CNU recognizes CTE, CN Latin honorees

With the theme “Creating the Desired Future Today, Graduates as Prime Movers of Sustainable Development,” Cebu Normal University (CNU) recognized 706 College of Teacher Education (CTE) and 54 College of Nursing (CN) academic and non-academic awardees at Samuel MacClintock (SM) Hall today, May 30, 2023.
 
“You have proven [yourselves] to be exceptional scholars of the government. You are diligent learners, compassionate individual[s] who understand the importance of sustainable development,” CTE Dean Dr. Helen B. Boholano expressed in her welcoming remarks.
 
Boholano reminded the honorees to embrace innovation, challenge the status quo, and never lose sight of their vision for a better world.
 
In her response speech for the Educators’ side, Jayen T. Guasa (Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science IV), one of CTE’s two Summa Cum Laudes, emphasized that relationships are pillars of strength during challenging times.
 
“Carry your torch of accomplishments with humility, knowing that true greatness is not measured by awards and medals but the impact you have on the lives of others,” she said.
 
Another CTE Summa Cum Laude, Zerah Charley I. Cabahug (Bachelor of Physical Education IV) recounted the fears and triumphs of their journey.
 
“[God] constantly reminds us that [in] everything [that] we do, we do it for our future and for our practice,” she stated.
 
Meanwhile, CN’s Magna Cum Laude, Patrice Danielle C. Lim (Bachelor of Science in Nursing IV) asked her fellow graduates that in the face of adverse paths, they “meet those challenges straight on with your head held high and your heart wide open.”
 
In the afternoon ceremony, special awards and citations for graduate school studies were recognized.
 
The CNU Chorale, led by Mr. Rithchie A. Asibal, serenaded the awardees, their parents, and the guests with the song “Give Me Wings.” §
 
Words by Andrea Ellaine Galorport and Jessa Sestoso
Photos by Argeline Albior and Darylle Dinaguit
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Normalite bags arnis SEA Games silver

Cebu Normal University’s (CNU) Ma. Crystal Jane Sapio (Bachelor of Physical Education IV) of the Philippine women’s arnis anyo team snatched the silver medal in the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games competition hosted at Phnom Penh, Cambodia, last May 16, 2023.
 
Sapio’s training journey began with courage and perseverance until she was recognized and granted the break to represent the Philippines for the women’s anyo non-traditional open weapon category, alongside Jeanette Agapito and Mary Allin Aldeguer.
 
During the competition, the team displayed an artistic demonstration of arnis anyo as their swift movements synchronized and displayed offensive and defensive techniques using a replica of a non-bladed weapon.
 
In her Facebook post, Sapio extended her gratitude to the people behind her achievement, including her family, the Philippine National Arnis Team (PNAT), the Lapu-Lapu Arnis De Abanico coaches, and even the CNU community.
 
“To my CNU FAMILY, thank you so much sa inyong lahat. To my mentor Miss Mary Flor Ilustrisimo Villaruel, ILS (Integrated Laboratory School) supervisor Dr. Bojos, and University President Ma’am Filomena T. Dayagbil. Thank you so much for the kind consideration and for allowing me to pursue my career in [the] national team while continuing my studies in your prestigious institution,” she wrote. “Thank you for your support! Pugay po!”
 
In an interview with Ang Suga, ILS supervisor Dr. Marlon Bojos conveyed his insight on Sapio’s silver medal victory to the CNU pride.
“It made an impact on the university because she [always] carries the name of CNU. Though CNU [only] imparted a little contribution to her physical arnis training, the university is in full support through adjusting her internship schedules. Her victory will boost further the name and morale of the university,” he said.
 
A student-athlete, Sapio is also a graduating student with Latin honors. §
 
Words by Jeorgiemerl Codaste
Photos grabbed from Ma. Crystal Jane Sapio and Philippine Sports Commission
Commission
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

CNU-Main, Medellin top WURI ranking

Cebu Normal University’s (CNU) Main and Medellin campuses came in 10th and 50th, respectively, in the Crisis Management category of the annual World Universities with Real Impact (WURI) rankings released yesterday, May 18, 2023.
 
Ascending to the heights of the crimson and gold standard, CNU-Main secured the highest ranking among its previous editions – now ranking 2nd nationwide and 10th worldwide, finishing 14th in 2021 and 15th in 2022 in the same category globally.
 
