The NORSUnian 4th Issue

TheNORSUn an 33 YEARS OF SERVICE

W E W R I T E F O R YO U. W E F I G H T F O R YO U.

The Official Weekly Student Publication of Negros Oriental State University A member of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines Negros Oriental State University Kagawasan Avenue, Dumaguete City Philippines

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June 22 — 28, 2015

Vol.XXXIII Issue No. 04

NORSU’s 18.71% enrollment increase brings instructor, classroom scarcity

By Hengie V. Jalando-on and Bobby Valencia

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cademic year 2015-2016 opened with a bang as Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) falters out for the lack of classrooms and instructors due to the unprecedented 18.71 percent population increase.

NORSU takes a high leap with a total of 29, 657 officially enrolled Norsunians in all its campuses as compared to last year’s population of 24, 983.

As released by University Registrar Reymil Cadapan, Main Campuses I and II recorded a total of 14,358 students as accounted from the 2,168 enrollees from the College of Education (CED), 2,098 enrollees from College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), 689 enrollees from College of Nursing Pharmacy and other Allied Health Sciences (CNPAHS), 3,715 enrollees from the College of Business Administration (CBA), 1,004 enrollees from the College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE), 1,332 enrollees from the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA), 2, 041

Overpopulated. Students are swarming in and out of the school grounds brought by the increasing enrollment population. (Photo by Precious D. Aliboyog)

enrollees from the College of Industrial Technology (CIT) and 109 total enrollees from the College of Agriculture and Fisheries (CAF).

Meanwhile, campuses of NORSU-Bais City

recorded 4,065 enrollees, NORSU-Bayawan-Sta. Catalina Campus with 5,121 enrollees, NORSUGuihulngan Campus with 3,274 enrollees, NORSU-

3 Norsunians, Kahayag to represent PH in Korea

NORSU marks its 11th year

NORSU’S 18.71%... PAGE 5

By Maria Dominique P. Ferrolino

It has been another fruitful year for Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) as its entire community successfully celebrated the university’s 11th Charter Day on June 23-26.

Pinoy Pride. Atillo, Plandez and Salva are the three Norsunians who will represent Philippines to the 2015 IYF World Cultural Dance Festival to be held in South Korea in July together with other Kahayag dancers. (Sources: Facebook accounts of: Ariel Atillo, Clarisa Plandez, AgAg Agfone Salva)

By Joanne P. Ferrolino

T h r e e N o r s u n i a n s w i l l join Dumaguete’s premier cultural group, the Kahayag Dance Company that will represent Philippines in the 2015 IYF World Cultural Dance Festival and World Youth Camp which will be held in South Korea.

Twenty seven members, including three Norsunians Clarisa Plandez, a fourth year BS Business Administration student, Agustin Nicolas Salva from NORSU-Bais campus and NORSU BS Hospitality Management graduate Ariel Atillo, will compete with over 20 countries around the world in the modern

cultural dance genre that will be held on July 1-16, 2015.

According to a press statement released by the Kahayag Dance Company, the company is presently preparing its contest piece, “Tag-araw,” which is specifically created for the competition, as well as raising funds for costumes, props and international and domestic plane fares for the delegates of the said event.

Apart from the cultural dance competition, the participating members of Kahayag will join some 4000 delegates from all over the world for the IYF World Youth Camp on July 5-16.

Aside from the endorsement they receive from the provincial government and IYF Philippines, the group is seeking for financial assistance for travel and production expenses.

3 NORSUNIANS.. PAGE 5

With the theme “Unity in Diversity,” this year’s Charter Day celebration started with an interfaith service where leaders from different religions dedicated a prayer for the university, the country and the world.

An academic convocation followed which was graced by the president of the Colegio de Sta. Catalina de Alexandria (COSCA), Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Gomez, and NORSU’s first president, Dr. Henry A. Sojor.

Fr. Gomez congratulated NORSU in its 11th year as a state university and talked about the importance of unity in diversity in the academe.

“Through unity in diversity, we can achieve much more work interdependently. Synergy is what fires us therefore we must value and respect differences,” he said.

Fr. Gomez ended his speech with a video presentation of the story of the rabbit and the turtle.

“Our students are a bundle of opportunities. Let us awaken possibilities on our students,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Sojor inspired Norsunians in his NORSU MARKS...TO PAGE 4

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June 22 — 28, 2015

Vol.XXXIII Issue No. 04

Another long wait?

I’ll share something close to what we’re talking about. For the past months eating at the cafeteria, nothing totally has changed in the occasion. The wave is normal. There were students buying their snacks, chatting about their major exam’s scores and crushes.

