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June 4, 2021June 5, 2021

CNU places in most popular HEIs list

Crimson and gold shone as Cebu Normal University (CNU) made it to the sixth place in uniRank’s 2021 Central Visayas University Ranking.

The non-academic ranking was initiated by uniRank, a leading international higher education institutions (HEIs) directory and search engine, which featured reviews and rankings of over 13,800 officially recognized universities and colleges in 200 countries.

Listed as global university ranking by the International Ranking Expert Group (IREG) Observatory on Academic Ranking and Excellence, uniRank aims to provide valid, unbiased, and non-influenceable web metrics provided by independent web intelligence sources rather than data submitted by the universities themselves.

According to the directory’s website, it included worldwide higher education institutions which satisfied the following requirements: (1) officially recognized, licensed and/or accredited by national or regional bodies such as Ministries of Higher Education or government-recognized accrediting organizations; (2) officially licensed or authorized to grant at least four-year undergraduate degrees (Bachelor’s Degrees) and/or postgraduate degrees (Master’s and Doctoral Degrees); and (3) provide higher education courses mainly in a traditional face-to-face learning format delivered through on-site facilities.

In terms of methodology, uniRank made use of five independent web metrics extracted from four different web intelligence sources, which included Moz Domain Authority, Alexa Global Rank, SimilarWeb Global Rank, Majestic Referring Domains, and Majestic Trust Flow.

Among the HEIs which made it to the top 10 were Siliman University, University of San Carlos, University of San Jose Recoletos, University of Cebu, Southwestern University, Cebu Doctors’ University, Cebu Technological University, Cebu Institute of Technology, and Holy Name University.

Words by Mark Aleson Sanico

Layout by Jezza Mae Jumamil

May 26, 2021May 27, 2021

CHED marks 27th anniversary; kicks off 1st Nat’l Higher Ed Day

Commemorating its 27th year since founding in 1994, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) celebrated in double with the declaration of May 18 as the first National Higher Education Day, by virtue of Republic Act 11522.

With the theme, “PADYAK! (Pamantasan: Pandayan Tungo sa Kaunlaran) Moving Forward by Claiming Victory for Philippine Higher Education”, CHED commenced a week-long of regional events across the country since May 17-22, 2021.

In his welcoming remarks during the event’s culmination, Dr. Maximo C. Aljibe, CHED Regional Director for Region VII, stated that the event is “certainly one of those spotlighted moments” as stakeholders in the higher education, adding that it deserves a “grand” celebration.

Days before the closing ceremony, webinars for various topics like research and innovations, Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA) accreditation, and internationalization were held.

TES grantees gathering

In connection with the first National Higher Education Day, a number of Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) beneficiaries from various universities and colleges in Region VII gathered in Cebu Normal University (CNU) on May 18, Tuesday.

The ceremony was spearheaded by CHED Chairman and Unified Student Financial Assistance for Tertiary Education (UNIFAST) Board Chairman Dr. J. Prospero E. De Vera III, CHED Regional Director Dr, Maximo Aljibe, CHED Officer-In-Charge – Executive Director for UNIFAST Atty. Ryan L. Estevez, and the focal persons of the respective academic institutions in Cebu.

In his speech, Estevez explained the additional benefits provided to TES grantees following de Vera’s approval on a memorandum earlier this year which gives recipients additional grants for Persons With Disabilities (PWD) students and students who will be taking licensure exams.

“Pag ikaw ay TES grantee at ikaw ay PWD, makakatanggap ka pa ng additional 30,000 pesos … on top of your 40,000 or 60,000 [pesos] sa private school. [Ang mga estudyante] na magti-take ng licensure exam for teachers, makaka-receive kayo ng 10,000 pesos,” he declared.

Subsequently, de Vera guaranteed that the students will persist as grantees so long as they remained their good standing in class and emphasized the role of the youth in the important changes in the nation.

“Huwag kayong maniniwala na wala kayong papel sa Pilipinas ngayon dahil lahat ng mabibigat na pagbabago sa kasaysayan, kabataan ang gumawa,” he stated.

At the conclusion of the event, the ceremonial giving of TES grants to its grantees was commenced and participated by a few recipients and forepersons from CNU, Cebu Technological University (CTU), Mandaue City College, Cordova Public College, Consolacion Community College, Talisay City College, and Carcar City College.

