Congratulatory News

July 15, 2023July 17, 2023

Normalites sweep awards in SUC Fair 2023

Cebu Normal University (CNU) delegates ignited the institution and Region VII’s pride as they secured third place in the Same Event Edit and Songwriting Competition at the State Universities and Colleges (SUC) Fair 2023, held in SM City, Iloilo, from July 10-13.

Themed “Navigating the Global Academic Landscape through Innovations, Cultural and Arts Preservation, and Higher Education Quality,” the annual fair hosted by the West Visayas State University (WVSU) commemorated the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) anniversary.

Hailing from the Department of Communication and Media Studies (DCMS), first-year Integrated Marketing Communication and Press Relations (IMCPR) Lourdes Isabella Corpuz and third-year Broadcast Journalism majors Carl John Griño and Hoehnferdz Gonzaga bagged third place in the Same Event Edit Competition.

“I wasn’t expecting that I would be able to experience a face-to-face national competition this year. Nonetheless, it is an honor to represent Cebu Normal University and the Central Visayas region on the national stage,” said Griño in a Facebook post.

Moreover, Corpuz shared in an interview that they had to start working as early as four AM to take good shots and only had one day to edit the video.

Having recently triumphed at the Philippine Fact-Checking Summit’s Pak Check! Video Making Contest last June 30, she conveyed that the three of them contended at the said competition in anticipation of the SUC Fair and to “build rapport and test our skill set.”

“I find it an honor to work and learn from my two seniors in the Communication Department, Owen and Carl, because they taught me a lot of things in journalism as well as proper work ethics. The three of us enjoy good conversations [and] discussions, but I think what connects us is our love for storytelling,” Corpuz added.

Coached by DCMS Chair Dr. Joseph Elvir Tubilan, team leader Gonzaga led the script-writing and editing, while Corpuz and Griño handled graphics and translations. Griño also took charge of the documentary’s voice-over.

The team documented the significance and highlights of the four-day fair in their three-minute video, which brought together innovations, culture, and arts from the SUCs of all regions.

Crimson, golden voice

Meanwhile, Krisha Ira Mae Sepe (Bachelor of Arts in Communication major in Broadcast Journalism I) and CNU-Chorale representatives Joel Japheth Guion (Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education III) and Sean Andrex Martinez (Bachelor of Arts in Literature II) clinched the Songwriting Competition third place.

CNU-Chorale Director Darlane Yap guided the team as Martinez and Kirsten Orbeta (Bachelor of Arts in English Language II) composed the song while Guion made the music and arrangements.

In an interview, Guion shared that they made the song “Beyond The Possibilities”, which speaks about how life is full of possibilities, in only three days because of the sudden announcement.

He furthered that he felt anxious singing in front of a crowd, but with the support of their teachers and Professor Yap, they performed the song without regret.

Martinez also expressed his insights on the event, “It was truly a memorable experience. I have witnessed different kinds of culture portrayed in different arts and innovations. This experience and opportunity have given me a better understanding of the world we live in.” §

Words and Screenshots by Jonalyn Infante

Pubmats grabbed from WVSU Facebook Page

July 3, 2023July 3, 2023

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

May 30, 2023May 31, 2023

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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May 27, 2023May 29, 2023

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

May 20, 2023May 29, 2023

CNU fosters US-PH exchange programs

To commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the United States (US) and the Philippines (PH) exchanges, Cebu Normal University (CNU) hosted the U.S.-PH Exchanges Roadshow at the Tandang Sora Hall yesterday, May 19, 2023.

The External Affairs and International Linkages (EAIL) headed by Director Dr. Naila Beltran and the CNU – Tourism Society (TourS), in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines and the U.S. Department of State, spearheaded the event to witness the promotion and strengthening of the U.S. Government exchange programs and opportunities.

In her opening speech, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Dr. Gwendelina Villarante described the beauty of the U.S.-PH relationship and the exchanges that brought possibilities for both countries.

“We will witness the exchange of ideas, the blending of culture, and the forging of life-long connections as participants engage in academic programs, professional internship[s], cultural exchanges, and entrepreneurial ventures. They will not only enrich their own lives but contribute to the development and progress of both our nations,” she said.

Moreover, the Deputy Cultural Attaché of the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Pauline Anderson proudly pointed out the 350 exchanges happening every year and highlighted the US’ high investment in the Philippines’ education.

“We are schooled that there are three pillars of our relationship…I go to bed and I think three pillars…those are friends, partners, and allies,” Anderson added.

In an interview with Ang Suga, Math Circle Mayor Hon. Niño Rey L. Armas expressed his joy in joining the event and shared that it was “beneficial” on his part.

U.S. experiences

Public Engagement Specialist of the U.S. Embassy of the Philippines Helen Vallejos directed the discussion on the plethora of programs and exchange opportunities and underlined the specifications of each program, such as the age requirement and application process.