The crisis management criteria evaluate the university’s real contributions to society, highlighting creative and innovative approaches to universities’ research and educational programs amid global and local crises.
 
Dr. Michelle Mae Olvido, Presidential Assistant for the Planning and Development Office and Chair of the Technical Working Group (TWG) for WURI 2023, expressed in a Facebook post her gratitude to the CNU community as “a testament to [a] team effort.”
 
“Allow me to make a special mention to the proponents of our three projects submitted for evaluation this year: the College of Teacher Education (CTE) headed by Dean Helen Boholano, College of Nursing (CN) headed by Dean Jezyl Cempron Cutamora, and CNU-Medellin Campus headed by Director Grace Nellas Malaga,” she said.
 
Olvido further mentioned that CNU-Medellin’s first attempt at the world rankings became fruitful as they ranked 50th globally and 6th nationally in the crisis management category.
 
“Three years and counting…hopefully more to come as we continue to carry on CNU’s excellence manifested through work that targets [on] significance,” she added.
 
Breaking its previous record as 101st-200th placer in the Global Innovative Universities last 2022, CNU-Main also grabbed 98th place among the Global Top 100 Innovative Universities 2023, bagging the 7th place among other national universities.
 
WURI is a global ranking of universities with industrial application, entrepreneurial spirit, ethical value, student mobility and openness, crisis management, and the fourth Industrial Revolution as its six categories for evaluation.
 
Other national universities that secured spots were Far Eastern University – Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation (FEU-NRMF), Biliran Province State University (BiPSU), Far Eastern University Institute of Technology (FEU-Tech), and University of Perpetual Help System Dalta (UPHSD). §
 
Words by Marjuice Destinado
Layout by Josi Mari Malazarte

CNU, MRU pact alliance

Cebu Normal University (CNU) officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Manav Rachna University (MRU) of India via Zoom today, May 18, 2023.
 
After a series of prior engagements steered by the College of Teacher Education (CTE) – Internalization, the CNU and MRU partnership was formally cemented, bringing forth prospects for student and faculty exchange programs, research collaboration, and joint online learning.
 
Correspondingly, the focal fields of the accord are behavioral sciences, media and humanities studies, hotel management, culinary arts, applied sciences, and education.
 
Anchored by the Internalization Chair Dr. Janet Mananay, with the External Affairs and International Linkages (EAIL) Director Dr. Naila Beltran, the ceremony was outset by messages from either dignitary.
 
Vice President for Research, Extension, and Publication Dr. Angeline Pogoy expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership by accenting both universities’ “shared efforts and unwavering determination [to] create a brighter future for students.”
 
“Our partnership aims to promote cross-cultural understanding, diversity, and innovation, enriching the academic experiences of our students and professors alike,” she said.
 
Pogoy furthered that she is honored to join hands with MRU, calling it an institution “known for innovation, research-driven approach, and dedication to holistic development.”
 
Meanwhile, International Affairs Executive Director Colonel Girish Kumar Sharma conveyed gratitude for the sealing of matters, considering the amount of energy and effort in initiating dialogue between the schools.
 
“I am very optimistic that our relationship will be a sustained one, and in [the] long term, our two universities will bond together,” Sharma stated.
 
In an interview with Ang Suga, Mananay underlined the importance of “bridging the gap” by strengthening intercultural relations.
 
“Initiatives should be made clear,” Mananay shared, “which is why the ceremonial MOA signing had to be done. [Internalization] is now really the direction of the university, gearing towards collaboration with universities outside the country [and] moving towards forging friendships.” §
 
Words and Screenshots by Carlos Leopoldo Cabeza III

CNU places 43rd in EduRank nationwide

Among the 229 universities nationwide, Cebu Normal University (CNU) ranked 43rd among the top 100 best universities in the Philippines based on the recent EduRank 2023 rankings.
 
CNU also landed 4th among the 10 universities in Cebu, 2,814th out of 5,830 universities in Asia, and 7,259th out of 14,131 universities worldwide.
 
Further, CNU got 23rd place out of 26 based on its research performance in Liberal Arts and Social Science.
 
Dr. Daisy Palompon, Director of the Center for Research and Development, shared in an interview with Ang Suga that the achievement is a great honor for crimson and gold.
 
“It’s an affirmation of the excellent performance of our university through the research accomplishments of our faculty members for the past years,” she said.
 
