Lauding of Laudes: CNU applauds CAS awardees

Cebu Normal University (CNU) commended 556 College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) academic awardees and 9 non-academic awardees today, May 31, 2023, at the Samuel MacClintock (SM) Hall.
 
The Latin honorees, along with their proud parents, created a ring of proud clamor as they marched to claim the fruits of their labor within their four years of stay at the university.
 
The theme, “Creating the Desired Future Today: Graduates as Prime Movers of Sustainable Development” served as the guiding light for CAS Dean Dr. Milagros Greif’s opening remarks.
 
“You have the power to transform industries, communities, and mindsets as you build the future we all aspire to see,” she emphasized.
 
Greif urged the graduates to be the prime movers of sustainable development as they go beyond the university’s walls.
 
Meanwhile, the personification of Normalite excellence Summa Cum Laude Lyngil T. Olivar (Bachelor of Arts in Communication major in Film Media IV) expressed her pride towards her batch during her response speech.
 
“You cannot tell an empty stomach to wait for the diploma. But no matter what your circumstances are, I’m proud of you, guys!” she said.
 
Non-academic awardees were also recognized and awarded for their exemplary performance and service during their time as Normalites. §
 
Words by Kimberly Keith Gonzaga
Photos by Mardy May Amancio and Kitana Marie Misa
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CNU recognizes CTE, CN Latin honorees

With the theme “Creating the Desired Future Today, Graduates as Prime Movers of Sustainable Development,” Cebu Normal University (CNU) recognized 706 College of Teacher Education (CTE) and 54 College of Nursing (CN) academic and non-academic awardees at Samuel MacClintock (SM) Hall today, May 30, 2023.
 
“You have proven [yourselves] to be exceptional scholars of the government. You are diligent learners, compassionate individual[s] who understand the importance of sustainable development,” CTE Dean Dr. Helen B. Boholano expressed in her welcoming remarks.
 
Boholano reminded the honorees to embrace innovation, challenge the status quo, and never lose sight of their vision for a better world.
 
In her response speech for the Educators’ side, Jayen T. Guasa (Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science IV), one of CTE’s two Summa Cum Laudes, emphasized that relationships are pillars of strength during challenging times.
 
“Carry your torch of accomplishments with humility, knowing that true greatness is not measured by awards and medals but the impact you have on the lives of others,” she said.
 
Another CTE Summa Cum Laude, Zerah Charley I. Cabahug (Bachelor of Physical Education IV) recounted the fears and triumphs of their journey.
 
“[God] constantly reminds us that [in] everything [that] we do, we do it for our future and for our practice,” she stated.
 
Meanwhile, CN’s Magna Cum Laude, Patrice Danielle C. Lim (Bachelor of Science in Nursing IV) asked her fellow graduates that in the face of adverse paths, they “meet those challenges straight on with your head held high and your heart wide open.”
 
In the afternoon ceremony, special awards and citations for graduate school studies were recognized.
 
The CNU Chorale, led by Mr. Rithchie A. Asibal, serenaded the awardees, their parents, and the guests with the song “Give Me Wings.” §
 
Words by Andrea Ellaine Galorport and Jessa Sestoso
Photos by Argeline Albior and Darylle Dinaguit
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Normalite bags arnis SEA Games silver

Cebu Normal University’s (CNU) Ma. Crystal Jane Sapio (Bachelor of Physical Education IV) of the Philippine women’s arnis anyo team snatched the silver medal in the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games competition hosted at Phnom Penh, Cambodia, last May 16, 2023.
 
Sapio’s training journey began with courage and perseverance until she was recognized and granted the break to represent the Philippines for the women’s anyo non-traditional open weapon category, alongside Jeanette Agapito and Mary Allin Aldeguer.
 
During the competition, the team displayed an artistic demonstration of arnis anyo as their swift movements synchronized and displayed offensive and defensive techniques using a replica of a non-bladed weapon.
 
In her Facebook post, Sapio extended her gratitude to the people behind her achievement, including her family, the Philippine National Arnis Team (PNAT), the Lapu-Lapu Arnis De Abanico coaches, and even the CNU community.
 
