CNU students immerse in Indonesian art & culture through the Virtual CommTECH
Nusantara 2023

Cebu Normal University participated in the Virtual Community and Technological (CommTECH) Nusantara 2023: Let’s Dance Together which was held virtually last 16-27 October 2023. Let’s Dance Together was the latest edition of the CommTECH, hosted by CNU’s Indonesian partner, the Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS). This edition focuses more on Indonesian art and culture related activities such as traditional music and dance.

The short program was participated by different universities from Indonesia, China, Colombia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Cebu Normal University was represented by the following students: Krestine Velos from the College of Teacher Education; Geraldine Caangay from the College of Law, Public Governance and Safety; Jeriah Cantalejo from College of Nursing; Sheena Montero from Balamban Campus; and Norlyn Dela Cruz from Medellin Campus. These students were endorsed by the College IZN Focal Persons.

The participants had a celebratory opening ceremony and were also taken on a virtual campus tour. Dr. Maria Anityasari, Director of ITS Global Engagement, thanked the participating universities in her speech on behalf of ITS.

Over the next ten sessions, the participants immersed in different Indonesian editions of art and culture: Bali Edition, Sumatra Edition, Batik Class, Indonesia Aerobic, Kalimantan Edition, Sulawesi Edition, Maluku & Papua Edition, and Maumere Dance.

The project announcement was made on the ninth day in which the participants were challenged to design a poster for a traditional Indonesian dance. In addition, they were given a choice to also submit a dance video presentation.

Let’s Dance Together had a colorful and festive closing ceremony with the virtual exhibition of posters and dance videos. The College of Nursing’s Jeriah Cantalejo was awarded among the best with her Legong Dance poster. She also placed 7th in the leaderboards in the final quiz. CNU upholds its commitment to internationalization by empowering students to participate in international events such as this, which likewise help develop their intercultural competencies.

CNU conducts orientation and roadmap development for ESD and GCED

Cebu Normal University (CNU) — spearheaded by the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Office — successfully conducted a three-day workshop entitled “Training and Developing Futures Thinking Research: Brainstorming CNU Writing Proposal Writeshop on ESD and GCEd.” This workshop is also supported by the Planning, Foresight, and Futures Thinking Unit and was participated by administrative officials, Department and College Chairs, and non-teaching staff representatives.

The workshop began last November 13 with ESD Fundamentals, Framework, and Implementation. This was facilitated by the Interim President of the Cagayan de Oro College — Dr. Jestoni Babia. During the workshop, Dr. Babia recalled on how CNU was given the opportunity to integrate ESD into existence in the country. He also introduced different ESD frameworks — including the Asia-Pacific ESD Teacher Competency Framework which he co-created with Dr. Ethel Abao, the former CNU CTE Dean — as well as different analyses on ESD. The facilitator encouraged the participants to determine the root problems and causes of poor quality education through the Problem Tree Analysis. Most of the participants agreed on different leadership priorities as well as poor strategic planning to be such issues. Furthermore, Dr. Babia emphasized the importance of institutionalizing ESD and recognizing CNU’s ESD stakeholders. At the end of the workshop, the participants described their ideals for ESD in CNU — to be a “High Impact Institution,” an “Internationally-recognized ESD and GCEd Center,” and to be an “ESD and GCEd Global Hub or Great Technology Hub.”

The second part of the workshop was conducted on the next day with the Introduction to GCEd and GCEd in the Philippine Context. Philippine Normal University professor and GCED Cooperation Centre (GCC) Philippines Deputy Director — Prof. Carl Dellomos — facilitated the workshop. Prof. Dellomos focused on orienting the participants about the importance of integrating GCEd into the educational framework and how its effective implementation must extend, not only to faculty and students, but to administrative offices and the non-teaching staff. The participants were tasked to conduct a GCEd SWOT analysis and the facilitator gave out pointers on how their respective offices can contribute to the GCEd integration in CNU. Dr. Janet Mananay, GCEd Region 7 focal person reiterated that these will be the spring board for GCED initiatives in the university.

