CNU exhibits at QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific 2022
Cebu Normal University (CNU) is the only Philippine university with its own exhibit in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Higher Education Summit: Asia Pacific 2022 held on 8-10 November 2022 in Intercontinental Jakarta, Pondok Pinang, Jakarta, Indonesia. Other than the exhibits, the summit featured workshops and interactive panels by experts in the academe for innovation with the theme, “The Next Big Thing: Addressing new opportunities and existing challenges in APAC higher education”.
The QS Higher Education Summit exhibits provided an avenue for CNU to showcase the offerings of its colleges primarily in the areas of instruction and research. The delegation was led by Director Naila Y. Beltran of the External Affairs and International Linkages Office with Dr. Michelle Mae J. Olvido (Presidential Assistant for Planning and Development) and Dr. Laurence L. Garcia (Board and University Secretary and Director for the Research Institute for Ageing and Health). With 237 universities from 39 countries participating in the summit, CNU was able to enter into preliminary discussions for possible partnerships with 34 higher education institutions to add to the university’s efforts toward internationalization.
At present, CNU is undergoing assessment using the QS stars rating system to better understand its competitiveness using international rating and benchmarking which was made possible with the support of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) through the Fostering World Class Philippine Universities Project Grant in the amount of Php 2.5M. § MMO
CNU soars as Y4U champs
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Bringing together 350 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Clubs and aspiring clubs in the country, the UNESCO Clubs Philippines held the 2022 International Assembly of Youth for UNESCO (Y4U) awarding in Bayview Park Hotel, Ermita Manila, Philippines last December 9-11, 2022. Cebu Normal University (CNU) – Educators’ Council (EC) took home first place in the Y4U music video competition, led by aspiring Normalite composers, singers, and musicians. Participants include the singer-composer Eva Mae C. Daguplo; along with singers Aleah Jane M. Atendido, Keziah Marie S. Tagpuno, Tessie Marie P. Paragoso, John Romar A. Santerva, Joel Japheth A. Guion, Kharen M. Brua, Tristan P. Soqueño, and Melanie Grace I. Obedencio; and instrumentalists Joel Japheth A. Guion, Nerl Nathanielle A. Cutara, Joe Sean M. Tamayo, and John William C. Pastor. When asked about her feelings upon knowing the results, Daguplo told Ang Suga that she was surprised and thrilled at the same time because it was her first time participating in such a significant competition. “I’m very thankful to EC and my team since I realized that teamwork is one of the best ingredients to win. I hope that the song would be a great reminder or inspiration for the youth,” she shared. Meanwhile, out of the 12 ambassadors competing from various schools, CNU’s Kim Mathew Abapo (Bachelor of Arts in Political Science IV) clinched the Mr. UNESCO Ambassador Philippines – 1st Runner Up title, along with the Most Photogenic and Best in Talent awards. The crowned Normalite shared that meeting and interacting with individuals from various provinces during the 3-day event was “no less than empowering.” “All throughout the 3-day international conference, I always see to it that I bring my Cebuano culture to other delegates. Every time we converse with one another, magnifying the Cebuano diversity was a primacy. It really humbles me to introduce Cebu to the delegates and share to [with] them what we can offer,” Abapo added. On the other hand, CNU’s Elodie Manubag (Bachelor of Science in Education major in English II) triumphed as Ms. UNESCO Ambassadress – 3rd Runner Up. Manubag shared that the people behind her eye-catching recycled outfit were from the Genlites organization, naming Harry Kenth Resuco, John Anthony Villaruel, Sofia Cortes, Althea, Louise Sabas, Lhianne Khylle Alesna and Mary Cielo Kate Ricablanca. Furthermore, Casey Divine Donayre (Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education major in General Education IV) won 2nd Runner-Up for the Open Mic Spoken Word Poetry Y4U in College Category. The international conference provides a platform for youth mentoring, conversation, and peer collaborations within the framework of UNESCO’s mandate and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). § The following is the list of Normalites and their awards: Music Video Competition – ChampionComposer:1. Eva Mae C. Daguplo (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education III) Singers:1. Eva Mae C. Daguplo (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education III)2. Aleah Jane M. Atendido (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education III)3. Keziah Marie S. Tagpuno (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education III)4. Tessie Marie P. Paragoso (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education III)5. John Romar A. Santerva (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education III)6. Joel Japheth A. Guion (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education III)7. Kharen M. Brua (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education III)8. Tristan P. Soqueño (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education III)9. Melanie Grace I. Obedencio (Bachelor of Science in Education major in English III) Instrumentalists:1. Joel Japheth A. Guion (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education III)2. Nerl Nathanielle A. Cutara (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education III)3. Joe Sean M. Tamayo (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education III)4. John William C. Pastor (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education III) Productions:1. CNU-EC UNESCO Ambassador – 1st Runner Up1. Kim Matthew Abapo (Bachelor of Arts in Political Science IV) UNESCO Ambassadress – 3rd Runner Up1. Elodie Manubag (Bachelor of Science in Education major in English III) Open Mic Spoken Word Poetry Y4U College Category – 2nd Runner Up1. Casey Divine Donayre (Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education major in General Education IV) Words by April Escalicas and Bea Sweet RosalPhotos grabbed from UNESCO Club Philippines, CNU-EC, and Polikratos Facebook page
CNU hosts first regional SUC fair
Cebu Normal University’s (CNU) – External Affairs and International Linkages (EAIL) Office, in association with the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), initiated an Extension Congress with its first Regional State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) Fair at Samuel MacClintock (SM) Hall last October 27-28, 2022.
