Negros Oriental State University President Dr. Don Vicente Real took his Oath of Office during his investiture or installation as the current NORSU president, Thursday, August 30.

Regional Trial Court Judge Cresencio Tan Jr. administered the oath held at the NORSU Cultural Complex. The Commission for Higher Education (CHED) was represented by two commissioners, Dr. Nenalyn Defensor and Dr. Nona Ricafort.

Dr. Defensor read the appointment of Dr. Real as second university president of NORSU and presented the presidential medallion, a symbol of power and authority. Dr. Ricafort presented the university mace, a symbol of order and authority.

Former NORSU President Dr. Henry A. Sojor delivered a valedictory address. After the musical interlude, “The Prayer,” Dr. Real delivered his Investiture Address.

CHED Commissioners Defensor and Ricafort led the list of guests giving their congratulatory messages. Among personalities who gave congratulatory messages were former Finance Secretary Margarito “Gary” Teves, former Negros Oriental District III Representative Herminio Teves, president of Siquijor State College Dr. Baldomero Martinez, and president of Cebu Normal University Dr. Marcelo Lopez.




The Negros Oriental State University-College of Engineering and Architecture produced a new set of passers during the April and May Electronics and Communications Engineer Licensure Examination (ECELE), Electrical Engineer Licensure Examinations (EELE) and Civil Engineer Licensure Examination (CELE) and a 10th placer in the Registered Master Electrician Licensure Examination (RMELE).

The successful ECELE passers were Melvin Belnas, Mark Jaed Bendijo, Roderick Indab, May Joy Leonora, and Karole Joseph Torres. Meanwhile, the CELE passers were Ernie Diputado , Kristoffer Gantalao, Celestina Ojano, and Lemalyn Ragasa. Moreover, Reinhold Jek Abing and Mario Erosedo were the EELE Passers.

Of the six (6) examinees who took the April ECELE, five of them passed, giving NORSU an 83.33 percent passing rate compared to the 53.55 percent national passing rate set by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Meanwhile, two out of three EELE takers passed, mustering a 66.67 percent passing rate as compared to the 43.87 national passing rate.

On the other hand, four of the seven takes of the May CELE passed, obtaining a 57.14 percent passing rate as compared to the 4. 07 national passing rate.

In a related development, Erosedo placed 10th in the Registered Master Electrician Licensure Examination after gaining an 81 percent passing rate.

CEA Dean Josef Vill Villanueva share that he is very happy with the results of the examinations because the marks only prove that they are still able to produce passers and a topnotcher in the national examinations. The dean also commended the success of the teachings in their college. “Our faculty members are giving their best in providing our students with quality education,” he said.

The different examinations were done in the varied testing centers in the Philippines.

By: Janethriz B. Aso and Jela Mae T. Ruales

A Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) graduate of Negros Oriental State University (NORSU), Mario Erosedo, placed 10th in the Registered Master Electrician Licensure Examination (RMELE) last April 24.

Erosedo obtained an 81 percent passing rate, putting him on the 10th spot. With him is another NORSU-RMELE passer, Reinhold Jek Abing.

Sought for his reaction on the recent examination, Erosedo said that the result surprised him a lot and he never expected to top the exam. According to him, with added prayers and patience in reviewing, obtaining a satisfactory outcome is never impossible.

Erosedo added that he had a hard time focusing for the RMELE. "Lisod para nako and RMELE kay wala jud nako nabasa mayo ang Philippine Electrical Code book; focused man mi sa Electrical Engineering Licensure Exam," he stressed.

College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) Dean Josef Vill ViIlanueva congratulated Erosedo and Abing for the name they have brought to their college. He added that he was glad with the two passers for inspiring students to excel in their field of endeavor

There were those who topped the Master Electrician Exam before, and I am glad that my students continued doing it," Villanueva disclosed.

The Professional Regulation Commission announced that 690 registered master electrician passed out of 1,953 RMELE takers.

With a cumulative grade point average of 1.2 or 93 percent, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics graduate, Ms. Henzel Mae Ymbol, made a record-breaking feat after being hailed as Negros Oriental State University's first-ever summa cum laude during the university's 54th Commencement Exercises last March 23.

