Physics, Chem Dept pilots first lab coat donning, pinning ceremony

Amidst several delays, Cebu Normal University’s (CNU) 4th year Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (BS Chemistry) and 3rd Year Bachelor of Science in Physics (BS Physics) students finally gleamed in brilliant whites in their first-ever Laboratory Coat Donning and Pinning Ceremony today, February 8, 2023, at Tandang Sora Hall.
 
With the theme, “Click and Entanglement: Honoring Commitment to Ethics and Professionalism as Future Scientists of the 21st Century,” the event reminded the 12 BS Chemistry and four BS Physics student interns to uphold ethical responsibility and moral conduct as they enter the professional field.
 
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Dean Dr. Milagros M. Greif congratulated the students for being “very dedicated in [to] completing school requirements” despite their experiences at the peak of the pandemic in her opening speech.
 
Meanwhile, the first keynote speaker and Physics Department Faculty Mr. Allan Roy B. Elnar, MPhys emphasized in his talk that the students have the power to shape the world.
 
He furthered that from creating drugs and uncovering the mysteries of the universe, they are expected to create a more sustainable future.
 
“Embrace challenge and curiosity so you can drive science forward,” he encouraged.
 
Miss Luzviminda R. Bato, RCh, the second keynote speaker and Chemistry Department faculty, shared the history and symbolic significance of the lab gown.
 
She stressed that the color white’s practicality catches up with the fast-paced progress of the scientific field and should be worn with pride and honor as they start their journey as new scientists of the 21st century.
 
The ceremony climaxed with the lab coat donning and pinning of the modest roster of 16 students, which was facilitated by Mr. Seagal P. Asjali, RCh, MSc, Miss Erced E. Urbano, RCh, MChem, and Mr. Allan Roy B. Elnar, MPhys.
 
During the testimonial sharing portion of the ceremony, Kevin J. Bongabong (BS Physics III) reminisced how his freshman year class had gone from having numerous students in a block to only having four.
 
He thereby expressed his wish that the remaining should persevere and wish for nothing but the best.
 
Meanwhile, Ervin Claide O. Estelloso (BS Chemistry IV) stated that “We have different reasons explaining why we chose Chemistry, what makes us the same is that we are destined to be here.”
 
Fresh from receiving their pins and lab gowns, the student interns then took their oaths and pledge. §
 
Words by Jamaica Ola-a and Carlos Leopoldo Cabeza III
Photos by Mardy May Amancio

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 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

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

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

CNU showcases Visayas vignettes at SUC Fair 2022

The Cebu Normal University (CNU) staff, faculty, and administrative officials showcased the rich Cebuano culture during the Visayas Vignettes cultural show on June 29 at the SUC (State Universities and Colleges) Fair 2022 held in SM Mall of Asia Entertainment Hall.

The SUC Fair 2022 was held to celebrate the 28th anniversary of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and its 2nd National Higher Education Day and ran from June 28 to July 1, 2022.

Themed Promoting Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Culture & Arts for National Development and Global Competitiveness, the Fair aimed to: 1) commemorate the anniversary of CHED and the National Higher Education Day and recognize its stakeholders’ contribution to the development of higher education in the Philippines; 2) highlight the roles of SUCs as prime movers of research and development, as the source of innovation, and as partners for national development, and 3) showcase the products and talents of SUCs across the country.

SUCs from the different regions of the Philippines highlighted their innovations and products in the innovation exhibits and product bazaar.

The nightly shows showcased the vibrant cultures of the three island groups of the country.

The Visayan Vignettes was the second of the three cultural shows boasting the rich culture of the Visayas.

The CNU delegation to the Fair represented the Region 7 SUCs and proudly featured the rich Cebuano arts and culture.

Ms. Naila Beltran, the artistic director of the presentation divided the entire performance into three themes: 1) The Faith, 2) The Art, and 3) The Beauty.

Recognizing Cebu as the country’s birthplace of Christianity, The Faith was manifested through the festive beat of the Sinulog by the CNU Dance Ensemble and the song Wala’y Sukod ang Pagmahal by Mr. Karl Patrick Casas as homage to the Sto. Niño and St. Pedro Calungsod respectively.

Exhibiting the musical artistry of the Cebuanos then and now, Ms. Kimberly Raya and Casas performed the time-honored classics Sa Kabukiran and Usahay respectively while Ms. Therese Marie Langit and Dr. Kim Francis Rodriguez playfully rendered the Vispop hit Bok Love.

Finally, The Beauty emphasized on the timeless charisma of the Cebuana defined by her strong character and unique charm in the song Babayeng Sugbuanon as performed by Rodriguez with the special participation of Dr. Daisy Palompon, the Officer-in-Charge to the Office of the University President of CNU and Dr. Laurence Garcia, the OIC University and Board Secretary.

“The concept of the presentation of Cebu Normal University really showcases the art and culture that we have been preserving and we are very proud of of our very own Cebu.” Palompon said.