“To my CNU FAMILY, thank you so much sa inyong lahat. To my mentor Miss Mary Flor Ilustrisimo Villaruel, ILS (Integrated Laboratory School) supervisor Dr. Bojos, and University President Ma’am Filomena T. Dayagbil. Thank you so much for the kind consideration and for allowing me to pursue my career in [the] national team while continuing my studies in your prestigious institution,” she wrote. “Thank you for your support! Pugay po!”
 
In an interview with Ang Suga, ILS supervisor Dr. Marlon Bojos conveyed his insight on Sapio’s silver medal victory to the CNU pride.
“It made an impact on the university because she [always] carries the name of CNU. Though CNU [only] imparted a little contribution to her physical arnis training, the university is in full support through adjusting her internship schedules. Her victory will boost further the name and morale of the university,” he said.
 
A student-athlete, Sapio is also a graduating student with Latin honors. §
 
Words by Jeorgiemerl Codaste
Photos grabbed from Ma. Crystal Jane Sapio and Philippine Sports Commission
Commission
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

CNU fosters US-PH exchange programs

To commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the United States (US) and the Philippines (PH) exchanges, Cebu Normal University (CNU) hosted the U.S.-PH Exchanges Roadshow at the Tandang Sora Hall yesterday, May 19, 2023.
 
The External Affairs and International Linkages (EAIL) headed by Director Dr. Naila Beltran and the CNU – Tourism Society (TourS), in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines and the U.S. Department of State, spearheaded the event to witness the promotion and strengthening of the U.S. Government exchange programs and opportunities.
 
In her opening speech, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Dr. Gwendelina Villarante described the beauty of the U.S.-PH relationship and the exchanges that brought possibilities for both countries.
 
“We will witness the exchange of ideas, the blending of culture, and the forging of life-long connections as participants engage in academic programs, professional internship[s], cultural exchanges, and entrepreneurial ventures. They will not only enrich their own lives but contribute to the development and progress of both our nations,” she said.
 
Moreover, the Deputy Cultural Attaché of the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Pauline Anderson proudly pointed out the 350 exchanges happening every year and highlighted the US’ high investment in the Philippines’ education.
 
“We are schooled that there are three pillars of our relationship…I go to bed and I think three pillars…those are friends, partners, and allies,” Anderson added.
 
In an interview with Ang Suga, Math Circle Mayor Hon. Niño Rey L. Armas expressed his joy in joining the event and shared that it was “beneficial” on his part.
 
U.S. experiences
 
Public Engagement Specialist of the U.S. Embassy of the Philippines Helen Vallejos directed the discussion on the plethora of programs and exchange opportunities and underlined the specifications of each program, such as the age requirement and application process.
 
Vallejos accentuated the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) as the U.S. Government’s most featured program in liaison and leadership training in Southeast Asia and the Fulbright program that offers scholarships.
 
“Don’t be intimidated by the idea of trying to apply, don’t be afraid of rejections. The first step is for you to just start applying [and] unless you start doing that, you won’t really get a hang of how to do your applications,” Vallejos reminded.
 
Meanwhile, YSEALI Professional Fellowship Alumna Atty. Aliko Garganera; Fulbright CHED Alumnus Arch. Neil Andrew Menjares; and Fulbright CHED Alumnus Mr. Adrian Perez Del Monte graced the event as speakers in the panel discussions and narrated their struggles in applying and their life abroad.
 
“Be truthful sa imohang narrative…for example, these are your goals in life, make sure na they are truthful and pwede siya mabuhat ba, dili nga you are aiming for the biggest stars. Maybe start from simple na mga pangandoy nga achievable,” Del Monte said.
 
Meanwhile, YSEALI Alumni and Tourism Faculty Member Ms. Clareziel D. Ladringan conveyed how important the event was for students to experience the opportunity to live abroad fully funded by the government.
 