Twenty-year-old Henzel Mae Ymbol is a scholar of the United Coconut Planters Bank - Coconut Industry Investment Fund (UCPB-CIIF). Ymbol is the first ever graduate who achieved the summa cum laude award in the history of NORSU and in UCPB-CIIF.

NORSU President, Dr. Henry A. Sojor, told The NORSUnian (TN) that he was glad with the achievement of Ymbol as the "record-breaker" in the university's history. He added that if someone will gain such recognition, he/she will lead a way for aspiring students.

"Because someone broke the record, soon enough, [more] NORSUnians will follow," the university president disclosed.

Ymbol, being the NORSU graduate who first achieved the summa cum laude award, also received the Medal of Excellence from UCPB-CIIF Foundation, Medal for Leadership Award from Senator Aquilino Pimentel III and the Medal of Excellence from Senator Manny Villar and former Finance Secretary Margarito "Gary" Teves.

"Your advocacy for excellence has guided her (Miss Ymbol) to strive for the highest academic performance as well as hone her leadership skills," said UCPB-CIIF President Edgardo Amistad in a letter to the university president.

Amistad also expressed his admiration for what Ymbol has done and recognized her as the first UCPD-CIIF scholar to gain the highest award among the 385 UCPB-CIIF scholars from the different universities in the country since 2004.

Meanwhile, Ymbol, in an interview with TN, expressed her happiness about the recognition. "I am happy with the awards I have received. it was a mixture of feelings actually. I am even afraid, because there's a bigger responsibility I have to shoulder. I'll be representing and carrying the flag of NORSU, and I have to live up with the expectations of the people," she said.

Ymbol also thanked her scholarship grant (UCPB-CIIF) for letting her avail of a free college education that her parents could not afford.

Ymbol's achievement solicited national attention and that several leading newspapers in the Philippines published articles about her "record-breaking" performance.

NEGROS ORIENTAL STATE UNIVERSITY (NORSU) ranks second on the list of top-performing Geodetic Engineering academic institutions in the country after it garnered a 100% passing rate on the September 2011 geodetic Engineer Licensure Examination (GELE).

This is far higher than the 34.38% national passing rate set by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

According to Engr. Michael Saga, chairman of the Geodetic Engineering (GE) Department, he is glad of the achievement of the five students, who took and passed the exam. “That’s what we are hoping, nga wala’y mahagbong, because if one of them fails, it will be bad for our record,” he opined.

Both Engr. Jerry Baliola and Engr. Stanley Orillana, GE Instructors, praised the achievement of their students, adding that the advanced teaching method is really important. They advised the students to study hard.

College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) Dean, Engr. Josef Vill Villanueva, said that the entire CEA family is very proud of the students’ performance and of the people behind it.

On another light, two of the five passers made it to the top ten – acquiring the 7th and 10th spots. They are Maria Hyacinth Flores Dasig (7th placer) and Elizar Brobo Ragay (10th placer).

“To get one hundred percent passing rate is always the main objective of our department. Having topnotchers is an added incentive already,” Saga said.

The three other passers are Rowell Bantoto Lamat, Charise Cadayona Merto and Rhea Piñero Suasin.

The GELE was conducted on September 6 to 7, which was topped by the University of the Philippines-Diliman, followed by NORSU.

AFTER THEIR TRIUMPH during the National State Colleges and Universities Athletics Association (SCUAA) competition, some university varsity members are already enjoying their 50% tuition fee discount.

According to University President Henry A. Sojor, the athletes who were able to bring pride to NORSU at the national level by showing a commendable performance deserved the scholarship grant.

Sports and Athletics Department Director Robeleo Padernal said that he was happy with the move of the university president in giving scholarships to athletes. He advised the varsity players to be more competitive in the regional SCUAA so that they can have the opportunity to play in the National SCUAA level, and eventually receive a scholarship from the president.

Runelo Piñero and Arturo Gio, coaches of volleyball men and chess varsity teams respectively, expressed their gladness to Dr. Sojor's decision. They oruned that this will motivate the varsity players to exert their best in every competition. They added that the scholarship will be a stepping stone to lift up the value of sportsmanship in every player.

Jorgielyn Ferrer, one of the National SCUAA contenders in the field of chess, expressed her gratitude to the scholarship grant. She said that it will really help her financially. She added that the scholarship also serves as their living privilege in doing well during the National SCUAA.

