Take part

By Cheeno Luang
(Vol. XXVII No. 19, Editorial Cartoon)

Take part

The most anticipated event of the whole Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) system this school year is now kicking — the 82nd Founders Week Celebration, bearing the theme “Industry and Hard Work for Productivity.” Efforts for a successful Founders Week Celebration can now be felt in the atmosphere and even at the thick of the preparations.

Early this semester, before everything was being put up, the League of Student Organizations headed the clean up drive at the back of the Science and Technology Building – the area which was dubbed by many as the “mini Payatas” of NORSU because of the piles of garbage and other scrap materials. Days passed, the ugly space was cleared. Now, the place is transformed into a clean area as 19 booths were built on it.

Other booths of different student organizations are also found in different areas of the campus. As observed, the registered student organizations were in the busy clock of constructing their booths in the past days. Heavy rains did not stop their eagerness to build their homes to stay during the occasion.

With the remaining number of hours left, colleges and satellite campuses are also at the thick of their preparations—from simple props to detailed costumes; from easy hand and foot steps to splits, tumbling, and powerful moves; from extra characters to the stars of the presentations — all for the activities that they will be participating in during the anticipated event. Organizers of the major events of the week such as the Mister and Miss NORSU Pageant, Cheerleading competitions, and Hugyawan Festival are trying harder to present nothing but the best. To note, Hugyawan this year promises another kind of fun as it is set to feature the hilarious encounter with the most popular Hollywood and Pinoy superheroes.

But while others are exerting too much effort and time, other students are also having their own plans and focus. Some are planning or have already returned to their hometowns for a weeklong vacation. Some thought that Founders Week Celebration means no classes – some days to detach from their student lives. Some thought that the occasion is only for talented and confident students to stage their skills on various competitions; for organization leaders and active members to head and organize the events; and as well, for those who are in the position to make the celebration possible.

Let every Norsunian be reminded that the Founders Week Celebration is to commemorate the existence of NORSU. It serves as an instrument for us, Norsunians, to pay tribute to this university—this university that has provided us with the kind of education that we need for us to have a better future. Thus, let us not take this celebration for granted. Let us show our gratitude to this university by cooperating and by giving our hundred percent support for the weeklong celebration.

Justice

By Christian Edu B. Villegas
(Vol. XXVII No. 18, Editorial Cartoon)

Justice

Days ago, while the whole Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) system was in the thick of preparation for its 82nd Founders Week Celebration, the whole Filipino nation was shocked with the news on the brutal killing of 64 persons (as of November 28), that include the wife of Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu, his two sisters, lawyers, relatives, supporters, and some 31 media practitioners. The victims of the gruesome killings were mercilessly slaughtered in cold blood at the grassy hill of Barangay Salman in nearby Ampatuan town of Maguindanao .

Dubbed as the most spine-tingling massacre ever to happen in Philippine history, the news tore the hearts of all media practitioners and the people in the world because the most wicked killings did not only include innocent civilian supporters of the Mangudadatu clan but also 31 journalists – 31 innocent public servants who had nothing to do with the political rivalry between the Ampatuan and Mangudadatu clans, but were just there to chronicle the filing of the certificate of candidacy of Esmael for governor, through his wife, sisters, and lawyers.

What took place was an unimaginable crime that befell in the land of promise. The perpetrators were like demons and beasts. It was the most evil political and media carnage ever to have been perpetrated in the Philippines.

Circumstantial evidences are pointing to Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan’s son, Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr., as the principal suspect in the gruesome massacre. He surrendered to the government, and appeared to have been handled with kid gloves and is now held under the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation. The state prosecutors have found sufficient evidence to recommend the filing of multiple murder charges against Andal Jr., among others cases.

But the question is: Why is it that the Arroyo administration seemed hesitant to use an iron hand in dealing with the suspects?

The Arroyo administration at first publicly offered, in what appeared to be sincere condolences to the families of the victims – condemning the carnage in the highest sense – and vowed to hail the perpetrators to the bar of justice. However, what have been said and promised has not been satisfactorily done.

It is noted that the Ampatuan clan was primarily instrumental in giving the late Fernando Poe Jr., who was very popular among Muslims in Mindanao, a zero vote in many towns in Maguindanao in the 2004 elections against Arroyo. In the 2007 senatorial election, the candidates of PGMA took an unbelievable 12-0 victory against the opposition in Maguindanao.

Obviously, PGMA owes a lot from the Ampatuans. In her statement published in Philippine Daily Inquirer, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo said, “I don’t think the President’s friendship with Ampatuans will be severed… Just because they are in this situation doesn’t mean we will turn our backs on them… It doesn’t mean that they are no longer our friends, if ever they indeed committed the crime.”

Fajardo’s statement is enough to explain everything. It goes with the statement of Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Raul Gonzales who urged the government to go slow in arresting the suspected mass murderers. “If we use the iron hand on them, they might fight back… We should take precautions. These are not ordinary people,” Gonzales warned.

By these statements, it appears that the Ampatuans are extraordinary people by almost any measure. They control almost everything in the town and province of Maguindanao. They control the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. And worst, they have that clout to influence Malacañang, which had to be pushed by public opinion from both ends of the globe to act sensibly.

The outraged media people, media organizations, local and foreign institutions, are calling for immediate action from the government. The killings are way beyond every man’s thoughts and are extremely outrageous. The perpetrators are animals, not humans. The doers of this barbaric massacre must not be tolerated and should not go unpunished – even if they are administration’s allies, even if they are powerful. After all, nobody is above the law. The victims should be given justice and their deaths must not turn in vain, like other political scandals which were gradually forgotten with the change of time.
Justice should be served.

Another chapter

By Ren Angelo Elevera
(Vol. XXVII No. 17, Editorial Cartoon)

Another chapter

The campus is again jam-packed with students rushing for their classes, or if not, finishing the last touches of the tiring enrollment. Classes are shortened and it seems like everyone is already at the height of the preparations for the 82nd Founders Anniversary Celebration of the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU). These and all, are implications that the first semester is now a part of the history, and a new chapter of our student life is unfolding. Indeed, time can spin almost unnoticed that here we are embracing this new chapter.

Looking back, the first semester had been a period of another transformation for NORSU in its quest to live up as a dynamic higher-education institution of preference in the Visayas and Mindanao. It was remarkable that the university tried to step a notch higher in that period of time by making big ventures. There was the offering of Doctor of Dental Medicine under the umbrella of College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (now College of Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Allied Health Sciences or CNDPAHS). The university also introduced BS Mining Engineering, but due to its few enrollees caused by lack of advertisement, it was temporarily set aside and will, perhaps, be offered in full swing next school year.

More than the offering of the new courses, the biggest step that the university had taken in the first semester was the opening of another satellite campus which is the NORSU-Mabinay Campus. With 349 student population and two rooms, the campus offered courses in criminology, agriculture, forestry, and industrial technology to the poor but deserving students of Mabinay and its neighboring places.

In terms of facilities and equipment, NORSU also leveled up. The mock ship for the College of Maritime Education students was finally furnished and was launched for students’ practical hands-on; the ground floor of the CNDPAHS Building was opened for students’ use; as well as, various beautification projects were made inside the university making it more presentable compared to its previous look.

Last semester, Norsunians also continued to shine, showing who and what kind of students this university has. Jessie James Lasconia, a BS Geology graduate of this institution, ranked 9th in the August 2009 Geologist Licensure (Board) Examination – proving that although the Geology Department of NORSU obviously lacks equipment and facilities, Norsunians can always do more with less. Before the first semester ended, Dan Jerome Saycon Barrera, a graduate of NORSU Bais Campuses, ranked 3rd in the September 2009 Criminology Licensure Examination – living proof that Norsunians, regardless of what campus, are competitive.