Additionally on the 2nd day, Dr. Rebecca Rosario Bercasio — Director of the Bicol University’s Center for Teaching Excellence — inspired the participants by sharing Bicol University’s best practices in GCEd implementation. She joined virtually via Zoom and discussed about their Regional Training on GCED in Bicol — which aims to transform teachers and transform communities — as well as their Project MENTOR (Motivate, Engage, Nurture, Team-up, Organize, and Reflect). One of the highlights from her presentation includes Bicol University’s pursuit for GCEd during the pandemic. Dr. Bercasio also shared Bicol University’s lessons and ways forward with the GCEd agenda.

Through these engagements, the participants were able to present their GCEd SWOT analyses as well as take on a logic frame for possible GCEd activities on the third and final day on November 15.  

Each workshop had an open forum where the participants were given the opportunity to ask questions and engage with the facilitators. To end, the closing remarks were given by Dr. Jeson Bustamante, Director of the Planning, Foresight, and Futures Thinking Unit.

With the theme, “Empowering Tomorrow’s Global Citizens and Sustainability Leaders,” this two-part workshop becomes an avenue to map out existing Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Global Citizenship Education (GCEd) practices of the university and aspires to ignite a collective commitment to fostering global citizens and sustainability leaders who will, in turn, guide CNU toward a more sustainable, just, and interconnected future.

As remarked by Prof. Rhoniel Ryan Ymbong, “As a student of Science, I believe in one ecological idea: The Gaia Hypothesis. It states that everything is interconnected with everything else, that the world is a super organism. When one part is nonfunctional, then the entire biosphere will face the consequences. So, let us take part and do the little ripples we can create for us to move forward.”

 

CNU waves flag at PASUC 7

All hail crimson and gold!
 
Cebu Normal University (CNU) proudly bagged numerous championship titles on the second day of the 2023 Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) – Culture and the Arts Festival of Region 7 held at Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) yesterday, November 13.
 
With the theme, “United amidst Diversities; Strong in the thick of Adversities,” six participating State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), namely CNU, NORSU, University of the Philippines (UP) – Cebu, Cebu Technological University (CTU), Bohol Island State University (BISU), and Siquijor State College (SSC), showcased their talents.
In the morning, the Visual Art competitions such as the on-the-spot poster-making contest, painting, pencil drawing, and charcoal painting kicked off.
 
Simultaneously, the Music Competitions unfolded, featuring instrumental solo (Piano), violin, classical guitar, and banduria in Division A, and vocal solo (Kundiman), vocal duet, pop solo, chorale contest, and show choir in Division B.
 
At best, CNU secured one bronze medal in the Visual Arts contests through painting and ruled the Musical Competitions with eight championship titles and a silver medal finish.
 
Classical guitar champion Johnn William Pastor (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education IV) shared with Ang Suga that he could not believe he bested his equally talented competitors across the region.
 
“I think [it] is my expression. I was performing the song like I was singing, just like Coach Naila Beltran and Trainer Joel Oporto told me to. And I think I was the cleanest to perform the song,” Pastor conveyed as his winning edge in the contest.
 
Likewise, the 21-year-old guitarist shared his victory with the CNU community and expressed that Normalites should hone their talents more and “be faithful to the Lord and to be thankful also.”
 
Sparking creativity anew
 
Culture and arts festivities resumed as performing arts presentations took center stage in the afternoon.
 
Participating universities showcased stimulating 10-minute playlets in the Short and Sweet Play in both the Dialogue and Musical category, and the Radio Drama.
 
CNU excelled, ranking second and fourth runner-ups in the Short and Sweet Play Dialogue and Musical, respectively.
 
Meanwhile, CNU’s Radio Drama team brought home the championship title.
 
In an interview with Ang Suga, Radio Drama champion Jingky Requinto (Bachelor of Arts in Communication specializing in Broadcast Journalism III) remarked how their team faced struggles before the competition.
 
“Each of us faced unfavorable circumstances that hampered us in our final rehearsals. All these battles made us able to slay the giant – which is the regional contest,” she furthered.
 
In Division C’s Music Competition, the live band contestants shook the NORSU grounds with musical artistry through renditions of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) songs, while CNU secured the position of 5th runner-up.
 