Some are just eating solo, silently savoring the chicken curry bought from “langga” while sharing a table with a stranger student. Others just waiting for their class after done with the breakfast. And me, just started with my Like Kings and Queens morning meal. As I end my meal, I noticed a poster pasted on one pillar of the room. It says I was yet young when I was told by my that after done eating, you return the empty mother to strictly follow the rules in the house plates on the stall where you bought your and in school– to wake up early, do assignments food. It was clear to me. The direction was before playing with peers, avoid fighting with your clear to me. So I stood up and return my plates classmates, help my sisters with the household and smile to the vendor, returning me with a bigger smile and a loud “Thank chores, must be at home before 6 “There are rules you you!”. But sadly, I think I am o’clock in the evening, eat on time, and take a bath daily. These are just few of follow here, not because only 1 of 10 people who buys hundreds of rules that my mother gave you want to but because you in the canteen and can ‘read’ the me. And I am not alone, you too have have to.” – Stephen Chbosky direction correctly. It is a little disappointing to me, knowing your own. Your mother, rather.

For nearly half a decade of studying in this that a simple please from the vendors cannot campus, I can say, I follow them with willingness. be granted by the students. How hard can you From long lines during enrolment process to return the plates to the stalls? Is it so heavy that dress codes. There is nothing wrong in following. you cannot afford to lift it? Or you’re thinking You know, you’re doing this for yourself and for that you should be treated like kings and queens everyone. Fate in humanity restored!

LIKE KINGS... page 3

Pagmando sa Gugmang Maangayon

People’s Republic of China, which took place during the summer solstice of June 21st by eating dog meats and lychees paired with a hard liquor. The span of this festival took for about ten (10) days when a big quantity of dogs is being consumed. But why do they want to do this? Is it just for their own benefit to eat flesh of dogs, lychees and cats? Or is it just their belief to respect their customary practices of their primitive tradition? Ask yourself! Oh c’mon, I’m just joking! Seriously, the answer would be this festival [Yulin] could ward off the heat of the summer months. Akalain mo yon? Well, if you would compare it to our country, it would be landed directly to our superstitious belief. Isn’t it?

“I see humans but no humanity,” this was a message posted by one of the netizens in social media trying and hoping to stop the ‘Yulin 2015’.

Yulin paralleled Well, as usual, there are protests every year just to stop this kind of festivity. There were animalThe protests in Yulin festival took uproar rights activists who have just traveled to show alongside to what the United Kingdom practiced oppositions to the local government of Yulin. that has existed for about a hundred of years. This Even celebrities, known personalities and those belief is very similar to what the practice of China but ‘individuals whom expressed their instead of tormenting approximately distaste to the festival are paying a “Respect first one’s 10,000 dogs, UK contrived about a colossal amount just to the save this territory, if you would have million farm animals which were nasty acts and inhumane treatment. others respect yours.” electrocuted, beaten, and were tortured by the slaughter men. Data Yulin unraveled shows that this would equate around But, I guess and do believe that some of you are 22 million animals slaughtered every day—919,000 not related and even not familiar to this celebration. hours; 15,000 every minute and 255 per second.

Yulin festival commonly known as the ‘Yulin Lychee Imagine that? Even this sovereign state country and Dog Meat Festival’ was inaugurated annually approved the use of captive bolt equipment and PAGMANDO SA... page 3 in Yulin, Guangxi, an autonomous region of the

It seems that the NORSU administration is playing blind towards the garbage dumping site at the back of the ST buildings. Apparently, this matter had been sitting on for a couple of school years now hence, no action had been executed to pacify the matter.

We believe the University has ample budget to address this miniscule of a problem but it seems that the University leaders are ignoring students’ request to remove these piles of garbage which are not only displeasing many, but are also posing eminent threat as it rots and becomes reservoir of dengue-carrying mosquitoes in rainy seasons.

Many students might have not witnessed the state of the site but that does not mean everybody is blind. Several students especially those who are having classes beside the dumpsite, are now complaining on the smelly ambiance of the area.

In fact, some students doing laboratory classes testified how the contaminated air affected some experiment results.

In an interview, Director for Buildings and Grounds Julius M. Ausejo explained the banishment of the stacking garbage is out of the University’s Annual Procurement Plan (APP) list of priorities. It could only mean, though not directly stated, another long, long wait.

Ausejo revealed the difficulty of coming up with instant solution due to its exclusion from the APP. However, he guaranteed an action to arise this semester yet, not for the ultimate cause of urgency but as compliance for past approaching accreditation. Seemingly, the response connotes a negative nature of Filipinos that is, to act if required and neglect otherwise.

