Category: Admin

Despite the lack of budget brought upon by the implementation of free tuition fees within state universities, Cebu Normal University (CNU) launches its annual Intramural Games with fury and fires, along with the cancellation of Cultural Festival.

“Wala nay budget ang school, last year naa pa man to, kadtong wala pa gi-implement ang free tuition fee,” said Sports and Cultural Director Dr. Wilson T. Ibañez in an exclusive interview with Ang Suga.

Ibañez stated that the event’s cancellation also stems from the decision of the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) to alternate the staging of Cultural and Sports among the 113 State Universities and Colleges (SUC) throughout the country.

Though next year’s Intramurals would mainly focus on Cultural Festival, Ibañez said that the involvement of sporting events will still be realized, as mandated by the university’s calendar of activities.

“We have a difficulty in terms of financial requirements for the conduct of the Intramurals 2019, but we realized that this is not an activity that we should take for granted,” said CNU President Dr. Filomena T. Dayagbil in her opening speech, during the opening ceremony held at the Centennial Stage this afternoon.

Dayagbil also stressed out that the inclusion of this year’s Intramural Games will develop teamwork, sportsmanship, and fellowship among the students and break barriers which paved the way to achieving holistic development, which stays true to this year’s theme: “Breaking Barriers and Achieving Excellence through Sports”.

To promote solidarity during the four-day celebration, National Arnis Player Mr. Charlz Michael Y.Lucrida lighted the Symbolic University Intramural Urn of Peace and Friendship, followed by National Arnis Bronze Medalist Ms. Kimberly Jane I. Ybañez leading the Oath of Sportsmanship.

Despite the financial challenges behind the annual event, the College of Teacher Education (CTE), College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), College of Nursing (CN), CNU Medellin, and CNU Balamban managed to showcase their team spirit through performing their respective saludos and presenting their candidates for Mr. and Ms. CNU 2019.

The battle for this year’s crown started off with a bang, with CNU Medellin ending up taking all of the special awards, which are the Best in Saludo, Most Disciplined Unit, Most Colorful Delegation, Biggest Delegation, and Most Lively Unit.

Words by Kenjiro Mitsui and Jhonazel Kiskis
Photos by Ang Suga Publication

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) asserts that qualified teachers are said to be the most influential factor on students’ performance and achievement. Considering that, the attractiveness of the youth to the teaching profession has long been known as a challenge.

The UNESCO Asia-Pacific Regional Bureau for education organized a forum last October 7-8, 2019 in Bangkok, Thailand with the theme, “Attracting and Retaining Youth to the Teaching Profession: the Role of Professional Development” which focused on the retention of young talents in the profession.

Dr. Filomena Dayagbil, Cebu Normal University (CNU) State Universities and Colleges (SUC) President III and Ms. Rebekah Louise Rosito, CNU alumna represented not only the University but also the country in the regional forum.

The event consisted of five sessions consisting of topics including “Sharing Experiences in Promoting Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for Teachers” wherein Dayagbil imparted to the teachers and policy makers representing the various countries across the Asia-Pacific (Australia, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Mongolia, Myanmar, Singapore, Uzbekistan, and Thailand) information on the Philippine CPD framework mainly on its legal and professional standards, how it is obtained, who are the main providers, its present challenges, and recommendations on its improvement.

Furthermore, Rosito partook on the fifth session wherein she shared her insights on the teaching profession from the view of a young, prospect teacher.

Teachers, whether young or experienced, meet challenges along their journey in the profession. The forum began to unravel the region’s main challenges in maintaining the attractiveness of teaching giving way to the participants’ suggestions on how to hurdle these obstacles. Teaching indeed will always depend on continuing improvements from its stakeholders. (MJO)

To develop resilience of the members of the institution, Cebu Normal University’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) directed an earthquake drill followed by a conscientious evaluation in Eva Macapagal Memorial Arts (EMMA) Center yesterday, as instructed in Republic Act 10121, an Act Strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System.