The part of the history of this institution weaved during the first semester in indubitably healthy – NORSU, as a university, continued to seek for improvement. Norsunians, as the products of this institution, also continued to shine.

As the second semester began, may the whole Norsunian community work together to give this chapter of NORSU’s history colorful and healthy pages. As another chapter unfolds, may everyone continue to do more with less, and exert industry and hard work for productivity.
This second semester: Level up NORSU! Shine Norsunians!

Overdue

By Christian Edu B. Villegas
(Vol. XXVII No. 16, Editorial Cartoon)

Overdue

Ever since the day the university administration decided to have a dress code for Negros Oriental State University (NORSU), deciding what clothes are proper and what are not, has been a dilemma for the students. In the first few months of implementation, arguments between guards and students are a common occurrence. Without a proper guideline, a lot of students are often seen milling outside the university, unable to attend their classes because they were not allowed to get inside.

It was therefore a relief when the Student Government (SG) Legislative body started to formulate a proper dress code which will be followed by the NORSU System. With a proper dress code, there will no longer be questions as to what clothes one should wear to get inside the university.

Unfortunately, the said dress code which has been ‘in the process’ since last school year remains unapproved until now. The result, therefore, is the frequent bickering between the guards and the students, unable to agree with each other because they do not have a proper dressing guideline to follow.

The first semester has ended and the second semester has started and as the term of present officials are getting shorter, one cannot help but wonder if this dress code will ever be realized.

Despite the fact that the dress code policy has been implemented since the previous school year, questions of “nganong naka-sulod ka?” can still be heard inside the campus and girls wearing mini-skirts and sleeveless clothes can still be seen walking around the campus. The latter usually cause other students to grumble why mini-skirt-wearing students are allowed to enter when this type of clothing is explicitly prohibited together with flat sandals and shorts.

A proper dress code will not only eliminate grumblings from the students but will also be an advantage since students will no longer have to constantly worry if the clothes they are wearing will be allowed or not. It would also be easier for the guards to discern which type of clothes are considered proper and which ones are not. In addition, the guards will no longer have to quarrel with the students because they will finally have a document to show to the students and they need not rely on their judgments as to what is decent and what is not.

Every Norsunian is getting tired of the dress code problem, even the Chief Security Officer expressed his weariness regarding the issue. However, just because the NORSU community is getting tired of hearing it doesn’t mean that we have to take for granted the fact that after almost a year, the university still hasn’t come up with a proper dress code for the students to follow.

With the recent discrimination complaints raised by transgenders in the university who were not allowed to get inside the campus for wearing women’s outfit, the need for a proper dress code is again emphasized. Unless the resolution for the proper dress code is approved, the confusion surrounding this policy will continue.

Regrettably, time is running fast. The days are getting shorter and soon it will be the end of another school year and still, no dress code has been approved. Soon it will be too late to implement the said policy because new sets of officers will replace the present ones and new questions will be raised regarding the present proposed dress code.

Unless the SG-Legislative could present the approved dress code, the dilemma will continue and there will be no harmony between the students and the university guards. Norsunians can only hope that by this semester, the headaches and confusion caused by the dress code policy will finally be solved. Each and every student is looking forward to a confusion-free dress code policy this semester and for school years to come.

Only the NORSU admin and the SG can solve this problem. So help them God.

When Ondoy and Pepeng meet Pinoys

By Paul Anthony Eso
(Vol. XXVII No. 15, Editorial Cartoon)

When Ondoy and Pepeng meet Pinoys

Recently, the Filipino nation has two uninvited cruel visitors which we wished have not visited at all – Ondoy (International Name: Ketsana) and Pepeng (International Name: Parma). Both typhoons, in the span of their short visits in the Philippines, did not only make this country suffer, but also exposed how lame the Philippine government is and how superficial the commitments of Filipino leaders and leaders-to-be are.

When Ondoy visited the Philippines on the afternoon of September 26, it brought the worst rainfall to a large part of Luzon – a rainfall which was said to be equivalent to a month of rain. It killed people; it destroyed properties – Ondoy was even dubbed as the most destructive typhoon recorded in the past 40 years in the country. As reported, Ondoy caused billions of damages and killed hundreds of lives. As estimated, it will take about a year before the Filipino nation could recover from its loss.

Moreover, Ondoy did not only give depressing pictures on the span of its visit but also on its aftermath. Days after Ondoy struck, everyone was tormented to see how immensely it has affected the lives of a lot of people – muddy houses; dead people and animals found everywhere; destroyed properties and sources of livelihood; and the most depressing: hunger, homelessness, and hopeless people. Ondoy stole the hope of some Filipinos and tested the faith of others.

Due to Ondoy’s destructive visit, the Philippine government declared a ‘state of calamity’ on the affected areas. It also sought for international humanitarian assistance from the world community. The United Nations also took part by pleading to other nations to help the typhoon victims. Over a hundred relief centers opened into action, with thousands of concerned citizens immediately offering donations or volunteering their services.

Barely a week after Ondoy’s visit, while the Filipino nation is still shocked with Ondoy’s aftermath, Pepeng came in uninvited in the afternoon of October 2 bringing rains that consequently caused floods and landslides. Pepeng is maybe less forbidding than Ondoy but still, the damages it caused, particularly in agriculture, cost billions. Pepeng is maybe less harsh than Ondoy but still, it soaked a lot of Filipino homes and livelihood with flood water and killed hundreds of people.

In the past two weeks since Pepeng and Ondoy visited the Philippines, the death toll reached 699, with 462 injured and 87 missing as stated in the latest reports published in Manila Bulletin. Moreover, infrastucture and agriculture damages amounted to P15 billion with more reports expected to come.

Ondoy and Pepeng’s visits indeed made the lives of many Filipinos miserable. It made this nation submerged in floods that washed away the hopes of almost everybody. Moreover, their visits also tested the kind of government we have – unfortunately, what they revealed is a lame government of a disaster-prone nation. Their visits tested how truly committed our leaders and leaders-to-be are – and sorry to say, what they have revealed are superficial leaders who are only good in words but never in action.

The visits of Ondoy and Pepeng revealed that the Philippine government is never prepared for big calamities. At the height of the two typhoons, it was discovered that the government does not even have sufficient equipment to rescue the almost hopeless victims; to feed the hungry evacuees and to reach out even a little help to the unfortunate ones.

It is so ironic that the Philippine government can spend millions for a dinner of the Philippine president and her party, but incapable in providing the needs of the typhoon victims. It is so ironic that our leaders and our aspiring leaders can spend millions for their political ads, but at this grim point in the lives of a lot of Filipinos, most of them are not visible. It is so ironic that the Philippine government is begging help from other countries when in the past months, it has been spending lavishly on senseless causes.

Ondoy and Pepeng, when they met Pinoys, revealed what Filipinos really have. Uunfortunately, what they revealed is as saddening as their aftermath.

Chronic migraine

By Cheeno Luang
(Vol. XXVII No. 14, Editorial Cartoon)

Chronic migraine

Lack of facilities is probably one of the things that remain constant in Negros Oriental State University (NORSU). Students and teachers alike are clamoring for better facilities to enhance the university’s quality of education. This is no longer new as the demand has been going on for many years now.

