The CHEDRO VII Technical Working Group (TWG) for State Universities and Colleges’ (SUCs) Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP) visited the Cebu Normal University-Medellin Campus and held a conference on Friday afternoon, October 27, 2023, at the CNU-M’s Foreign Language room.
The LUDIP is based on Republic Act No. 11396, which mandates compliance with land use plans and practices in state universities and colleges (SUCs) to ensure coordination across geographical boundaries. The conference is about onsite monitoring and validation on campus and CNU’s LUDIP was successfully presented by Dr. Jeson Bustamante, OIC Director for Planning, Foresight and Futures Thinking.
The TWG composed of Ms. Zarah Leigh Ranile-DBM, Engr. Gerry V. Araneta-Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP), Dr. Sotera C. Cagang- CHEDRO VII, Ms. Jacqueline Pono- Te, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and Dr. Leonardo R. Tanael, Jr.-CHEDRO VII organized a post-validation conference after the ocular validation process to provide necessary feedback regarding the validation’s results. Moreover, the office will send an official report to the institution on the TWG findings days after the visit.
Meanwhile, the conference was attended by Dr. Grace N. Malaga, the Campus Director of CNU-Medellin, Archt. Jodl-Job Dabon, Planning Officer III, Engr. Cairns Ragasajo, Engineer II and Mr. Louwell Ponpon, CNU-Medellin’s LUDIP Representative.
Text by Norlyn S. Dela Cruz | BANWAG Photos by Dr. Grace N. Malaga | CNU-Medellin, Campus Director
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. §
Cebu Normal University (CNU) moves forward with its vision as it was officially acclaimed as a Three (3) Stars Institution by the Quacquarelli Symond (QS) Stars Rating System on March 13, 2023.
The leading multidisciplinary research university of education’s three (3) out of five (5) stars rating means that CNU is a “well-recognized [institution] nationally and may have also begun to attract international recognition.”
They utilize three (3) criteria which consist of several categories when rating universities fairly: (1) the core criteria categories focus on the components of a university; (2) the advanced criteria categories look at a university with a solid foundation; and (3) specialist criteria categories look intently at an institution’s areas of specialization.
In an interview with Ang Suga, the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Board and University Secretary Dr. Laurence L. Garcia shared that the institution only achieved that overall rating due to a one-star rating in the internalization category in the core criteria.
He added that the university is not yet prepared to host international students because of inadequate space and the restrictions of the Philippine government.
“…Strict man god kaayo ang Philippine government to that…Bisan pa ang atong curriculum kay nindot na ug kanang prepared which is ato ng strength kanang academic development. Pero ang atoang…environment is not [yet] supporting international students kay gamay kaayo tag space,” Garcia explained.
Meanwhile, Ms. Naila Y. Beltran, Director for External Affairs & International Linkages (EAIL), expressed that the other universities in the Philippines that were also evaluated by the QS only received a three-star rating due to this issue in internalization.
“In the Philippines, nobody was able to get four stars because of that one [which is] internalization,” she said.
However, CNU excelled in the inclusiveness category part of the advanced criteria and has shown great remarks in the academic development and teaching category in the core criteria.
The assessment was made possible through the Fostering World Class Philippine Universities Project Grant for PHP 2.5 million under the support of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
QS Stars is a British company that is one of the “world’s leading providers of services, analytics, and insight to the global higher education institutions (HEIs).”
Recognition overseas
In a phone interview with Ang Suga, Dr. Filomena T. Dayagbil, OIC of the Office of the University President, shared that even before she became the university president, it was already part of her agenda to create a competitive advantage by getting recognition abroad.
The QS three-star rating is one of the educational institution’s successes in being recognized internationally, opening up opportunities to attract international students and expose Filipino students globally.
To cope with the weakness in internalization scope, Dayagbil shared that they have already applied for distance learning and are now at the CHED for consideration.
“Nagpaabot ta [sa CHED] sa ilahang mga suggestions to comply with all the [requirements]…Naa na tay curriculum…naa na tay module,” she said.
Furthermore, the university will track its progress using the QS World University Rankings. The institution will reapply if a second evaluation is required to obtain the five-star rating.
Dayagbil emphasized that they planned to apply for another assessment and quality assurance system known as Times Higher Education (THE).
“For the next three years, e-monitor nato ang tanan nga mga parameters sa QS, and then we will really reapply…At the same time, mo-expand gyod ta into Times Higher Education which is actually giving us proof that we can be very good in areas of research and quality instruction,” she explained. §
Under the leading lights of the outgoing university president, Cebu Normal University (CNU) had achieved a good number of recognitions and awards which catapulted the university’s name to top excellence. Crimson and gold glimmered during Dr. Filomena T. Dayagbil’s four-year term as a product of purposeful collaboration between the administration and stakeholders.
To formalize the conclusion of her term, an event held at the CNU grounds kicked off last April 29, 2021 and was physically attended by the CNU administrative council officials and members. Distant Normalites, on the other hand, had their eyes on screen as the event was broadcasted simultaneously on the university’s Facebook page.