Palompon further stated that EduRank increased CNU’s visibility both inside and outside the university, implying that the previous years’ efforts in research and research-related activities have already garnered recognition.
 
“This is actually an honor and an accomplishment of the entire university, including our students who are part of the university for the past years until now, and also our faculty and staff who worked together for the improvement of our research culture in the university,” she expressed.
 
The participating Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) were evaluated in three areas, such as research performance (45%), non-academic prominence (45%), and alumna score (10%).
 
As indicated on EduRank’s website, “the rankings are determined by analyzing 373k citations received by 30.4k academic publications made by 229 universities around the Philippines, the popularity of 889 recognized alumni, and the largest reference database available.”
 
Founded in 2022, EduRank is an independent metric-based ranking of 14,131 universities from 183 countries. §
 
Words by Sweety Mae Berandez
Photo grabbed from CNU Facebook page

THE COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION INTERNATIONALIZATION: THE ONBOARDING

THE COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION INTERNATIONALIZATION: THE ONBOARDING

 

“Internationalizing the Classroom and the Curriculum: Onboarding the Faculty towards Internationalization”

 

DAY 1

The Cebu Normal University External Affairs and International Linkages Office, together with the College of Teacher Education, conducted a training workshop entitled, The College of Teacher Education Internationalization: The Onboarding with the theme, “Internationalizing the Classroom and the Curriculum: Onboarding the Faculty towards Internationalization”, held at Summit Galleria Hotel on April 19-21, 2023. This is to orient, capacitate, and engage faculty members in the college through the program chairs, coordinators, and focal persons of the unit. A total of 25 participants reported to Summit Galleria Hotel for 3 days.

The Director of External Affairs and International Linkages, Ms. Naila Beltran, commenced the program with her welcome remarks, followed by the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Gwendelina Villarante. She gave her inspirational message emphasizing the need to go global and international. The formal talk started with the Director IV, International Affairs Staff of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Atty. Lily Frieda Milla, who emphasized internationalization in Philippine higher education. She congratulated CNU for reaching three stars in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Ranking 2023. She shared the CHED framework for internationalization and a list of initiatives in her office. A number of internationalization programs funded by CHED are also announced to challenge the participants for their active involvement.

The Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Gwendelina Villarante, discussed the CNU Academic Policies in Students and Faculty International Mobility.  She highlighted the mission, vision, goals, and objectives of the university as she also emphasized the policies and requirements of the students and faculty in engaging with internationalization.

The next topic was the future directions of IZN or internationalization with no less than the former SEAMEO Director and now the Education Advisor, ASEAN Secretariat, Dr. Ethel Agnes Valenzuela was the guest of honor. She led her part with a short energizer.

She shared a talk with regard to Internationalization Trends and Future Directions in Research, Policy, and Practice. She initiated an activity where the attendees of the training discussed different issues related to internationalization and how to resolve it. The participants were very engaged as they asked questions and shared their experiences with internationalization. The policies of the university were discussed and at the same time issues that needed discussion from the higher-level administrators. The lecture of Dr. Valenzuela also tackled the possibilities for conducting internationalization at home since in this model, lesser expenses are required and at the same time, this is very doable.

The participants were reenergized for the afternoon session with a dance exercise.

Then, via Zoom, the Director of International Affairs at Tarlac Agricultural University, Dr. Christine Ferrer presented the topic regarding Internationalization Partnership, Models, and Framework. Dr. Ferrer highlighted the importance of benchmarking and mechanisms in achieving the internationalization journey of the College of Teacher Education. At the end of Dr. Ferrer’s talk, she gave a template for the workshop.

The IZN focal person of CTE came to discuss the CTE IZN initiatives which were soft launched in March and the need to create an implementation plan for these. Dr. Janet A. Mananay presented the four internationalization initiatives by CTE namely, the Cebu International Academic Immersion (CNU – CIAI), the International Teacher Education Academic & Cultural Honing (I – TEACH),  the Cultural Education Exchange to Bridge Understanding (CEEBU), and the College of Teacher Education Internationalization Ambassador. From the four initiatives last March, the College has come up with 9 breaking I-TEACH and coming up with additional including International Internship Abroad.