Recognition, ‘Gawad Parangal’

For figures who travelled an extra mile and helped in setting a new benchmark of excellence, CHED has given recognition to different performing higher education institutions and individual collaborators last May 22, 2021.

Severalplaques of gratitude were also handed to key personalities who have been passionate in the name of service to the country’s higher education sector.

Among the Service Loyalty Awardees were Virginia O. Dela Cerna, Education Supervisor II, CHED RO VII; Atty. Augusto W. Go, President of University of Cebu; Atty. Paulino A. Yabao, President of University of Southern Philippines Foundation; Atty. Liza D. Corro, President of University of the Philippines-Cebu; and Dr. John Henry R. Caballero, President of CTU – Graduate Schools Student Organization Incorporated.

In one of the responses from the awardee, Go remarked that life’s greatest equalizer is education, continuing, “The award doesn’t belong to me, they belong to the help, to my people, to the staff.”

CNU President Dr. Filomena T. Dayagbil ended the event with her closing remarks, which centered on claiming victories for continuing learning by adapting to flexible learning delivery and for the collaboration and partnership that enabled higher education to thrive, lead, and serve in the new normal.

Words by Mark Aleson Sanico, Mikaela Jane Dagani, and Jhonazel Kiskis

May 3, 2021May 4, 2021

AACCUP reaccredits 4 CAS programs

The Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP), Inc. granted Level IV reaccreditation to four College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) programs of Cebu Normal University (CNU).

The recertified programs were (1) Bachelor of Sciences major in Biology, Chemistry-Physics, and Mathematics; (2) Bachelor of Arts major in English-Literature, Political Science; (3) Master of Arts in Public Administration/Master of Public Administration, and (4) Doctor of Public Administration.

Due to the constraints posed by the pandemic, the accreditation visit was pushed through online last November 30 to Dec. 3, 2020. High-ranking quality assurance offices and academic officers of their respective institutions served as the accreditors who are adept at determining the best practices of the university.

Through the efforts of the dean, program chairs, and college QAs, the preparation of necessary documents and the set-up and monitoring of the online platform were facilitated to ensure a smooth-sailing online accreditation visit.

According to Presidential Assistant for Quality Assurance Mrs. Ma. Mayla Imelda Lapa, one of the challenges encountered during the preparation was the retrieval of documents.

“Most of the committee members on accreditation were on work from home, some have co-morbidities which limits their travel from their house to school. However, there were still some who braved the possibility of contracting the infection and traveled from their home to CNU in order to retrieve documents and submit these on time for the accreditation visit,” she stated.

When asked about the significance of CAS’ reaccreditation, Lapa added that it ensures CNU programs are compliant with CHED standards, a competitive advantage in the international arena of Higher Education Institution (HEI), and puts a stamp of approval on graduates.

“It provides educational programs with opportunities for self-definition and self-reflection, and with feedback on program content and direction. It allows those engaged in education aware of standards of excellence which they should strive to attain… [and] the opportunity for continuous improvement…,” she said.

Word by Lorille Antoinette Mata

Layout by Jezza Mae Jumamil

April 29, 2021May 1, 2021

Excelsior: Dayagbil and Her ‘Ever Upward’ Direction

Under the leading lights of the outgoing university president, Cebu Normal University (CNU) had achieved a good number of recognitions and awards which catapulted the university’s name to top excellence. Crimson and gold glimmered during Dr. Filomena T. Dayagbil’s four-year term as a product of purposeful collaboration between the administration and stakeholders.

To formalize the conclusion of her term, an event held at the CNU grounds kicked off last April 29, 2021 and was physically attended by the CNU administrative council officials and members. Distant Normalites, on the other hand, had their eyes on screen as the event was broadcasted simultaneously on the university’s Facebook page.

Dr. Laurence Garcia, Chairman of the End-of-Report Portfolio, noted in his welcome remarks that this was “a day to be grateful to the administration that nurtured us even amid the trying times”.

While the event purposed to highlight Dayagbil’s report on her stay as the State University and College (SUC) President III of CNU, she desired to honor and recognize first those who have contributed to the achievement of the university’s strategic directions; thus, awarding plaques of appreciation to partner organizations, agencies, and individuals who helped in shaping the glory of CNU.

On her portfolio report and message, Dayagbil shared that she was reminded of the ending part of her investiture speech four years ago. “

As your president, it is my pleasure to partner with you and work with you on something that is bigger than any of us, an ongoing vision to chart the course for CNU to excel in innovative teaching and learning, cutting edge research, and relevant partnerships,” she repeated.