Dr. Laurence Garcia, Chairman of the End-of-Report Portfolio, noted in his welcome remarks that this was “a day to be grateful to the administration that nurtured us even amid the trying times”.
While the event purposed to highlight Dayagbil’s report on her stay as the State University and College (SUC) President III of CNU, she desired to honor and recognize first those who have contributed to the achievement of the university’s strategic directions; thus, awarding plaques of appreciation to partner organizations, agencies, and individuals who helped in shaping the glory of CNU.
On her portfolio report and message, Dayagbil shared that she was reminded of the ending part of her investiture speech four years ago. “
As your president, it is my pleasure to partner with you and work with you on something that is bigger than any of us, an ongoing vision to chart the course for CNU to excel in innovative teaching and learning, cutting edge research, and relevant partnerships,” she repeated.
Dayagbil continued, “Fast forward today, as my presidency ends, I could proudly say that with your partnerships, we successfully accomplished what we have promised, achieving one milestone after another, in leaps and bounds.”
Representing her end-of-term report as “excelsior”, a Latin word and a catchphrase used by famous comic book writer Stan Lee, this described the entire CNU community’s collective efforts through the years, attaining noteworthy achievements to its five strategic directions: (1) sustaining quality and relevance; (2) enhancing research, development, and innovation; (3) expanding community engagement and linkages; (4) digitization and automation of operations; and (5) maximizing resource generation and utilization.
As she ended her speech, the outgoing president remarked, “Excelsior! Onward, Cebu Normal University!”
Cebu Normal University is set to receive P7 million worth of grants from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) that would enable the university to implement three projects.
Two of these projects focus on improving flexible learning — the Flexible Learning Modality Training for Teacher Educators (FLMTTEd) with an allocation of over P2.5 million and the Flexible Instructional Materials Development for Teacher Educators (FIMDTEd) which has been earmarked P1.8 million.
The third project, Developing Global Filipino Teachers (DGFT), has been allocated a budget of P2.6 million. It aims to equip teachers with the needed pedagogical and socio-cultural competencies as global educators.
Flexible learning
Amid the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, CNU has been actively pursuing projects meant to help convert threats and challenges to opportunities.
In a survey conducted by the university, educators expressed the need to reshape their lessons to include provisions for flexible learning modalities to meet the changing educational landscape brought about by COVID-19.
Thus, FLMTTEd aims to train faculty members of teacher education institutions on effective implementation of flexible learning modalities in the teaching learning processes in the new normal.
To achieve this, CNU has forged partnerships with Cebu Technological University-Tuburan Campus and Leyte Normal University.
On the other hand, FIMDTEd aims to develop research-based flexible instructional materials such as modules for the professional education courses in teacher education.
These will be utilized by educators, specifically those who are teaching in local colleges within Central Visayas.
The flexible instructional package for a professional education course includes lectures, readings, worktext, problem-based activities, and other resources that can be used in both face-to-face and online classrooms.
Going global
Meanwhile, the DGFT program of the CNU College of Teacher Education seeks to help Filipino educators in Cambodia increase their cultural awareness to address global change. This, as schools have increasingly become more culturally diverse.
It also aims to help the educators develop their teaching skills to create a learning setting wherein students respect each other, value diversity, and collaborate effectively.
The program is set to conduct intensive review classes, hands-on trainings on varied learning modalities and practice exercises to be done in Cambodia and in the Philippines.
With this program, teachers are expected to acquire the needed competencies as global educators, and pass the licensure examination at the same time. –/Chiel Martina Y. Condor/JMD
Cebu Normal University (CNU) Medellin Campus opens a new Foreign Language Classroom for a conducive learning space for its students.
The Foreign Language Classroom is located in the 2nd floor of the CNU Medellin Campus main building. It used to be Room 7 which was renovated through the help of Dr. Kong Hwan Kim.
Kim is a Professor Emeritus at Ajou University, South Korea who stayed at the CNU Main and Medellin Campuses from January to February 2020 as a volunteer professor to teach Korean Language and to conduct a lecture on Emerging Trends in Food Processing.
According to CNU Medellin Campus Director Dr. Grace Malaga, the Foreign Language Classroom used to be an ordinary classroom that underwent a total make-over. She said that the classroom used to have broken jalousie blades, no tiles, and got flooded when it rained hard due to a damaged ceiling.
Now, the floors are tiled and the classroom is installed with an air-conditioning unit, whiteboard, and projector screen. The windows and ceiling are also repaired and the whole room is repainted.
A sound-proof mini office was also constructed at the back of the room with office chairs, table, cabinet, air conditioning unit, and a lounging sofa.
Malaga said that Kim was the one who financed the total renovation of the Foreign Language Classroom including all the pieces of furniture and fixtures therein. She said that the renovation was Kim’s way of helping the students to have a better learning experience.
She said that the renovation was conceptualized after Kim’s one-week visit to the CNU Medellin Campus where he got the chance to teach Korean language to the graduating Bachelor of Tourism Management (BTM) students.
