Beyond Words

By Cheeno M. Luang

(Vol. XXVIX No. 12, Editorial Cartoon)

When pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao sets foot inside the ring for a battle, the Filipinos are glued to their television screens to witness the event that will once again create a remarkable history. Everyone would feel proud and would boast of how lucky we are as Filipinos.

That same joviality was felt by everyone inside the very core of Lamberto Macias Sports Complex on the 26th of September, 2011 when the Negros Oriental State University community has assembled to witness and support that phenomenal win over the defending champions, the Silliman Stallions.

We have seen how motivated the Tigers were with the every shout and cheer their fellow Norsunians made. They were filled with passion and inspiration. Because of that oneness, the team won the game and clinched the third spot for this year’s Governor’s Cup.

After so many years, we have once again proven our love for the sport and resembled a team of true-blue Norsunians. The feeling was just simply indescribable – we cheered, yelled, and clapped even until the very last seconds of the game.

At the same time, we have seen how sports could draw all people together. We saw students from the different colleges and departments of the university. We were theresome faculty, staff, and even the university president Dr. Henry Sojor himself. The game once again tied each and every one of us, enveloping us in a fortress of unity and nationalism.

With this, we can conclude that if we will support our athletes in all of their games, surely, winning a championship is close at hand. The move done by the NORSU community boosted the confidence of the Tigers, thus, making it easier for them to dribble, drive, and shoot the ball into the basket. Then, support is one of the essential ingredients that make an institution reach the pinnacle of success. We might not have been there yet, but surely, it is to come.

The Tigers have proven their worth; Tigers Chess and Taekwondo Teams have won gold medals in the national level several times for the past three years already. Recently, NORSU Tigers Basketball Team dismantled last year’s champion and held top three out of eight teams.

Now, the university administration should realize that these Tigers are also an asset of the institution. Training and molding a future national winner takes time and investment. Investment means giving scholarships to all of them, not just the winners but to all the new varsity members.

Every Tiger has a potential to win and all he or she needs is support. They need scholarships and they need the cheer and the yell of all the Norsunians out there.

Kudos Tigers!

Paralled Principles

By Paul Anthony M. Eso

(Vol. XXVIX No. 11, Editorial Cartoon)

Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) – Student Affairs Office (SAO) has been successful in their attempt of producing student identification cards (IDs) that is designed to last longer.

They have come up with something to replace the mere sticker at the back of the ID into one that is made of vinyl. They have at least asked for P50 for the vinyl-made validation sticker though not all students have this yet since they have not been fully distributed.

However, most of the guards do not seem to be aware of the delay in the distribution of the new IDs. It has been reported time and again that they bar students from entering the campus, or at least give those with old or temporary IDs a difficult time before they can enter the campus.

There is certainly a paralled principle between these two divisions.

First, to the SAO. From its name alone, we can already define that it is a safe haven for the students. They should, in the first place, coordinate with the Office of the Security Matters (OSM) on the delayed distribution of the new IDs.

Since they are supposed to cater the concerns of students, they should have considered even without the slightest provocation that there is a possibility for the students to be stopped at the gate if they use their temporary or old IDs. If the SAO cannot produce new student IDs yet, at least they should have informed the OSM for the latter to be guided properly.

Second is to the OSM. They are, after all, for the students’ security. But why do they have to bar the students from entering the campus, which will eventually make them miss their classes?

In the very first place, students are required to pay additional P50 for the validation stickers. So, who would not want to get and use what they have paid for? And who among them would not want to wear their IDs to school since they know this will surely bar them from entering the campus? Who in their right minds would like to argue with our guards?

Therefore, student appeals are valid. If they enter the school with temporary or old IDs, most likely it is because their IDs are not yet available.

The best remedy for this paralled policy is to have proper coordination between SAO and OSM. They should work hand in hand for their own established principles. They should meet and deliver a commendable performance and not merely do their job. They should be connected all the time.

With this, students would surely be protected and served by all means, and they would not have a hard time.