As the university expands and accommodates new courses under its wing and as its population continues to increase, the need for better facilities become more apparent. However, instead of focusing on these problems and like a parent who does not know proper family planning, NORSU keeps on opening new courses unmindful of its insufficient resources. And while the parent nurtures and focuses its attention to its latest fledgling, it inadvertently shuts out the cries of its other children.

The Geology Department is just one among the many children of this university clamoring for better facilities for years now. Lack of classrooms, proper equipment, among others are just few of the things that the department has been asking for years to no avail. Fortunately, the department has generous alumni who never forget the needs of their department and willingly share what they have for their classes.

Geology is not the only department suffering from its parents’ inattention. A lot of other departments need facilities similar to those of the Geology Department, but like the latter, their pitiful cries remain unattended.

The saddest part is that, like an uneducated parent, instead of prioritizing the needs of the existing departments, the university went on and opened new courses that need even more expensive facilities than the existing ones. Like an irresponsible parent, the university spawned a new offspring whose needs would add more strain to the family’s already inadequate budget.
Time and again, the administration has been claiming insufficient funds as a reason why the needs of departments such as the Geology Department, remain unfulfilled. If the university cannot manage to provide for its existing departments, how can it possibly provide for new ones?

Classroom discussions are not enough to ensure quality education. While it is alright for some courses to rely on books and the expertise of their instructors, it cannot be denied that some courses need equipment so that its students could familiarize and apply what they learned from their teachers. This is not only to ensure that the students understand their lessons but also to ensure that our graduates don’t get shocked when they are already in the real world and encounter their profession’s tools for the first time.

Book-knowledge is different from actual experience. It would be preferable that a Mass Communication student, for example, actually knows how to handle a TV camera and edit videos than just memorize the use of a TV camera. Likewise, it is preferable that a Geology student knows how to use an actual Brunton compass than just imagine how it looks like. That is why, it is significant that the university provides the equipment needed by its departments. Proper facilities equate to better quality of education. Better quality of education equates to a more successful future.

Though it is understandable that the university aims well in opening new courses, it would have been better if they were able to solve the persistent and continuing problem on school facilities and provided proper equipment first before they opened new ones.

If the existing courses’ problems are causing headaches to the administration, for sure, the new ones will create a severe migraine because these new courses need more expensive facilities than the existing departments. It would have been wiser if the existing problems were solved first before welcoming new ones. For, is it not only prudent for a parent to ensure his financial stability first before bringing another child into this world?

The problem on the university’s facilities is a headache not only for the administration, but for the students and the instructors as well. It is a problem that remains constant despite the so-called improvements and developments in the university. It is a problem that continues to haunt the university like a ghost that refuses to be buried.

Like a headache, this problem will only stop nagging the NORSU community if the proper antidote is given. This is one headache, however, which a dose of pain reliever cannot cure. This is one headache which only the collective efforts of the whole NORSU community could heal.

Ondoy – the destroyer, the reminder

By Christian Edu Villegas
(Vol. XXVII No. 13, Editorial Cartoon)

Ondoy – the destroyer, the reminder

On September 26, Saturday, typhoon “Ondoy” (International Name: Ketsana) brought massive rains resulting to the death of at least 140 people and displacement of nearly half a million individuals in a large part of Luzon, particularly in Metro Manila. Dubbed as the most terrifying storm recorded in over 40 years, Ondoy brought a month’s long rainfall within six hours. As a direct consequence, Ondoy severely affected hundreds of thousands after it filled 80 percent of Metro Manila under water.

Flashed on national televisions and shown in the internet, the whole nation watched in horror at the scenes and pictures of devastation and how Mother Nature could cruelly strike back equalizing everyone – poor or rich, young or old, unknown or popular. The Ondoy tragedy, for the Filipinos who are safely watching in their respective homes, will be remembered in images of helpless men and women, children and aged, desperately balancing and hanging on electric cables to get out from the chest-deep water level; of cars and properties being worthlessly washed like toys by the raging floodwaters; of movie and television actress Christine Reyes being vulnerably stranded on the rooftop of her Marikina house.

The storm is over by now, but the nightmare continues to haunt especially the ones who are brutally affected by it. The grim pictures continue to flash as well. On the lighter side, Filipinos are now working hand in hand to at least aid a little to the damage that the typhoon caused. In fact, just a day after the destructive typhoon, over a hundred relief centers opened into action, with thousands of concerned citizens immediately offering donations and volunteering their services. Also, the Philippine government, 48 hours after the tropical storm, sought for international humanitarian assistance from the world community after it has placed Metro Manila and 25 provinces under a state of calamity.

While Ondoy causes inestimable damage and while Filipinos struggle hard to cope with or recover from it, at the same time, we are given one picture of irony by the tragedy as a disaster-prone nation.

Filipinos are very good at organizing relief programs once a disaster strikes but they are a failure at preventing disaster in the first place. Ondoy may be a natural disaster and no individual or institution has control over it, but its effects were compounded by human behavior – Ondoy, too, was a man-made calamity. Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA is logical in saying that the unusual volume of rain in Ondoy’s wake could be due to climate change and while we cannot blame ourselves for the fact that rains fell, we cannot escape from the reality that we have no one else but ourselves to blame for the fact that the floodwaters did not quickly subside.

Because the Filipino people only knew how to dispose of their trash by word and not by action, because the Filipino people are still slow learners in understanding that “prevention is better than cure”, because the Filipino people have not yet learned how to be safety-conscious and invest in disaster-prevention – there is no one who is responsible for everything but the Filipinos themselves. We bear responsibility, not for the rains, but for the floods.

Filipinos, indeed, have a fine tradition of helping each other in times of disaster, of quickly and efficiently organizing disaster relief work. It is indeed commendable that, these days, the tradition floods to the people who are affected by the grim typhoon. Unluckily, that tradition runs counter to the culture of recklessness and irresponsibility of Filipino people on little things – even in proper garbage disposal – that best explains why the Philippines is a disaster-prone nation in the first place. It is sad to say that it is this type of culture that creates man-made calamities.

May the Ondoy tragedy awaken the Filipino people now. May Ondoy, the destroyer, serve as a reminder to everyone to be more responsible – even on little things like proper garbage disposal. We should not wait for another calamity to victimize us first before we can have the best learned lesson.

A challenge

By Ren Angelo Elevera
(Vol. XXVII No. 12, Editorial Cartoon)

A challenge

Recently, Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) Tigers Basketball Team competed for the Negros Oriental Inter-Collegiate Basketball League. The Tigers landed on the third spot after knocking down the St. Paul University-Dumaguete (SPUD) Saints.

Settling on the third place is not an easy victory for the Tigers. Having only four veteran players, they found it difficult to win over the Saints whose members are mostly veterans. Aside from that, the fact that they also lack proper training due to lack of facilities and equipment needed for their practice also mattered.

With a lot of rookies in the team, it is understandable that the team would not be as strong as it was a few years back. These rookies, who are supposed to be trained well before playing at the court and competing with other players of the different university teams in the city, are not getting enough practice. How can they practice well when they do not have the needed facilities and equipment? In short, they lack proper training.

Looking back, NORSU Tigers was once considered as one of the strongest basketball teams in the city. Tigers used to compete for the championship in Inter-Collegiate basketball tournament which always bring excitement to the NORSU community. It used to be the center of attention of Norsunians, especially in the months of September where the Negros Oriental Intercollegiate Basketball League takes place.

But what has happened to the former spirit brought by the Tigers to the NORSU community? Where has it gone?

