Category: Congratulatory News

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Normalite tops DILG-7 on-the-spot painting contest
In celebration of World Water Day, Normalite Jason Banono (Bachelor of Arts in Communication – Integrated Marketing Communication and Press Relations II) won the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office (RO) 7’s regional on-the-spot painting contest last March 20, 2023.
 
Different Cebu-based colleges and universities participated in the contest which centered on the theme, “Accelerating Change to Solve the Water and Sanitation Crisis.”
 
In an interview with Ang Suga, Banono shared that representing Cebu Normal University (CNU) was a “healthy pressure” that pushed him to do his best and aim for victory.
 
“I feel proud representing the name of the university because not everyone can have that opportunity. It is an honor to do so,” he said.
Banono furthered that he was hesitant to accept the offer because the contest proper fell on the day of the midterm examinations.
 
However, he embraced the challenge and was able to paint a masterpiece in line with the theme within almost four hours.
 
“My artwork emphasizes that clean water should be accessible by everyone, from highly urban cities to the most far-flung areas that need them equally,” stated Banono.
 
He added that the water and sanitation crisis is an issue that cannot be fixed temporarily by bandage solutions.
 
“It sends a message that while we are obliged to help conserve water and not leave a negative impact on the environment, we can only do so much in bringing out real impactful change. A collaborative work between authorities and citizens is a must,” he concluded.
 
Meanwhile, DILG-7’s Engr. John Arnold Reluya and Josh Almonte from the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) bagged second and third place, respectively.
 
World Water Day is held annually every March 22 to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources and tackle the global water crisis in support of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030. §
 
Words by Jonalyn Infante
Photos grabbed from DILG-7 Facebook page
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CNU acquires three-star rating in QS Stars
Cebu Normal University (CNU) moves forward with its vision as it was hailed as a Three (3) Stars Institution by the Quacquarelli Symond (QS) Stars Rating System in March 2023.
 
The leading multidisciplinary research university of education’s three (3) out of five (5) stars rating means that CNU is a “well-recognised [institution] nationally and may have also begun to attract international recognition.”
 
The QS Stars rating system aims to help students identify the best universities that will fit their needs in a particular topic. Rather than ranking HEIs, they give ratings as they believe that each university is different and possesses distinct strengths.
 
Moreover, 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.
 
QS Stars is one of the “world’s leading provider of services, analytics, and insight to the global higher education institutions (HEIs).” §
 