Toward the end of the session Dr. Daisy R. Palompon, Director of the Center on Research and Development presented the Purpose of Rationalization in Internationalization Activities. She emphasized that Internationalization helps improve the quality education at the university. Then, Dir. Beltran presented the challenges and opportunities of the university in acquiring the QS Ranking as the ways forward. The first day of the event ended at 5:00 PM and was hosted by Ms. Baby Jane Uytico.

 

THE COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION INTERNATIONALIZATION: THE ONBOARDING

 

“Internationalizing the Classroom and the Curriculum: Onboarding the Faculty towards Internationalization”

 

DAY 2

The second day of the CTE IZN: Onboarding Day Two opened early at nine in the morning. Attendees from different departments arrived early and preparations were furnished accordingly. Dr. Jem Cloyd Tanucan opened the ceremony in high spirits, whereby after the prayer, a quick Zumba session kicked off immediately with all the attendees actively participating.

To recap the activities that transpired during the first day, Dr. Remedios Bacus, program chairperson of the CNU Graduate School, took the floor and presented the brief highlights using counting numbers. Starting from nine, she mentioned that the program started at nine AM. The number eight represented the number of hours in the event, which spanned from nine in the morning until five in the afternoon. She also noted the presence and participation of the VPAA, VPEP, EAIL, ESD, CTE, IRIID, and the CIFL, all of which provided great insights relevant to the internationalization agenda of the program.

Likewise, the number six signified the peak time to internationalize the classroom, and the five focused on the topics that were covered in the entire day: IZN in the Philippine Higher Education, policies in student and faculty mobility, IZN trends and future direction, IZN partnerships, and purpose and rationalization of IZN in the university. The rest of the numbers pointed to integral aspects of internalization, with number one embodying the single bold step needed for the success of the agenda: creative partnerships and one office.

The fourth talk, The Nature and Concept of Transnational Education (TNE) commenced with Dr. Ethel Agnes P. Valenzuela, the ASEAN adviser of The Future of Education, as the speaker. She started her talk by sharing the online course she created in CHED, in which she encouraged the attendees and the rest of the faculty members in CNU to enroll themselves and accomplish promptly in order to be recognized as one of the pioneer graduates.

Introduction to Transnational Education as the first module traced the pillars of internationalization in higher education. Dr. Valenzuela said that enrolling in internationalization programs and courses are a great investment for oneself and the institution because it maximizes opportunities and opens new doors for partnerships. As such, she urged the attendees to do the same to benefit CNU, especially since the university is gearing towards opening its CTE IZN plans and projects to the body soon.

The second module centered on Southeast Asian Transnational Education Models. One of the highlights of this segment was the virtual tour of the Incheon Global Campus (IGC; https://www.igc.or.kr/en/index.do), the first joint campus of global universities in Korea. This very example cited by Dr. Valenzuela emphasized that Southeast Asian nations are highly supportive of internationalization, whereby universities within this realm are amenable to franchises, branch campuses, twinning degrees, offshore institutions, international institutions, and distance and virtual learning universities.

However, even in these global and remarkable benchmarks, Dr. Valenzuela emphasized that such programs are only effective because they are contextualized and built from the assessments done in their respective nations. As such, the speaker encouraged the attendees to do the same and be mindful of implementing and applying the same programs directly without tailor-fitting them to the needs that we have in the country as a whole.

In the midst of the talk, the Think-Pair-Share workshop proved to be helpful in materializing internationalization plans as the attendees grouped together and presented their responses to the question: Can we move TNE HE in CNU? Can we have our courses and offerings internationalized? The answers were positive at large, most of which were grounded on dual degrees, language facilitation, collaborative programs and research, and chiefly, making CNU borderless.

The third part of Dr. Valenzuela’s talk focused on Global Transnational Education models and Benchmarks. The speaker delineated the different driving forces of internationalization in SEAMO AMCs. Primarily, it is about connections and providing quality not only in the local and national scene but also in international academic relations.

The talk likewise featured a roleplaying workshop simulating instances of collaboration between CNU and an international partner. Dr. Marlon Bojos and Dr. Christise Espera, joined by Ms. Baby Jane Uytico and Dr. Jem Cloyd Tanucan, showed an example of the way schools ought to partner with other key stakeholders outside of the school. Dr. Valenzuela noted that such was a prime case in point but can still be improved through the inclusion of proper interactions, such as the correct way of giving business cards, to make partnerships more formal.