The fact is: we no longer feel it. Before, the whole NORSU community was really updated as to when will be the next game of the Tigers, what team will be their next opponent, and the like. But now, it seems that Norsunians no longer care about it. It seems that they have been abandoned—by the students and the administration.

The Tigers, being the basketball team of the university, plays an important role in uplifting the NORSU spirit. In every game they play, they bring with them the name of the university—they bring with them the name of NORSU. If they do well in court, they do not only get the praises for themselves but also for NORSU. The same goes with the criticisms. Whatever criticism they get, NORSU also gets it because in every game they play, they represent our school. It is the name of NORSU which is at stake. Therefore, the university must answer the call for the needed facilities and equipment of the team for them to improve.

Since it is the goal of the Student Government to uplift the NORSU spirit, why not start on this one? After all, the NORSU spirit was once uplifted by the Tigers because of their victories which made Norsunians shout on top of their lungs the name of the university. Their cheers just showed how proud they were of their school because Tigers defeated other university basketball teams. And Tigers even made it to the championship in some tournaments that they participated.

On the other hand, the team should also do its part. The lack of equipment should not be the reason for the team’s losses. They should not also reason out that because most of the members are rookies, it is just okay to lose. Everybody knows that it is not; thus, they should make it a habit to always do their best in court for them to be the victor.

Even with the lack of facilities and equipment, they should show it that they can win over other teams. Because it is not only the equipment and facilities that matter but also the commitment and the hard work of the team members.

Though they made it to the third spot in this year’s Negros Oriental Inter-Collegiate Basketball League, we can still say that it is not enough to gain back the spirit that was once felt by every Norsunian every time the Tigers play. Everyone knows that the Tigers can do better than that. Thus, they should try their best to make it to the championship game next time. Who knows? Perhaps, it would be one way of recovering the spirit that this university is slowly losing.
This is a challenge to the Tigers!

Looking forward

By Cheeno Luang

(Vol. XXVII No. 11, Editorial Cartoon)

Looking forward

Ongoing commendable improvements can be seen vividly inside the university. The university entrance, aside from the main gate being restructured earlier, was beautified by bricking and landscaping it. Indeed, we can now say that the university entrance is in a more presentable sight – something which is an eye candy not only to Norsunians but to the passersby as well.
Another improvement is the putting up of cemented covers to the stinking open canals of the university. The administration’s action put an end to the perennial problem of the canals’ stinking smell – the smell that once threatened Norsunians’ health. The diffusion of the smell, because of the cemented cover, is now dissipated – meaning, students can now breathe freely while passing or staying at the area. The Physical Education (PE) students, as well as the students who have classes nearby, will not be disturbed by the foul smell anymore.
The ongoing construction of the College of Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Allied Health Sciences (CNDPAHS) building is also one commendable improvement that this university undertakes. Being one of the targets of University President Henry A. Sojor this year, the building would mean that the once premature college is slowly metamorphosing. The CNDPAHS students will soon have a building that they can call their own, especially that the college’s population is growing. On the other hand, if the building will be furnished, it would also mean a relief to the College of Law students. The lack of rooms is the major problem of law students; hence, they will have more classrooms soon as CNDPAHS will move to their new building.

On the other hand, some projects are now in the pipeline of the university’s plan and will also be realized soon, such as the reconstruction of the drainage system of the university to minimize flooding during heavy rainfall. Another is the plan of the Federation of University Parents-Teachers Association to construct a two-storey clinic. Indeed, if these things will be realized, these would be a relief to the perpetual problems long suffered by the students.

Looking at these improvements and looking forward to the incoming ones, it is commendable that little by little, as time passes by, some things are done to unload some of the students’ burdens. It is noteworthy that finally, some of the students’ cries were heard. It is worth praising that after years of suffering, some students can now heave a sigh of relief because some problems have been remedied.

On the other hand, if we will look closely, these improvements are only droplets compared to the ocean of problems that the Norsunians are suffering in this university. There is still a lot to be done before everyone could heave a sigh of relief; before everyone will be jubilant. To name some, there is the obsolete and crowded building of the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) which calls for renovation because of its dilapidated state and to cater the growing population of the college. Another is the long time cry for equipment of the engineering and geology students – the courses that have been producing topnotchers through the years. Worth mentioning is the need for roofed pathways inside the university so that students will not be soaked wet during rainy days. Another is the need for roofed class areas for PE students so that they will not suffer under the unpredictable weather.

Moreover, as we look forward to the university’s next set of projects, we hope that the university would go for improvements that are really beneficial to most students; improvements which are practical and necessary; and improvements which are important and long-lasting. As University Engineer Joseph Noay puts it in one of the interviews of The NORSUnian, there are a lot of projects that are lined up to aid the cries of the students but since they are only dependent on the available budget, they are implementing it according to priority.

With that, we hope that the administration is really thinking of the students first before others.

In our hands

By Paul Anthony Eso

(Vol. XXVII No. 10, Editorial Cartoon)

In our hands

Many times, the youth has been tagged as the hope of the fatherland. With a total population of more or less 24 million as projected by the National Statistics Office, this is not so hard to imagine. The youth, age 15-30 years old as defined by Republic Act 8044, plays a major role in the making or breaking of the country’s future. At least one third of the country’s population is composed of young people who, if will move as one, can change the course of the country’s history.

And if there is one moment in the history of this country where the voice of the youth is greatly needed, it would be in the upcoming elections. The youth population alone could ensure the victory of the candidate who embodies the ideals of the young generation.

In an article published in abscbn.com, entitled “Imperatives of the Youth” by Maxine Tanya Hamada, it was noted that in the 2004 elections, almost 13 million of the total number of voters were 18-24 years old, five million of which are first time voters. However, it was also noted that roughly two million supposed new voters failed to register for that election. In that same year, the president won by more than a million votes than her opponents’ and as what Hamada said, “Had the two million youth voters registered and voted, it could have tipped the scale.”

For so many years now, the vote of the youth has been considered negligible because a huge number of young people are not registered voters. A lot of them are either unaware that they need to register to vote or they prefer not to vote at all. The latter is perhaps the more damaging since the decision to not participate in the polls is a blatant act of apathy to the fate of the country.

But of course, registering for the elections is only the first part in taking the steps to attain the changes that we aim. It is not enough to just have yourself registered for the elections; you have to take part in the actual voting. According to Youth Vote, an organization that encourages the youth to vote in the election, 54 percent or 34 million voters for the 2010 election fall on the age ranging from 15 to 24 years old. Comprising more than half of the total number of voters, the youth therefore should exercise the right to suffrage.

The 2010 election is fast approaching but out of the 6.4 million potential voters, only 2.6 million are registered as of August 2009. Though the 4.2 million unregistered voters are given until October 31 to register, it is still expected that only a fraction of it will be able to register.

The youth is more than the hope of the fatherland; we are agents of change. If we are not satisfied with what is happening in our country today then it is high time to do something about it, and the best way to show our discontent is to choose for new leaders to lead our country.

With the threats of Cha-Cha and extended terms for politicians, the upcoming election is a crucial moment in the lives of every Filipino. This is not only the time to choose a new leader but also the time to express our dissatisfaction to the government. Our collective votes could change not only a new leader but also the course of our history.

The change that we have been looking for could not be found elsewhere. The power to change the country for the better is in the hands of every Filipino—it is in the hands of the youth. It is up to us to do something to ensure a better future not only for us but to the future generation. By taking part in the elections, we are chartering the future of our country. Through our votes, we are expressing to the world our choice—the choice of change.

