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.