The two-day event focused on the theme “Celebrating Success: Capacity Building and Innovation in Empowering Communities”, and aimed to establish stronger partnerships among SUCs in the region and prepare for the annual National SUC Fair organized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).
Five SUCs in the region including CNU, Cebu Technological University (CTU), Siquijor State College (SSC), Negros Oriental State University (NORSU), and Bohol Island State University (BISU) gathered to exhibit products from their extension projects.
Various local products were displayed from the designated booths highlighting CNU’s accessories from “One Bead at a Time”, CTU’s collection of handloom fabrics, NORSU’s framed collages made from dried leaves and flowers and BISU’s food products.
In an interview with NORSU’s Director of Innovation and Technology Support Office, Dr. Johann Heinrich P. Malongo stated he was fortunate enough to represent their school at events like the Extension Congress 2022.
“You will have the chance to showcase what you have back in your institution. It is indeed a great fora and venue to inspire others and gain wonderful insights and best practices from other Universities as well,” he said, commending its success.
On the second day, awards were given to the following: CNU for the Best Educational Product, CTU for the Best Booth, BISU for the Best Agri-Food Product, and NORSU and BISU for the Best in Scientific Product.
CNU’s “One Bead at a Time” extension project also won the CHED Choice Award and Best in Entrepreneurship last October 7, 2022, in the Education, Health, Environment, Livelihood, and Peace (E-HELP) Life Festival. §
Words by Lera Jane Camangyan and Donna Rose Egos
Photos grabbed from CNU and CNU-PIO Facebook page
CHED RO 7 advocates against teenage pregnancy, VAWC
“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” – Frederick Douglass
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office (RO) VII initiated a webinar to spread awareness and information on teenage pregnancy and violence against women and children (VAWC) yesterday, October 25, 2022, via Zoom and Facebook Live.
With the theme “Untold Stories of Childhood to Parenthood: The Realities of Teenage Pregnancy and Violence against Women and Children,” CHED RO VII aimed to continue its fight by educating the 13,000 registered participants from various higher education institutions (HEIs) of the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental.
“You may not need the information today, but the knowledge today could save a life tomorrow,” CHED RO VII’s Regional Director Dr. Maura Consolacion D. Cristobal stated.
Meanwhile, Dr. Laurence L. Garcia, Cebu Normal University’s (CNU) secretary and the board’s Officer-in-Charge (OIC), faculty of CNU – College of Nursing (CN), and the Founding Director of Research Institute for Aging and Health graced the occasion as the first resource speaker.
He highlighted how adolescent pregnancy in the Philippines calls for a national emergency, followed by a presentation of a study conducted by his team that aimed to uncover the realities of teenage mothers in Cebu City.
To end his discussion, he quoted Franklin D. Roosevelt, “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.”
Movement against domestic violence
Dr. Catalina M. Canasa, a fellow faculty member from the CNU – College of Teacher Education (CTE), a writer, and a research adviser attended as the second resource speaker.
Canasa shared her own experience of domestic abuse from childhood and different ways to possibly stop or prevent domestic violence.
“We have the choice. Mayroon tayong karapatang pumili upang gawin nating maunlad ang ating buhay,” Canasa added.
Additionally, she went on to discuss protective legal measures while simultaneously urging the participants, especially those victims, to change their fate by actively fighting violence in their own way.
