CN celebrates Nightingales in face-to-face grad

Cap. Gown. It’s time to get down!
 
Despite the challenges and limitations imposed by the pandemic which temporarily halted face-to-face classes and even graduation rites, Cebu Normal University (CNU) – College of Teacher Education (CTE) of the academic year 2021-2022 held their 93rd Commencement Rites last June 7, 2022 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
 
Epitomizing the essence of the ceremony’s theme “Celebrating Success and Resilience Amid Adversities”, the proud products of crimson and gold degree holders from graduate and undergraduate programs gathered for the first time after two years of virtual recognition ceremonies.
 
In his inspirational message, CNU State Universities and Colleges (SUC) President III Dr. Joselito B. Gutierrez expressed his gratitude and happiness on this momentous day. He went on to encourage the graduates to explore their God-given calling while also reminding them of the uses and dangers of technology.
 
“Have enough confidence on yourself and grow spiritually. Be always thankful to everyone – especially to your parents and have a long and satisfied life. Last but not the least; do not forget to show love and gratefulness to CNU,” Gutierrez concluded.
 
The program started with an academic procession followed by the presentation of candidates and the imposition of hoods by the Graduate studies for the Masters and Doctorate Program. The awarding of diplomas from undergraduate studies was thereafter followed.
 
Commencement speaker, Dr. Maura Consolacion D. Cristbal, ED.D, CESO III – Director IV of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Region VII imparted to the graduates that this is a new start of a new chapter in their journey.
 
“In your life, difficulties may come along the way but consider them as challenges. Step up to these challenges and work hard to succeed,“ Cristbal said.
 
She also furthered that “No matter how things may appear, you must never give up. Always remember that failure is the backbone of successful people.”
 
The momentous ceremony ended with the graduates singing the University Hymn. §
Words and Screenshots by Alea Marie Bareng

Virtual ceremony no more: CTE marks face-to-face grad rites

Cap. Gown. It’s time to get down!
 
Despite the challenges and limitations imposed by the pandemic which temporarily halted face-to-face classes and even graduation rites, Cebu Normal University (CNU) – College of Teacher Education (CTE) of the academic year 2021-2022 held their 93rd Commencement Rites last June 7, 2022 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
 
Epitomizing the essence of the ceremony’s theme “Celebrating Success and Resilience Amid Adversities”, the proud products of crimson and gold degree holders from graduate and undergraduate programs gathered for the first time after two years of virtual recognition ceremonies.
 
In his inspirational message, CNU State Universities and Colleges (SUC) President III Dr. Joselito B. Gutierrez expressed his gratitude and happiness on this momentous day. He went on to encourage the graduates to explore their God-given calling while also reminding them of the uses and dangers of technology.
 
“Have enough confidence on yourself and grow spiritually. Be always thankful to everyone – especially to your parents and have a long and satisfied life. Last but not the least; do not forget to show love and gratefulness to CNU,” Gutierrez concluded.
 
The program started with an academic procession followed by the presentation of candidates and the imposition of hoods by the Graduate studies for the Masters and Doctorate Program. The awarding of diplomas from undergraduate studies was thereafter followed.
 
Commencement speaker, Dr. Maura Consolacion D. Cristbal, ED.D, CESO III – Director IV of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Region VII imparted to the graduates that this is a new start of a new chapter in their journey.
 
“In your life, difficulties may come along the way but consider them as challenges. Step up to these challenges and work hard to succeed,“ Cristbal said.
 
She also furthered that “No matter how things may appear, you must never give up. Always remember that failure is the backbone of successful people.”
 
The momentous ceremony ended with the graduates singing the University Hymn. §
Words and Screenshots by Alea Marie Bareng

New Normal Milestone: Liberals claim diploma in face-to-face grad ceremony

Back on the campus for the first time in more than two years—and it feels good!
 
After two years of virtual recognition programs, Cebu Normal University (CNU) finally opened its gates for the much-awaited 41st College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Commencement Rites, the first-ever mass gathering held in the university during the pandemic last June 6, 2022, at Samuel McClintock (SM) Hall.
 
With the theme, “Celebrating Success and Resilience Amid Aversities”, this year’s commencement exercises honored the pioneering batch of the K-12 Program as they set off to a new chapter of their lives.
 
Dr. Maura Consolacion D. Cristobal, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region VII Regional Director, graced the event as the resource speaker. She imparted to the dreamers that “success doesn’t happen by accident. It involves a lot of hard work, determination, and patience.”
 