The regional gathering makes its last stretch today, November 14, with the dance competitions, PASUC Festival King and Queen Cultural and Coronation Night, and overall awarding ceremony. §
 
Here is the list of winners:
𝗜. 𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗨𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗦
𝗢𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁
Champion: NORSU
1st runner-up: UP-C
2nd runner-up: BISU
3rd runner-up: CTU
4th runner-up: CNU
5th runner-up: SSC
𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
Champion: BISU
1st runner-up: UP-C
2nd runner-up: CNU
3rd runner-up: NORSU
4th runner-up: SSC
𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴
Champion: UP-C
1st runner-up: NORSU
2nd runner-up: SSC
3rd runner-up: CNU
4th runner-up: BISU
5th runner-up: CTU
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗼𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴
Champion: NORSU
1st runner-up: UP-C
2nd runner-up: SSC
3rd runner-up: CTU
4th runner-up: CNU
5th runner-up: BISU
𝗜𝗜. 𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗖 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 (𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗔)
𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗼 (𝗣𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗼)
Champion: CNU
1st runner-up: NORSU
2nd runner-up: UP-C
3rd runner-up: SSC
4th runner-up: BISU
𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗻
Champion: CNU
1st runner-up: UP-C
2nd runner-up: CTU
3rd runner-up: NORSU
4th runner-up: BISU
𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿
Champion: CNU
1st runner-up: NORSU
2nd runner-up: UP-C
3rd runner-up: BISU
4th runner-up: CTU
5th runner-up: SSC
𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗮
Champion: CNU
1st runner-up: CTU
2nd runner-up: NORSU
3rd runner-up: UP-C
4th runner-up: BISU
𝗜𝗜𝗜. 𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗖 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 (𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗕)
𝗩𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗼 (𝗞𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗻)
Champion: CNU
1st runner-up: BISU
2nd runner-up: UP-C
3rd runner-up: NORSU
4th runner-up: CTU
𝗩𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝘂𝗲𝘁
Champion: CNU
1st runner-up: NORSU
2nd runner-up: SSC
3rd runner-up: BISU
4th runner-up: CTU
5th runner-up: UP-C
𝗣𝗼𝗽 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗼
Champion: CNU
1st runner-up: CTU
2nd runner-up: SSC
3rd runner-up: NORSU
4th runner-up: BISU
5th runner-up: UP-C
𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁
Champion: CNU
1st runner-up: UP-C
2nd runner-up: BISU
3rd runner-up: CTU
4th runner-up: NORSU
𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗿
Champion: BISU
1st runner-up: CNU
2nd runner-up: CTU
3rd runner-up: NORSU
4th runner-up: UP-C
5th runner-up: SSC
𝗜𝗩. 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗦
𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘄𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘀 (𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲)
Champion: UP-C
1st runner-up: NORSU
2nd runner-up: CNU
3rd runner-up: CTU
4th runner-up: BISU
5th runner-up: SSC
𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘄𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘀 (𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹)
Champion: UP-C
1st runner-up: NORSU
2nd runner-up: BISU
3rd runner-up: CTU
4th runner-up: CNU
5th runner-up: SSC
𝗥𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮
Champion: CNU
1st runner-up: NORSU
2nd runner-up: BISU
3rd runner-up: UP-C
4th runner-up: CTU
5th runner-up: SSC
𝗩. 𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗖 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 (𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗖)
𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗱
Champion: NORSU
1st runner-up: BISU
2nd runner-up: SSC
3rd runner-up: CTU
4th runner-up: UP-C
5th runner-up: CNU
Words by Julyzsa Recimiento and Sharmaine Regalado
Photos grabbed from PASUC 2023 – Culture and the Arts Festival (Region 7) and The NORSUnian Facebook page
PASUC 7: CNU rises to 1st runner-up; Mr. CNU claims 2nd in Festival King
 
With crimson and gold spirit, Cebu Normal University (CNU) emerged as the overall first placer in the 2023 Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) – Culture and the Arts Festival Region 7 held at the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) from November 12 to 14.
 
CNU earned a total of 142 points while NORSU bagged the overall champion title with 155 points, as announced during the Awarding Ceremony yesterday.
 