Every single vote counts. Every single drop of the indelible ink makes a difference. Every stroke of the pen charts the destiny of our country. And the youth plays a crucial role in attaining this change.

The youth must vote. The youth must take part. The future is in our hands.

Hayop at malansa

By Christian Edu Villegas
(Vol. XXVII No. 9, Editorial Cartoon)

Hayop at malansa

“Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika ay higit pa sa hayop at malansang isda.” Ito ang isa sa pinakatanyag na sinabi ng ating pambansang bayani na si Gat. Jose P. Rizal – isang linya na naglalayong ipabatid sa lahat na kailangang mahalin ang ating wika, ang wikang Filipino.

Sa pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wika ngayong Agosto kung saan nagiging tanyag na naman ang pagsasabi sa pangungusap na “ikaw ay higit pa sa hayop at malansang isda kung hindi mo mahal ang iyong sariling wika. Malamang marami sa atin ang naguguluhan dahil hindi nagkakatugma ang mga itinuturo sa atin sa apat na sulok ng silid-aralan. Sa asignaturang Filipino, sinasabing ang pagmamahal sa sariling wika ay susi sa pagkakaisa at kaunlaran. Sa kabilang dako, sa asignaturang Ingles o maging sa halos lahat ng klase, hinihikayat tayong pagyamanin at gamitin ang wikang Ingles o maging ang ibang wikang banyaga. Wika nga, “Speak good English, your future depends on it”.

Malamang marami sa atin ang nagtatanong: Kung ang pagsasalita ng wikang banyaga ay pagiging mas masahol pa sa hayop at pagiging mas malansa pa kaysa sa isda, bakit tayo tinuturuan ng wikang Ingles? Bakit lahat ng ating mga asignatura, maliban sa Filipino, ay Ingles ang ginagamit na wika? O, ang pagsasabi ba sa pangungusap na “ang hindi magmahal sa sariling wika ay higit pa sa hayop at malansang isda” ay nagagamit lamang tuwing buwan ng Agosto?

Itinuturo ang Ingles mula elementarya hanggang kolehiyo, at ito’y bahagi na ng buhay ng bawat mag-aaral. Hinihikayat ng halos lahat ng paaralan na gamitin ang Ingles bilang midyum sa pakikipagtalastasan at hindi maipagkakailang malaki ang naging epekto nito sa buhay ng bawat Pilipino, lalo na sa mga estudyante. Sa katunayan, ang Pilipinas ang isa sa mga bansa sa buong mundo na may pinakamaraming populasyon na gumagamit ng wikang Ingles.

Alam natin kung bakit kailangang pagyamanin ang pagsasalita ng Ingles. Ito ay dahil ang Ingles ang itinuturing na “universal language”, kaya para makipagsabayan sa pandaigdigang kompetisyon, kailangan ng bawat Pilipino na matuto at magsanay sa wikang ito. Ang wikang Ingles ang pangunahing sandata natin upang makipagsabayan sa kahit sinuman sa mundo.

Totoo nga na mahalagang pagyamanin ang pagsasalita ng wikang Ingles. Sa kabilang dako, narito naman ang kahalagahan ng sariling wika – ang wikang Filipino. Maliban sa ito ang instrumento ng komunikasyon sa bansang Pilipinas, ito rin ang nagbubuklod sa isang bansang malaya at ang sinasabing daan tungo sa sariling pagkakakilanlan, pagkakaintindihan, pagkakaisa, at pagpapalaganap ng kaalaman. Mahalaga ang wikang Filipino dahil sa pamamagitan nito, nagiging mas madali ang pagkakaintindihan ng mga Pilipino mula Aparri hanggang Jolo lalung-lalo na dahil ang Pilipinas ay isang bansang binubuo ng mahigit isandaan at pitumpung wika.

Mahalagang pagyamanin, at higit sa lahat, mahalin ang sariling wika – ang wikang Filipino. Sa kabilang banda, mahalaga ring matutunan at sanayin ang pagsasalita ng wikang Ingles. Hindi natin maikakaila na parehong mahalaga ang wikang Filipino at Ingles.

Ngayon, ang pagsasanay ba sa wikang Ingles ay nangangahulugang pagiging hayop at pagiging malansa? Hindi. Bakit? Dahil hindi nangangahulugang ang pagsasalita ng Ingles ay paglimot sa wikang Filipino. Hindi ka hayop at malansa kung nagsasalita ka ng Ingles dahil maaari namang pagsabaying sanayin at pagyamanin ang dalawang wika. Parehong mahalaga ang dalawang wika– ang Filipino upang mapagbuklod ang ating bansa, at ang Ingles upang maging handa sa pandaigdigang kompetisyon.

Tungkulin ng bawat Pilipino na mahalin ang sariling wika kasabay ng pagsasanay ng sa ibang wika upang maging handa sa pandaigdigang panukatan. Nagiging totoong ‘higit pa sa hayop at malansang isda’ lamang ang isang Pilipino kung nakaligtaan niyang gampanan ang ganitong tungkulin.

Losing a great gift

By Ren Angelo Elevera
(Vol. XXVII No. 8, Editorial Cartoon)

Losing a great gift

On August 1, the news of the death of the Philippines’ icon of democracy, former President Corazon “Cory” Cojuangco-Aquino, broke out, leaving the Filipino nation in a state of shock. Rich and poor alike, grieved for the woman who is considered a national treasure of the country.

President Cory, a global icon of democracy who led the ouster of one of 20th century’s most corrupt dictators, died at 76 after a 16-month battle against colon cancer. Her family announced that she died in the early hours of August 1, shortly after a private mass was held in her hospital room. President Cory, affectionately known as Tita Cory, was the Philippine president from 1986 to 1992 and is best remembered as the slim woman in yellow who led the “People Power” revolution that toppled Dictator Ferdinand Marcos more than two decades ago.

The death of Tita Cory brought back the People Power spirit which engulfed the nation years ago. From her sickbed down to her grave, the whole nation witnessed the outpouring of love from the Filipino people across the nation – rain or shine, daytime or nighttime. At the height of the nation’s mourning for the death of the icon, people wearing yellow ribbons and yellow dominated outfits tirelessly line along the streets, flashing the former president’s trademark “Laban” hand sign while repeatedly chanting the former president’s name, throwing yellow confetti, releasing yellow balloons, and freeing doves – all reminds us of the historical People Power revolution.

Moreover, though it pains to see President Cory pass away, the reaction showed by the Filipino people is heartening. In the past months or even in the past years, it seemed that the essence of democracy was set aside and was considered irrelevant and immaterial – the democracy which President Cory and her husband, Ninoy Aquino, together with the multitude of unsung heroes and heroines of EDSA I, have fought for came to the fore once again.

President Cory’s passing ended her life and her battle against her illness, but reinvigorated the spirit of People Power – it reminded both the older and the younger generations that Philippine democracy should be cherished and upheld at all times. Her sickness and death have, obviously, regenerated faith, peace and unity among Filipino people. The series of novena prayers and healing masses held all over the Philippines and in other parts of the world; the rapid spreading and posting of the images of that meaningful yellow ribbon on the web and on the prints; people tying yellow ribbons; and the gold-colored banners, flowers and balloons swarming along the streets everywhere in the Philippines is a reminder that Filipinos can always unite and work as one for a brighter and progressive nation.

These only proves what President Cory is to the Filipino people – a treasure.