The drill focused on the evacuation process and took place in CNU grounds reaching the sidewalks, where the students had performed its expected protocols.

It was divided into two phases this year, with the morning as initial execution for the students from Integrated Laboratory School (ILS) and College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) for the first half, and the College of Teacher Education (CTE) on the second; while the afternoon was allotted for the unified earthquake drill followed with an evaluation attended by guest evaluators from the Cebu City Government-DRRM, Lapu-Lapu City Government (LCG)-DRRM, Base Camp Emergency Response Team (BCERT), and some barangay tanod from Brgy. San Antonio.

During the assessment, Mr. Nagiel Bañacia, an officer of LCG-DRRM said that the drill’s “ultimate objective” was to “teach people to be resilient” especially in the wake of disasters.

Meanwhile, Mr. Joseph Inosante, co-founder and Chairman of the Board of BCERT, pointed out the lack of resources such as radio, personal protective equipment (PPE), and signage in the university, and challenged to invest especially on PPE in the future.

“The students cannot be empowered without the support of the teachers and faculty members. The students were religiously following the ‘duck, cover and hold’ but the teachers did not,” he noted.

However, in an exclusive interview with Ang Suga, Inosante said that the earthquake drill was “much better, more organized, and more prepared” compared to the past and “just needs to polish more and work on it.”

In another interview, Mr. Joseph Sol Galeon, CNU-DRRM Presidential Assistant, shared that the recommendations were points that they have to “work on”.

“We will review the recommendations individually and personally, I will identify which of those will be prioritized. I will address individually the priority item that needs immediate response,” he said.

The students have also expressed their support for the drill through their participation.

“Gamit gyod kaayo ning earthquake drill kay kon mag-earthquake og tinod-anay, at least organized na and kahibaw na ka asa mo-exit, kinsang mga kauban, unsay buhaton—di ka mamatay,” shared Bryan Quiapo (BS Chemistry I).

Passed or not?

One common misconception on earthquake drills that take place in academic institutions is that it is assessed to conclude whether it has passed or failed.

“It’s more on points to work on so that in times of calamities we will be resilient, or at least we are prepared. In terms of disaster drill, what is important is that everyone is prompted on the things that they need to do better on times of calamity. It’s a lesson on progress,” Galleon explained.

Words by Mikaela Jane Dagani and Orly Joromat

Photos by Lou Paghasian and Kim Parawan

// ANG SUGA

Cebu Normal University (CNU) showcased environmental efforts as juries assessed the school vying for the 2019 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools.

CNU presented its environment-friendly initiatives that encompass the three-fold functions of the University: instruction, research, and extension through its different programs and projects exhibited under the five strands, namely solid waste management, green infrastructure, energy and water conservation, and integration in the curriculum.

The National Board of Judges comprised of Dr. Marina Antonia Tanchuling (UP/PATLEPAM), Dr. Albert Añosa (CHED Central Office), and Marina Christine Ponce Garcia (Nestle Philippines, Inc.) graced the University their presence to examine and validate the environmental initiatives of the school from the CNU administrative council and members of the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Office.

The judges, with the presence of the validation team from Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), then made an inspection around the campus to check the working condition of the facilities and to inspect the projects pertaining to environmental conservation including the rainwater catchment at the Teaching Arts Centrum (TAC) building, the Eco-park where the olla, a clay pot alternative watering device is located, the vermicompost, and the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF).

The study and use of Fish Amino Acid as fertilizer was also presented including the campus planning, design, and development which are designed to maximize the natural light and ventilation of the University. Energy conservation measures of the administrative and student organizations such as posting of eco-stickers in classrooms and washing areas, reusing of plastic bottles as dumbbells in PE classes, mangrove reforestation, river rehabilitation, and clean-up drives, and disaster preparedness activities among others were also presented before the panel of judges. These initiatives are embedded in the university’s curriculum. Researches and trainings on them have been conducted and partnerships are established.