Normalite delegates showcased exceptional talents in the Visual Arts, Music Competitions (Divisions A, B, and C), Performing Arts, Live Band and Dance Competitions, where they secured the championship title nine times, two 1st and 3rd places, four 2nd places, three 4th places, and one 5th place.
 
In an interview with Ang Suga, Mixed Choir Champion and CNU Chorale member Kharl Abapo (Bachelor of Physical Education III) shared that he did not expect to leave this kind of legacy.
 
“…we are gathered because of music. Ang music jod ang nakapa-gather sa amoa to bring harmony and to also bring honor sa bisan asa nga lugar,” he added.
 
Moreover, before the 2023 PASUC 7 Festival King and Queen Coronation Night, the fight to become the overall champion was close as NORSU led with an unofficial score of 138 points while CNU trailed behind at 137 points.
 
Showcase of myths, wits
 
Centered on the theme “PASUC VII: United amidst Diversities; Strong in the Thickness of Adversities,” six pairs from the six SUCs showcased their intricate Visayan Folklore Costumes to promote cultural diversity and give honor to the Filipino pre-colonial myths.
 
In the Question-and-Answer portion, Mr. CNU Norberto Salanap III (Bachelor of Science in Nursing II) expressed how PASUC acts as a catalyst for social change and how it can be an avenue to spread, promote, and emphasize advocacies.
 
“…I, as [an] ambassador of our school, [am] given a chance to spread my advocacies of promoting healthcare in our country because it is efficient and I am very much into [it] because I am [a] student nurse. This is our chance; PASUC is our chance, as an individual, as a community, to spread our message to the world through our arts and culture,” he conveyed.
 
Salanap was recognized as the 2nd runner-up, while the newly crowned 2023 PASUC 7 Festival King and Festival Queen hailed from Bohol Island State University (BISU) and NORSU, respectively.
 
Along with the Festival King and Queen announcements, the overall winners of the event were also revealed: NORSU triumphed as the overall champion, while CNU placed first, followed by the University of the Philippines Cebu (UP Cebu), BISU, Cebu Technological University (CTU), and Siquijor State College (SSC), respectively. §
 
Below is the list of PASUC 7 Festival King and Queen winners:
𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻
𝗠𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀
PASUC 7 Festival King And Queen – Mr. BISU and Ms. NORSU
1st runner-up – Mr. NORSU and Ms. UP Cebu
2nd runner-up – Mr. CNU and Ms. BISU
𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀
Best Production Number – Mr. BISU and Ms. NORSU
Best in Visayan Folklore Costume – Mr. BISU and Ms. NORSU
Best in Barong Filipino – Mr. NORSU
Best in Philippine Terno – Ms. BISU
Best Speaker – Mr. BISU and Ms. UP Cebu
𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀
Mr. and Ms. Professionalism – Mr. and Ms. BISU
Mr. and Ms. Congeniality – Mr. CTU and Ms. BISU
Mr. and Ms. Photogenic – Mr. CNU and Ms. UP Cebu
Below is the list of awards of CNU:
𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗟 – 1st runner-up
𝗜. 𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗨𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗦
𝗢𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 – 4th runner-up
𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 – 2nd runner-up
𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 – 3rd runner-up
𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗼𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 – 4th runner-up
𝗜𝗜. 𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗖 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 (𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗔)
𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗼 (𝗣𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗼) – Champion
𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗻 – Champion
𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿 – Champion
𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗮 – Champion
𝗜𝗜𝗜. 𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗖 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 (𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗕)
𝗩𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗼 (𝗞𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗻) – Champion
𝗩𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝘂𝗲𝘁 – Champion
𝗣𝗼𝗽 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗼 – Champion
𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 – Champion
𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗿 – 1st runner-up
𝗜𝗩. 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗦
𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘄𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘀 (𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲) – 2nd runner-up
𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘄𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘀 (𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹) – 4th runner-up
𝗥𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮 – Champion
𝗩. 𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗖 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 (𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗖)
𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗱 – 5th runner-up
𝗩𝗜. 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 – 2nd runner-up
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗸 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 – 1st runner-up
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 – 2nd runner-up
𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 – 3rd runner-up
Words and Screenshots by Sweety Mae Berandez and Jemeli Babe Augusto
The Cebu Normal University (CNU) delegates shone bright in the spotlight yesterday as the administration, faculty, and staff recognized their achievements in the recently concluded Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) – Culture and the Arts Festival of Region 7.
 