Words by Renee Ross Villariasa
Photo grabbed from CNU Facebook page
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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
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‘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
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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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CNU soars as Y4U champs
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Bringing together 350 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Clubs and aspiring clubs in the country, the UNESCO Clubs Philippines held the 2022 International Assembly of Youth for UNESCO (Y4U) awarding in Bayview Park Hotel, Ermita Manila, Philippines last December 9-11, 2022. Cebu Normal University (CNU) – Educators’ Council (EC) took home first place in the Y4U music video competition, led by aspiring Normalite composers, singers, and musicians. Participants include the singer-composer Eva Mae C. Daguplo; along with singers Aleah Jane M. Atendido, Keziah Marie S. Tagpuno, Tessie Marie P. Paragoso, John Romar A. Santerva, Joel Japheth A. Guion, Kharen M. Brua, Tristan P. Soqueño, and Melanie Grace I. Obedencio; and instrumentalists Joel Japheth A. Guion, Nerl Nathanielle A. Cutara, Joe Sean M. Tamayo, and John William C. Pastor. When asked about her feelings upon knowing the results, Daguplo told Ang Suga that she was surprised and thrilled at the same time because it was her first time participating in such a significant competition. “I’m very thankful to EC and my team since I realized that teamwork is one of the best ingredients to win. I hope that the song would be a great reminder or inspiration for the youth,” she shared. Meanwhile, out of the 12 ambassadors competing from various schools, CNU’s Kim Mathew Abapo (Bachelor of Arts in Political Science IV) clinched the Mr. UNESCO Ambassador Philippines – 1st Runner Up title, along with the Most Photogenic and Best in Talent awards. The crowned Normalite shared that meeting and interacting with individuals from various provinces during the 3-day event was “no less than empowering.” “All throughout the 3-day international conference, I always see to it that I bring my Cebuano culture to other delegates. Every time we converse with one another, magnifying the Cebuano diversity was a primacy. It really humbles me to introduce Cebu to the delegates and share to [with] them what we can offer,” Abapo added. On the other hand, CNU’s Elodie Manubag (Bachelor of Science in Education major in English II) triumphed as Ms. UNESCO Ambassadress – 3rd Runner Up. Manubag shared that the people behind her eye-catching recycled outfit were from the Genlites organization, naming Harry Kenth Resuco, John Anthony Villaruel, Sofia Cortes, Althea, Louise Sabas, Lhianne Khylle Alesna and Mary Cielo Kate Ricablanca. Furthermore, Casey Divine Donayre (Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education major in General Education IV) won 2nd Runner-Up for the Open Mic Spoken Word Poetry Y4U in College Category. The international conference provides a platform for youth mentoring, conversation, and peer collaborations within the framework of UNESCO’s mandate and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). § The following is the list of Normalites and their awards: Music Video Competition – ChampionComposer:1. Eva Mae C. Daguplo (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education III) Singers:1. Eva Mae C. Daguplo (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education III)2. Aleah Jane M. Atendido (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education III)3. Keziah Marie S. Tagpuno (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education III)4. Tessie Marie P. Paragoso (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education III)5. John Romar A. Santerva (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education III)6. Joel Japheth A. Guion (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education III)7. Kharen M. Brua (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education III)8. Tristan P. Soqueño (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education III)9. Melanie Grace I. Obedencio (Bachelor of Science in Education major in English III) Instrumentalists:1. Joel Japheth A. Guion (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education III)2. Nerl Nathanielle A. Cutara (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education III)3. Joe Sean M. Tamayo (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education III)4. John William C. Pastor (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education III) Productions:1. CNU-EC UNESCO Ambassador – 1st Runner Up1. Kim Matthew Abapo (Bachelor of Arts in Political Science IV) UNESCO Ambassadress – 3rd Runner Up1. Elodie Manubag (Bachelor of Science in Education major in English III) Open Mic Spoken Word Poetry Y4U College Category – 2nd Runner Up1. Casey Divine Donayre (Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education major in General Education IV) Words by April Escalicas and Bea Sweet RosalPhotos grabbed from UNESCO Club Philippines, CNU-EC, and Polikratos Facebook page

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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
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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
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CHED RO 7 celebrates ASEAN founding, CNU bags awards
In line with the 55th Founding Anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office (RO) VII initiated a series of competitions joined by participants from higher education sectors in Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.
 
With the theme “Unity Amidst Diversity as One Academic Community”, the month-long festivities wrapped up with a Regional Awarding and Culminating Ceremonies held last September 21, 2022, via Zoom and Facebook Live.
 
Officer-in-Charge of the Deputy Executive Director Office IV and Director of the International Affairs Staff (IAS) Atty. Lily Freida C. Macabangun-Milla, CESO IV graced the activity as the resource speaker.
 
“I would like to extend my gratitude in appreciation for all the efforts of CHED RO VII that they have poured into the events… I am confident that CHED RO VII will do great work of bringing ASEAN closer to more and more stakeholders and provide venues to foster fruitful partnerships among our higher educational institutions,” Milla said.
 
Per the video contest’s theme “Best Practices of Flexible Learning in the New Normal”, the fourth entry jointly created by Normalite faculty and staff Dr. Rivika C. Alda, Dr. Kim Francis R. Rodriguez, Dr. Vincent Theodore M. Balo, and Mr. John Laurence B. Villafor secured the second place and the popularity award for the most number of Facebook reactions.
 
Meanwhile, the second entry prepared by Mr. Alvin G. Cuñado came in third place.
 
Made on the day of the competition, Cebu Normal University’s (CNU) Zebedea Kyla C. Sabinay (Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Environmental Biology IV) secured the third spot for the On-The-Spot Digital Poster Making Contest.
 
“I only had a short time to prepare for the contest… The piece I made clearly illustrates that these 10 countries gather together around the globe, implying development, camaraderie, and good relationship with each other,” shared Sabinay. §
 
Words by Reina Aureo and Jonaren Eran
Screenshots by Jonaren Eran
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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
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