To think, this matter started out small, get sprinkled with garbage deposits until it has turn out into a huge mess. Apparently, it is reasonable why it was not included in the APP since it’s not expected to turn out as it is now however, it is also reasonable for students to question authorities why it’s been neglected as if no one would discover.

Nevertheless, we hope this concern will be resolved at a soonest possible time and that things affecting public welfare will not be put aside and left disregarded again. As of the time being, students are waiting for the administration to move a finger over the matter but the question is, until when?

Editor-in-chief: ariel b. dizon Associate editor: kleine jun b. ontolan News editor: john dave v. laturnas Features editor: francis ivan g. ho Arts and graphics editor: angelo k. sastre Business manager: marve g. fabela Assistant business manager: kim eden felize b. belnas Staff secretary: Kimberly rose e. lumaya News writers: Niña marie t. pino • maria Dominique p. ferrolino Joanne p. ferrolino • irish mae S. cuaresma Hengie v. jalando-on Feature writers: Roma-amor a. oligo • oliver Orlando dometita Trixia Pauline c. acab • caryl j. sapepe Cartoonists: Karlo billy s. rubia • joleos june s. vergare Joemar b. villarejo • Emmanuel d. manlun-uyan Layout editors: Alyana Wilma c. molinos • froiland d. liu Graphic artist: Clarisa marie m. cadiz Photojournalists: Kent s. mapula • mayette hanna f. diez Web content editors: Jergo t. acido • randolf z. chavez Circulation manager: Mark Lloyd M. regalado Technical adviser: joy g. perez, ph.d.

Vol.XXXIII Issue No. 04

I thought it was an escape. But for a second, I felt I was trapped.

It was hard telling my parents about my relationship with a lesbian. I am the eldest and the only girl in the family so they were expecting me to be a role model to my younger siblings. They didn’t see it coming and they were disappointed.

On my first visit in Dumaguete, I told my parents that I was visiting a friend. I stayed for five days and I was so amazed how my girlfriend’s family accepted me as her ‘girlfriend’ and as a new member of their tie. I didn’t feel alone. I was happy and ecstatic. After my third visit, I decided, I have to stay. It wasn’t just because of her but also because I learned to love this small city of gentle people.

Even though my parents were against my decision, I packed my bags and went to Dumaguete and hoped to stay for good. I lived with my girlfriend and we were happy, we were in-love and we made plans. We went to different places, ate good food, and explored the beautiful tourist spots. Eventually, I learned to understand and speak the dialect, got used to the food, enjoyed the night life with friends and considered Dumaguete as my second home.

Although I was happy, I still sometimes feel this bit of sadness knowing the fact that part of the reason why I am here is to escape from my family who cannot accept me for who I am. It hurts to think that I can’t be myself in my own home, with my own family, but I can be free to be myself in this unfamiliar place.

After our five-year long relationship (three years LDR, two years together in Dumaguete), we broke up. Crap! I have nowhere to go! I was living with her family so I need to either move out or go back home in Manila. It was a difficult decision for me because I felt something’s holding me back. I had a strong desire to stay but I also felt that I was trapped. No home and no family. I felt abandoned, empty, and homeless. The pain was so strong and I have no one to talk to. But I knew I had to be strong, and I had to move on. So, I decided to move out from their house, rent a place and started a new life.

I reconciled with my parents and they respected my decision to stay here despite of my situation. And although we still haven’t talked about my ‘preference’ issues, we now communicate a lot and talk about a lot of things.

I learned to play drums, learned a new sport, travelled a lot and I went back to school and met new friends.

They say time is a great healer, so I let time run through my wounds and let it wash away. Without encountering those depressing experiences, I wouldn’t live the way I am today.

I am still enjoying my stay in Dumaguete, living independently, and I’m on the way of reaching my life goals. It may take a while for me to go back home, but I am not going to escape this time. I will overcome all the endeavors I will encounter along the way.

Balskubern is seen by her friends as a sweet mature woman. She is currently studying earth and supports herself through working part-time.

June 22— 28, 2015

Those bellies that are so difficult to get rid of. Those teases that really get into your nerves and you desire to shoo them off, but the fact that this world has millions of things to offer for sure could play a role to the word, weight —your weight. So snap out of it!

Whenever you ask your friends about how you look, their hints aren’t that far. You see the mirror and tell yourself that you’ve gained a lot, in a sense where you have to breathe in and hold it for a couple of seconds just to button your most favorite jeans already. Well, you just got to learn, ‘why?’

Stress-Eating Stress, stress, and another stress plus food is equal to fat overload, which is obviously directly proportional to waistline extension. You may be emotionally broke, but there’s no way you could think of anything but food. It’s just that food is the remedy for almost everything.