President Cory’s very meaningful life and death, as well as her heroism should continue to live and should be proudly shared to the coming generations. Indeed, when Tita Cory died, the Philippines lost a gift – a great gift. But, her gift to the Filipino people was not buried with her. Our country’s democracy from the decades of corruption and dictatorship is the living and the most precious legacy she has ever given to every Filipino.

Thank you and goodbye President Cory! Long live democracy!

More work

By Cheeno Luang
(Vol. XXVII No. 7, Editorial Cartoon)

More work

In her State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (PGMA) did not only report her accomplishments in her nine years of service but also left another set of promises to the Filipino people for her last few months as the president of the Philippine Republic.

In the twilight of her administration, it was expected that PGMA would boast of her accomplishments since she started to take hold of the presidential seat. Indeed, achievements like the upgrade of credit rating, citing the resilience of our economy; putting up of new tax revenues and a strong educational system; construction of more roads and infrastructure; building of airports of international standard, etcetera… etcetera…were enumerated by the proud president during her SONA.

Aside from the annual accomplishment report, another remarkable part of her speech was the set of promises she left. As the end of PGMA’s term approaches, she still has promises for the Filipino people. She promised to help more fisher folk shift to fish farming with a budget of P1billion. She promised to aid hungry families. She promised to support the youth to make sure that they get a healthy start in life. She promised to address terrorism in the country. She promised this and she promised that. It is beyond doubt that her SONA was full of promises.

Yes, promises. Promises that every year bombard the ears of the Filipino people. Promises that we do not know when they will be fulfilled, or if they were fulfilled at all. This time, it seems that mapapako na naman ang mga pangakong ito since there is not enough time left for PGMA to fulfill these promises.

Looking back, PGMA has indeed accomplished some things – she has all the evidences to prove it. But, as ordinary citizens, did we really feel it? Did we, the poor ones, benefit from the so-called achievements of PGMA? If you answered ‘yes’, perhaps it is because you got persuaded by the convincing speech of the president. But think again. Maybe, you were just influenced by the 74-minute speech of the president seasoned with 126 applauses. Truly, she had a nice speech that she even made special mention of those who criticize her administration. She said, “Had we listened to the critics of those policies, had we not braced ourselves for the crisis that came, had we taken the easy road much preferred by politicians eyeing elections, this country would be flat on its back”. This wonderful line from the president has gained positive response from some members of the senate.

But the bottom line is: Is she really telling the true state of the nation? Do we feel it?

Moments after the 9th SONA of the president, Senator Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr. posted his reaction in the official website of the Senate of the Philippines 14th Congress (www.senate.gov.ph), saying positive stance on the president’s address. Revilla said that despite the achievements of PGMA’s administration, politicking still continues. Thus, politicking is the only thing that the Filipino people see, not PGMA’s achievements.

Well, Senator Revilla could be right in saying that politicking continues to reign despite the accomplishments of the president. But is it not because PGMA’s achievements were not good enough? Anyway, if there is nothing to say about her administration or if she’s doing her job excellently, then people will not castigate her.

Let us see if the president will do her job right this time when she is already at the last minute of her final term. She even stated this: “Some say that after this SONA, it will be all politics. Sorry, but there’s more work...”

Let’s hold on to that line. And let’s all cross our fingers.

A little consideration

By Paul Anthony Eso
(Vol. XXVII No. 6, Editorial Cartoon)

A little consideration

The “Exit Only” sign blocking the pathway between the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) building and the College of Law (COL) building has always been a bane of the students. This is because the pathway is the easiest route to the side stairs leading to the Internet Research Station, the library and the third floor of the CAS building. Also, the pathway is the easiest route to get to the CAS dean’s office as well as the classrooms on the ground floor of the CAS building.

Aside from being a hassle to students who are in a hurry to get to their classes held in the CAS building, the “Exit Only” sign is a curse during rainy days when the alley is the only convenient route to the building and to the other buildings near it.

As practiced, students can only use the main pathway along the side of the CAS building to avoid clogging the path between the CAS and COL buildings as well as to avoid damaging the landscape beside the Dean’s office. Before, students were allowed to use the alley during rainy days to get to their respective classes. However, this year, students have to suffer getting wet during rainy days because the alley remains “Exit only” even during rainy days.

It is understandable that with the growing number of students of Negros Oriental State University and the recklessness of some students, there is a great possibility that the landscape beside the dean’s office of the CAS building will be trampled and damaged. It is also understood that because the alley is smaller than the main pathway, the alley will be clogged if students will just be allowed to get in and out of the alley. But what is not understandable is the inconsideration of the people concerned during rainy days.

It is a well-known fact that the main pathway offers no protection to students who are in a hurry to get to their classes during rainy days. It is also a known fact that the only pathway that could offer the students protection without hindering them from getting to class on time is the pathway between the CAS and COL buildings. But because the alley is for “exit only”, the students have to either wait in the student lounge and risk being absent from class or run under the rain and risk getting sick, not to mention getting wet.

Some adventurous students would sometimes take their chances and play the “cat and mouse” game with the security guards. They would simply wait when the guards are no longer looking and dash towards the “exit only” alley. Aside from the risk of being reprimanded by the guards if ever the students get caught, it also poses danger to them. With the wet pavement, the rain and the anxiousness of the students to escape from the guards, an accident is not that far a possibility.

The only way to avoid a possible accident from these “cat and mouse” games and wasting of time reprimanding the students is to allow them to use the alley even during rainy days.

It is commendable that the security guards are observing their orders and are maintaining their vigilance in implementing the policies. However, in situations such as these, a little bit of consideration should also be applied. It is only normal for the students to find the most convenient road for them to use during rainy days, especially if they are in a hurry to get to their classes. It just happens that the most convenient way is the one blocked by the “Exit Only (for students only)” sign.

Allowing the students to use the alley during rainy days will not change the effectiveness of the “Exit only” sign on regular days because after all, criminology students are standing to guard the area on regular days. This will only give a little bit of consideration to students who do not want to get wet and certainly do not want to be absent from class during rainy days.

Moreover, if the authorities would not really allow the students to use the alley even during rainy days, then they should start roofing the pathways so that the students would also stop their “cat and mouse” games with the guards and accidents could be avoided. Besides, the students’ health is of utmost importance than any other purpose of that “Exit Only” alley.

As time passes

By Christian Edu Villegas
(Vol. XXVII No. 5, Editorial Cartoon)

As time passes

Time, indeed flies fast and we almost did not notice that even the midterm examination is already fast approaching. Classes have now become intense, except for those that are handled by irresponsible instructors. Projects, paper works, presentations, reports, examinations, etcetera, are now loaded to most students’ shoulders. Indeed, we can already feel that from the exhausting enrollment we had, we already have gone a little farther.

Along with the fast-paced days is the revival of the urgent cries of students about the perennial problems that this university has – perennial problems which, unfortunately, remain unattended up to this very day. These problems burden the students since they have to deal with them everyday.

One of the perennial problems is the unroofed pathways. With the onset of the rainy season, treading the pathways under the pouring rain is absolutely a burden. If we will recall, among the recommendations of the accreditors in the past accreditations was for the administration to provide covered pathways for the students. These days, with the unpredictable weather, the need for action on this recommendation has become more imperative. More rain means more burden for the students, and of course, more victims of flu.