“I can say that no amount of heartbreak can equate to the gains you will gain once you join the fellowship. I can say it’s a life-changing experience for me to be able to go to these programs,” she shared. §
 
Words by Aldwin Villacrucis
Photos by Angeline Cediño
Photos by Angeline Cediño
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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CNU-Main, Medellin top WURI ranking

Cebu Normal University’s (CNU) Main and Medellin campuses came in 10th and 50th, respectively, in the Crisis Management category of the annual World Universities with Real Impact (WURI) rankings released yesterday, May 18, 2023.
 
Ascending to the heights of the crimson and gold standard, CNU-Main secured the highest ranking among its previous editions – now ranking 2nd nationwide and 10th worldwide, finishing 14th in 2021 and 15th in 2022 in the same category globally.
 
The crisis management criteria evaluate the university’s real contributions to society, highlighting creative and innovative approaches to universities’ research and educational programs amid global and local crises.
 
Dr. Michelle Mae Olvido, Presidential Assistant for the Planning and Development Office and Chair of the Technical Working Group (TWG) for WURI 2023, expressed in a Facebook post her gratitude to the CNU community as “a testament to [a] team effort.”
 
“Allow me to make a special mention to the proponents of our three projects submitted for evaluation this year: the College of Teacher Education (CTE) headed by Dean Helen Boholano, College of Nursing (CN) headed by Dean Jezyl Cempron Cutamora, and CNU-Medellin Campus headed by Director Grace Nellas Malaga,” she said.
 
Olvido further mentioned that CNU-Medellin’s first attempt at the world rankings became fruitful as they ranked 50th globally and 6th nationally in the crisis management category.
 
“Three years and counting…hopefully more to come as we continue to carry on CNU’s excellence manifested through work that targets [on] significance,” she added.
 
Breaking its previous record as 101st-200th placer in the Global Innovative Universities last 2022, CNU-Main also grabbed 98th place among the Global Top 100 Innovative Universities 2023, bagging the 7th place among other national universities.
 
WURI is a global ranking of universities with industrial application, entrepreneurial spirit, ethical value, student mobility and openness, crisis management, and the fourth Industrial Revolution as its six categories for evaluation.
 
Other national universities that secured spots were Far Eastern University – Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation (FEU-NRMF), Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), Far Eastern University Institute of Technology (FEU-Tech), and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta (UPHSD). §
 
Words by Marjuice Destinado
Layout by Josi Mari Malazarte

CNU, MRU pact alliance

Cebu Normal University (CNU) officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Manav Rachna University (MRU) of India via Zoom today, May 18, 2023.
 
After a series of prior engagements steered by the College of Teacher Education (CTE) – Internalization, the CNU and MRU partnership was formally cemented, bringing forth prospects for student and faculty exchange programs, research collaboration, and joint online learning.
 
Correspondingly, the focal fields of the accord are behavioral sciences, media and humanities studies, hotel management, culinary arts, applied sciences, and education.
 
Anchored by the Internalization Chair Dr. Janet Mananay, with the External Affairs and International Linkages (EAIL) Director Dr. Naila Beltran, the ceremony was outset by messages from either dignitary.
 
Vice President for Research, Extension, and Publication Dr. Angeline Pogoy expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership by accenting both universities’ “shared efforts and unwavering determination [to] create a brighter future for students.”
 
“Our partnership aims to promote cross-cultural understanding, diversity, and innovation, enriching the academic experiences of our students and professors alike,” she said.
 
Pogoy furthered that she is honored to join hands with MRU, calling it an institution “known for innovation, research-driven approach, and dedication to holistic development.”
 
Meanwhile, International Affairs Executive Director Colonel Girish Kumar Sharma conveyed gratitude for the sealing of matters, considering the amount of energy and effort in initiating dialogue between the schools.
 
“I am very optimistic that our relationship will be a sustained one, and in [the] long term, our two universities will bond together,” Sharma stated.
 
In an interview with Ang Suga, Mananay underlined the importance of “bridging the gap” by strengthening intercultural relations.
 