In his closing remarks, CHED RO VII’s Education Supervisor Program Specialist Dr. Josefino E. Ronquillo said, “Every individual is a gift and need not be abused but has to be loved and cared [for].” §
Words and Screenshots by Kimberly Keith Gonzaga and Marjuice Destinado
Normalites honor educators for WTD
To apprize crimson and gold educators and staff, the Cebu Normal University (CNU) – Supreme Student Council (SSC) kicked off the culmination of the annual World Teachers’ Day (WTD) celebration last October 21, 2022, at the Samuel MacClintock (SM) Hall.
Highlighting the theme “The transformation of education begins with teachers”, the CNU-SSC, Educators’ Council (EC), Council of Liberal Arts and Sciences Students (CLASS), Nightingale Student Council (NSC), and the organizational officers gathered to physically celebrate with the educators.
In an interview with Ang Suga, CNU-SSC’s Vice President Hon. Christian Giango expressed his gratitude for the event’s success, noting that the in-person occasion allowed both the students and the teachers to relive the excitement of the celebration that involved physical interaction.
“We, [the] SSC, EC, CLASS, NSC, organizational officers, and Normalites, worked together to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of the CNU teachers, for we believe they all deserve to be acknowledged for their commitment and dedication to both teaching and other responsibilities that they [have] offered to us students,” Giango stated.
The council then gave the chairpersons authority to create two plans – physical and online – and they were delighted when the physical celebration was approved after careful deliberation.
Thereafter, they launched three competitions: Students’ Lister Awards, Song Dedication Contest, and Teacher-Look-Alike Contest, wherein submission of entries of the activities were initially made through google forms.
“We’ve opened the possibility of doing [the celebration in-person] this year since more teachers are now reporting to school and we’ve already held some of our [in-person] events there,” Giango added. §
The winners of the three competitions in the different categories are as follows:
STUDENTS’ LISTER AWARDS
Lakas – Makainfluencer Award:
Dr. Alvin G. Cuñado – College of Teacher Education (CTE)
Ms. Clareziel D. Ladringan – College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
Dr. Jose Mari Louis Alforque – College of Nursing (CN)
Teacher Masinabtanon Award:
Dr. Jewish A. Merin – CTE
Dr. Ma. Fe. Y. Gocotano – CAS
Dr. Jose Mari Louis Alforque – CN
Inspirationavility Award
Dr. Jewish A. Merin – CTE
Ms. Clareziel D. Ladringan – CAS
Dr. Jose Mari Louis Alforque – CN
Famous Yarn Award
Dr. Alvin G. Cuñado – CTE
Mr. Romualdo B. Generalao – CAS
Dr. Jose Mari Louis Alforque – CN
Friendly and Ferson Award:
Dr. Jewish A. Merin – CTE
Mr. James Louies B. Un – CAS
Dr. Jose Mari Louis Alforque – CN
SONG DEDICATION CONTEST
1st Place: Mc Ryan Cabaluna (Genlites)
2nd Place: Soscimonies (SoSciety)
3rd Place: Beyond the Normal (Polikratos)
TEACHER LOOK-ALIKE
1st Place: Jeissevelle Jeane G. Ranay (Biological Society)
2nd Place: Khilly Shaye P. Yanson (COSPED)
Christine Joy A. Gadiana (AVE)
3rd Place: Lyster V. Arbutante (SoSciety)
Darling of the Crowd: Paul Vincent L. Olasiman (English Fellows)
Words by Kharmel Bascon and John Louie Abendan
Photos grabbed from CNU-SSC Facebook page
CNU concludes Mental Health Week
To kick off the successful Mental Health Week celebration, Cebu Normal University’s (CNU) I-Mind Psychology Society, Guidance Counseling Services, and the Psychology Department worked hand-in-hand through a series of activities that culminated via Zoom and Facebook Live last October 20, 2022.
Bearing the theme “Make Mental Health and Well-Being for All a Global Priority”, the event was officially initiated last October 17 which came with various engaging events aimed at raising “awareness on the importance of mental health and to ensure that students will be provided a safe space.”
Psyched up for the announcement of winners, the virtual audience first lent their ears to the opening remarks of the I-Mind Psychology Society vice mayor Kayla Gail Selma (Bachelor of Science in Psychology IV).
She urged everyone to check in with themselves, take a pause and breathe, and always be reminded that “every day is a Mental Health Day.”
Consequently, the Zoom participants then attempted to play a familiarity game called “Guess the Logo”. Later in the program, a game using the same mechanics was played in which each logo that had to be identified had parts missing to heighten the challenge.
Meanwhile, in the highly anticipated announcement of winners, the first to third placers of the humor-evoking “Meme-tal Health Challenge” were Rhena Arquio (Bachelor of Science in Psychology II), Alexa Alvarez (Bachelor of Science in Psychology III), and Aretha Resujento (Bachelor of Arts in English Language II), respectively.