Studies have shown that our body releases a hormone called cortisol, that whenever we are s tres s e d and w e te nd to be waking up early or at dawn, our rumbling stomach will not be left unnoticed. This hormone should be the main subject why some couldn’t lose their eating appetite: a rampage of motivation arises, basically called food motivation.

Family and peers are not the only ones that could give comfort to a broken man but also sugar-filled foods. You call them comfort foods. Those mouth- watering sugar-coated dips and tops that cling on your taste buds. This is why supermarkets should get themselves ready for another apocalyptic plot twist if the whole world seems to be astray; everyone would just rush out to buy that chocolate they have been craving for.

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But oops! If you want to keep that 36-24-36 figure, you have to control it. Stay away from the fridge, even if you own one inside your room. You also have to avoid convenient, and sari-sari stores. And please call a friend; you need someone to be insistent and punch off those body extensions. That’s easy to figure out.

Gluttony Emphasis to the word Gluttony, which is according to Roman Catholicism, a venial sin.

Undue indulgence is the thing h e r e . O v e r- e a t i n g j u s t f o r experience and pleasure is a big NO. If it really is true that too much love will kill you, the same thing as food. Too much of everything just sucks out the word “enough”.

This thing has been ironically rare to people who are really fond of attending fiesta celebrations, especially, we are Filipinos and attending festivities would total our earthly limited pleasures as humans except for other religious sects that are prohibiting such doings.

It may be a sin or not but gluttony is dreadful to your diet.

Big bellies will just pop out and for sure, you’ll really regret it aside from those people who are trying hard to just fill in their skinny bods. But skinny isn’t that bad either, it’s just how you see yourself in the mirror. It’s just a matter of appreciating one’s beauty.

If you are that skinny and you want to bulk a bit, you need not to do overeating, just inculcate the fact that doing much will also result to too much.

So why intake much when you can eat just enough with your lunch? And if you’re that big enough, it’s now time to change your lifestyle! Eat right and think right! It’s just a matter of holding up yourself not just a bit but enough to discipline yourself.

LIKE KINGS... FROM PAGE 2

in the campus? Then, you should not be here studying. Instead, you should be going to other prominent schools if that’s what you think of yourselves. We lack discipline.

Let us not forget the things that our parents taught us. Discipline. It starts from one’s self then

to the people around you. These are just simple instructions, and we could not follow. Therefore, if we’re given complex ones, can we manage to follow?

How much more when we enter to the real world where we seldom find rooms for improvements and considerations? Think of that.

PAGMANDO SA... FROM PAGE 2

electrical stunned as their way or method in killing non-human animals. Grasp it! It’s too vicious. And take note that this country has 350 licensed business establishments for slaughterhouses.

In my own point of view, killing an animal is like killing a human. It’s not just KILLING an animal but a sort of torture. Remember, that we are in this domain because we have a purpose. The purpose to

love God’s creation. If we have this urge to stop this kind of practice, who? How? And when must we act?

But on other hand, it’s their culture, it’s not our belief anyways. Respect is what they need. There’s a saying that, ‘Respect first one’s territory, if you would have others respect yours.’

Suggestions or comments? Feel free to visit my account amelea_marvs@yahoo.com.

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Vol.XXXIII Issue No. 04

June 22— 28, 2015

People don’t think much about satisfying their stomach until it makes headlines: “LabelFree Tainted Tomatoes Tough to Trace,” “PHL athletes in hospital with food poisoning”, “Poisoned beer kills 56 in Mozambique,” and “MPD waiting for milk tea victims’ autopsy results.”

Admit it. As soon as you get hungry, you would grab something to eat. The sweet-smelling banana cue, the nutritious halo-halo and fruit salad, and the palatable food menu in the University canteen are too good to resist. When you get thirsty, you would choose either water or juice drink and, eating ice cream is one of your mouth-watering guilty pleasures.

For certain individuals, the intensity and excitement of craving for something to eat or drink could cause a change in the brain chemistry that is as addictive as drugs or alcohol; however, the feeling stops when you no longer feel the need to fuel your body.

In biology, a person gains calories through eating and drinking; certain amount of calories are to be burnt in the body through the process of metabolism to have energy for you to keep moving. So, it is not certainly wrong to satisfy your stomach. But, satisfying the stomach could also cause potent danger, especially when food is served in a filthy environment or when food is prepared unhygienic.

Too much science, but it talks the talk.

What is food poisoning?