“Initiatives should be made clear,” Mananay shared, “which is why the ceremonial MOA signing had to be done. [Internalization] is now really the direction of the university, gearing towards collaboration with universities outside the country [and] moving towards forging friendships.” §
 
Words and Screenshots by Carlos Leopoldo Cabeza III

CNU places 43rd in EduRank nationwide

Among the 229 universities nationwide, Cebu Normal University (CNU) ranked 43rd among the top 100 best universities in the Philippines based on the recent EduRank 2023 rankings.
 
CNU also landed 4th among the 10 universities in Cebu, 2,814th out of 5,830 universities in Asia, and 7,259th out of 14,131 universities worldwide.
 
Further, CNU got 23rd place out of 26 based on its research performance in Liberal Arts and Social Science.
 
Dr. Daisy Palompon, Director of the Center for Research and Development, shared in an interview with Ang Suga that the achievement is a great honor for crimson and gold.
 
“It’s an affirmation of the excellent performance of our university through the research accomplishments of our faculty members for the past years,” she said.
 
Palompon further stated that EduRank increased CNU’s visibility both inside and outside the university, implying that the previous years’ efforts in research and research-related activities have already garnered recognition.
 
“This is actually an honor and an accomplishment of the entire university, including our students who are part of the university for the past years until now, and also our faculty and staff who worked together for the improvement of our research culture in the university,” she expressed.
 
The participating Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) were evaluated in three areas, such as research performance (45%), non-academic prominence (45%), and alumna score (10%).
 
As indicated on EduRank’s website, “the rankings are determined by analyzing 373k citations received by 30.4k academic publications made by 229 universities around the Philippines, the popularity of 889 recognized alumni, and the largest reference database available.”
 
Founded in 2022, EduRank is an independent metric-based ranking of 14,131 universities from 183 countries. §
 
Words by Sweety Mae Berandez
Photo grabbed from CNU Facebook page

CNU holds Seminar on Legal Mandates for SUC Employees

Cebu Normal University continues to invest in the personal and professional development of its employees which includes a reorientation of important legislations in the service to the government, especially in the context of a state university. With this premise, the Office of the President through the Legal Unit and the Planning and Development Office, and in coordination with the Learning and Development Office facilitated the conduct of a reorientation on pertinent laws governing public service in higher education institutions.

The Seminar on Legal Mandates for SUC Employees: A Reorientation on Relevant Laws and Provisions for Government Employees was held last April 11-12, 2023 at the CNU Tandang Sora Hall and EMMA Center respectively with the Administrative Council, regular teaching personnel, unit heads and officers of the faculty and staff associations in attendance. The resource persons from the Office of the Solicitor General included Atty. Carlos Vincent C. Trinidad (State Solicitor II), Atty. Ruben S. Ayson, Jr. (Senior State Councilor), and Justice James Lee Cundangan (Assistant Solicitor General). The seminar included the discussion of the Republic Act No. 8292 (The Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997), Republic Act No. 7722 (The Higher Education Act of 1994), CSC Res. No. 2100064, s. 2021 (The Revised Administrative Disciplinary, Rules on Sexual Harassment Cases), Republic Act No. 11313 (The Safe Spaces Act), Republic Act No. 11053 (The Anti-Hazing Act of 2018), and 2017 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service (2017 RACCS).

Three-peat victory for CNU communicators in 2023 PUP radio festival

For three years in a row, the truth-telling voices of students from Cebu Normal University’s Department of Communication and Media Studies remain unbothered after sealing various acknowledgements in the recent edition of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Radio Festival 2023.

Eyeing to denounce information-trickery affecting communities, this year’s theme is “MANIOBRA: Unveiling the Illusion Behind Public Deception” which is lionized across Philippine regions.

Composed of three categories: 5-minute Radio News Production, Radio Podcasting, and Radio-Jingle Making, it is designed to harness the student’s potency in observing equilibrium when it comes to truth-bias. Relatively, it caters to both the secondary and
collegiate divisions.

Announced as the most-participated year, 223 entries were recorded overall, but only a few were able to rise amidst the heat of the competition.

As the only qualifier from Central Visayas, the representatives from CNU under the banner of CNU – Junior Broadcasters’ Alliance’s Sibya Production persisted in bearing honor to the institution.