Overlooked

By Ranulfo D. Repe

(Vol. XXVIX No. 10, Editorial Cartoon)

The sun was up once again, and the university is back to life. Back are the students into their respective classrooms. Back are the teachers and faculty members into their offices. Back are the vendors into their stalls, and back are the construction workers into their humble roofless abode above the CIT premises.

With the every spark of their welding rod and with the every thump of their iron hammer, one can say that the construction is on its way to completion sooner or later. This is worth commending the administration. It is of no surprise that the university, we are so proud of, is slowly metamorphosing into a more beautiful institution, both in its physical appearance and in creating a great name of excellence in different career fields.

Sad to say, however, that with the serious attention the administration has given to its massive constructions, they may have overlooked the small and the simple. The ceilings of some classrooms need to be fixed. Some lights need to work. Some fans and electrical outlets need to function. And some classrooms lack chairs.

Would not it be better if we start with the small needs and focus on building new and costly projects later? It does not mean that we should put the latter a level lower than the former. There is nothing wrong with new constructions, just as long as the minor repairs and the little needs for a more conducive classroom are also given attention. Besides, these developments do not benefit a number of people only. Each and every Norsunian feels pride with a more beautiful and well-maintained campus.

It seems like someone in the administration has overlooked these little things. It is important that more attention should be given to it before these grow to be big problems.

But of course, this is our campus. Though it is expected that the administration lead in the maintenance of our facilities, we students will have to do what we can. Student Government of Dumaguete City I (SGDCI) President Angelo Nabalse has already made plans of fixing damaged doors, repaint rooms, put up additional stand and ceiling fans, and replace fluorescent lamps that are not functioning. He even promised that he will do it before the current semester ends. But words are cheap. We hope Nabalse’s are not.

We know that the administration will have to act to fix these little things. Now that the SG President has promised to also do something about it, Norsunians are hopeful that what we have now will not be overlooked in favor of what we will have in the future.

Defining Peace

By Arvin V. Rodriguez

(Vol. XXVIX No. 9, Editorial Cartoon)

Peace is a one syllable five letter word. It simply means the absence of conflict. But how does one define it for our brothers and sisters in Mindanao?

The 500-year old conflict between Christians and Muslims in Mindanao has not been resolved until now. Peace talks, treaties and other countless solutions aimed at ending this seemingly unending problem has been offered by the government, but to no avail. Some doomsayers proclaim the problem to be unsolvable.

However, some people and organizations are still hopeful that peace and unity will someday be achieved in Mindanao. The Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID) is one of those trying to promote peace in Mindanao. They do it through signature campaigns, fun runs, symposia, and the like.

The main objective of the group is to stop the conflict between the Moro Islamic Civic Groups (MICG) and the Government Military troops which has resulted in unnecessary bloodshed. The group also strives to prevent civilians from being caught between the two opposing forces, something that have occurred countless times in the past and which have led to numerous fatalities.

Because or probably in connection with this never ending dispute in Mindanao, extrajudicial killings, kidnap for ransom, murder, and inhumane executions are just some of those reportedly committed by some rebel groups. Though whoever the perpetuators are, they can never be ascertained, it is crystal clear that this conflict has displaced and affected hundreds of thousands of our Mindanao brethren, especially the young ones.

It is really heartbreaking to see that this conflict has forced some of the youth in the affected areas to carry high caliber guns instead of school bags with pens, notebooks, and books in it, forced some very young children to beg and even prostitute themselves on the streets instead of playing in them.

In a press conference, IID calls for Filipinos around the globe and to all Norsunians and all Dumagueteños in particular, to lift their hands and help promote peace in Mindanao. Be a contributor to the one million voices for Peace in the Philippines by being vigilant in what is happening in Mindanao, by joining contests aimed to commence peace, and by writing literary pieces with peace as its theme. The IID believes that through these little initiatives, someday, peace will unite the country.