Dayagbil continued, “Fast forward today, as my presidency ends, I could proudly say that with your partnerships, we successfully accomplished what we have promised, achieving one milestone after another, in leaps and bounds.”

Representing her end-of-term report as “excelsior”, a Latin word and a catchphrase used by famous comic book writer Stan Lee, this described the entire CNU community’s collective efforts through the years, attaining noteworthy achievements to its five strategic directions: (1) sustaining quality and relevance; (2) enhancing research, development, and innovation; (3) expanding community engagement and linkages; (4) digitization and automation of operations; and (5) maximizing resource generation and utilization.

As she ended her speech, the outgoing president remarked, “Excelsior! Onward, Cebu Normal University!”

Words by Mark Aleson Sanico

Screenshots by Retlyn Ereca Ceballos

February 3, 2021February 5, 2021

CNU meets ISO standards, aces recertification

Cebu Normal University (CNU) passes ISO 9001:2015 recertification by GCL International with zero nonconformities (NCs) in a remote audit held on January 22, 2021.

In an effort to prove observance of international quality standards, the University submitted itself for a reaccreditation against ISO 9001:2015 – an internationally recognized standard for quality management systems set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

GCL International, a certifying body based in the United Kingdom which provides accredited certification across five continents, conducted the recertification remotely on January 22, 2021.

During the audit, GCL International found no NCs in the processes submitted by the University for recertification.

An NC is a failure of the organization, with respect to its process, to meet one or more of the existing requirements of ISO 9001. An NC can arise in situations as: failure of quality control; declared processes not being implemented or followed properly by personnel; non-adherence to ISO standard, regulatory, and statutory requirements; and continued customer dissatisfaction that is not addressed by the organization.

Mrs. Ma. Mayla Lapa, CNU Presidential Assistant for Quality Assurance, said, “Having zero NC is not a usual occurrence especially with re-certification.”

Dr. Filomena Dayagbil, Officer-in-charge to the Office of the University President, said “Our ISO 9001:2015 recertification is an imprimatur of quality.”

“Our report on zero nonconformities is a manifestation of our commitment to adhere to standards of quality despite the challenges of this pandemic.” Dayagbil added.

The recertification, done in the middle of a pandemic that has created repercussions in all aspects of human activity including effective delivery of quality service, focused on the survival of the University and its certified processes during the pandemic.

“As per assessment of the list of evidences [GCL International required], the certifying body is interested in how the University transitioned its processes from traditional service delivery in response to the health crisis, and how the risks relative to this transition were anticipated and controlled so that customer service satisfaction will still be sustained.” Lapa said.

“Internal and external communication mechanisms were also evaluated to reflect the concerted response of the organization to the crisis situation,” Lapa added.

Lapa attributed the success of the recertification to the commitment and commendable effort of all concerned offices whose processes were subjected in the audit.

Dayagbil also commended the University stakeholders’ sense of community in the pursuit of quality.

“I am grateful to the CNU Community since this ISO recertification is a team effort. I am proud of our administrators, faculty, support staff and students for working together and choosing the path that moves the University forward.” Dayagbil said.

“We will continue to do our best and we hope that our efforts significantly contribute to building a stronger nation through quality higher education.” Dayagbil added as the University’s way forward.

The University had its first ISO accreditation visit in 2017 and was issued its first ISO certification by Global Certification Philippines in 2018. -KFR

November 19, 2020November 21, 2020

CNU lauds awardees through virtual recognition activity

Amidst the pandemic, Cebu Normal University (CNU) launched the recognition ceremony online to honor exemplary performances of students for the academic year 2019-2020 through Facebook live and Zoom platform this afternoon.

The event formally started with welcoming words from Dr. Daisy R. Palompon, Vice President for Academic Affairs, stating that the power of small wins makes people move ahead and develop better drives for success.

She added that, “When you take action and celebrate small victories,… you basically reward yourself for each stepping stone that you make in your way to reach your ultimate goals.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Filomena T. Dayagbil, SUC President III, expressed that the pandemic may lead to the creation of new realities in institutional practices, but it can’t take away the passion to continue and move forward.

“Our virtual recognition may lack the warmth of the face-to-face smiles, congratulatory handshakes, food shared after the awarding; however, we do believe that this activity will serve as inspiration for you to become good models to your co-students, not only intellectually but also models of character,” she furthered.