“Radyo Tatak Totoo” was hailed as the 2nd Best News Production, earning a three-peat victory of the department in the said category. It was anchored by Mary Ann Rose Malaya and Carl John Griño along with Hoehnferdz Gonzaga, Krystal Joy Pepito, Khim Raices Khan Rusiana, Yeza Karyl Mayol, and Charwen Mayor.

The team’s script writer, Mayor, expressed the secret behind achieving the winning streak of the production in the said category for consecutive years.

“I believe the team still won because we are composed of individuals who do well in our respective roles…most of us have proven so much in this field, everyone was still receptive to constructive criticism.”

Radyo Tatak Totoo also bagged minor recognitions, with Malaya being awarded as the Best Female Anchor, Gonzaga as the Best Male News Presenter, and Mayor as Best Editor.

Moreover, Sibya Production’s “Aling, Mari, Chong!” performed by graduating communicators Lourenze Pareja, Armandave Ochia, John Mark Getes, and Kristian Jacob Logarta placed 5th in the Radio-Jingle Making category, conquering more than 40 entries from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Pareja, one of the composers, revealed what he felt after winning a national competition.

“The thought that we made it to the final cut, it’s just a dream come true, for first-timers like us…[We are] beyond thankful to the Great Author of our talents, and that is God.”

The student musicians also received the DZMC – Young Communicators Guild Choice award from the PUP.

Meanwhile, the department’s entry for the Radio Podcasting competition, entitled “T’yak, Comm-i Yan!” comprised of the fairly-caliber communicators Denielle Anne Abatayo, Angelica Lumongsud, Angelie Silabay, Louie Jay Vildosola, and Kent Grant Ylanan were called one of the qualifiers—an indication of the production’s fruitful finish.

Dr. Joseph Elvir C. Tubilan, also the CNU-DCMS Chairman, upheld his service as the representative’s ever-dynamic mentor.

Based on the upshot, CNU – Junior Broadcasters’ Alliance, a student-run organization that provides avenues to practice free press, continues to prove its might in the field of broadcasting and leadership both inside and outside the university’s gates.

These recognitions are a testimony that the potential and ability of the communication students transcend various disciplines in bringing meaningful contributions to the university as a transformed Normalite. / Hoehnferdz Z. Gonzaga and Bryan G.
Fernandez II, BA Communication Broadcast Journalism

Normalite tops DILG-7 on-the-spot painting contest

In celebration of World Water Day, Normalite Jason Banono (Bachelor of Arts in Communication – Integrated Marketing Communication and Press Relations II) won the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office (RO) 7’s regional on-the-spot painting contest last March 20, 2023.
 
Different Cebu-based colleges and universities participated in the contest which centered on the theme, “Accelerating Change to Solve the Water and Sanitation Crisis.”
 
In an interview with Ang Suga, Banono shared that representing Cebu Normal University (CNU) was a “healthy pressure” that pushed him to do his best and aim for victory.
 
“I feel proud representing the name of the university because not everyone can have that opportunity. It is an honor to do so,” he said.
Banono furthered that he was hesitant to accept the offer because the contest proper fell on the day of the midterm examinations.
 
However, he embraced the challenge and was able to paint a masterpiece in line with the theme within almost four hours.
 
“My artwork emphasizes that clean water should be accessible by everyone, from highly urban cities to the most far-flung areas that need them equally,” stated Banono.
 
He added that the water and sanitation crisis is an issue that cannot be fixed temporarily by bandage solutions.
 
“It sends a message that while we are obliged to help conserve water and not leave a negative impact on the environment, we can only do so much in bringing out real impactful change. A collaborative work between authorities and citizens is a must,” he concluded.
 
Meanwhile, DILG-7’s Engr. John Arnold Reluya and Josh Almonte from the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) bagged second and third place, respectively.
 
World Water Day is held annually every March 22 to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources and tackle the global water crisis in support of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030. §
 
Words by Jonalyn Infante
Photos grabbed from DILG-7 Facebook page
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