The NORSUnian joins this call. We encourage all of those who read this paper contribute to any effort that would bring peace to Mindanao. Our efforts may be small and our contributions perhaps insignificant when compared to the size of this conflict. Nevertheless, if we are all united in advocating, helping our brothers and sisters in Mindanao, we might just be able to help them find their own definition of peace.

An Honest Centavo

By Cheeno M. Luang

(Vol. XXVIX No. 8, Editorial Cartoon)

Early this semester, several incidents of theft at the University Library baggage counter have been brought to the attention of the Office of Security Matters (OSM). Police Colonel Rosalinda Abellon, chief officer assigned to the case, reported that the culprit behind the five cases of theft at the said location is a student and that she has finally been caught and is now under disciplinary action by the Board of Discipline.

The student was apprehended with the help of the close-circuit camera installed at the library baggage counter. “Technology is really working and is very important,” said Abellon. The NORSUnian agrees to that. In today’s advent of technology, crimes such as theft can be easily solved because of Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras that are installed in some areas here in the university.

However, that does not mean that because of this technology, we will just become careless and irresponsible with our belongings. Since it is not every time that the CCTV is there to record activities inside the university, it is our primary responsibility to safeguard our things.

We encourage all students to take good care of your wallets, bags, and valuables when inside and even outside the university. As what this unfortunate event has shown us, people may get tempted, and anyone may be a culprit. On the other hand, anyone can also be a victim. Bad elements never warn you of their intentions. They simply wait for the opportunity to pounce.

Life is hard, and many have made this a reason for their criminal acts. But life’s difficulty does not absolve us of our moral values. Poverty does not justify dishonesty. Being underprivileged does not give us license to prey on those who are also less fortunate.

We have to learn to live within our means. We have to learn to find honest sources of income. There are part-time jobs out there that we can avail of. NORSU also has some student jobs available. Maybe it is a good idea for the university someday to have a mechanism to help students who are really financially challenged. But while we hope and work for things to turn out better for us, let us not forget that stealing is never acceptable and that “an honest centavo is better than a stolen peso.”

Not Worth the Price

By Paul Anthony M. Eso

(Vol. XXVIX No. 7, Editorial Cartoon)

Our very own Internet Research Station (IRS) is considered to be one of the most serviceable facilities that the Norsunians ever had. The facility provides students and faculty access to the fast mode services of the internet. It is also a God-sent educational tool, especially for those taking computer-related courses.

However, there are numerous complaints about the seemingly poor management of the IRS. These include allegations that IRS personnel are inconsiderate and that students are not allowed access to available computer units.

It has reached The NORSUnian that an IRS staff member allegedly shut off computers even when students are still in the middle of their work. Why should he turn the PCs off if someone is still using it? Is it to punish the student for going beyond his/her allocated time? That is just plain heartless. The students deserve to be warned so they can save or secure their work.

Crowds of students needing to use the computers have also swelled outside the IRS since the staff only made one out of the three rooms available for students to use. It has been explained by Information Technology Office (ITO) Director Henedino Ramacho that the IRS only keeps one room operational throughout the day to save electricity. He was quick to add, though, that IRS staff members have been directed to open the other IRS rooms when the first room is full. But why was this directive was not carried out immediately? Why open the two rooms only after numerous complaints from students?

We appreciate the immediate reaction of the ITO and the IRS to appease the students. But we suggest for them to be more proactive and considerate. May we also suggest that they keep their 8am to 8pm operating hours instead of opening almost at 9am and closing at 7pm.

Students have been accused of complaining too much. Students complain because it is their right. Students also complain when things need to be remedied or when they feel they have been short-changed.

If the IRS personnel think that students are making too much of a fuss, please remember that every semester, each student pays 300 pesos to avail of the services of the IRS. Right now, its services are certainly not worth the price.

Hopefully

By Ranulfo D. Repe

(Vol. XXVIX No. 6, Editorial Cartoon)

We are now under the transition period of a new student administration, under two student leaders – who have seen the existing predicaments of the university and who have been ever ready to cater to the needs of their fellow students.

