Intramurals 2019 institutes despite budget complications

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

CNU represents PH in UNESCO Regional forum

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)

CNU carries out quake drill

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

Golden years of public service

Gold ring awarded to CNU public servants who spent 35 to 40 years working in the University. / Photo by Kim Francis Rodriguez

Cebu Normal University (CNU) honored three of its public servants who spent 35 to 40 years of their lives in the University. Everyone has their own take in choosing the number of years in serving the Normalite community.

Diolito Cortes, Security Guard I / Photo by Mechelle Canoy

Diolito Cortes started working in CNU since 1983 and for 35 years (and counting) as a regular employee has still continued to serve after recovering from stroke in 2010. He started as a watchman and eventually became Security Guard I. Cortes is one of the gold ring awardees who were acknowledged by the CNU administration for their number of years in public service during the closing of Civil Service Commission (CSC) month on September 26, 2019.

Naningkamot gyud ko sa akong performance nga ang administrasyon makauyon (I have really taken good care of my job so that the administration will approve),” he said.

 “Dako ko’g pasalamat sa CNU – sa administration – nga ila kong gidawat (I am very much thankful to the CNU administration for accepting me),” he said after recuperating for four months. He said it was his ambition to work in the government in his lifetime.

Ayaw lang ko padagana (Just do not let me run),” he said after sharing he is having a hard time walking after his stroke, but he still gives the same service as before.

Cortes said he wants to end where he started as a reason why he has stayed for years working in the institution. He plans to serve as a lay minister in a church as a way of continually thanking God for his second life after he mandatorily retires five years from now when he reaches 65.

Eleazar Ledamo, Security Guard I / Photo by Mechelle Canoy

Eleazar Ledamo who also served the University for 35 years also started as a watchman in 1984 and rose to Security Guard I. He said that a lot of his significant life events happened since he got employed in CNU including the time he got a girlfriend, married, and had children.

Ledamo said his job as security personnel cannot be underestimated. He is proud that because of it he was able to buy a lot, build a home, and provide the needs of his family.

Bilang sa security makabuhi ko’g pamilya ug nakapalit ko’g gamay’ng luna (As a security, I have earned a living for my family and bought a small parcel of land),” he said.

Two of his children finished their college education in CNU and are now practicing professionals. He was also able to help his relative and a vendor finish school.

Atty. Dominiciana Bandala, Vice President for Administration and
Chief Administrative Officer – Administration / Photo by Mechelle Canoy

Atty. Dominiciana Bandala has served CNU for 40 years. She started in 1979 as an accountant. She said she used to be the youngest employee at that time at 22 years old. She is the first gold ring awardee after reaching 35 years of service during the last recognition of loyalty awardees in 2014. She has already received two gold rings.

She said that she looks back with gratitude whenever she encounters past presidents when they visit the University.

“I always look back to the people that had helped me where I am now,” she said.

She said she has considered working in government foreseeing retirement conditions and security of tenure in work. She also prefers school because of its lively atmosphere with students. She said she feels safe with its environment.

Bandala is currently teaching in the graduate school. She has also taught in college but has stopped in 2017 after assuming the role as Vice President for Administration.

“Ganahan gyud ko’g teaching (I love teaching),” she said.

She likes to impart knowledge, discipline, and motivate students to do well, she added.

All of the three current gold ring awardees have lived to see and serve the seven CNU presidents from Dr. Camilo Aliño until the present Dr. Filomena Dayagbil. (JDF)

CNU: A sustainable and eco-friendly school

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.

(left to right) Dr. Albert Añosa, Dr. Marina Antonia Tanchuling, and Marina Christine Ponce Garcia / Photo by Mechelle Canoy

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).

Dr. Jennifer Paño, ESD Focal Person (2nd to the right) shares about olla, a clay pot alternative watering device to the validation team at the CNU Eco-park. / Photo by Mechelle Canoy

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.

Photo by Mechelle Canoy

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)

CNU President speaks in National Assembly of Education Leaders

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.

(Contributed photo)

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.

(Contributed photo)

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

(Contributed photo)

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

CNU honors loyalty awardees

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:

Names
Years in Service
Gold Ring

1. Bandala, Dominiciana J.
2. Cortes, Diolito A.
3. Ledamo, Eleazar F.


40
35
35
Gold Pin

1. Cabras, Rebecca Leslie C.
2. Lagos, Rolando E.
3. Pesole, Glen M.


30
30
30
Silver Pin

1. Atibula, Levi T.
2. Villaflor, Luisa B.
3. Briones, Editha M.
4. Daño, Julius C.
5. Dela Torre, Natividad P.
6. Ontoy, Dexter S.