Joy Carmel Logroño (Bachelor of Science in Psychology II) was hailed as the winner of the Spoken Poetry Competition after sharing her perspective on mental health in a lingering piece titled “Torrents on a Sunny Day”.
Additionally, Joyce Villacarlos (Bachelor of Science in Psychology I), Michelle Carmel Kabristante (Bachelor of Science in Psychology II), and Susyl Marie Quijano (Bachelor of Science in Psychology IV) respectively won first, second, and third place in the competition to depict emotions through digital art.
Moreover, in his message of appreciation, Mel Torrence Senerpida (Bachelor of Science in Psychology IV), I-Mind Psychology Society mayor, acknowledged everyone who made the event a huge success.
He then reminded everyone about the purpose of the celebration by sharing his favorite quote, “Rest if you must but don’t quit.”
Locking the program, Mr. Genesis Dejan, Psychology Department Chair, highlighted in his speech the joys of celebrating humanity and shared that “we should be sending a message to every person that mental health is a very important aspect of our lives.” §
Words by Rena Mae Avila and Jessa Sestoso
Screenshots by Jessa Sestoso
Birth of new tradition: Psychology Dept holds first-ever pinning ceremony
Fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BS Psychology) students basked in the spectacle of a milestone as they became the pioneering batch of Cebu Normal University’s (CNU) 1st Psychology Pinning Ceremony held yesterday afternoon at Samuel MacClintock (SM) Hall.
With the theme “Psychology Forward: Resiliency and Passion in Light of Dynamic Transition in the Global Healthcare Crisis”, the event is a kick-off celebration before the participating students are deployed as interns.
The Pinning Ceremony started with the hues of white parading the red carpet in the Processional of senior Psychology students.
In his welcome address, Mr. Jose Rey M. Ocat, faculty of the Psychology Department, stressed that the event should be a remarkable memory because they managed to reach the ceremony despite the severe effect of the pandemic.
The first keynote speaker, Mr. John Villanueva, described his experiences as a former addict who became a pastor at the House of Hope, one of the oldest rehabilitation facilities in the South, in his discussion on “Clinical Psychology in the Workplace”.
“Rehabilitation centers are only existing because of one problem – addiction,” Villanueva emphasized.
The second keynote address was delivered by Mr. Semhre C. Quijano, a CNU alumnus, and a certified lean sigma yellow belt. He talked about the different problems that fall within the spectrum of industrial psychology, including in this time of the new normal: the sinking state of employee engagement and sense of belongingness at work.
During the open forum session, a student voiced concern regarding the Human Resources (HR) department. Quijano addressed the issue and emphasized that future HR practitioners should have the skills to implement “strong leadership program training where the people know how to choose a good leader.”
Pinning proper, CAS outlook
Accompanied by their proud families, the pinning proper transpired as the senior students individually walked up on stage to accept the symbol of their transition from being students to interns. This portion of the program was then succeeded by the Students’ Pledge led by Mel Torrence Senerpida (BS Psychology IV), I-Mind Psychology Society mayor.
Senerpida shared with Ang Suga that the first Pinning ceremony’s conceptualization started as early as June and was inspired by the conduct of other departments’ pinning ceremonies and face-to-face graduations.
“All we hope is that this first in the department becomes a tradition in the years ahead,” he added.
Meanwhile, when asked about how it felt to participate in the first pinning ceremony, Razsha Laurana Nakila (BS Psychology IV) shared that it was an honor for her to be a part of what would become a momentous chapter in the history of CNU Psychology and glad that the school acknowledged her degree program through this event.
Sealing the ceremony, Mr. Genesis Dejan, Department Chair, left an insightful message to the senior students that can be easily recalled through the acronym CAS; C for practicing competence, A for being adaptive, and S for service.
“I want to also challenge you guys to be with the tasks that you have in a more competent way […] We need to be adaptive with the different possible changes, possible conditions wherever we may be in the industry […] This profession wouldn’t actually be alive, wouldn’t be born without service,” Dejan said.
He went on to say that as aspiring mental health professionals, they must always be pouring service; doing and giving their extra mile in serving others because that is what the program is all about. §
Words by Rena Mae Avila and Jamaica Ola-a
Photos by Nicole Marie Dumayac
CHED RO 7 celebrates ASEAN founding, CNU bags awards
In line with the 55th Founding Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office (RO) VII initiated a series of competitions joined by participants from higher education sectors in Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.