After the break, the second part of today’s session commenced. Talk Six entitled “TSU Internationalization” began with the introduction of the speaker by Dr. Janet A. Mananay. This portion’s speaker was none other than Dr. Jasper Jay Mendoza, the Dean of the College of Teacher Education at Tarlac State University.

The first part of the talk focused on fast facts, where the number of public and private HEIs were identified. Looking at this, Dr. Mendoza noted the opportunities that are available in number as these institutions may partner in terms of linkages to provide the means for internationalization. Similarly, the speaker shared the four Rs that are indispensable in forwarding the internationalization agenda within schools: relevance, responsiveness, recalibrate strategies, and rebuild better. The first one notes that programs must be relevant and build the foundation of internationalization. Responsiveness likewise emphasizes the need for institutions to be prompt to not miss out on activities and opportunities. To recalibrate strategies suggests that institutions must check and recheck their programs, and to rebuild better must best be based on those.

Likewise, Dr. Mendoza presented the different factors that affect internationalization. Firstly, projects must be built on existing/potential niche/flagship programs that support the economic and social agenda as internationalization programs touch external aspects. Moreover, they must support unmet local demand and widen access to international qualifications and bolster the PH in the ASEAN higher education sector. Finally, programs and other projects must support the broader ASEAN and UN relations as internationalization itself is concerned with the two and those help support the agenda at large.

In internationalization, Dr. Mendoza emphasized that projects must not just be about knowledge transfer but rather on co-creation of knowledge that transcends borders. He remarked on the fact that the focus of internationalization must not only be geared for the university but also for the stakeholders that are directly affected and involved in the process.

The speaker likewise mentioned the key elements of the internationalization agenda. Institutions must have clear key actions and projects in order to materialize the projects better. Another element is to have measures of success that serve as a guide in moving forward. Both strategic objectives and key outcomes are equally pertinent as those elements as they are the ones that determine the direction of the program and projects at large.

The rest of the discussion centered on the means to benchmark the programs of Tarlac State University in Cebu Normal University. The attendees of the event likewise raised their questions to the speaker which led to fruitful discussions until the end of Dr. Mendoza’s speakership.

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
May be an image of one or more people and text that says 'SS Congralulations!!! CEBU NORMAL UNIVERSITY GOOD for being rated a THREE STARS INSTITUTION by the Quacquarelli Symonds Stars Rating System QS'
 

CNU presents research study on the Exploration of the Quality of Graduates of Teacher Education Institution

Cebu Normal University, a leading multidisciplinary research university in education, has championed the virtuous cycle of knowledge sharing and knowledge building in teacher education.  The university has been identified as the partner institution for “Study II – An Exploration of the Quality of Graduates of Teacher Education Institution” as part of the Scoping Study on Philippine Teacher Education of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). This laudable undertaking was concluded through “PADAYON: Philippine Pre-service Teacher Education Research Forum” of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) at the Philippine Normal University (PNU) on February 13, 2023.

The CNU research team from the College of Teacher Education is composed of the following: Dr. Michelle Mae Olvido, Dr. Filomena Dayagbil, Dr. Rivika Alda, Dr. Ethel Abao, Dr. Janet Mananay, Dr. Remedios Bacus, Dr. Maria Nancy Cadosales, Dr. Vincent Theodore Balo, Dr. Kim Francis Rodriguez, Ms. Baby Jane Uytico, Dr. Jewish Merin, Dr. Marchee Picardal, Dr. Jem Cloyd Tanucan, Dr., Dr. William Augusto, Dr. Jo Ann Petancio, Dr. Joje Mar Sanchez, Dr. Noremay Perez, Dr. Monique Cordova, and Dr. Gino Sumalinog.

The project is made possible by the support of the following: the Department of Education (DepEd) Central Office headed by Secretary Leonor M. Briones especially the Policy Research and Development Division together with the different regional directors and research focal persons who partnered with the team for data gathering; the members of the Technical Panel for Teacher Education Dr. Brenda B. Corpuz, Dr. Paz I. Lucido, Dr. Felicitas E. Pado, Dr. Maria Teresita P. Medado, and Dr. Runvi V. Manguerra who served as expert consultants for the team; the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Office of Programs and Standards Development, Office of Planning, Research, and Knowledge Management; the Office of Commissioner Aldrin A. Darilag and Chairperson J. Prospero E. De Vera III for the funding, without which, this undertaking would not have been possible.