Information Unit and FM Station Director Dr. Trina Marie Catipay acknowledged the triumph of CNU delegates who secured places in the Visual Arts, Music Competitions, Performing Arts, Dance Competitions, Festival King and Queen, and the overall 1st runner-up position.
 
Accompanied by their coaches, the delegates took the Idea and Knowledge Center (IKC) stage and proudly wore their gold, silver, and bronze medals along with their plaques.
 
In an interview, University President Dr. Daniel Ariaso Sr. expressed his joy on behalf of CNU and commended the exemplary performance of the students and coaches.
 
“I’m very happy [for] in behalf of Cebu Normal University that our students and coaches really made their excellent job representing the university in the recently concluded competition,” he said.
 
Ariaso further conveyed his determination to strive for championship in the coming year, “…next year, I will do everything na mag champion na ta…that’s my commitment to our students.”
 
Themed “United amidst Diversities; Strong in the thick of Adversities,” this year’s PASUC 7 took place at the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) from November 12 to 14, 2023. §
 
Words by Renee Ross Villariasa

CNU welcomes distinguished professor from Indonesia

Professor Achmad Arifin, affiliated with the Biomedical Engineering Department at the Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) of Indonesia, visited Cebu Normal University (CNU) last 06-07 November 2023 to meet with various offices to create a meaningful working partnership.

The collaboration between CNU and ITS began through the University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP) Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) Course Development Program where Prof. Arifin partnered with Dr. Janet Mananay, the CTE IZN Focal Person. This launched the “Assistive Technology to Improve Learning Performance of Students with Language and Communication Disabilities,” which will also be led by Dr. Venus Cortes, Program Chair for BSNEd.

Prof. Arifin’s visit was an auspicious occasion to discuss and explore ways forward with our academic cooperation with ITS. He was received by Dr. Mananay and Dr. Cortes and was introduced to Dr. Genara Pacaña, the Director of the Center for Internationalization, ODL, and CELL. The professor also sat down with the University President and the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Internationalization for a series of exploratory meetings and partnership deliberations.

During his visit, Prof. Arifin was toured in the SPED Center, which will play a significant role in this partnership. The COIL Project with ITS is focused in the understanding and assessment of assistive technology to help the learning process of students with language and communication disabilities. The BSNEd students in CNU will be learning together with the Biomedical Engineering students in ITS. A coordination meeting together with Prof. Arifin, Dr. Cortes, Ms. Marites Serenado and Ms. Fanny Mae Mobida was conducted at the CTE Dean’s Office.

Prof. Arifin’s second day in CNU started with a lecture session at the ACAS Building with Mr. Rhoniel Ryan Ymbong’s Biotechnology class. During this interaction, he gave a discussion on biomedical engineering and assistive technology with Third Year BS Biology students. In here, there was an exchange of ideas regarding science, technology, and engineering. The professor also showed video clips of the innovative projects done in ITS. He remarked about the enthusiasm and curiosity of the students after the class.

The professor also stood as a special guest during the “Training Workshop on the Development and Validation of Needs Assessment Instrument for Community Extension Projects” hosted by the Extension Services Office at the Summit Galleria Cebu, where he met the Vice President for Research, Publication, Innovation, Commercialization, and Extension and the Dean of the College of Teacher Education. Prof. Arifin also sat down with other faculty members from different colleges who were keen for exploratory discussions for ITS collaborations.

Finally, in the spirit of Filipino hospitality, Prof. Arifin was taken on a tour around the historical landmarks in Cebu City.

A strong dedication to strategic internationalization is demonstrated by the recent cooperative efforts between the Center for Internationalization, ODL, and CELL and our international partners. The openness of the academic units, which allows the University to forge meaningful links across international borders, further supports this commitment.