Another problem is the lack of comfort rooms (CRs) that really mean ‘rooms for comfort’. This has been a problem of the university since time immemorial. Concerted efforts from the past Student Government (SG) administrations up to the present have been poured, yet, it is only alleviated for a short time, and then later on, it still remains a problem. This time, hiring personnel to maintain the cleanliness of the CRs is not good enough since no matter how hard they try to clean it, the CRs remain disgustingly stinking and are obviously, not rooms for comfort. True, we put the blame on students for not doing their part in the proper use of CRs, but perhaps it is time to consider that students do not care about the CRs because after all, it is not worth caring for. If we are going to look closer on the CRs that this university has, the problem is not with the maintenance as well as with the users – the problem is with the type and kind of CRs that we have.

The lack of a roofed place for Physical Education (PE) classes is also another problem. With the unpredictable weather these days, this is another burden. In the past years, it has been a long promise of most SG candidates who seek for top position in the SG – to find means to provide roofed class areas for the PE students but, unfortunately, no one made it to fruition. PE students remain almost toasted under the scorching heat of the sun and their classes are cancelled when the rain pours. Or if not, after a heavy rain, they would often settle on the slippery wet floor of the open courts which is prone to accidents.

These are only some of the perennial burdens that the Norsunians have. There are still a lot of problems out there and a lot more will come this school year. How to solve even the three mentioned burdens is next to impossible. We were taught in the past years to do more with less since NORSU, as a state university, gets very limited budget from the national government, thus, it is too ambitious for us to say that these can be solved right away.

On the other hand, we should not think that being in a state university, this problem will remain a burden to the students. Now is the time to slowly but surely address these problems, or put them among the priorities of the administration since these concern the students. This way, the students’ burden will be lessened. Someone in power should take the cudgels for these!
Could the Federation of University Parents and Teachers Association come to the rescue? Or the SG? Maybe it is now time to prove to everyone that SG’s remarkable project is not only about beauty pageants. Now is the time to focus on something that really answers the concerns of the majority of the students.

May this urgent call not fall on deaf ears.

On thievery

By Ren Angelo Elevera

(Vol. XXVII No. 4, Editorial Cartoon)

On thievery

This is not the first time that cases of thievery take place inside the very parameters of the university. In fact, issues of thievery inside the campus had already appeared to be more of an ordinary issue to us that every time we hear of one, it does not alarm us anymore. Just recently, an array of reported cases of thievery and lost items once again surfaced – and most of it happened at the university library.

This time, it is lame to place the blame on the security officers who are in-charge of everyone’s safety inside the campus. As we observed, since blue guards came into this campus and since the Office of the Security Matters was finally defined, there has been very tight security that sometimes, we even thought that the implementations of security rules are too much and exaggerated. As we have all experienced, bags are checked, IDs are checked, and visitors are checked – meaning, we are safe from malicious intruders from the outside because no one can easily get in.

Sadly, thievery cases are repeatedly happening despite the efforts of the security department in implementing tighter security. Why? The very reason is because we allow it to happen again and again. Thievery happens because of recklessness and less cautiousness from most of us.

In the library for example, where most of the recent thievery happened, despite the sign in the baggage shelf that says “Please leave your backpacks, bags, attache case, and big envelopes but DO NOT LEAVE your wallets, cellphones, calculators and other valuables”, a lot of students still carelessly leave valuables in their bags, thus, become easy prey for thieves. Also, the fact that nobody is attending to the baggage shelf, prudence dictates that everyone should not leave any important belonging because obviously, it is not safe.

Many are duped, because many are careless. Because a lot of students remain not cautious, thievery continues.

Let everyone be reminded that being extra careful and being cautious are the best weapons against thievery especially that the culprits were, apparently, students of NORSU too - since outsiders cannot easily get inside the campus because of tight security. Past experiences teach us the painful lesson that the culprit could be that person sitting next to us.

On the other hand, it is high time now for authorities to do something beyond the mere “do not leave your important belongings here” warning. Someone should be assigned to man the baggages of the students for obvious reasons.

Organizing the system of the baggage counter and extra diligence are surefire formula for winning the fight against burglary in the library, in particular, and in the campus, in general.

Of plans and promises

By Christian Edu Villegas
(Vol. XXVII No. 3, Editorial Cartoon)

Of plans and promises
It has often been said that promises are easier said than done.

This is especially true in politics where we often experience being showered with promises by our political leaders. Unfortunately for us, broken promises are not only limited to the national political circles.

Overflowing plans and broken promises had become a part of our political culture, that even when we are unsatisfied with our leaders we keep quiet and pretend that everything is all right. But is it right?

As the new school year starts, new student leaders will also take the helm of the student government. New leaders mean a whole new year of prospective developments for the student body and the university, a whole new set of leaders laying out their plans for the students—or at least, that is what they say.

While a lot of the promises made by the past SG officers remain unfulfilled, the student body is looking forward to see what the present set of officers have to offer. After all, they did promise a lot when they ran for office.

Aside from fulfilling the many promises that they have made during their campaigns, it is also important to remind the present set of SG officers of the many issues that they need to address now that they are finally in office. It is high time that the student government realize that leadership is not only about providing enjoyable programs and putting up lounges and other projects.

The Student Government is a representative of the student body. The SG officers should serve as the liaison between the students and the administration. The SG should, therefore, fight for the students and not act as puppets of the administration.

For one, the SG should at least come up with a clear and final dress code policy to avoid the continuing confusion in the proper dress code of the university. It is somehow commendable how the past officers tried to come up with a clear dress code but as its present implementation is again being questioned, then the SG should do something about it.

Also, the SG should learn to start fighting for students’ rights as a lot of it are already being violated. Programs that could help the students in matters such as sexual harassments and abuses should be given attention also.

Though it is still too early to judge the kind of leaders that we have, still we are hoping that they will be a lot better than the past student leaders that the university had.

Our present student leaders have countless plans, many of which focus only on beautification and cleanliness, and like our national political leaders; they too showered us with promises during their campaigns. It is still too early to know which among the many promises will be fulfilled but it wouldn’t be too much to expect that the present SG would finally make a difference. Will they? That remains to be seen.

Big ventures, bigger responsibilities

By Ren Angelo Elevera

(Vol. XXVII No. 2, Editorial Cartoon)

Big ventures, bigger responsibilities

Five significant years have passed since the birth of Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) – five significant years of continual progress and development. Within that span of time, the institution, which once started from lowly wooden classrooms, has served as a learning ground for exercising academic freedom, fairness, and equality of opportunity. Now that it has reached the pinnacle of its dreams, it keeps on striving to gradually enter the door to the higher level of global competence.

Just recently, NORSU determinedly made several ambitious ventures. Two new courses, which are the Doctor in Dental Medicine (DDM) and Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering (BSEM), were opened at the start of the semester. There was also the official opening of the NORSU-Mabinay Campus at Barangay Namangka, Poblacion, Mabinay, as one of its satellite campuses. Indeed, these are big undertakings for NORSU – undertakings which mean a start of something that has to be looked after, cultured, and improved as time passes.

These ventures obviously imply improvement for a university that sprouted from humble beginnings. Offering DDM and BSEM this semester only means that NORSU has progressed a lot in the past five years because it can now provide wider choice of better courses for its students. Besides, DDM and BSEM are two of the in-demand courses nowadays.

On the other hand, opening NORSU-Mabinay Campus is one testament that NORSU answered the needs of the community for an accessible higher education. With the development, the NORSU family was not only expanded, but also, it gives a sigh of relief to the parents and guardians of the poor but deserving students in the Municipality of Mabinay and other neighboring towns. Their sons and daughters can now avail of higher education without going to far places and without spending more.