Vallejos accentuated the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) as the U.S. Government’s most featured program in liaison and leadership training in Southeast Asia and the Fulbright program that offers scholarships.

“Don’t be intimidated by the idea of trying to apply, don’t be afraid of rejections. The first step is for you to just start applying [and] unless you start doing that, you won’t really get a hang of how to do your applications,” Vallejos reminded.

Meanwhile, YSEALI Professional Fellowship Alumna Atty. Aliko Garganera; Fulbright CHED Alumnus Arch. Neil Andrew Menjares; and Fulbright CHED Alumnus Mr. Adrian Perez Del Monte graced the event as speakers in the panel discussions and narrated their struggles in applying and their life abroad.

“Be truthful sa imohang narrative…for example, these are your goals in life, make sure na they are truthful and pwede siya mabuhat ba, dili nga you are aiming for the biggest stars. Maybe start from simple na mga pangandoy nga achievable,” Del Monte said.

Meanwhile, YSEALI Alumni and Tourism Faculty Member Ms. Clareziel D. Ladringan conveyed how important the event was for students to experience the opportunity to live abroad fully funded by the government.

“I can say that no amount of heartbreak can equate to the gains you will gain once you join the fellowship. I can say it’s a life-changing experience for me to be able to go to these programs,” she shared. §

Words by Aldwin Villacrucis

Photos by Angeline Cediño

Photos by Angeline Cediño

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May 16, 2023May 16, 2023

CNU triumphs regional research competition

Cebu Normal University’s (CNU) fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Zoology representatives bagged 1st place in the 8th Central Visayas Health Research and Innovation Conference (CVHRIC) on May 10–12, 2023, at the Siquijor State College (SSC).

Organized by the Central Visayas Consortium for Health Research and Development (CVCHRD) with the theme “The Roles of Academe, Industry, and Government in the Attainment of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals,” the event was attended by esteemed scientists, professionals, and students.

It featured research activities such as infographics, infomercials, poster presentations, and the oral presentation of research.

The winning experimental study entitled, “Cinnamomum cebuense L. Phytochemicals as Targeted Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: In Silico and In Vitro Evaluation” was led by Normalites Beatrice Rae Datiles, Happy Marie Abad, Vanessa Ompong, Gianne Abay, and Daryl Bace.

In an interview with Ang Suga, Datiles shared that their research focused on using the extract of an endemic plant species, the Cebu Cinnamon, to evaluate its potential as an anticancer agent, particularly against hepatocellular carcinoma.

The study used computer-aided methods with an experimental assay to evaluate whether the compounds found in this plant have anticancer properties and toxicity.

Despite the challenges and lack of prior training in silico methods, the team overcame these obstacles through the guidance and support of their advisers, Dr. Jay Picardal and Mr. Seagal Asjali, MSc., RChem.

“Participating in this big research event was overwhelming, yet exciting and fulfilling. It has opened doors for us to continue our research endeavors and contribute to the scientific community locally, nationally, and globally. This is just a stepping stone towards our personal and academic growth,” Datiles said.

Meanwhile, Research Institute of Tropical Biology and Pharmacological Biotechnology (RITBPB) Director and thesis adviser Dr. Jay Picardal, MS, Ph.D. believed that their research students stand out due to their strong theoretical understanding of the research problem.

He emphasized the importance of having a working knowledge of literature, experimental design, research protocols, and data analysis tools and being ready for open forum discussions.

Assistance for research initiatives

Picardal also shared that he plans to continue supporting research endeavors by providing technical assistance related to biological experimentations.

“However, given the lack of manpower in the office, the response to queries and clarifications is dependent on my available time. For this academic year, I already provided help to some medical students, biology majors, and science education majors who intend to conduct life science experiments,” he added.

Picardal encouraged thesis advisers to make students appreciate the scientific method, provide the needed theoretical understanding of the topic, assist them in hypothesis generation and testing, reach out, and employ independent learning approaches.

“As mentors, our major role is to assist and provide guidance, and we must extend the extra mile to be more understanding, patient, and considerate,” he said.

Words by Alea Marie Bareng

Photos grabbed from Jay Picardal and CNU-Biological Society

May 4, 2023May 4, 2023

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

April 28, 2023April 28, 2023

Ang Suga receives Best Student Publication Award

Joint Task Group (JTG) – Cebu honored Ang Suga Publication with the Best Student Publication Award for writing the best news article about the Youth Leaders’ Forum today, April 27, 2023, at Camp Lapu-Lapu, Brgy. Apas, Cebu City.

Held last February 25, 2023, the forum aimed to develop youth and community awareness in partnership with the Cebu City Federation of Tertiary Supreme Student Councils and Governments (CCFTSSCG), JTG-Cebu, and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region VII.