25
25
20
20
20
20
Bronze Pin

1. Cabrestante, Eliza A.
2. Pepito, Genalen M.
3. Corrales, Joezen D.                    
4. Alvarado, Elsie T.
5. Baylan, Steven L.
6. Bonotan, Amelia M.  
7. Elcullada, Renan O.    
8. Lapis, Gary B.
9. Monacillo, Vincent F.                
10. Robante, Anthony V.
11. Rosero, Cristopher John S.
12. Navarro, Tizza Marie M.
13. Pacquiao, Katherine S.
14. Picardal, Jay P.
15. Zerrudo, Rane R.


15
15
15
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10

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. Ariel Bacatan, Acting Director IV of the Civil Service Commission VII gives some CSC updates during the awarding and closing ceremony of CSC month in CNU. / Photo by Mechelle Canoy

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.

Atty. Dominiciana Bandala (2nd to the left) receives her certificate and gold ring during the awarding ceremony. Also in the photo are Dr. Angeline M. Pogoy, Atty. Ariel Bacatan, Dr. Filomena T. Dayagbil, and Dr. Daisy R. Palompon. / Photo by Mechelle Canoy

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.

Eleazar Ledamo (2nd to the left) receives his certificate and gold ring during the awarding ceremony. Also in the photo are Dr. Angeline M. Pogoy, Atty. Ariel Bacatan, Dr. Filomena T. Dayagbil, and Dr. Daisy R. Palompon. / Photo by Mechelle Canoy

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)

CNU faculty, staff show unity in CSC events

Cebu Normal University (CNU) faculty and non-teaching staff showed their camaraderie by participating in the activities conducted in the University in celebration of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) month namely, the Sports Fest and Arts and Cultural Competitions held last September 6 and 13 respectively. The list of winners are as follows:

Sports fest

Table Tennis

Champion (Men’s): Arturo Yap

Champion (Women’s): Lerie Glimada

Badminton Doubles 

Champion (Men’s): James Louies Un and James Luresh Un

Champion (Women’s): Mae Quilaton and Gracelyn Joy Argomido 

Badminton Doubles Champion: Gracelyn Joy Argomido (white) and Mae Quilaton shake hands with their fellow competitors. / Photo by John Paul Fajardo

Volleyball 

(Men and Women) 

Champion: Team Sagol

Johnly Gamboa

Mike Marturillas

Joseph Basilisco

Roselyn Cabarrubias

Jeric Gilbuena 

Eisel Batoon

Dennis Donal

Mary Jane Remotigue

Elma Polinar

CNU faculty and non-teaching staff are competing volleyball. / Photo by John Paul Fajardo

Team Building Group Games

Team Building Game 1 Champion: Team Pla

Marvin Tan

Joven Osorno

Gelane Tidoso

Mary Blaise Aniñon

Endrex Nemenzo

Erven Noval

Raymond Prix Del Rosario

Participants of the Team Building Game. / Photo by John Paul Fajardo

Team Building Game 2 Champion: Team Bungog

Dennis Donal

Eunice Anne Flores 

Lavella Loon

Mary Jane Auman

Jeylourd Alcontin

Nilmark Argomido

Jeric Gilbuena

Team Building Game participants run to win the race. / Photo by John Paul Fajardo

Arts and Cultural Competition

Solo Singing Competition

Champion: Excel James Recta

1st Runner-up: Kim Francis Rodriguez 

2nd Runner-up: Rocelyn Cabarrubias 

Solo Singing Competition Champion: Excel James Recta / Photo by John Laurence Villaflor

Duet Singing Competition

Champion: Maetrese Arianne Beley and James Louies Un

1st Runner-up: Hanna Dea Batidor and Harold Gogo

2nd Runner-up: Rocelyn Cabarrubias and Anthony Robante

Duet Singing Competition Champion: Maetrese Arianne Beley and James Louies Un / Photo by John Laurence Villaflor

Folk Dance Contest

Champion: CAS Kinesthetic 

Dara Hill Medillo

Jorjie Nepangue

Catherine Pacquaio

John Dacayana

Folk Dance Contest Champion: CAS Kinesthetic Department / Photo by John Laurence Villaflor
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