With this, let us first define food poisoning. Emedicinehealth. com explains that food poisoning is an illness caused by eating or drinking food or water contaminated with viruses, bacteria, toxins, parasites, or chemicals. The causes of food poisoning in food and water are numerous, enough reason for conducting more detailed studies of food poisoning.

As long as the food preparation is clean and

safe, and the ingredients are in good quality, there is nothing to worry about. But, what if you didn’t know that your food is about to poison you? About to ruin your system? Then, good luck. When you are likely struck by this illness, symptoms would range from mild to very severe which could occur almost immediately after eating, a number of hours later, or persist from one to five days.

In an article from betterhealth.vic. gov.au, you usually experience one or more of these symptoms when you get sick. These symptoms include nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, fever and headaches. And believe it or not, these could likely lead to fortuitous death.

What are the things to be remembered?

In most cases, the disease could be resolved in a couple of days, while severe symptoms may require medical treatment, Nytimes.com states that getting enough fluids and learning what to eat will help treat the ailment. ”Dehydration is the most common complication. This can occur from any causes of food poisoning.”

Remember: Food poisoning is common during summer when food are not usually kept in cold temperatures to prevent bacteria from

growing (although some bacteria thrive in cold temperatures). And pregnant women, youngsters, elders and sick individuals are more likely at risk. Before eating, wash your hands, observe the environment if there’s cleanliness and decide for yourself.

If you feel like being picky on choosing which food to buy, then so be it. Choose wellcooked foods, and purified drinking water. When you e nc oun t er puff er f i sh on the dish, be sure that the cooks are well-trained on its preparation. Also, for shellfish lovers, be sure that what you’re eating is not exposed to red tides.

So, when food poisoning struck you like death, call for an appointment with your health care provider.

Now, the breaking headlines: “Sen. Koko asks LGUs, DOH for massive inspection of food outlets amid milk tea poisoning”, “DOH: Watch out for food poisoning”, “DOH eyes possible cyanide angle in toxic milk tea”, unveil preventive measure to ensure healthy lifestyles for all Filipinos. After all, awareness matters the most. Let us celebrate the National Poison Prevention Week this 4th week of June.

CR predicaments irk Norsunians

Left unattended. Clogged cubicles and closed CRs are just few of the problems that Norsunians demand to be addressed by the Administration due to its undesirable effect.

(Photo by Jay Mark T. Umbac)

By Alec Benjamin G. Ramirez

Several Norsunians complain on the inconvenient state of the public comfort rooms (CR) in the university, yet until now, no immediate action has been done leaving out students hanging in discomfort.

Dysfunctional flushes, clogged toilets and urinals, broken doorknobs, unreliable water source, and filledup septic tanks are just some of the continuing problems of most comfort rooms of the university.

Jessibel Esperet, a fourth year

BSED student attested, “Hugaw siya [CR], lapok, guba nag doorknobs, ngit-ngit, guba ang tiles.”

Likewise, second Year BEED student Jamaica R. Quitoy expressed her disappointment on the matter saying, “Nadugay na lamang na pero wala gihapun natagad…usahay mabasa nalang gani among shoes kay gadanaw ang tubig ug ihi gikan sa clogged toilets.”

Regarding the dysfunctional facilities, Quitoy argued, “Gapabaya na jud ang Admin ana…Dapat bigyang pansin na nga concern kay potential cause pud na sya ug sakit.”

Aware of the problem, outgoing student government president Rojan Talita said, “The administration should do something and not the students…It’s the administration’s responsibility to keep the facilities functional.”

Meanwhile, Julius Ausejo, director, buildings and grounds explained the possible cause of the inconvenience saying, “Almost all sa CR nato, based sa among assessment, wala siya gi-design for public use.”

Ausejo further explained that a comfort room that is designed for public use must not only have many toilets, but must have the adequate plumbing and septic tank to accommodate the large population that will use it, such as what we have in NORSU. Ausejo also said that one way to solve the problem of filled-up septic tanks is to continually empty them, and locate sites for additional tanks.

However, he said his office, together with the University Engineer’s Office and the Supply Office, cannot continue with the relocation because of the incoming accreditations.

“Ug among i-locate, maguba ang landscape”, he explained. The filled-up tanks is also the reason why they have limited water supply in the CRs. Plans for major upgrade of the existing CRs are already under way.

CR PREDICAMENTS...PAGE 5

NORSU MARKS... FROM PAGE 1

message of hard work, saying, “The seeds sown can be counted by man, but the apples or fruits that it bears can only be counted by God.” He continued, “You can shape and create your future.”

Part of the said academic convocation was the induction of the student government leaders from the different colleges and NORSU satellite campuses to take oath to officially assume their respective offices for the academic year 2015-2016.