Lecture Series on Language Documentation in a Multilingual Society

CNU English Language Majors gathered on October 26, 2023 at the Tandang Sora Hall to listen and learn from an informative lecture series organized by Dr. Janet Mananay and the English Fellows Organization about the realities and complexities of the English language in globalization. The lecture started with a thought provoking question by Dr. Reynaldo Inocian in his Welcome Remarks which said, “Who owns the English language?” This question is a great way to open the talk as it unlocked the curiosity of the audience. Dr. Inocian concluded his message explaining that no one owns the English language exclusively because of the different varieties of English. Following the Welcome Remarks is the Inspirational Message from CTE Dean, Dr. Amelia Bonotan who emphasized how the Internet revolutionized our lives by creating a global society with a dynamic language. She said that in this era, we have to embrace the effects of globalization and part of it is to be open to the changes of language.

The first speaker is Dr. Aurelio Vilbar who talked about Intercultural Communicative Competence for Multilingual Filipino English Speakers. He presented the different realities of a multilingual society like the Philippines. Firstly, he pointed out that the language learned at home is not really used and taught in school. He connected this with his study about the Mother Tongue Based-Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) where he found out that teachers have difficulties in teaching certain subjects with the formal and deep register of MTB. Teachers said that despite teaching in Mother-Tongue for the students, they still go back in using the English language to make learning easy and understandable. Another reality presented is the sustainability of teaching the Muslim students in public schools. Muslims use different language so they need a teacher who knows their language as well as culture. This difference plays a role on the sustainability of education for the students because the less teachers there are to teach them, the lesser education would be given for the students. Last reality presented is the fact of having World Englishes which are the varieties of English being used and spoken by different people around the world. These Englishes made the language global, dynamic, and unique. With this reality, Dr. Vilbar finished his talk with this message, “It is more on the sensitivity to one’s culture to be communicably competent in an intercultural society.” It is based on one’s preferences on what variety of language to use as long as it is understandable for him or her and to the person being communicated.

The second speaker is Prof. Dr. Peter Siemund whose talk revolved around his research on Global English in its Local Multilingual Ecologies. He started his talk with a simple thought, “To make the world a better place, you must learn to understand.” He presented his research on the place of English language in local languages used in certain places like Singapore and Dubai. He pointed out that as time goes by, a language shift is happening where English language is now widely used among other languages. This brings risk to the extinction and dying of other languages when they will not be used anymore by its speakers. Dr. Siemund’s thoughts on this reality is focused on the fact that English is permanent. It will always be there to stay and flourish. However, to use English does not mean that one would have to give up on using other languages. English may be universal now but people should not forget their other language which also shapes their own culture.

Overall, the two talks given by Dr. Vilbar and Dr. Siemund share an emphasis of understanding the varieties of English and the call for awareness on the language shift of English happening today. Both believe that with the widespread use of English, people did not realize that they have slowly turned back on other languages and forget it. Lastly, they are open to the usage of the different varieties of English as long as it is understandable. One does not have to be strict or be standard-based in using the correct form of the English language because it is a dynamic and evolving language. Each place has its different form of it. There is no correct or standard form of English, even the American-English and British-English are just part of these varieties of English.

The lecture series ended with Dr. Janet Mananay’s noteworthy hashtag about the event which is #EnglishForLOVE. She gave meaning to each letter of the word LOVE which are the following: L=Language, O=Openness, V=Vigor, E=Endless. This acronym concluded the lecture series with a thought that language is dynamic. Thus, openness is important to understand each other and make the world a better place. Moreover, emerging issues and concerns revolving around language are crucial. Thus, the lecture series ignited the vigor in the hearts of the English major students who are there to become fighters on advocating awareness on the great power of language to society. Lastly, there are endless possibilities that could happen with the English language as well as to the other languages. Hence, people shall also be ready and open for these possibilities to understand each other and continue making the world a better place to live.

 

News Update: CHEDRO VII SUC TWG for CNU’s LUDIP holds a conference at CNU-Medellin

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

CNU opens World Teachers’ Day

Normalites paid tribute to Cebu Normal University’s (CNU) educators and faculty staff as part of the World Teachers’ Day opening this morning, October 2, held at the university grounds.
 