Ang Suga’s Lorille Antoinette Mata (Bachelor of Arts in Communication major in Broadcast Journalism IV), Mary Molly Tolentino (Bachelor of Science in Psychology II), and Lera Jane Camangyan (Bachelor of Arts in English Language II) accepted the award for their article “Student leaders, journalists acquaint at Youth Leaders’ Forum.”

As the Editor-in-Chief (EIC), Mata shared that the unexpected award is the “blessing and a boost of confidence” that she needed after a jampacked second semester.

“In Ang Suga, we put the truth and genuine service first above all else. We see to it that we live by it as student journalists, and we are overwhelmed that people can see and feel it emanate from us, too. We can thrive without validation, but it feels good to be recognized once in a while too,” she added.

Mata entered the publication in her first year and now that she is a graduating student, she can attest to the dedication and commitment of Ang Suga’s light-bearers.

“Ang Suga will always be the risk that I will always be willing to take, and it’s light I will keep burning in me forever,” she expressed.

Spirit of comradeship

CCFTSSCG President and Cebu Normal University (CNU) – Supreme Student Council (SSC) President Hon. Shella Carpina conveyed that today’s gathering broke the stereotype between students and men and women in uniform.

She furthered that the students and the people in authority are not enemies but allies and commended the authorities for being “pro-student.”

Meanwhile, Col. Joey Escanillas, PA, Commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) JTG-Cebu expressed how important it is to involve student publications in their cause because words have power that can influence readers with how to perceive things in the youth and government.

Escanillas also shared with Ang Suga his aspiration to conduct contests such as news writing and essay writing every month with specific topics to assess the skills and potential of student journalists. §

Words by Jonalyn Infante

Photos by Nicole Marie Dumayac

April 17, 2023April 19, 2023

Three-peat victory for CNU communicators in 2023 PUP radio festival

For three years in a row, the truth-telling voices of students from Cebu Normal University’s Department of Communication and Media Studies remain unbothered after sealing various acknowledgements in the recent edition of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Radio Festival 2023.

Eyeing to denounce information-trickery affecting communities, this year’s theme is “MANIOBRA: Unveiling the Illusion Behind Public Deception” which is lionized across Philippine regions.

Composed of three categories: 5-minute Radio News Production, Radio Podcasting, and Radio-Jingle Making, it is designed to harness the student’s potency in observing equilibrium when it comes to truth-bias. Relatively, it caters to both the secondary and
collegiate divisions.

Announced as the most-participated year, 223 entries were recorded overall, but only a few were able to rise amidst the heat of the competition.

As the only qualifier from Central Visayas, the representatives from CNU under the banner of CNU – Junior Broadcasters’ Alliance’s Sibya Production persisted in bearing honor to the institution.

“Radyo Tatak Totoo” was hailed as the 2nd Best News Production, earning a three-peat victory of the department in the said category. It was anchored by Mary Ann Rose Malaya and Carl John Griño along with Hoehnferdz Gonzaga, Krystal Joy Pepito, Khim Raices Khan Rusiana, Yeza Karyl Mayol, and Charwen Mayor.

The team’s script writer, Mayor, expressed the secret behind achieving the winning streak of the production in the said category for consecutive years.

“I believe the team still won because we are composed of individuals who do well in our respective roles…most of us have proven so much in this field, everyone was still receptive to constructive criticism.”

Radyo Tatak Totoo also bagged minor recognitions, with Malaya being awarded as the Best Female Anchor, Gonzaga as the Best Male News Presenter, and Mayor as Best Editor.

Moreover, Sibya Production’s “Aling, Mari, Chong!” performed by graduating communicators Lourenze Pareja, Armandave Ochia, John Mark Getes, and Kristian Jacob Logarta placed 5th in the Radio-Jingle Making category, conquering more than 40 entries from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Pareja, one of the composers, revealed what he felt after winning a national competition.

“The thought that we made it to the final cut, it’s just a dream come true, for first-timers like us…[We are] beyond thankful to the Great Author of our talents, and that is God.”

The student musicians also received the DZMC – Young Communicators Guild Choice award from the PUP.

Meanwhile, the department’s entry for the Radio Podcasting competition, entitled “T’yak, Comm-i Yan!” comprised of the fairly-caliber communicators Denielle Anne Abatayo, Angelica Lumongsud, Angelie Silabay, Louie Jay Vildosola, and Kent Grant Ylanan were called one of the qualifiers—an indication of the production’s fruitful finish.

Dr. Joseph Elvir C. Tubilan, also the CNU-DCMS Chairman, upheld his service as the representative’s ever-dynamic mentor.

Based on the upshot, CNU – Junior Broadcasters’ Alliance, a student-run organization that provides avenues to practice free press, continues to prove its might in the field of broadcasting and leadership both inside and outside the university’s gates.

These recognitions are a testimony that the potential and ability of the communication students transcend various disciplines in bringing meaningful contributions to the university as a transformed Normalite. / Hoehnferdz Z. Gonzaga and Bryan G.
Fernandez II, BA Communication Broadcast Journalism