Norsunians marched around the Kagawasan Avenue during the Charter Day Parade on the afternoon of June 23.

Through the collaboration of Arts and Cultural Affairs, Sports and Athletics, MAPEH Club and the Physical Education Department, an inter-color faculty and staff sports and cultural fest and Zumba was held in Main Campus I on the afternoons of the week-long celebration.

NORSU’s Charter Day celebration was concluded with an all-university acquaintance party held in the university gym on the evening of June 26.

Norsunians enjoyed artist-lookalikes in ‘Your Face Seems Familiar’ and wrapped up with a disco.

Formerly known as Central Visayas Polytechnic College (CVPC), NORSU became a state university through Republic Act No. 9299 signed by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on June 25, 2004.

Vol.XXXIII Issue No. 04

June 22— 28, 2015

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Students demand removal of garbage dumps By: Lifeel Gleedz G. Raga

H av i ng v i e w e d t h e displeasing dumping site of garbage located at the back of the Science and Technology (ST) Buildings, several Norsunians now call out for Administration’s action.

“Dapat pod unta limpyo ang palibut,” a third year BS Psychology student, Warren Duran said.

Paul John Maligro, a third year BS Biology student said, “Ma apektahan gyud ang mga students nga mugamit sa ST building kay polluted ang hangin then makaaffect pud sa mag-experiment… hugaw jud kaayo tan-awon.”

M o r e o v e r, a f o u r t h y e a r Education student, Christzelle Alburo said, “Para nako, lain jud kayo kay abig dili makita sa most of the passersby, dili nalang tagdon.”

Alburo added, “What if malata na diha? Pwede na makacause ug sakit especially if mabaho na diha.”

Building and Grounds director Julius Ausejo explained, “Maglisod

mi ug lusot ana kay dili na included sa annual procurement plan kay samtang gahimo sa plans wa paman na nahunahunaan.”

According to Ausejo, the problem on the dumping site on campus is just a supplementary project which means, assurance of its realization is still out of hand, however, he said, “But karun amo gyud nang ipamugos, ug mahimu di gyud mi balibaran”.

Ausejo, already filed requests to the Administration for it to be prioritized and help fully on the cleanliness of the school’s environment.

H o w e v e r, a s f o r n o w, h e assured, “Kanang sa atoang basura, ako gyud nang paningkamutan kay naa nay accreditation within this semester, for the meantime ug unsay mahimo namo within this month, amo buhatun.”

Thus, he suggested the customary action is to gather the piled garbage through a truck that costs Php 1,500 per trip and a sum total of Php 50,000 a month.

Moreover, Dr. Noel De Jesus the university physician advises

Concealed Dumpsite. A mass of garbage dumped at the back portion of the Science and Technology (ST) building. (Photo by Kent S. Mapula)

everyone to take the least common action for garbage disposal since it is an ongoing activity. He suggested that the Student Government should

CBA dean calls for deaf interpreters

“They should not be deprived of their right to be educated, ”said Ramacho.

She added that interpreters should apply in the university and undergo legal procedures into becoming official staff of the university.

Jan Marie Salvoro, one of the deaf students, expressed in a sign language, “We need interpreters so that we can understand what our teachers discuss.”

Dave Baldoza, who is responding for Ramacho’s call stated, “We are on the process of legalizing the documents. Ang kulang nalang, ilang letter nga nirequest for us [deaf interpreters].”

B a l d o z a a d d e d , “ We a r e currently processing their schedule in order for them to be in one class so that it will not be hassle on our part.”

Currently, these five freshmen students are taking up Associate of Hotel Management.

Meanwhile, Ramacho advised regular students to, as she said, “Give equal treatment…help them especially if there are activities, let them understand each lesson in order to facilitate their learning.”

Abegale Tingas, first year office system management student said, “Tsada kay included sila sa klase with the interpreters. Then in order nga maka-communicate ang teachers, tsada unta ug bisan nga basic sign language, makabalo unta sila.”

G e r a l d i n e C . Vi l l a f l o r e s , a second year BS Business Administration student said, “Since we have the right to be educated, so sila pud, dili dinaloanan. Ang amoa ra kay mag-adjust nila ug

a range of 55 to 80 students in every classroom for minor classes.

In fact, in the early weeks from the school opening, some students were sent off by their instructors to search for unoccupied classrooms of which, failure to find one forced them to suspend class.

In another instance, a second year student of Bachelor of Science in Psychology Precious Aliboyog said they were not able to start their major subject class in the first week because they crammed in a small room in the CARE office because of the conflict of schedule.