After the flag ceremony proper, the program kick-started with a spoken poetry rendition by Lian Fel Rollan (Bachelor of Arts in Communication major in Broadcast Journalism I) with his piece “Sa Bawat Kalyo ng Aking Kamay.”
 
John Santerva (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education IV) then serenaded the crowd with the song “You” by Basil Valdez, while Michael Jeff Mamigo (Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Math IV) sang George Benson’s “In Your Eyes.”
 
During the song presentations, the CNU-Supreme Student Council (SSC) Officers, Organizational Mayors, and Bloc Chairpersons led the rose-giving for teachers and faculty staff.
 
The second-year Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Studies students then took charge of the zumba performance.
 
Moreover, CNU-SSC Senator Hon. Noel Quijano Jr. announced the activities intended for the Teachers’ Day celebration this month, including “Pamper Day” on October 16, where facilitators will provide free make-ups and manicures/pedicures for teachers.
 
CNU-Council of Liberal Arts and Sciences Students (CLASS) adviser Dr. Trina Marie Catipay concluded the program with her words of gratitude to the university’s educators and notified further university announcements.
 
“We are not only teachers, we are fathers, mothers, guidance counselors, nurses, massage therapists…tayo ay mga guro…by that, happy happy teachers’ day to our dear teachers,” she expressed.
 
World Teachers’ Day is celebrated annually every fifth of October with this year’s theme, “The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage.” §
 
Words by Donna Rose Egos
Photos by Darylle Dinaguit

ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING ASSISTANT IN SPAIN

We’re Hiring!
 
ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING ASSISTANT IN SPAIN
 
Are you passionate about teaching English and eager to make a positive impact on students’ language skills?
 
In partnership with Cebu Normal University, the Spanish Ministry of Education is looking for qualified applicants who will get to teach in Spain and obtain professional development experience as an international teacher while immersing themselves in the Spanish culture.
 
If you have a love for language, a desire to inspire, and a commitment to fostering a vibrant learning environment, we encourage you to apply!
 
Education:
 
  • Must be a graduate of Cebu Normal University with a degree in BA English Language or Literature, BSED English, or BA Communication, and graduates of other courses equipped with proficiencies in English and Spanish language
  • With a General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least 1.70
  • Additional certifications in DELE/SIELE, IELTS, TESOL, TEFL, CELTA, or similar qualifications will be advantageous.
  • A PRC license or Diploma of Professional Education is an advantage.
Language proficiency:
 
  • Proficient in English with excellent written and spoken communication skills
  • Spanish fluency with at least an A1 level 108-hour Spanish language course, two-semester Spanish classes, or 126-hour Spanish language training from Instituto Cervantes * Graduates from CNU with no Spanish should join the Instituto Cervantes as students of A1.
Teaching Experience:
 
  • Teaching experience is a must
  • Teaching experience with international students is a plus.
Requirements:
 
To apply for the position of English Language Teaching Assistant, please provide details and submit the following documents (all in one PDF
1. Latest Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2. Reference Letters (two reference letters from CNU faculty members that can attest to your abilities and character)
3. Copy of the Transcript of Records
4. Copy of relevant trainings
Orientation Schedule: 1st week of October
(meeting details to be announced)
 
Application Deadline: September 30, 2023
 
Be empowered and explore new horizons!
 
The orientation for the English Language Teaching Assistant Program in Spain will take place on October 3, 2023, at 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM. This event is open to all CNU Graduates.
 
This orientation is the next step to the selection process. Learn about the essentials of the program for your journey to obtain professional development experiences as an international teacher.
 
Join us via Zoom!
 
To register, please complete our form here:
 
For inquiries about the program, please email:
Dr. Jollibee A. Aharul
Chair, TWG for LAP in Spain
aharulj@cnu.edu.ph
Please use your personal email for any inquiries.

Opening Ceremony 123rd Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA)

Faculty members, teaching staff, and students of Cebu Normal University (CNU) gathered to open the month-long celebration of the Civil Service Month today, September 4, as part of the 123rd Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA).
 
