CNU acquires three-star rating in QS Stars
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. §
Words by Renee Ross Villariasa
Photo grabbed from CNU Facebook page
College Online Form Links
Sen. Villanueva visits, delivers academic dialogue at CNU
“TESDAMAN” and Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education Chairman Senator Joel Villanueva came to Cebu Normal University (CNU) and conveyed a discourse within the spectrum of academic undertakings and approaches to higher education held in Tandang Sora Hall yesterday afternoon.
The approximately hour-long event thrived through an in-person forum with the selected CNU administration members; CNU-Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) College of Medicine (CM) faculty and students; board of regents; and was also attended virtually by various stakeholders via Zoom.
During his speech, Villanueva shared his enthusiasm for visiting CNU as he openly expressed that he always watched over its endeavors and commended the university for its actions in facing the challenges that surged during the pandemic.
“I’d like to congratulate the Cebu Normal University, headed by our President Dr. Filomena Dayagbil, of course ang ating mga deans and faculty and staff, ‘cause amid the COVID-19 pandemic, ‘yong learning continuity nangyari po,” he said.
Apart from recognizing CNU’s achievements, the academic dialogue also acknowledged the senator’s contributions to the institution of CM and for his part in promoting medical education in higher education.
Having “lobbied for the budget allocation to increase the carrying capacity” of the CM, the dean of CNU-VSMMC CM Dr. Maria Socorro Manaloto apprised Villanueva with the college’s background and developments.
She informed that the first state-funded college of medicine in Region 7 was able to accept students in less than two months.
“We have to produce competent physicians and at the same time focus on primary health care,” said Manaloto during her presentation of the Doctor of Medicine Education model.
Meanwhile, Dr. Filomena T. Dayagbil, CESE Officer-in-Charge – Office of the University President expressed her gratitude to the senator who supported the institution of the CNU-VSMMC CM and authored the Doktor para sa Bayan Act; a law that allocates budget to increase the scholarship slots for aspiring doctors.
“It is seldom that we see Sen. Joel up close and personal, so we might as well really thank him for everything that he has done for the university, especially the establishment of the College of Medicine. … He has been actually supporting us ever since we started with this endeavor,” she stated.
Dayagbil also extended her appreciation of Villanueva’s presence in the academe as a part of his advocacy to “engage with [the] allies in higher education”.
Words by Mikaela Jane Dagani and Rena Mae Avila
CNU finishes as finalist in 1st Gawad Edukampyon
Cebu Normal University (CNU) was recognized as one of the finalists under Category 2: Excellence in Flexible and Innovative Learning for the first Gawad Edukampyon Awards 2021 held via Zoom and Facebook Live this morning.
With the framework “Reframing Teaching and Learning (RTL) of Cebu Normal University in the New Normal”, CNU fluttered the colors crimson and gold as one of the four finalists for the Public Higher Education Institution (HEI).
“It tells a story of the university moving upward and onward to greater glory,” Dr. Filomena T. Dayagbil, CESE Officer-in-Charge – Office of the University President said.
Executive Director of Philippines Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Mr. Elvin Ivan Uy stated that among 55 public and private HEIS, CNU soared with the 22 overall remaining finalists that aimed to share their “overcomed unimaginable obstacles”.
“We are here to affirm the human spirit and drive to adapt and thrive amidst adversity and challenges,” PBSP President Reynaldo Laguda said.
Gawad Edukampyon was founded in January 2021 by Rex Education and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in partnership with PBSP to honor exemplary adaptability and flexibility measures of HEI’s in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Words by Jonaren Eran and Kristine Mae Paquibot
Screenshot by Kristine Mae Paquibot
CNU pays homage to crimson and gold educators
The posing challenge of distance and confinement did not stop Normalites from honoring their educators’ commitment and dedication in a virtual celebration of World Teacher’s Day with the theme “World Teachers’ Day 2021: Teachers at the heart of education recovery” on October 14, 2021, via Zoom and Facebook Live.
In her welcome speech, Dr. Filomena T. Dayagbil, CESE Officer-in-Charge – Office of the University President left behind points of inspiration for the educators.
“Let this be a reminder to all of us [teachers] to be teacher leaders; that our collective purpose of educating the young is much bigger than our individual interests; that we can do more and be more for others,” she remarked.
The school’s Main, Balamban, and Medellin campuses then presented tribute videos to show their appreciation and gratitude where a mix of humor and emotions was added when the videos’ invigorating words, meme edits, and virtual memories with the professors were shown.
To further express their gratitude, students were given the opportunity to declare a word of thanks to their favorite professors through the event’s Magtutudlo Shout-out segment where selected messages were read, moving the audience with their grateful words.
Cebu Normal University – Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (CNU-VSMMC) College of Medicine also participated in the celebration of honoring esteemed professors who truly delivered and exceeded what is required and expected of them in the department’s pilot year.
Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Daisy R. Palompon concluded the celebration by inspiring and thanking both students and professors alike by noting that the reason for the professors’ commitment and dedication is the “students’ desire to acquire higher education”.
E-certificates were given by the three campuses’ respective Supreme Student Council (SSC) to all teachers in recognition of their service. Special awards were also given in acknowledgment of the outstanding instructors who have gone the extra mile in their profession.