NORSU OIC-President Peter Dayot told The NORSUnian (TN) the increase of population did affect the classrooms and other facilities of the Main Campus I since they did not anticipate the sudden bloat of the students that they have to add 10 students in every section for the basic or general education subjects.

However, Dayot came up with the meantime solution saying that they are utilizing every particular room that they can use as a classroom while his administration is trying to address the drawback. “Other classes have to be conducted inside the gymnasium,

Communication barrier. Students with hearing impairment talking with Dave Baldoza (upper center), one of the only two deaf interpreters in NORSU. (Photo by Ma. Angelica G. Ho)

By Niña Marie T. Pino

Dr. Elsie Ramacho, the dean of the College of Business Administration (CBA) requested for deaf interpreters as five deaf students are enrolled in NORSU this school year.

Ramacho said the five CBA students urgently need deaf interpreters for them to go along with fellow students and interact in class discussions.

make use of the piled plastic bottles to generate income.

“It is converting obstacles into stepping stones,”said De Jesus.

3 NORSUNIANS.. FROM PAGE 1

Anyone who is willing to support may contact any member of the Kahayag or may refer to their Facebook page Kahayag Dance Company for more details regarding donations.

Furthermore, Atillo is grateful to be part of this opportunity. “I consider this as a blessing because not just anyone has been invited to engage this venture,” he said.

The Kahayag Dance Company, which started as a university based dance troupe in 2004, is an independent community-based dance company composed of young professionals and students from different schools in Dumaguete City.

Its company has also widened its branch to Metro Manila and is under the leadership of Engel Boen Zerna.

CR PREDICAMENTS... FROM PAGE 4

The budget proposal has been passed, however the implementation proposal is yet to be finished and to be submitted to the Board of Regents for approval.

When asked about his target date for the said upgrade, Ausejo said he cannot give one.

However, he assured that he will personally see to it that CRs in the new buildings that are set to be constructed next year will already be built for public use.

NORSU’S 18.71%... FROM PAGE 1

Siaton Campus with 2,012 enrollees and NORSU-Mabinay Campus with 827 total number of students respectively.

Hence, the sudden increase displays obvious glitches such as lack of classrooms, overcrowded classes, lack of instructors, facility shortage and others that led students question NORSU’s capacity to sustain quality service despite its inflating population.

Cadapan pointed the distending class increase per sections which highly reached up to 65 students per class for second year to fifth year and

and the student development center,” he said.

As he further disclosed, the administration is now considering the possibility of constructing additional classrooms hence, he added, “But that takes time… it cannot happen overnight.”

He also thanked all the qualified part-time teachers for helping them to address the shortage of the university instructors.

Dayot said he can start all the plans but did not promise if it will be accomplished before his retirement next year.

6

June 22 — 28, 2015

Vol.XXXIII Issue No. 04

NORSU records 35.4% scholars’ pop increase

A huge crowd. The NORSU scholars together with their parents make a huge crowd as they gather in the NORSU Sports Complex during the Scholars and Parents’ Orientation.

(Photo by Jay Mark T. Umbac)

By Maria Dominique P. Ferrolino

N e g r o s O r i e nt a l State University (NORSU) has recorded a 35.4 percent increase in its number of scholars as disclosed by the Student Scholarships Office for first semester of academic year 2015-2016.

This leads to a total population of NORSU scholars which reached 2,813, higher than last year’s 2,078.

The top five scholarship grants with the most number of beneficiaries a r e H o n . P r y d e H e n r y Te v e s Scholarship, 353; Abang Lingkod Scholarship, 309; Commission on Higher Education Student Grant-inAid Program for Poverty Alleviation

Tuballa assures NORSU bldg’s safety despite quake threats

(CHED –SGPPA), 276; City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD).

203; and Hon. George Arnaiz Scholarship, 167.

Student Scholarships Director Nora Maria Elena Osmeña explained that the new grant Abang Lingkod Scholarship contributed to the increased number in the scholars’ population.

Moreover, other scholarship grants opened additional slots to new applicants.

Osmeña said the increase was a “good sign” saying, “It shows the trust of our benefactors that we utilize the funds for scholarships well.”

She said this is an advantage as it adds income for the university and opportunities to students. However, she also acknowledged the challenge of accommodating them and admitted that the university lack classrooms and some facilities.

National News PNoy, MILF open Mindanao peace talks

By Caryl J. Sapepe

By Mary May Saguban

S u r r e nd e r i ng 7 5 high powered firearms and decommissioning 145 combatants, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) submits to the peaceagreement process with President Benigno Simeon Aquino III (Pnoy) in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on June 16.

“NORSU’s building can tolerate up to 7.0 magnitude quake.”