With the theme “Unity Amidst Diversity as One Academic Community”, the month-long festivities wrapped up with a Regional Awarding and Culminating Ceremonies held last September 21, 2022, via Zoom and Facebook Live.
Officer-in-Charge of the Deputy Executive Director Office IV and Director of the International Affairs Staff (IAS) Atty. Lily Freida C. Macabangun-Milla, CESO IV graced the activity as the resource speaker.
“I would like to extend my gratitude in appreciation for all the efforts of CHED RO VII that they have poured into the events… I am confident that CHED RO VII will do great work of bringing ASEAN closer to more and more stakeholders and provide venues to foster fruitful partnerships among our higher educational institutions,” Milla said.
Per the video contest’s theme “Best Practices of Flexible Learning in the New Normal”, the fourth entry jointly created by Normalite faculty and staff Dr. Rivika C. Alda, Dr. Kim Francis R. Rodriguez, Dr. Vincent Theodore M. Balo, and Mr. John Laurence B. Villafor secured the second place and the popularity award for the most number of Facebook reactions.
Meanwhile, the second entry prepared by Mr. Alvin G. Cuñado came in third place.
Made on the day of the competition, Cebu Normal University’s (CNU) Zebedea Kyla C. Sabinay (Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Environmental Biology IV) secured the third spot for the On-The-Spot Digital Poster Making Contest.
“I only had a short time to prepare for the contest… The piece I made clearly illustrates that these 10 countries gather together around the globe, implying development, camaraderie, and good relationship with each other,” shared Sabinay. §
Words by Reina Aureo and Jonaren Eran
Screenshots by Jonaren Eran
CNU triumphs in ASEAN Energy Youth Awards
Excelsior!
Student researchers from Cebu Normal University (CNU) bagged the championship in the 3rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Energy Youth Awards 2022 at the ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF) held in Cambodia on September 15 via Zoom and YouTube Live.
The virtual awarding ceremony was anchored on the theme “Accelerating Energy Transition: Sustainable Growth and Energy Security” where fourth-year Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) major in Science students secured the top spot in the College Level Video Category.
Normalites Christine O. Panilag, Andrea Paula A. Malawi, Mark Ian Joseph A. Redelosa, Bianca A. Ricablanca, and Melmar B. Usman along with their adviser, Dr. Jennifer De Paño, took pride in their research entitled, “Measuring Science Education Students’ Carbon Footprint in an Online Learning Modality”.
Their research explored the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of science education students learning online by measuring their carbon footprint in two aspects: usage of online class essentials and online learning lifestyle.
To help mitigate the impacts of climate change, the researchers suggested a new possible online learning lifestyle that can reduce the carbon footprint of the students.
“We haven’t really thought about winning; we have only thought about the memories, the experiences, and the thought that at least we’ve tried our very best. But God has proven to us that we’re not only the best to receive the bacon, but someone who’s all worth it,” Redelosa stated in a Facebook post.
He further shared that the challenging journey was fulfilling as the group was able to submit a quality stop motion video incorporating their research.
The group received a monetary prize and certificates of participation and recognition for their win.
The ASEAN Energy Awards (AEA) is Southeast Asia’s highest recognition for energy excellence. It aims to promote awareness of best practices in energy efficiency and encourages private companies to develop cleaner energy resources and sustainable use of technology. §
Listed below are the other AEA awardees from the Philippines:
ASEAN Energy Efficiency and Conservation Best Practices Awards
● Green Building Category (Small and Medium) Winner – The Mind Museum of Ayala Property
● Energy Management for Building Category (Large Building) Winner – UP Ayala Land TechnoHub of Ayala Property
3rd ASEAN Energy Youth Awards High School Level
● Video Category Winner – Nabuslot National High School
● Video Category 2nd Runner Up – University of Batangas
● Poster Infographic Category Winner – University of Batangas
● Poster Infographic Category 1st Runner Up – University of the Immaculate Conception
● Poster Infographic Category 2nd Runner Up – Luis Palad Integrated High School
● Essay Category 2nd Runner Up – De La Salle University Integrated School
3rd ASEAN Energy Youth Awards College Level
● Video Category 1st Runner Up – University of San Jose-Recoletos
● Poster Infographic Category 1st Runner Up – Batangas State University Alangilan Campus
● Poster Infographic Category 2nd Runner Up – University of the Philippines
● Essay Category Winner – Cebu Technological University Camarines Norte State College
● Essay Category 1st Runner Up – Cebu Technological University
Words by Andrea Ellaine Galorport
Screenshots by Jonalyn Infante