The 10-year theme, “Transforming Public Service in the Next Decade: Honing Agile and Future Ready-Servant Heroes,” is helmed with its sub-theme “dynamism” to emphasize the importance of digital transformation, innovation, and excellence and continuity in public service.
 
In his speech, 6th CNU State Universities and Colleges (SUC) President III, Dr. Daniel A. Ariaso Sr., discussed the university’s P176.6 million budget cut in the year 2024 based on the proposed national budget submitted by the Marcos Jr. administration.
 
He conveyed that the situation requires much effort to retake and the university will regulate and rationalize travels to earn savings and must engage more in research.
 
Ariaso ended his speech with the quote by Jack Ma, “Don’t give up. Today is hard, tomorrow will be worse, but the day after tomorrow will be sunshine.”
 
The celebration is under the late President Fidel V. Ramos’ Presidential Proclamation No. 1050, series of 1997, which designated September as Civil Service Month.
 
Furthermore, various activities intended for the month-long celebration are now ready to set off. §
 
Words and Photos by Donna Rose Egos

CNU Communicators Clinch First Place in Philippine Fact-Checking Summit 2023

Manila, June 30, 2023—Students from the Department of Communication and Media Studies at Cebu Normal University clinched the first-place in the Pak! Check Video Making Contest. The sub-competition took place under the Philippine Fact-Checking Summit 2023, held at the esteemed Dr. George S.K. Ty Hall on the 4th floor of the Blessed Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building, University of Santo Tomas, Manila.

The awarding ceremony, held on June 30, 2023, aimed to bring awareness to the pressing issue of information disorder and the importance of fact-checking in combating it. It was organized by organizations such as Media Civics Lab Fact Checking Academy, Break the Fake Movement, Internews, Rappler, Facts First PH, and Rappler Move PH.

The victorious team, known as “Fact Warriors,” comprised three students: Carl John Griño, Hoehnferdz Gonzaga, and Lourdes Isabella Corpuz. Their winning video explored the critical issue of information disorder, specifically focusing on misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation. The team carefully selected these types of information disorders based on the guidelines and criteria provided by the event organizers, ensuring the content remained relevant and informative.

Despite facing time constraints due to their busy schedules, the team demonstrated unwavering determination. They produced their entry on the day of the submission while two team members simultaneously worked on internship requirements. The scriptwriting took place the night before the deadline, and the materials were meticulously edited on the night of the submission. Prior to producing the content, the team conducted thorough research, gathering different factual information to strengthen their video.

“We realized the significance of fact-checking and the responsibility of communicators in helping people become more discerning consumers of information, especially in today’s vast media landscape,” Gonzaga stated.

Their video highlighted effective fact-checking strategies in a simple and direct manner, emphasizing the basics of fact-checking as a vital foundation for assessing information on social media platforms. The content focused on debunking false information, providing essential tips for assessing information, and promoting media information literacy. Additionally, the video
suggested various reliable websites and pages that viewers could utilize to determine the reliability of information, empowering individuals to combat information disorder and avoid falling victim to misleading content.

With their skills as researchers and writers, the team stressed the significance of relying on credible sources to ensure the accuracy of the information in their video entry. The key to their entry was the emphasis on strengthening Media and Information Literacy. The team firmly believed that integrating this subject into educational curricula would equip students with the critical skills needed to identify false information and make them less susceptible to sharing misleading content.

“We believe that by integrating this subject [Media and Information Literacy] into educational curricula, students will develop the critical skills necessary to identify false information and become less susceptible to sharing misleading content,” Griño stated with conviction.

Other winners in the contest included the second-place “Happy Pride” from St. Louis University Baguio, the third-place “JEDMIG” from Mary Immaculate Parish Special School, and “Explained PH” from Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sta. Mesa.

The Pak! Check Video Making Contest showcased the talents and dedication of the students, furthering the fight against information disorder and promoting the crucial practice of fact-checking.The Fact Warriors’ fact-checking skills and commitment to promoting media literacy have earned them well-deserved recognition. Their work stands as a testament to the
power of communication in disseminating reliable information and combating the spread of misinformation in the digital age.

Written by: Marie Therese S. Pacaña
Photo grabbed: Media Civics Club

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