Thus was assured by University Engineer Jose Serester Tuballa to Norsunians disproving notions questioning the university buildings’ tolerance over earthquakes.

Due to the rampant occurrences of earthquake in the Philippines most specifically those that struck the Visayas region, several Norsunians fear on the possible onslaughts thereby questioning the university buildings’ capacity to withstand such considering the presence of cracks on some walls of the buildings.

Citing out the cracks on the walls of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) building, Carmelu Joel Besin, CAS-Student Government vicegovernor suggested, “Kinahanglan na jud nga i-renovate, ayuhon or bisag tapakan man lang ba kay kuyaw na kaayo especially the cracks on the 3rd and 4th floors.”

“Makaduda na ang safety bisag hinay ra ang earthquake,” said Besin.

Doubting some buildings’ tolerance over quakes, Geology student Oliver Lisondra said, “Bisag for the mean time, ila na matapakan ug shoe glue.”

However, Tuballa told The NORSUnian (TN) students, faculty and staff need not worry about the collapse of buildings since the capacity can still stand despite quake threats.

Moreover, when asked about the obvious cracks up the ceilings and walls of rooms, Tuballa said the cracks are

CNPAHS Building. (Photo by Kent S. Mapula)

caused by the past year’s earthquake that hit the Negros Island.

“Naa na ma’y budget ana Ph16million plus nga ang deadline for implementation is this year…this third quarter mag start na ang construction pero kana nga budget is for all NORSU campuses already and for the cracks, i-retrofit lang na sya using pressurized epoxy,” said Julius Ausejo, director, buildings and grounds.

Hence, implying on the common nature of Filipinos regarding safety measures which as for him, is also reflected to NORSU admin, BS InT Student Neil Harold Guillarawan stated, “It’s a unique nature of Filipinos nga if naa nay mahitabo, usa pa mulihok.

“No action will be enacted unless something bad happens,”Guillarawan said.

NORSU Officer-in-Charge Dr. Peter Dayot acknowledged the increase on the population of students and the challenge of accommodation in his speech during the scholars’ orientation.

They shall find ways to respond to these needs and he added, “We will not refuse any student who wishes to enroll here for this is our primary moral goal.”

“Maayo kay mas daghan ang maka-eskwela tungod sa mga scholarship grants,” Governor Degamo scholar Charmae Balasabas said.

“Even though the number of scholars increased, we still receive the same amount grant,” she mentioned.

Jesselah Bangca, second year Education student, said it is a good thing since scholarships are helpful to the students. “Pero tungod kay nidaghan ang scholars, posible madugay ang pag-process sa among refunds,” she added.

The ceremonial turnover of weapons and decommissioning of MILF combatants, despite the delay of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) with the Bangsamoro Transition Authority which is still on its progress, was attended by members of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces at the first phase of the decommissioning of weapons and combatants.

Pnoy, during his speech said, “Ang mga kapatid nating Moro ay nangako, at heto ang pruweba ng kanilang katapatan sa ating harapan.

Kusang-loob pong inilatag ng ating mga kapatid ang kanilang armas.”

During the said ceremony, 55 high-powered and 20 crewserve weapons were surrendered by the MILF to the Independent Decommissioning Body spearheaded

by Turkish Ambassador Haydar Berk.

Meanwhile, the combatants filled out forms with the supervision of the IDB local expert from MILF. The decommissioned weapons were transported to a mutually agreed-upon

Question: Do you think it is reasonable to make it compulsory for students to attend whenever a politician visits the university?

weapons storage area located inside Camp Iranun (Abubakar) in Sitio Bombaran, Brgy. Tugaig in Barira, Maguindanao.

“The secured area will be monitored by 30 members of the Joint Peace and Security Teams (JPST) who will be supervised by the Joint Verification and Monitoring Team (JVMT) of the IDM,” said CoronelFerrer, GPH Chief Negotiator.

The JVMT is headed by a foreign, independent expert with a member from both the government and MILF, while the 15 members from the government army and police, and the 15 members from the MILF consist JPST. In a radio interview with GMA news reporter Rose-An Jessica Dioquino, Senate President Franklin Drilon said the ceremony was a big deal even though it is being seen only as a dent to the force that the group has as a whole.

Drilon expressed, “Isa tong sa umpisa ay maliit na hakbang para po maibalik ang tiwala sa kapayapaan sa Mindanao” Precious Aliboyog, a second year Norsu psychology student shared her opinion that if MILF really wants peace, they should surrender all.

“Dili gihapun enough nga kato lang ilang gi-give up, pero it is a start for a peace negotiation with the government,” said Aliboyog, who is from Mindanao.

(With references from PhilStar)