We extend our congratulations to Student Government of Dumaguete City (SGDC) I Presidents Angelo Nabalse and SGDC II President Jillie Ann Rubio for winning the highest offices in the two main campuses of Negros Oriental State University.

It is interesting to note that these presidents have a well-rounded background of what leadership should and would be, having wonderful and interesting plans at present to employ under their administration.

Nabalse, in an interview, said that he did not run for the office to be famous but to serve as a good role model to his fellow students, helping them to develop whatever abilities they have. He also mentioned his concern for the students during rainy days so he is to erect more canopies along the sidewalks inside the campus.

Rubio, on the other hand, aired her frustration on how the students in the Main Campus II suffer during rainy days and promised to have the pathways covered. She is also concerned about the cleanliness and comfort of the students and wants to repair and construct more comfort rooms for them.

They are both strong in their will to give the students of Negros Oriental State University a better administration and better service. However, as concerned students, we have to question them on how committed they are to serve us.

They have taken their oaths several weeks ago. Since they have been good at presenting problems with interesting and commendable solutions, they could hopefully do better at realizing what they have promised for the betterment of the studentry, for the betterment of NORSU.

Would these two presidents be really that transparent to the community they serve? Would they be willing to be overt in every plan and implementation, including all expenses included in all transactions and businesses they create? Would they really serve as the role models of goodwill and be outstanding figures that will make a difference?

These are challenges we are presenting to them this early in their administration. It is in the hope that they do not forget whom they serve and that they will remain true to the ideals of real leadership. It is in the hope that they do very well to lead us to the possibilities we can achieve.

A Welcome Facility

By Angelo K. Sastre

(Vol. XXVIX No. 5, Editorial Cartoon)

With the opening of a new semester, a new fully-furnished air-conditioned Audio Visual Room (AVR) that will enhance the efficiency of classes was built. With the new AVR, instructors and students now have a suitable avenue for film showing, PowerPoint presentations, oral defense and other related activities.

It is indeed a very important facility invested in by the Negros Oriental State University administration. It is envisioned to boost the students’ and teachers’ view on learning. It is certainly a prelude to a more sophisticated learning environment.

The new AVR would really be a great help to the whole NORSU community especially to many poor but deserving students of this university for in the past, students used to spend P100 to rent a LCD projector for every hour. What a burden!

However, with the realization of this facility, questions will be raised concerning its availability and accessibility to the general population of the university. If we could take note that its sister facility – the Speech Laboratory – which cost a million pesos to built, has not yet been fully maximized. It is our hope that the AVR will not follow this path.

With this, we ask the whole student community to make use of the facility. If you have reports or any activity that will fit the functions of the AVR then start making your request letters. It is your right, our right to utilize what has been created from our resources. Nonetheless, we must take note that any equipment must be handled with care.

Also, we challenge all the teachers to acquaint their students with the new facility that the university has. It is for a fact that not all students even know how to use an LCD projector, or even what the acronym stand for. With the advent of technology, every student must be familiar with the functions of basic multimedia equipment that may come quite in handy when they graduate.

With the new AVR, we at NORSU will once again be proud for our university has created another trademark of progress and pure excellence.

By Arvin V. Rodriguez

(Vol. XXVIX No. 4, Editorial Cartoon)

As the university opens its gates for the freshmen and continuing students, a familiar disappointing and confusing situation meets the students at the campus gates. This is the inconsistency of the policy of the university security guards in determining what is required for students to enter the campus.

Most of us are aware that the security guards have a hard time implementing policies regarding their manner of dealing with the students. More often than not, they are allowed to make hasty decisions in the conduct of their duties; keeping in mind not to step on the rights of students and to practice proper etiquette on what a good security guard should do. But their decision-making does not always seem to be beneficial to the students amid the series of reports about guard-against-student scenarios that are reported in The NORSUnian.