Cristobal commended the students for manifesting grit, creativity, resourcefulness, and strength of character as they ventured clueless into the new normal setup and overcame the adversities that came along with it.
 
Additionally, she said that the “Bayanihan” or volunteerism spirit is evident in the school setting as the teachers and administrators were able to respond to the uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity of the situation.
 
Quoting Martin Luther King Jr., Cristobal reminded the graduates, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
 
The day-long ceremony was divided into two parts to avoid overcrowding: morning for the Bachelor of Arts graduates and afternoon for the Bachelor of Science. §
 
Words by Reina Aureo
Photos grabbed from CNU – Council of Liberal Arts and Sciences Students (CLASS)

CNU signs MOU with Futures Thinking

Cebu Normal University (CNU) joined the Futures Thinking Consortium of Central Visayas at Cebu Technological University (CTU) on April 20, 2022.
 
With the theme “Reimagining a Greater CNU through Futures Thinking,” the proposal Capability Development of Faculty and Non-teaching Staff was conceptualized. Futures Thinking proposed creating a foresight unit that shall take the lead in coordinating foresight processes and monitor the implementation of policy processes with foresight interventions.
 
The Ceremonial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was attended by the faculty members and administrators of CNU, Dr. Catalina Canasa, Dr. Milagros M. Greif, Dr. Reynaldo Inocian, and Dr. Marchee Picardal, together with CNU President Dr. Joselito B. Gutierrez.
 
Philippine Futures Thinking Society (PhilFutures) is a professional organization that utilizes education, training, research, and advocacy, using the power of foresight to provide tactical handles and direction for kindling the Filipino dreams.
 
The organization collaborated with other state universities and colleges (SUCs) in Region 7 and will hold training workshops led by experts from PhilFutures. Through this, it is hoped that the professors and personnel will be more innovative and creative as they gain the strategic provision in determining and preparing for a desirable future.
 
Moreover, it is expected that by identifying realistic future scenarios, challenges that support the university’s delivery of major final outputs will be addressed such as quality and relevant instruction, research and development, extension and community linkages, digitization, automation of operations, and occupational safety and health.
 
CNU envisioned becoming greater by investing in its people, and the partnership with an organization that provides professional development services and corporate training will enhance its potential for future-ready graduates. §
 
Words by Jonalyn Infante

Sen. Sotto to help rehab CNU, VSMMC post-Odette

Senate President and Vice Presidential candidate Vicente “Tito” Sotto III promised to find the means to aid Cebu Normal University (CNU) and Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) for rehabilitation projects in the aftermath of Typhoon Odette.
 
After finding out that the two publicly funded institutions suffered damages, Sotto assured that he will find a budget for the recuperation.
 
“I visited the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center to look kasi may mga upgrades, tapos may mga nasira. The Cebu Normal University umabot ng P49 million ‘yong nasira na properties. So I instructed my political officer to talk to the committee of finance in the Senate so we will be able to give them the necessary budget,” Sotto said.
 
The vice presidential aspirant also expressed his gratification for the opening of Cebu Normal University – Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (CNU-VSMMC) College of Medicine (CM), the first state-funded medical school in Region VII.
 
The principal author of Republic Act (RA) 11509 or the Doktor Para sa Bayan Act of 2020 where deserving students will be able to study medicine for free and serve in government hospitals after graduating, Sotto stated that it is a “milestone” in his political career.
 
“I want more doctors for the country. I want more doctors than we have lawyers. Dapat kahit mahihirap pwede maging doktor,” Sotto shared.
 
During his visit in Cebu, Sotto led a meeting with CNU President Dr. Joselito B. Gutierrez, Dean of CNU-VSMMC CM Dr. Ma. Socorro Manaloto, and VSMMC hospital director Dr. Gerardo Aquino Jr. to talk about the concerns related to the Doktor Para sa Bayan Act.
 
Currently, CNU-VSMMC’s pioneering batch Primacordis is sharpening the skills of 31 medical students. §
Words by Lorille Antoinette Mata
 

CHED Commissioner Darilag pays visit to CNU, discusses F2F preparation

Cebu Normal University (CNU) met, for the first time, with its new Chair in the Board of Regents, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Aldrin Darilag, to discuss the university’s readiness for face-to-face (F2F) classes for the academic year (AY) 2022-2023.

Darilag was designated as the new Chair of the CNU Board of Regents after its former Chair, Commissioner Perfecto Alibin retired from the Commission on February.

In his inspirational message, Darilag expressed his excitement to be working with CNU and vowed to support and enrich the University to make it a model institution in the country.