The certificate of each academic and non-academic awardee was flashed on screen as their respective names were called on throughout the recognition proper.

For the response, Mary Peth Capilitan (BA Communication III) shared that, “Getting through the semester and passing all the subjects is one thing, but getting an award for that is a whole another level.”

“Let the university’s four institutional outcomes be our guide as we go about in our daily lives. We should be students that are design thinkers, facilitators of learning, knowledge and mission-driven thinkers with everything going around today with our mother nature,” she concluded.

For this academic year, 1539 academic awardees for College of Teacher Education, 937 for College of Arts and Sciences, and 55 from College of Nursing were recognized, doubling the number of awardees from the previous year.

Words by Mark Aleson Sanico

November 4, 2020November 5, 2020

CNU holds VRCon 2020

Cebu Normal University – Center for Research and Development (CNU-CRD’s) annual research congress took its online form this year in the Virtual Research Congress (VRCon) 2020 to highlight the research discoveries, innovations, and services of the institution.

The three-day congress with the theme Reframing the Landscape of Knowledge Generation in the New Normal took place last October 28 to 30, 2020 via the Zoom platform and CNU Facebook live.

Virtual exhibits, inventions/utility models, research infomercial, and research infographics competitions participated in by students, scientists, and researchers were held during the congress.

“This virtual research conference is a proof that research dissemination continues amid and beyond the pandemic,” Dr. Filomena Dayagbil, CNU President said.

Dr. Angeline Pogoy, CNU Vice-President for Research, Extension, and Publication said that VRCon 2020 is an avenue for the University to be “responsive to the needs of the time and to ensure sustainability of the research programs in this new educational landscape.”

Dr. Michael Joseph Diño, Research Development and Innovation Center Director of Our Lady of Fatima University delivered the Keynote Speech where he discussed the technologies, trends, and trajectories relevant to the congress’ theme.

Dr. Roberto Padua, Research Consultant and former Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner was also invited as a resource person and gave a training on the Modifications of the Susceptible-Infected-Removed (SIR) Model during the three-day event.

Dayagbil said that CNU relies on research-based findings that become the anchor of the University’s decisions and strategic actions in the new normal.

“We have to be proactive and train ourselves to look for ways forward and come up with new and better interventions adapting to the new normal,” she said.

“Now among any other time is the best period to empty our cups and fill it with ideas, innovations, and practices that allow us to adapt in this extraordinary time,” Dayagbil added.

She also shared and commended the ability of the University to easily shift gears and craft strategies guided by evidence-based data to become responsive and relevant in this challenging time.

The winners of the different competitions are as follows:

Infographics Category
1st Place
River Water Level Sensor as River Flood Warning System
Authors: Colleen H. Callanga, Gwen Steffani C. Tenio, Kathleen G. Huraño, Paul D. Velarde, Carl Agustin Alegrado, and Clare Maristela V. Galon

2nd Place
Digital Student Examination System of Cebu Normal University Balamban Campus: Analysis and Implementation in the New Normal
Author: Carlou John S. Letigio

3rd Place
Memo Tracking System
Author: Carlou John S. Letigio

Most Liked Entry
River Water Level Sensor as River Flood Warning System
Authors: Colleen H. Callanga, Gwen Steffani C. Tenio, Kathleen G. Huraño, Paul D. Velarde, Carl Agustin Alegrado, and Clare Maristela V. Galon

Most Shared Entry
River Water Level Sensor as River Flood Warning System
Authors: Colleen H. Callanga, Gwen Steffani C. Tenio, Kathleen G. Huraño, Paul D. Velarde, Carl Agustin Alegrado, and Clare Maristela V. Galon

Informercial Category
1st Place
Entropy
Authors: Cristina Corcino, Roberto Corcino, and Wilson D. Castañeda Jr.

2nd Place
Establishing Electronic Public Information Center for Good Governance
Author: Carlou John S. Letigio

3rd Place
Understanding COVID-19 using Virus Graphs
Author: Cris Armada

Most Liked Entry
Establishing Electronic Public Information Center for Good Governance
Author: Carlou John S. Letigio

Most Shared Entry
Establishing Electronic Public Information Center for Good Governance
Author: Carlou John S. Letigio

The VRCon 2020 was organized by CNU-CRD. It aimed at gathering researchers from other institutions both national and international to collaborate and advance their respective fields. (JDF)