Though it was already agreed by Student Affairs Office Director Giovanni Macahig and Chief Security Officer Nilo Lauron that students are allowed to enter the university using their enrollment load slips while waiting for the university Identification Cards to be finished, there are reports that a certain guard continues to bar some students from entering the campus. These students claim to have presented their enrollment load slips. Worst, it has been reported that the said guard insults students when the latter tries to explain their side. The said guard even lets the students wait for some time before telling them they cannot enter the campus at all. Because of this, some students were not able to attend their classes. Sounds familiar? This is not the first time it has happened.

There is really something wrong with how some of our university security guards conduct their duties. Lauron should do some checking. He especially should look into one of the security guards who seems to be the perpetrator of all this. To save this guard from embarrassment, we have decided not to name him here. It is a courtesy we are extending to him, in spite of his discourtesy to a lot of students. But the same security guard was the subject of a motion of last year’s Student Government officials. The said motion stated that this guard was causing trouble here in the university. With this in mind, it would not be very difficult for university officials to identify who he is.

The CSO or the NORSU administration should do something about this. As long as there is inconsistency in the security guards’ understanding of certain policies on what is required by students to enter the campus, some of them can go as far as bullying the students. If this goes unchecked, some students may not be able to control their anger and frustration at the guards.

We, the students, should try to do our part. We have been given ample time to change or validate our IDs. Let us take that opportunity to go to DBM and get some pictures taken for our new IDs. We should remember that our IDs are necessary for us to enter the university. Also, remember, we have paid for it.

This is our way of supporting Lauron and Macahig in creating better disciplined individuals. Hopefully, this will ease the tension at the entrance gate--an issue that we have come across for the nth time.

Call a Spade a Spade

By Paul Anthony M. Eso
(Vol. XXIX No. 3 , Editorial Cartoon)

College Acquaintance Party. For the oldies of the university, this is an opportunity to be re-acquainted to old buddies and friends. For the newbies, this might be a chance to establish new, and possibly, intimate friendships with other students.

Normally, different governors of the various academic colleges of this institution exert great effort in organizing successful acquaintance parties. They cook up elaborate themes and rent the trendiest venues.

This year, however, there will be no such party to prepare for after University President Henry A. Sojor said that there will be no acquaintance parties.

Sojor said that students should be engaged in more relevant activities like debating, orating, public speaking, dancing, singing, and acting. He said that these activities will contribute greatly to a student’s development. He continued that acquaintance parties are not the only avenue to get acquainted with the rest of the students in the university.

It is a fact that the activities suggested by the university president will hone the skills and talents of the students. Anyway, for the past years, students complain about the inadequate food, lousy program, money-consuming motifs, and dreadful venues during and after every acquaintance party.

College governors should bear in mind that they are leaders and that they are supposed to be creative and resourceful. They should better be thinking of other ways for students to be acquainted without spending more than what they have paid for.

So here’s the rub. What will they do with the P200 contributed by each student? Won’t the amount be too much for just a series of contests? How many students can participate in such activities, anyway? It would be a certainty that colleges will only field their best students. So what happens to the rest of us? Become part of the audience? We pay P200 so most of us can become part of an audience?

Also, why did the university president allow the students to continue to pay for the acquaintance party fund, when, in the first place, he did not intend to conduct one? Why did he make and disclose of this decision just now?

Imagine buying P200 worth of junk food from a store selling them only to be given milk and bread by the vendor because he thinks it is healthy for you. Why is the vendor selling junk food in the first place?

It’s the students’ money after all. Why not give them the chance to decide on how and where to spend their money?

And would not it be best if we call a spade a spade.

PhD: A Standard and a Challenge

By Cheeno M. Luang
(Vol. XXIX No. 2, Editorial Cartoon)

It was not so long ago when University President Henry A. Sojor encouraged the teachers of this institution to have, as much as possible, an access to acquiring a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. This would not only benefit the school where they are employed in but to also boost their morale as educators. With the challenge on hand, the people concerned arrived at varied conclusions, including those who were not so up to the challenge.

With the president’s ambitious plan of sending teachers back to school, not to only teach but to study as well, is quite hard to reach as of the moment.

There are reasons at stake for such a plan. Though enticing as it seems, getting a PhD is not an easy thing to do, considering that it is the highest academic degree academic scholars can give to an individual.

