on the 3D printer. (Contributed photo)

She said that it was on the last day of March that she and Elnar had calibrated and troubleshooted the 3D printer. It was on April 3, 2020 that they finally started producing the shield frames, the same day the iCARE Ride started to operate.

Read related article: [CNU transports VSMMC frontliners]

Galon said that the printing of shield frames is still ongoing. They have created about 100 face shields and have already donated 50 to Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC). She said that they are planning to produce another 50 more in a week to give to other medical institutions. She said that they are also eyeing to give face shields to the Rural Health Unit (RHUs).   

“Pero mao lage, time constraint,” Galon said, admitting that the time in making the shield frames is a challenge.

(left to right) Physics teachers Mr. Carl Patrick Casas, Mr. Allan Roy Elnar, Mr. Gibson Maglasang, and Ms. Clare Maristela Galon at the CNU Physics laboratory. (Contributed photo)

The face shields made by the teachers from the Physics department were distributed during the third week of April along with the other PPE’s accumulated through the iCARE Donation Center. 

Galon said that going to CNU to print the shield frames at the Physics laboratory is a sacrifice they are willing to make for the COVID-19 frontliners. (JDF)

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CNU transports VSMMC frontliners

Apr 22, 2020 4:29 am Apr 22, 2020 4:29 am

Cebu Normal University (CNU) has given transportation assistance to the employees of Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) as part of the Innovative CNU Assistance and Relief Effort (iCARE) program of the University during this Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis.

CNU named its transportation assistance iCARE Ride. CNU’s iCARE program originally had three services, namely iCARE Student Communication Center (SCC); iCARE Telecounseling Services; and iCARE Donation Center. Two more initiatives were later conceptualized and added to the iCARE program which are iCARE Ride and iCARE Pedagogical Connect. 

Read related article: [iCARE: CNU’s means of saying it cares] 

Cebu Normal University (CNU) bus / Photo by Levy Tipon

iCARE Ride started to operate last April 3, 2020. Drivers from the University’s General Services Office (GSO) were deployed to operate the University vehicles with the assistance of maintenance personnel to ensure safety measures for the drivers and passengers. The bus operates during weekdays, from Mondays to Fridays at 3:00 to 5:00PM. 

Dr. Joseph Sol Galleon, Presidential Assistant for Disaster Risk Reduction, said that the iCARE Ride follows the “No mask, no ride” policy for the safety of its passengers. He said that social distancing is strictly observed and that only 15 persons at a time are allowed to ride the bus.

Levy Tipon, one of the drivers of iCARE Ride, said that they also operate the bus in duos so that the other personnel can check the passengers’ temperature through a thermal scanner and spray disinfectant on their hands as part of the safety precautionary measures. 

“Ako gipanumpaan before ko nisulod sa gobyerno nga moserbisyo gyud ta bisan og unsa pay sitwasyon ug para man sad ni sa atong kaayuhan ug tabang nalang sad ni nako sa atong mga kaigsuonan labi na ang atong mga frontliner (It is my pledge even before I started working in the government to serve whatever the situation may be for the good of all. It is also my way of helping our brethren especially our frontliners),” Tipon said.   

He said that all drivers from the GSO have a chance to operate the bus with their given schedules.   

CNU has also provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)’s to the health workers of VSMMC and other external partners of the University through the donations accumulated by the iCARE Donation Center that includes liquid soaps, head caps, hazmat suits, face mask and shields, gloves, and others.

Professors from the Physics department have also produced a number of the face shields being donated utilizing the 3D printers in the University’s Physics laboratory.

VSMMC is the only accredited COVID-19 testing center in Cebu and is one of the two accredited testing centers in the Visayas. (JDF)

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iCARE: CNU’s means of saying it cares

Cebu Normal University (CNU) launched a program to assist its students, faculty, office personnel, and other stakeholders in the time of health crisis brought by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). 

The program is called Innovative CNU Assistance and Relief Effort (iCARE). The creation of iCARE was conceptualized by CNU President Dr. Filomena Dayagbil and was established through the help of the CNU Administrative Council and some faculty members.

iCARE was launched last Monday, March 23 online through the University’s official Facebook page.

The iCARE program initially has three services: iCARE Student Communication Center (SCC); iCARE Telecounseling Services; and iCARE Donation Center. Later on, the iCARE Ride, iCARE Pedagogical Connect, and and iCARE Adopt-a-Student were conceptualized to add to the growing list of services under the iCARE initiative.  

“Innovation breeds because of a need,” Dayagbil said on how iCARE sprouted because of the COVID-19 health crisis.

“I am thinking of how CNU can best respond and be significant for both our internal and external clients as gestures of love and care,” she said.  

“With the suspension of classes and declaration of community quarantine, CNU has to attend to the needs and concerns of the students and keep the line of communication open to avoid confusion,” she added, explaining how iCARE SCC came about. 

iCARE SCC is facilitated by the CNU Supreme Student Council (SSC) where students who wish to express their concerns, challenges, and difficulties related to the ongoing community quarantine may contact the numbers provided in the SSC and CNU Facebook pages.