“I am humbled and excited to be opening up new doors to the future of our learners, our educators, and to CNU as a quality higher education institution.” Darilag said.

“I will relentlessly pursue the desired transformational development that this institution requires and eventually advance CNU as an archetype of higher education in the entire nation.” he added.

Darilag visited CNU on March 30, 2022, and met with its administrative officials for a roundtable discussion on the University’s readiness for F2F classes for the next AY.

Dr. Daisy R. Palompon, CNU Vice-President for Academic Affairs, presented the CNU Report on F2F Classes Readiness and highlighted the University’s efforts and initiatives which earned the LGU and the Commission’s go signal for limited F2F classes for both the College of Nursing (CN) and the College of Medicine (CoM).

The preparations done by the two colleges will become the prototype for the rest of the colleges to benchmark on for their own programs.

Darilag posed no objections for the opening of next AY’s classes in F2F but encouraged the University to take into consideration the opinions of its stakeholders in crafting its implementing guidelines.

After his CNU visit, Darilag convened the University’s Board of Regents for its 102nd meeting. (KFR)

CNU: Welcoming the New Leading Light

A year after the search for the new university leader, Cebu Normal University (CNU) finally named Dr. Joselito B. Gutierrez as the fifth university president through CNU’s Facebook page last January 31, 2022.

Prior to his current installment, Gutierrez served as the State Universities and Colleges (SUC) President of Marikina Polytechnic College (MPC) from October 2016 to November 2020. Under his term, MPC soared from level 1 to level 2 in AACCUP, and the university received the highest COA Audit during the first term.
 

He was also the Vice President for Luzon of the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities of Industrial Technology (PACUIT), hosting international and national research forums for all members in 2019.

A man of significant development is a man of security. Gutierrez guaranteed that students under his administration would have suitable employment after graduation by conducting Job Fair a few weeks before graduation. His objective is also to boost students’ entrepreneurial potential to institute a firm and create more jobs in the future.
 
He is looking after the future and expanding the triumphs in the present. He is engrossed in transforming schools by bringing new programs and installing new departments—no wonder why his previous school’s enrollment has increased a lot during his term.
 
Aside from his heart for development, he has written three books: Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) for all Basic Education Junior High School students of the Department of Education (DepEd), Energy Conservation Book, and Breaking Thru from the Spirit of Idolatry.
 
As Gutierrez had already developed and conducted various training programs for more than 15,000 faculty members, school heads, school directors, and school principals all over the country, Cebu Normal University hopes for successive growth and excellence under his administration.
 
Words by Jhonazel Kiskis and Mark Aleson Sanico
Photos from CNU PIO

CNU joins SEPI’s online international multidisciplinary conference

With the theme “Christianity across Cultures and Disciplines”, Cebu Normal University (CNU) took part in the recent 2-day conference led by Societas Ethica Philosophica, Inc. (SEPI) held last November 19-20 via Zoom and Facebook Live.
 
SEPI President Fr. Francis Paul S. Escaño, RCJ, shared that SEPI believes that Christianity is not limited to religious expressions, but covers a wide dimension of life and its experiences.
 
“This online international multidisciplinary conference is our way of joining the Philippine Catholic Church in concluding the 500-year celebration [of Christianity in the Philippines]…,” he shared.
 
CNU alongside Davao City’s St. Alphonsus Theological and Mission Institute (SATMI) were the local institutions invited for the event. Three universities abroad namely The Education University of Hong Kong (TEU), Graduate School of Education University (GSEU) from Melbourne, and Spiritan University College (SUC) from Ejsu, Ghana, West Africa were also present.
 
Outstanding keynote speakers who shared new knowledge and perspectives about Christianity for the 2-day conference were the College of Arts and Sciences’ (CAS) Dr. Reynaldo Inocian, TEU’s Dr. Liz Jackson, GSEU’s Dr. Janette Poulton, SATMI’s Dr. Karl Gaspar, and SUC’s Dr. Bona Gubalze.
 
The conference was attended by paper presenters, professionals, and undergraduates from different prestigious universities in the Philippines. Four concurrent sessions were held within the two days where participants were assigned to one room and listened to more than three paper presenters discuss their research within 20 minutes and entertain questions from the audience.
 
Three out of 60 papers were awarded as Best Paper in the awarding ceremony, rated according to clarity, objectivity, originality, and connectedness to the theme.
 
Words by Ellaine Galorport and Jonaren Eran
Screenshots by Aubrey Belle Ynot

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
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