The CNU College of Teacher Education hopes that the research undertaking significantly impacts the uptake of evidence-based policymaking. Their study looks into contributing to more robust research-based evidence on dimensions and categories of teacher quality and sheds light on curricular innovations, management, leadership, and policy reforms in teacher education to ensure teacher quality. 

Padayon CNU!

Words by: Dr. Michelle Mae J. Olvido

‘Visionary Slum Boy’: Normalite answers call for service

Nationally recognized for his outstanding commitment to community service, Normalite student-leader Jhosua A. Peralta (Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Studies II) represented the hues of crimson and gold during Asia’s Royalty Awards last January 30, 2023, at Okada, Manila.
 
Being the lone receiver of Outstanding Advocacy Volunteer and Empowered Professional Leader 2023 in Public Service and Volunteerism, as well as the first-ever Normalite Asia’s Royalty Awardee, Peralta’s most recent international achievement was highly praised by many.
 
The 22-year-old from Mananga, Tabunok, Talisay City labeled himself as a “visionary slum boy” and claimed that the unfortunate conditions of his place of origin were what primarily pushed him into volunteer work and public service.
 
“For 10 years of volunteering on different occasions. I can say that doing something beneficial for other people and the community gives us a sense of accomplishment. By that, you are creating an impact by changing the lives of people,” Peralta stated.
 
He also revealed that he is no stranger to receiving awards honoring his service as he spent the last decade organizing and participating in numerous philanthropic initiatives such as Bugas Taliwala sa Pandemya (Rice Amid the Pandemic), a 3-year long project by Giving Rice Support and Feeding Programs; and Bag ng Pag-asa (Bag of Hope), which aided 200 students in areas around Tabunok.
 
“Not changing [their] his/her whole life, but just changing how [they] he/she see[s] the world; in a more positive and more goal-oriented outlook of life. And that is to help, to serve, and create an impact on other people, communities, nations, and the world,” he added.
 
Furthermore, Peralta expressed his gratitude to various private sectors and donors who contributed to the realization of the projects he worked on.
 
“Volunteering is not a one-way system. It’s a two-way system where we need to collaborate and expand our connection to reach more individuals and organizations that will help us along the way in achieving the programs and projects that we planned. The people that I have mentioned were able to help me throughout the program…They have been my guiding armor to never stop pursuing my dreams and what activities and programs I want to create and accomplish in my community,” he shared.
 
CNU’s shelf space for future awards
 
In an interview with Ang Suga, College of Teacher Education (CTE) Dean Dr. Helen Boholano stated that though this is the first Asian Royalty award the university has received, she is confident that there will be more in the future.
 
“Yes, [I am confident] because of their [Educators’ Council (EC)] leadership…If you look at it, naa man god ta’y gitawag nga Community Extension Services. So, this is really very important. And if you look at the community award policy, na-hit gyod nato,” she stated.
 
Furthermore, Educators’ Council (EC) Governor Hon. Lheanne Jude Salvacion also expressed his appreciation of Peralta as he said, “Magkaila mi, pero wala ko kahibaw [that he won an international award]. He’s very down to earth.”
 
The Asia’s Royalty Awards is an organization that celebrates exemplary performance and dedication in various fields by giving the awardees a “royalty treatment” during the awarding ceremony. §
 
Words by Kimberly Keith Gonzaga
Photos grabbed from JP Amorado

CNU lands 45th place in WRWU nationwide

Cebu Normal University (CNU) brimmed in crimson and gold as it ranked 45th out of 365 universities nationwide for the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities (WRWU) January 2023 edition.
 
CNU secured the 390th spot among 4,693 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in South East Asia; 2,701st among 16,627 universities in Asia; and 6,682nd among 11,993 universities worldwide.
WRWU or Ranking Web was initiated by Cybermetrics Lab, with the aim of harnessing support for Open Access initiatives, and electronic access to scientific publications and other academic materials.
 
Accordingly, they utilized web indicators to reflect the global performance, impact, relevance, and visibility of the HEIs that served as their bases for ranking.
 
Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines (UP) – Diliman preserved its top spot in the national rankings. Moreover, Harvard University, Stanford University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) stand in the top three spots worldwide, respectively. §
 
Words by Jessa Sestoso
Layout by Josi Mari Malazarte
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