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.

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
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

CNU holds Seminar on Legal Mandates for SUC Employees

Cebu Normal University continues to invest in the personal and professional development of its employees which includes a reorientation of important legislations in the service to the government, especially in the context of a state university. With this premise, the Office of the President through the Legal Unit and the Planning and Development Office, and in coordination with the Learning and Development Office facilitated the conduct of a reorientation on pertinent laws governing public service in higher education institutions.

The Seminar on Legal Mandates for SUC Employees: A Reorientation on Relevant Laws and Provisions for Government Employees was held last April 11-12, 2023 at the CNU Tandang Sora Hall and EMMA Center respectively with the Administrative Council, regular teaching personnel, unit heads and officers of the faculty and staff associations in attendance. The resource persons from the Office of the Solicitor General included Atty. Carlos Vincent C. Trinidad (State Solicitor II), Atty. Ruben S. Ayson, Jr. (Senior State Councilor), and Justice James Lee Cundangan (Assistant Solicitor General). The seminar included the discussion of the Republic Act No. 8292 (The Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997), Republic Act No. 7722 (The Higher Education Act of 1994), CSC Res. No. 2100064, s. 2021 (The Revised Administrative Disciplinary, Rules on Sexual Harassment Cases), Republic Act No. 11313 (The Safe Spaces Act), Republic Act No. 11053 (The Anti-Hazing Act of 2018), and 2017 Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service (2017 RACCS).

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

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

Beaming with Love: EF wraps up ESOL Month

After the showcase of Literature and English major’s abilities and talents, the Cebu Normal University (CNU) – English Fellows (EF) Organization ended the English Studies and Other Languages (ESOL) Month 2023 today, February 21, 2023, at Samuel MacClintock (SM) Hall.
 
The students gathered to their respective assemblages namely Assemblage Book, Assemblage Quill, Assemblage Owl, and Assemblage Lotus.
 
EF Organization Mayor Hon. Ela Lois Tuhoy emphasized that even when the program ends, they will continue to serve the ‘EFersons’ with pride and sincerity.
 
“As our celebration comes to a close, do expect that we will only go uphill from here on and out…because that is what the English Fellow deserves,” she said.
 
Afterward, the stage lightened up as the Assemblages Book and Quill showcased their speech choir with the piece “The Resiliency of a Filipino” by William Bacani.
 
In an interview with Ang Suga, Georgie A. Saga (Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English III), one of the members who championed the speech choir, expressed her thoughts and feelings while preparing for the contest.
 
“Every naa mi break, wala ray one week among preparation ato, kay magtapok gyod mi dayon [ug] mag-brainstorm. [Amoang technique] kay gi-chop-chop-chop ang mga lines para dali ra masag-o…and actually overwhelmed kaayo ko kay first ever ESOL na [gi-held] face-to-face and nadaog [mi],” she shared.
 
Furthermore, the anticipated 15-minute audio dramas performed yesterday by Assemblages Lotus and Quill and a special guest from the 3rd Year Block D students of Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English were presented.
 
Cheers filled the hall as the winners of the various competitions held for the two-day event were announced.
 
The morning session concluded with the closing remarks of Hon. Noel Quijano, followed by the photo opportunity of faculty, organization officers, and Assemblage members. §
 
The winners of the contest are as follows:
 
Overall Winner
Champion – Assemblage Quill
1st Runner Up – Assemblage Owl
2nd Runner Up – Assemblage Book
3rd Runner Up – Assemblage Lotus
 
Spelling Bee
1st Place – Charles Vincent P. Manubag (Guest) and Beatrice Rae Datiles (Guest)
2nd Place – Phebe Soronio (Assemblage Owl) and Charlotte A. Pagwagan (Assemblage Book)
3rd Place – Piolo Lester J. Berame (Assemblage Book) and Divine Grace O. Cordeta (Assemblage Book)
 
Declamation
1st Place – Hyra Faith Enclunar (Assemblage Lotus)
2nd Place – Krestine M. Velos (Assemblage Book)
3rd Place – Rheisa J. Camiguel (Assemblage Quill)
 
Spoken Word (English Category)
1st Place – Junezze Marie Mangubat (Assemblage Owl)
2nd Place – Eduardo Compra III (Assemblage Quill)
3rd Place – Maileen Fei Blanco (Assemblage Lotus)
 
Spoken Word (Filipino Category)
1st Place – Jee Cañete (Assemblage Quill)
2nd Place – Weyden Veloria (Assemblage Book)
3rd Place – Lyndel Mae Gingoyon (Assemblage Lotus)
 
Spoken Word (Cebuano Category)
1st Place – Dexter Berganio (Assemblage Quill)
2nd Place – Leizel Kate Tejana Mandiadi (Assemblage Owl)
 
Song Translation
1st Place – Assemblage Lotus
Singers:
Maria Dolores Arong
Mayean Pacubat Ebo
Translators:
Jamaica Rascen Claro
Sunshine Mantalaba
Aliah Niña Bayno
Raven Alenton
2nd Place – Assemblage Owl
Singers:
Frances Mikaela Cacho
Ralph Michael Makiling
Translators:
Kristal Hope Laplana
Rocky Santander
Dhallyn Lapasaran
Jed Vincent Abadia
3rd Place – Assemblage Book
4th Place – Assemblage Quill
Singers:
Nicole Gabrielle Gica
Bridget Zoe Mozo
Translators:
Lera Jane Camangyan
Mary Angelie Aguipo
Cherylle Mondoñedo
Daisy Dimpas
 
Booth Exhibit
1st Place – Assemblage Owl
2nd Place – Assemblage Lotus
3rd Place – Assemblage Quill
 
Speech Choir
1st Place – Assemblage Quill
2nd Place – Assemblage Book
 
Radio Drama:
1st Place – Assemblage Book
2nd Place – Assemblage Lotus
3rd Place – Assemblage Owl
4th Place – Assemblage Quill
 
Words by Aldwin Villacrucis and Donna Rose Egos
Photos by Mardy May Amancio

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

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

CNU 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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