CNU Medellin Campus Faculty and Extension Chair Maricel Rivera said that the Foreign Language Classroom was prepared to be used during the start of classes last August but the pandemic lasted way past it.
Rivera shared that it was also the goal of Kim to push through with the renovation project to provide the campus a model classroom.
She admitted that the classrooms in Medellin Campus have existing problems such as the ceiling. She shared that before the pandemic, she used to conduct her Korean classes in a makeshift classroom outside the campus without electricity just to accommodate the growing number of students.
There are six classrooms in the CNU Medellin Campus main building and six additional makeshift classrooms. The Foreign Language Classroom is one of the six classrooms in the main building.
Rivera said that Kim also helped in improving the service drop wire and internet cable wiring of the campus. Further, Kim has donated Korean language books in the library to aid with the teaching of Korean language which is part of the curriculum of BTM students.
She said that she considers Kim as an epitome of a passionate educator and said that CNU Medellin is grateful for the support he has given to the campus. She said that the enhancement of the facilities will provide better instruction for the students.
A solemn mass and blessing of the Foreign Language Classroom and the newly-constructed covered court bleachers were held during the CNU Medellin 9th Commencement Exercises on August 27, 2020, wherein Kim was invited as the Commencement Speaker.
Malaga said that the construction of the new bleachers in the covered court is made through the efforts of Congresswoman Janice Salimbangon to complete the project which her husband former Congressman Benhur Salimbangon started.
The Foreign Language Classroom shall be used in the conduct of Korean, Spanish, and English language classes. The classroom may also be used for faculty meetings and other purposes upon prior reservation. (JDF)
Cebu Normal University (CNU) representative wins 1st Place in Civil Service Commission (CSC’s) Regional Online Photography Contest with his photo depicting the realities of education in the ‘new normal’.
CNU Medellin Campus Registrar Elizar Alburo was chosen to join the Online Photography Contest of CSC as part of the month-long celebration of the 120th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA) in September.
His photo entry entitled, “Shine in the Darkness of the New Normal” bested 20 other entries in Central Visayas making him the regional 1st Prize winner.
Alburo’s masterpiece depicted the two different modalities of learning in the new normal – online and offline distance learning. By simultaneously depicting the two scenarios side by side, the photo effectively captures the stark realities of education in the new normal.
The winning photo entry of Elizar Alburo that landed him 1st Place on the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Regional Office VII Online Photography Contest.
The left side of the photo depicts the online mode wherein the student uses a laptop and touchscreen phone as electronic gadgets to aid him with distance learning. Meanwhile, the right side represents the situation of those in offline mode with books as reading materials without an internet connection.
Alburo said he wants to encourage students to have the willingness to learn and to continue studying even with the challenges caused by the pandemic. He said that offline mode can be an option for students without a stable internet connection rather than to stop schooling. This is the core message of his photo – for students to shine in the darkness of the new normal.
“Against the light, but it’s worth the fight. Keep the light of your dreams come [sic] alive,” the caption of his photo entry indicates.
Alburo also acknowledged that the feat was a product of a collaborative effort. He said the entry was conceptualized with the help of his colleagues and the support of Medellin Campus Director Dr. Grace Malaga to adhere to the online photography contest theme, Journey to the New Normal.
The photoshoot was also conducted in the Library of CNU Medellin Campus. The models of his entry were children of his colleague. Personnel from the General Services Office (GSO) also helped with the set-up of the photoshoot.
Alburo said he was shocked when he knew he won regionally. He said that although he works as a freelance photographer as his sideline, it was his first time to join a photography contest.
It is also the first time that CSC has conducted the Online Photography Contest participated by government workers in the country.
Alburo shared that he was surprised when asked to be the representative of the University but took it as a challenge also and an opportunity to represent CNU. He said he is grateful for the opportunity and help given by the CNU Human Resource Management Officer, Mrs. Mary Margaret Cornejo.
Alburo will receive a cash prize of P5,000 and attendance to any Learning and Development Courses offered by CSC Regional Office VII of his choice for free as his rewards.
Three best entries were selected from each of the 16 regions in the country and out of the 48 entries, three were then picked again as winners for the National competition.
The participants were judged according to content and adherence to the theme, visual impact (including color and lighting), creativity and originality, and photography quality.
“The activity was visualized to provide a venue for public servants to create, appreciate, and spread positive images that would convey the beauty and importance of living despite the challenges and uncertainties brought by the COVID-19 situation,” CSC Human Resource Relations Office (HRRO) OIC Director III, Atty. Krunimar Antonio Escudero III said.
Escudero said that the photos sent as entries to the contest are a testament to the artistry and creativity of Filipino government workers.
The contest was organized by the CSC HRRO and PCSA Steering Committee.
The 1st CSC National Online Photography Contest Awarding Ceremony was held on September 15, 2020, and can be viewed in the Philippine Civil Service Commission Facebook page. (JDF)
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