First is money. Money is the worst nemesis of most teachers. As much as they wanted to pursue higher education, scarcity of money is always present. Teachers have to spend a feasible amount to pay for the transportation, the boarding house, the piles of books needed for study, the allowance and other minute expenses, and of greatest need, the dissertation.

Next is the minimal availability of universities in the entire Central Visayas Region offering PhD programs thus hindering teachers to earn a degree in their field of specialization.

The degree calls for a much higher level of critical thinking so only those who can endure the hassles and twist their brains like never before can pass.

At this point in time, after the president gave his challenge to the teachers to acquire a Doctoral degree, there should be a concrete plan and program as to what should be done next. If this university allocates millions for the development of the facilities and renovation of buildings, why don’t they try to set aside an amount for those aspiring NORSU teachers having Masters degree and support them in their Doctoral ambitions? If other universities can send their teachers abroad to study PhD in their respective fields, why can’t NORSU do so?

On the other hand, the greater help must come from the aspirants in order for them to reach the Doctorate level. According to what Dr. Henry A. Sojor said, it is the moral and professional obligation of a teacher to develop himself. He related that when he was still studying for his PhD, he was supporting himself all the way through until he finally earned what he deserved.

The university is there to help those who help themselves, to those who show great potential in their respective fields, to those who can benchmark with international standards, and to those who never make money a reason for not getting a Doctorate degree.

This is the highest academic degree offered to deserving individuals and thus a standard to look up to. This is a challenge to those who have aspired to go for the highest rank and be called Doctors of Philosophy. This is both a standard and a challenge to those who always find reasons of quitting and being contented with their Bachelor or Master’s degree.

Fight Apathy!!!

By Paul Anthony M. Eso
(Vol. XXIX No. 1, Editorial Cartoon)

What is a student publication? It is either a reading material used to inform or just pieces of paper used to kill time. It could also be used as a protection from the dirt of the benches in the open court or as head coverings when it is raining. It could even be the wrappers of your lunch boxes or a substitute of the toilet tissues. It could be the place where students who have the writing prowess could brag to other students on how good they are.

But it is more than that. The essence of having a student publication is not for the fame or superiority but in having YOU as the clientele.

You. Yes, you. You, the students, who allocate P150 every semester to provide the funding of the publication. You, who comprise the largest number of readers. You, who are the main target of the information presented in every issue.

The student publication is not bound to serve ourselves but to serve YOU. Sometimes, however, we doubt if you have even realized that thought, that we are here to do so. When your instructors give you grades that you do not deserve, you remain silent. When you are asked to pay for questionable funds, you just murmur. When you are strangled with unjustified policies, you bear with it. When you are emotionally, verbally, and even sexually harassed, you just close your eyes. When your rights are being denied, trampled and thrown away, you do nothing.

Mutes, blinds, deafs, and cowards. Is that what we all are? You must have forgotten or have just simply ignored the fact that you have a school paper that will fight for YOUR rights, OUR rights.

With this, we echo this challenge to all Norsunians today. Fight for YOUR rights! Use this school publication as your mouth to speak out what is right, as your hand to get what you deserve, as your key to release you from the clause of apathy. If you will not do it, who will? And if not now, when? Only then, we can call this institution a STUDENT PUBLICATION.

Negligence

By Paul Anthony M. Eso
(Vol. XXVIII No. 17, Editorial Cartoon)

One of the populous spots inside the university is the NORSU library. For Norsunians, the books in the library are still the best reference in making their projects and assignments. For some, it is always a favorable place to study.

But before a student can enter the said library, a student should leave his belongings on the bagagge area. For University Librarian Pablita Munar, it is for the safety of the books and periodicals which the students might be taking home. Thus, she ordered that students can only bring limited items upon entering, while the rest will be placed in the shelves and will be guarded by student assistants (SAs).

But with the advent of modern technology, some Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras were placed inside the library to ensure safety to the properties of the students, and to lessen manpower. The librarian herself claimed that students need not worry about their belongings because the cameras will be helpful in identifying the culprit if anything is lost.