On the other side of the coin, while looking at the ambitious ventures of the university, questions flood. Is NORSU ready to offer DDM and BSEM especially that those courses require additional facilities and equipment? If we are going to look around, it cannot be denied that some old courses in this university are left unattended while the students seemingly wait for eternity on their wanted facilities, equipment, and even instructors. Some courses in this university are yet to be improved, and now, here it is again, offering two courses that have to start from zero. It is very possible that these new courses will just fall to the row of academic programs in this university that lack equipment, facilities, and instructors.

The same thing goes for the opening of NORSU-Mabinay Campus. One cannot help but ask if the campus is already geared up in terms of instructions, facilities and equipment before its opening. Is it a relevant move? Is the university prepared? What quality of education could it offer? It was reported that the campus has a population of 271 students with only two rooms. Shouldn’t adequate rooms be built first before opening the campus?

These big ventures currently taken by NORSU definitely mean big improvements. On the other hand, it also means big risks and bigger responsibilities. By offering these new courses and opening a new campus, is NORSU making the wrong move? Now that NORSU has taken the step and has already started the program, there is no turning back.

We can only cross our fingers and hope that these ventures would not be an addition to the piling academic programs that lack facilities, instructors and equipment. There is nothing we can do but hope and pray that NORSU will be able to handle these higher steps as time passes.

Everything starts from scratch, from nothing and NORSU started from humble beginnings. Let us continue hoping that the newest programs of the university would rise from scratch to something that we can all be proud of. Do not stop to cross your fingers yet, we still have a long way to go.

Higher!

By Christian Edu Villegas
(Vol. XXVII No. 1, Editorial Cartoon)

Higher!

With the issues hounding the country today such as the pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus, Hayden Kho Jr. and Katrina Halili et. al. sex scandal, Constituent Assembly, and many more, it is good to see that everything is still doing good in this side of the Philippine archipelago. After the postponement of the opening of classes as declared by the Commission on Higher Education due to the A(H1N1) virus threat, we are finally back to school ready to make another milestone in our students’ lives.

Like us, our Alma Mater, Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) is now also ready for another academic year. This school year marks the sixth academic year of NORSU in its flight as a young and flourishing university.

Looking back, the past five academic years of the university have been a period of transformation. That is indubitable. From its humble beginnings as a new university, it has risen to what it is now. It can be observed that the university had never drifted but keeps soaring higher. Its colorful history, seasoned with the splatters of success, failures, changes, lessons, struggles, and progress, could give justice to its present stature.

Doors for changes and development have been opened in the past. Significant improvements of the university in terms of upgrading its standards, instructions, facilities, equipment, and other educational tools have taken a large place. Norsunians continually reap honors and kept proving what this university can produce. All of these significant things have taken place along with NORSU’s flight as a university.

We don’t have to go far to see proofs of these transformations. Just last year, although rocked with many issues, NORSU was able to improve a lot. The Office of Security Matters was put up along with the installations of blue guards, making the university’s security tighter. There was the adoption of the E-system in the grading process of the university. More equipment and facilities were also acquired. NORSU provided Engine Room Facilities and Mock Bridge for College of Maritime Education students and a mini-hospital for College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (CNAHS) students. The university gate was also restructured and the construction of the first phase of CNAHS building was started.

On achievements, Norsunians were never left behind. Engr. Bernard Duran Jr. ranked 5th in the Civil Engineering Licensure Examination; Engr. Winston Gomez and Engr. Jephunneh Paalisbo placed 2nd and 7th, respectively in the nationwide October 2008 Mechanical Engineering Licensure Examination; and Catherine Capilla, a graduate of Bachelor of Elementary Education major in Special Education, made it to the top ten of the nationwide Licensure Examination for Teachers – a first in NORSU’s history!

These were only some of the transformations and achievements in the past.

From the good things that every Norsunian is savoring now, we can indeed say that NORSU has lived up to the expectations of the people in providing quality education for the poor but deserving students. None of these good things, however, were achieved in an instant or in a blink of an eye. Of course, it took a lot of painful lessons and arduous toils before they were accomplished. It had to rise from some failures and bittersweet pains before success was finally achieved. It took a lot of guts, determination and genuine efforts before changes and progress took place.

As NORSU opens its gates for the school year 2009-2010 – marking its sixth academic year since its conversion into a university – it must continue to soar and it must go higher this time. There are still a lot of things that this university has to achieve, that is why efforts, toils and hard works must be continually exerted. There are still a lot of problems that have to be boldly faced. There are still a lot of unrealized dreams. That is why the quest to soar high must go on.

Let us all work together to give this chapter of NORSU’s history a colorful and healthy page. To quote American poet Oliver Wendell Holmes, “The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving.” Let’s move higher. Fly high Norsunians! Soar higher NORSU!

On Sojor’s suspension

By Jick K. Iñgan
(Vol. XXVI No. 12, Editorial Cartoon)

On Sojor’s suspension

One hot issue discussed in the university for months now is the 90-day preventive suspension of Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) President Henry A. Sojor.

The issue broke out earlier this school year after the Supreme Court (SC) upheld the disciplinary authority of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) over state university presidents.

Everything rooted from the three separate complaints lodged by some faculty members of the then Central Visayas Polytechnic College (now NORSU) against the university president in 2002. Complaints for dishonesty, grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service; dishonesty, misconduct and falsification of public documents; and nepotism were the sets of complaints filed with CSC against Sojor.

While on the height of the celebration of the University Founder’s Week, the talk on the issue intensified again when CSC issued an order dated November 19, 2008, placing Sojor under preventive suspension for 90 days for the commission to proceed with the formal investigation of the charges against him. Despite the order, Sojor remained in his office attending his daily responsibilities as president of the NORSU system.

Questions from the Norsunian community started to flare. Was the university president really suspended? If so, why did he remain in his office? In an earlier interview with The NORSUnian (TN), Sojor also refrained to give official comment on the issue due to the sub judice rule, a principle in law which prohibits litigants from discussing the merits of a case in public because it may influence the result of the litigation.

The queries were finally answered when Sojor released a special memorandum circular on January 15 this year stating that “as an act of responsible leadership”, he “voluntarily submits to the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Order of Preventive Suspension without prejudice to the outcome of the appeal therefrom.” Effective February 9, 2009, Sojor temporarily left his position and upon his recommendation, the NORSU Board of Regents (BOR) designated NORSU Vice President for Academic Affairs Victoria P. Dinopol as Officer-in-Charge of the university during his absence.

Looking at the issue, Sojor’s decision of submitting to CSC’s suspension order is the right action for a leader. It did not only answer all the questions thrown about his suspension and it did not only stop the various hearsays and perceptions, but it also gave him an avenue to clear his name with the allegations against him. For a leader, especially in a big university like NORSU, it is very important to continue enjoying the trust of most, if not all of the members of its community.

But of course, his submission to CSC does not make him instantly safe or cleared from the allegations against him. On the other hand, his action does not also mean that he is already guilty. Preventive suspension is not also a penalty or punishment. Let everyone be reminded that the university president is not yet proven guilty with the allegations and that the purpose of the 90-day preventive suspension is for the subject to be prevented from doing things that may influence the integrity of the probe.

For now, it’s too early to give judgment to Sojor. Let the CSC investigate first and rule over the case. If Sojor would be found guilty in the end, then let the axe of legal consequence fall on him. But if the accusers fail to prove their accusations, Sojor should continue his presidency of NORSU and the university’s journey with him until 2012 should go on.

Let us wait and let CSC do its work.