The recipients of the different awards from different campuses are as follows:
MOST INFLUENTIAL TEACHER AWARDEES
CNU Main Campus – College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
Male Category – Mr. Romualdo B. Generalao
Female Category – Ms. Clareziel Landringan
CNU Main Campus – College of Nursing (CN)
Male Category – Dr. Emiliano Ian B. Suson
Female Category – Ms. Joana Mariz Castillo
CNU Main Campus – College of Teacher Education (CTE)
Male Category – Mr. Alvin Cunado
Female Category – Ms. Jewish Merin
CNU Balamban Campus
Male Category – Dr. Kent G. Batulan
Female Category – Ms. Sarah Jane C. Trazo
CNU Medellin Campus
Male Category – Mr. Jude Gelig
Female Category -Ms. Leslie Monacillo
MOST INSPIRING TEACHER AWARD
CNU Main Campus – CAS
Male Category – Mr. Romualdo B. Generalao
Female Category – Ms. Therese Marie Villarante
CNU Main Campus – CN
Male Category – Dr. Emiliano Ian B. Suson and Dr. Jose Mari Louis Alforque
Female Category – Dr. Daisy Palompon
CNU Main Campus – CTE
Male Category – Mr. Gino Sumalinog
Female Category – Ms. Jewish Merin
CNU Balamban Campus
Male Category – Mr. Kent Batulan
Female Category – Ms. Jean Carmelotes
CNU Medellin Campus
Male Category – Mr. Jude Gelig
Female Category – Ms. Leslie Monacillo
DARLING OF THE CROWD AWARDEES
CNU Main Campus – CAS
Male Category – Mr. Romualdo B. Generalao
Female Category – Ms. Therese Marie Villarante
CNU Main Campus – CN
Male Category – Dr. Jose Mari Louis G. Alforque
Female Category – Ms. Joni Inocencia F. Gonzaga
CNU Main Campus – CTE
Male Category – Mr. Alvin Cunado
Female Category – Ms. Mary Nikka Richae Abangan
CNU Balamban Campus
Male Category – Mr. Marjohn C. Bucag and Mr. Christian Jay S. Caballes
Female Category – Ms. Sarah Jane C. Trazo
CNU Medellin Campus
Male Category – Mr. Jude Gelig
Female Category – Ms. Leslie Monacillo
Words and Screenshots by Junezze Mangubat and Kimberly Keith Gonzaga
Registration Schedule and Testing Period for NMAT
College of medicine to kick-start next school year
On a joint local and national press conference held last May 24, 2021 via Zoom and was streamed live on Facebook, Cebu Normal University-Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (CNU-VSMMC) College of Medicine, hand-in-hand with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), answered queries about the first state-funded medical school in Region VII to open this upcoming school year 2021-2022.
In accordance with Republic Act 1159 or “Doktor Para sa Bayan Act” signed by President Rodrigo Duterte, qualified students will be able to study medicine for free, and as a return service, they will serve in government hospitals in their hometowns after graduating.
Dr. Gerardo M. Aquino Jr., Medical Center Chief ll of VSMMC, noted in his speech that the lack of physicians in the rural, underserved, and geographically isolated areas remains to be felt by the medical center; he also mentioned about the distressing 3.1: 10,000 doctor to population ratio in Central Visayas which signifies the scarcity of physicians in the region.
“CNU has the degree-granting authority while VSMMC has the expertise and facilities in training medical doctors… Where we lack, we complemented each other, making the partnership perfect,” Aquino said.
Dr. J. Prospero E. De Vera lll, Chairperson of CHED, was also present at the press conference and said that he personally asked that the event will be conducted while he is still in Cebu city.
“The commission always thought that it was a very good fit between a university that has shown itself to be an excellent teacher training institution because we expect the same level of excellence when it opens a medical program, and of course for Vicente Sotto [VSMMC], because it has anchored healthcare in the region and has treated so many patients,” the CHED chairperson said, adding that the partnership between the two is “logical”.
De Vera also disclosed that the starting grant to be given to CNU-VSMMC College of Medicine will be around PhP 25 to 30 million, which according to him, “to jumpstart its acquisition of necessary educational equipment for their medical program” with an assurance of continuous assistance.
Aspiring medical students can start sending their applications on June 1-25, 2021.
Words by Rena Mae Avila and Dykembie Dingal
Screenshot by Alyssa Cañete
Doctor of Medicine Admission Requirements
Application for Doctor of Medicine will start on June 1-25, 2021
Applicant Qualifications:
Applicants should possess the following qualifications prior to taking the CNU College Admission Test:
a. A natural-born or a naturalized Filipino citizen;
b. With outstanding scholastic record from a Bachelor’s Degree (BS) in a field relevant to Health from a college or university duly recognized by the CHEd;
c. Had taken the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) and at least in the 60% percentile rank or better. Validity of NMAT result is within two (2) years from the time of admission;
d. Must have good moral standing as certified by the university/college graduated from in the BS degree;
e. Priority will be given to applicants with low family income; and
f. Preferably from Central Visayas (Region 7)
Application Requirements:
a. NMAT Rating (Scanned or Picture Copy of the original)
b. Accomplished College of Medicine Applicant Profile Sheet (from the College, pdf downloadable form)
c. 2×2 colored picture with name and signature (Scanned or Picture Copy of the original)
d. Transcript of Records (Scanned or Picture Copy of the original) – with a GPA of 2.0 in the Bachelor’s degree
e. Accomplished College of Medicine Testing Admission Form attached 2×2 colored picture with name and signature (download and print pdf form, then, fill out and scan)
f. Valid Identification Card (Scanned or Picture Copy of front and back)
g. NSO/PSA Certificate of Birth (Scanned or Picture Copy of the original)
h. Letter of Recommendation from either of these two references: (Scanned or Picture Copy of the original)
1. Academic Head(s) of the school graduated
2. Professional/Work station head/Professor.
i. Good Moral certificate (Scanned or Picture Copy of the original)
j. ITR of earning family members or BIR Certification of Exemption (Scanned or Picture Copy of the original)
k. Testing Fee of P400.00