But students are still complaining to have lost something in the library. Why are there still cases of missing properties of students after leaving the said area? Was it because of plain negligence on the part of students, or pure disregard of authorities on the alarming situation?

Some Norsunians have already been suggesting to bring with them their properties inside the library to ensure its safety, but the authorities declined. The reason still goes the same. Why do not they just allow and trust the students to bring their valuables and to observe proper usage on library materials? It would be better to give it a try.

Meanwhile, authorities said that some Norsunians are picking the wrong thing because of too many bags being placed in the library shelves, but are students not vigilant enough with their personal things? What a lame excuse.

Moreover, they said that the cameras are weak during brownouts, so there is less possibility that the culprit will be known after the incident happened. It seems that they are taking their words back. Why are they letting students leave their properties behind without proper security?

Thus, there are two options. The students should be allowed to bring with them their belongings to observe proper security, or presume the SAs to guard students’ belongings.

If the first option will be granted, then the students should be responsible with their actions by taking care of the books that they have borrowed. The CCTV cameras should then be placed inside the library premises to watch over the students’ behavior. In that way, the proper usage of the cameras is highly realized.

Meanwhile, if the latter option will be good for them, then students’ belongings will be properly secured. The librarian and the office of security matters as well, need not worry with the limitations of the cameras installed and that the uncontrolled incidents will not happen again.

Negligence should never be an excuse. The administration and the students should work hand in hand for the safety of all. Let us stop blaming each other, and instead be responsible enough in observing what is right.

Let common sense work

By Cheeno M. Luang
(Vol. XXVIII No. 16, Editorial Cartoon)

The No-Smoking Ordinance was implemented last August 2010; the new Internet Research Station was opened early January this year; and the drinking fountains were put up last month.

However, it is disturbing to find out that some students are letting their ignorance hamper the effectiveness of these facilities.

Let’s consider these concerns one by one. First, the No-Smoking Ordinance of the Provincial Government prohibits the selling of cigarettes in public areas, and disallows smoking within the 100-meter distance from educational institutions, government edifices, vehicles, and all public places. To recall, University President Henry A. Sojor himself announced during the university’s 5th Charter Day of the university that anyone violating the policy will be sanctioned.

However, after several months, it was found out that some students still violate the ordinance by smoking along the pathways outside the campus, apparently because no authority apprehended them.

Second is the new IRS at the 4th floor of the College of Arts and Sciences building. In just three weeks, students were found to have defeated the real purpose of the facility by viewing social networking sites, notably Facebook, instead of researching for school requirements. With the behavior showed by the students, the IRS personnel preferred to block the sites because aside from spending more time on these, students are not attending their classes anymore.

Third, the drinking fountains which were supposedly for drinking were used for hand washing and cleaning of utensils.Worse is the fact that even some teachers do the same action when they are supposed to be role models. It is a good thing though to see students slowly learning and avoiding doing that disturbing habit.

However, we cannot escape from the fact that these realities are signs of ignorance, if not stupidity, and lack of common sense.

We are not elementary school pupils anymore who need to be told on what to do. We are supposed to be mature enough and are expected to understand, by the use of our common sense, what and where a certain facility is intended for.

If we continue this intolerant behavior, we will put the whole Negros Oriental State University system to shame.

Recently, the amphitheater was officially opened. We hope that the facility’s real purpose will be strictly followed and that students will not just use this as an avenue for gossiping, eating, drinking, and even, dating.

We, Norsunians, should give a full throttle of cooperation and attitude make-over so that these attitudes of making and following our own rules be carried on before things get worse.

For the better

By Arvin V. Rodriguez

(Vol. XXVIII No. 15, Editorial Cartoon)

It has been years now since each of the colleges of Negros Oriental State University celebrate their individual college fun days separately. As a matter of fact, it has been anticipated every year by most of the students who wish to know their college colleagues better and who seeks for a one-day fun to escape the constraints of education.