Palompon also lauded the entire CNU delegation for having been able to come up with a meaningful and impressive presentation despite limitations of time.

“It was a very meaningful presentation despite the limited time preparation but the team – the performers really demonstrated their love for music, their love for arts, showcasing their talent and also giving their best for Cebu Normal University.” Palompon said.

The CNU performers consisted of administrative staff, faculty, and University Officials:

Administrative Staff:

  1. Mr. Nilmark Argomido (College of Medicine)
  2. Ms. Mary Jane Auman (External Affairs and International Linkages Office)
  3. Ms. Mary Jermaine Estrada (College of Teacher Education)
  4. Ms. Jessa Fernandez (Learning Resource Center)
  5. Mr. Harrold Gogo (Finance Services Division)
  6. Ms. Honey Grace Irizari (Supply Office)
  7. Ms. Imee Jeruta (External Affairs and International Linkages Office)
  8. Mr. Nelson Sombilon (Records Office)
  9. Ms. Mae Quilaton (Office of the Vice-President for Academic Affairs)

Faculty members

  1. Mr. Angelito Cabanilla (College of Teacher Education)
  2. Ms. Kimberly Raya (College of Teacher Education)
  3. Ms. Therese Marie Langit (College of Arts and Sciences)
  4. Mr. Karl Patrick Casas (College of Arts and Sciences)

University Officials:

  1. Dr. Kim Francis Rodriguez – Public Information Officer
  2. Dir. Naila Beltran – Director, External Affairs and International Linkages Office
  3. Dr. Laurence Garcia – OIC-University and Board Secretary
  4. Dr. Daisy Palompon – OIC-Office of the University President

The performance ended with a dance rendition of I Love Cebu with a curtain call of the performers and was well-applauded by the members of the audience. (KFR)

Dayagbil earns OPYA, MIT list spot

The fourth and former Cebu Normal University (CNU) State Universities and Colleges (SUC) President III, Dr. Filomena T. Dayagbil, CESE, was awarded the Outstanding Professional of the Year Award (OPYA) in the field of Professional Teachers for the year 2022 by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) last June 21, 2022.

According to the PRC, the OPYA is the highest award bestowed by the Commission upon a professional who has satisfactorily performed professionalism of the fullest caliber and has undertaken oneself with authenticity in the exercise of their profession as recommended by the awardee’s peers.

Furthermore, extending the reputation for competence and excellence, Dayagbil was also recognized as one of 2022’s Most Inspiring Teachers (MITs) in the Philippines by the Saceda Youth Lead (SYL) School last June 26, 2022.

Dave Saceda, the chairperson and founder of SYL School, revealed on his Facebook page that hundreds of nominees were screened for almost six months and yet only 28 awardees were chosen.

In an interview with Ang Suga, Dayagbil shared that it takes unwavering commitment, passion, and love for the teaching profession to be recognized in such awards. Hence, it touched and humbled her heart knowing that she was recognized as an educator who inspires youngsters.

“When you love teaching, you love the end-all and the be-all of teaching—the ‘welfare of the students’, and you aspire to make them learn and inspire them to become better versions of themselves,” she said. She then left heartwarming advice for future educators and educators who have just started to inspire students to “love your work, love your students, and nurture the essence of the teaching profession which is service above personal gains.”

The bestowment of the 2022 OPYA will be held on July 29, 2022, via a “new normal” setup while this year’s MIT awardees will be formally proclaimed in a Formation Training and Formal Awarding Ceremony on August 4-6, 2022 in Dumaguete City. §

Words by Sweety Mae Berandez
Photo grabbed from CNU’S Facebook page

CNU climbs 15th place in WURI Crisis Management ranking

Crimson and gold sparkled and soared yet again as Cebu Normal University (CNU) ranked 15th in the Top 50 Universities in Crisis Management category in the annual World Universities with Real Impact (WURI) rankings last June 9, 2022.
 
The university also bagged the 14th place in the same category the preceding year, where international and domestic higher education institutions (HEIs) were appraised for their efficiency, responsiveness, and societal contributions in the face of a variety of international and local disasters, ranging from climate crises to global pandemic, while also empowering education and resilience throughout.
 
The WURI annual ranking conference, now in its third year since its inception in 2020, honored and acknowledged HEIs that prospered in categories such like Innovation, Industrial Application, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Ethical Value, Student Mobility and Openness, Crisis Management, and this year’s new aspect, Fourth Industrial Revolution.
 
It was established by the Organizing Committee of the Hanseatic League of Universities (HLU) to assess and evaluate universities for their substantial impact on society, highlighting dynamic and imaginative approaches to research, and educational initiatives affiliating into the seven categories mentioned above.
 
 
Among the national universities which made it to the top were Far Eastern University, Biliran Province State University, FEU Institute of Technology, St. Paul University Philippines, Mariano Marcos State University, and Samar State University. §
 
Words and Screenshot by Kristine Mae Paquibot

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
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