CNU also engaged in the special category leadership awards which include the Nestle Water Leadership award which recognizes schools that promote solutions in water management, and the Energy Leadership award that acknowledge schools’ practices in electrical safety, energy efficiency, and conservation.

CNU championed the regional search on the higher education category on its first attempt to join the 2019 Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools. CNU bested two other universities in Central Visayas and will be representing the whole Region 7. CNU was awarded last August 14, 2019 receiving a certificate of recognition, plaque, and a P15, 000.00 cash prize.

The search on its sixth year now is organized by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of DENR in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Nestle Philippines, and Land Bank of the Philippines.

The contest aims to examine the academic institutions’ way in responding to climate change and environmental problems. It also intend for schools to strengthen their involvement in conservational matters by raising community awareness and active response to ecological concerns.

Winners of the 2019 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools will be announced during the awarding ceremony this November in celebration of the National Environmental Awareness Month. (JDF)

The Association of Department of Education (DepEd) Directors, Inc. invited Cebu Normal University (CNU) President Filomena Dayagbil as discussant during the national assembly of education leaders held on September 24-26, 2019 at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City with the theme, Challenged Leaders: Embracing the Future, Braving the Challenges.

Together with Dr. Dayagbil in the panel were Jeffrey Tarayao, President, One Meralco Foundation; Lovelaine Bassilote, Executive Director, Philippine Business for Education (PBED); and Sabrina Ongkiko, one of the Outstanding Women in Nation’s Service awardee.

The panel discussion was ably facilitated by Dr. Ramir Uytico, Regional Director DepEd RO8 and Dr. Marilette Rito Almayda, Director, Alternative Learning System.

The convention was participated in by more than four thousand DepEd school leaders in the country. (FTD)

CNU faculty and staff who have spent 10 years in government service and more were awarded as part of the closing ceremony of Civil Service Commission (CSC) Month celebration in the University.

The event was attended mostly by permanent faculty and non-teaching staff of the institution with the presence of the administrative council.

27 personnel were acknowledged as loyalty awardees this year. Each has been given a pin or ring symbolizing their number of years in public service.

The awardees are as follows:

Dr. Floriza Laplap, Presidential Assistant for Planning and Development, said that the work of a public servant does not end with the closing of the CSC month celebration. Integrity in service must be practiced to attain trust in the community.

“As public servants, we should be trustworthy. We should be serving the public with integrity, accountability, and responsibility,” she said. 

Atty. Ariel Bacatan, CSC Acting Director IV also graced the occasion by sharing some cases to be considered as a government worker. He reminded all those present that, ‘’our role as civil servants is to render service.”

Atty. Dominiciana Bandala, Vice President for Administration who is an awardee for her 40 years in government work, thanked the school for the award and inspired her colleagues to be honest and dedicated in their work.  

Atty. Bandala is now a recipient of two gold rings. She was the first one to be given a gold ring back in 2014 with her 35 years of experience in public service in CNU.

Eleazar Ledamo, Security Guard I who also received a gold ring for his 35 years of service said he felt honored to receive the award in the institution where he has spent most of his lifetime.

In an interview with Ms. Mary Margaret Cornejo, Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) Head, she said that it is vital to give recognition to loyalty awardees believing, “competent and dedicated people are the reasons behind the success of any organization.”

The updated CNU website was also launched during the event showing its new features differentiating from the older version.

Winners of the school activities in line with CSC month, namely Sports Fest (volleyball, badminton, table tennis, and group games), Arts and Cultural Competition (solo, duet singing competition, and folk dance contest), and Field Demonstration were also awarded with trophies, medals, and cash prize.

The awarding and closing ceremony ended with the singing of CNU hymn after the closing remarks from Dr. Angeline Pogoy, Vice President for Research Extension and Publication thanking those who helped made the event possible and congratulating the awardees, and winners of the different competitions. (JDF)