Very recently, a proposal was created to merge the fun days of the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education, and College of Business and Accountancy. This is mainly to prevent further postponement of classes, to save time, effort, and money, to extend the camaraderie by mingling with other students from neighboring colleges, and to maximize the amount of fun each student will experience during their college fun day.

When we look at the surface, this is a good move from the deans and faculties who formulated and supported this plan. In fact, the realization of this plan will be implemented few days from now.

However, since this will be the first time that the three colleges merge their fun day, there will definitely have problems and complications along the way. One would be the proper accommodation of an increased crowd. With the swarming of a multitude on that day, there is a need for a firmer security to watch over the welfare of the students. The preparation would be tighter and activities would be enhanced. There are even some students who are still crossing their eyebrows on this plan and commented that they won’t see the real meaning of college fun day when they share it with other colleges.

With these possible glitches, much optimism should be poured on that grand affair. We have to expect that on this first merging of fun day, there will more amusement and laughter, gaiety and socialization – an experience that we will always keep. Negative feedbacks are always there to contradict the plan but it would still be better to try for a change. Erase the bitterness and support what needs to be bettered.

Just like the rest of the ‘first times’ that we have attempted to do, this major event needs fervent prayer and ample support. Though not everyone agrees that it would be more fun compared to the typical fun day celebration, many are still anticipating for the surprises it will offer.

If this event becomes successful , then let congratulations be extended to the people who made it possible. But if nothing goes right, it would be a doubt if there will be a second or a third merging of college fun day.

A job well done

By Paul Anthony M. Eso

(Vol. XXVIII No. 12, Editorial Cartoon)

After bidding goodbye to the most anticipated guest of the night, the Rocksteddy band, one can see how badly the university needed to clean up some corners of the university. Outside the main gate, the presidents of different student organizations has started giving instructions to their members on how to clear their respective areas and remove the erected canopies. As the night of December 3 ended with a very colorful presentation of fireworks, everyone sighed for the long week of fun was finally over. Negros Oriental State University’s (NORSU) Founders Week, with the theme “Nurturing desire for harmony of man and nature,” was undeniably a success. Though with a few glitches, the Student Government and the League of Student Organizations (LSO) have proven that they can provide the students with back to back events loaded with fun and excitement. To recap, on the night of the much awaited Mister and Miss NORSU 2011, the university gym was jam-packed. Students gathered and shouted their hearts out in cheering for their representatives and bets. And when the spotlight highlighted the new Ambassadors of Goodwill, not all; but most of the students were at peace that the judges were able to choose the deserving ones. The Dance Sport, Cheerleading, and Cheering Squad competition also brought delight to its spectators. Each jump, throw, and thud were keenly watched. The students’ eyes were stuck on the groovy steps; and when mistakes were committed, everyone gave an “aww” expression almost simultaneously. Another event that aroused the interest of Norsunians was the modern dance. Clad in their best costumes, all the participants gave it at their best. They brought dancing to a whole new level as they gave out the latest dance moves and the unique ones that their group made. Each contingent’s choreography was also well thought. The Choral Singing Competition, not to be forgotten, also made a mark to each of the student’s heart as the participants tried to reach out to their audience with their angelic voices and lively song pieces. Another event that showcased the creativity, discipline, and talent of all the Norsunians was the Hugyawan Festival. On the busy thoroughfares of the city, the dancers showed their colorful costumes and synchronized moves, each portraying a story. The amazement and curiosity were purely evident in each of the faces of the spectators despite the scorching heat. The excitement continued as each contender showed their entire potentiality on the whole duration of the showdown held at the gym of the university. The said events could not be made possible without the collaborated efforts of the SG and LSO members, the administration, and of course, the students. It is then appropriate that we commend the SG and LSO members for all the hard work in putting up all the events successfully and the administration for the support. We, the Norsunians, should also give ourselves a round of applause for participating in the celebration of our alma mater’s birthday, and of course in giving importance to the bond that each of us and the faculty and staff member were able to strengthen. A job well done everybody!