The concerns received by the SSC will then be directed to the Office of the Student Affairs (OSA) or Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Office and will be forwarded to the concerned offices for appropriate action.

The iCARE SCC has started operating since the launching of iCARE and is available daily from 7 AM. to 9 PM.

iCARE Telecounseling Services is also provided for CNU students, faculty, and non-teaching staff wherein guidance counselors and Psychology professors are made available to those who need a listening ear, Dayagbill said. 

“This is one way of protecting our mental health in this new normal we are experiencing,” she said.  Telecounseling hotline numbers are found in the CNU Facebook page which are directly connected to counselors/coaches and are available from 6 AM. to 9 PM.

The iCARE Donation Center is an effort aimed at providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for health workers who are part of the University’s external partners like Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), Philippine Nurses Association (PNA), and Barangay Police Officer (BPO) or police officers within the vicinity of CNU if supply warrants, Dayagbil said.

According to VPAA Dr. Daisy Palompon, the iCARE Donation Center is a way of institutionalizing the fund donations of the Administrative Council officials in response to the donation campaign of CNU-CN Batch 1994. Interested donors may check the CNU Facebook page for the details. 

iCARE Ride is CNU’s way of answering Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC)’s request for transportation assistance for its health workers.

Drivers from the University’s General Services Office (GSO) are deployed to operate the University vehicles with the assistance of maintenance personnel to ensure safety measures for the drivers and passengers.

VSMMC is the only COVID-19 testing center in Cebu and is one of the two testing centers in the Visayas.

iCARE Pedagogical Connect is an effort of the College of Teacher Education (CTE) which offers free online services to students, teachers, administrators, and parents from different levels where facilitators engage themselves to different stakeholders by answering queries on different areas of concern in line with education. Stakeholders who are interested may register through this link: https://bit.ly/2UAdegP

iCARE Adopt-a-Student is facilitated by the CNU-OSA in coordination with the CNU Student Supreme Council. This initiative calls for donors to assist students who are stranded in Cebu during the implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) by providing them basic needs or financial assistance while they still cannot go home.

“iCARE is CNU’s strategic means of delivering care and demonstrating compassion beyond the norm of public service,” Palompon said. (JDF) 

Updated as of May 5, 2020

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CAS Dean translates knowledge into an act of care

Dr. Milagros Greif, CAS Dean, is concocting the 70% ethyl alcohol with mosquito repellent inside CNU’s Biology laboratory to supply personnel in time of the COVID-19 scare. / Photo by Kim Francis Rodriguez 

Times of crisis call generous people with big hearts to extend their helping hands to those who need it and gladly, one in Cebu Normal University (CNU) has thought of doing the same thing in its community.

In time of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, Dr. Milagros Greif, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and a faculty at the Biology Department in CNU has decided to make a disinfectant alcohol enriched with mosquito repellent last Tuesday, March 17, 2020 which was distributed to the different personnel in the University.   

Ms. Mechelle Canoy, PIO Staff is distributing rations of the 70% ethyl alcohol with mosquito repellent made by Dr. Milagros Greif to the different personnel in the University.
Ms. Mechelle Canoy, PIO Staff is distributing rations of the 70% ethyl alcohol with mosquito repellent made by Dr. Milagros Greif to the different personnel in the University. / Photo by Erven Noval

Greif said that she noticed the urgent need for disinfectant alcohol when the product has been running out in stores because of the COVID-19 scare. It was then that she decided to concoct a disinfectant alcohol inside the biology laboratory to be given to the skeletal force of the University.   

“I applied what I have learned during my PhD when I was requested by my professor to make an alcohol with different concentrations for mosquito preservation in my experiments,” she said.   

Dr. Milagros Greif is harvesting lemon from her garden to be used in her 70% ethyl alcohol with mosquito repellent. (Contributed photo)

Greif said that she used raw materials such as ethanol and natural plant extracts found in her garden (lemon and clavo which are scientifically known as mosquito repellents) to make the alcohol concoction. 

She said that she has decided to add mosquito repellent to the alcohol in order not just to prevent the spread of COVID-19 but also to give protection to people against mosquitoes which are carriers of equally deadly viruses such as dengue.

Greif finished her Masters in Biology specializing in the study of insects. She finished her Doctorate studies as a scholar of the German Academic Exchange Services at the University of Heidelberg in Germany specializing in mosquitoes. She has been well-versed on the subject of mosquitoes after studying it for more than 15 years.

Greif was recently recognized as an outstanding researcher on urban pest control through biotechnology and was awarded nationally as one of the Filipino Faces of Biotechnology given by the Department of Agriculture-Biotechnology Program Office (DA-BPO) last November 26, 2019. (JDF)

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