Ferrer continued that it would also be much better if the athletes will be given monthly allowances. She disclosed that it is quite expensive attending practices since doing so involve certain costs, such as transportation, among others.

NEGROS ORIENTAL State University (NORSU) - College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) produced three Electrical Engineers and two Civil Engineers during the April 2011 Electrical Engineer Licensure Examination (EELE) and May 2011 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination (CELE).

Three out of the five Norsunian EELE takers passed, giving NORSU a 60% passing rate compared to the 40.43% overall national passing average. Meanwhile, two out of three Norsunian CELE takers passed the examination and gave NORSU a 66.67% passing score compared to the 38.34% national passing rate set by the Professional Regulation Commission.

This year's passers in the field of Electrical Engineering include Hernando Nemaria Gabutero, Wilfredo Adling Husayaw and Kem Silorio Sechico while Maria Angelina Sumanoy and Nelvie Magsipoc Lizada were the successful passers in the field of Civil Engineering.

Sought for his reaction, outgoing CEA dean Roberto Antonio said that he was very happy about the result of the exams, considering that NORSU exceeded the national passing rate.

Although the college did not muster a 100 % passing rate this time, he said that the CEA family was still delighted with the result since NORSU has been consistent in garnering high passing rates during EELEs and CELEs.

NEGROS ORIENTAL STATE University (NORSU) alumnus Bemar D. Torres topped the Nationwide Qualifying Exam for Principals (NQEP) after acquiring a 99.99% rating.

Torres, who is a batch 2010 graduate from the NORSU Bais City Campus, is now the Head Teacher of Bais City District.

Given the cut-off score of 90 percent, only 994 examinees out of 9,778 takers have passed the said exam. Moreover, the items were spread across the nine performance areas or leadership experience dimension of school heads.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro congratulated Region VII in general and NORSU in particular for producing the first placer in the 2010 NQEP.

Three of the five Norsunians who took the Architect Licensure Examination (ALE) passed.

This gave Negros Oriental State University a 60% passing rate higher. This is much higher than the 52.68% national passing rate set by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

The new licensed architects are Abraham R. Naval, Cherie Mae T. Sobrado, and Gremere C. Villacampa.

College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) Dean Josef Vill S. Villanueva expressed his delight with the good result. He stated that one reason for their success was the good training and institutional support they had. He disclosed that NORSU Bachelor of Science in Architecture students are provided with a review session before taking the exam.

Villanueva believes that NORSU could produce more licensed architects in the future. "Our faculty are giving the best they could through imparting their knowledge and motivating the students to study seriously."

Furthermore, he advised all the CEA students to focus and to establish a good study habit, make use of the resources in the library for them to be equipped for the complicated exams they will take after graduation.

Armstrong Gaudiano, a fifth year Bachelor of Science in Architecture student, said that it is good that CEA got three passers out of five. "Attaining a 60% mark is not so bad. I just hope next time we will get a very high passing rate," he expressed.

DURING THE 7TH Charter Day celebration with the theme, "Nurturing Desire for Harmony of Man and Nature," Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) President Henry A. Sojor encouraged Norsunians to "take good care of the environment especially the trees that make up almost the rainforest, before it is too late."

Sojor said that the alarming global decrease of the total percentage of forest cover around the world has caused massive destruction to humans and animals. He pointed out that forests provide food, shelter, and protection for both.

Furthermore, he cited the negativ e effects of climate change worldwide. He pointed out that the drying up and disappearing of rivers and lakes, loosening of soil, advancement of deserts in some areas, and increasing amount of carbon molecules in the air is caused by global warming.

He added that all of NORSU should help address this problem. He said that he will implement the National Greening Program mandated by President Benigno S. Aquino III through Executive Order No. 26 which states that "all students and government organization shall individually plant ten seedlings every year from 2011- 2016."

NEGROS ORIENTAL STATE University President Henry A. Sojor assured to maintain the developments of the school even if the Congress approves the 2011 budget proposal that reduces the budget of 112 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the country.

In the budget proposal submitted by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to the Congress last August 25, the combined budget for 112 SUCs is cut by 1.7% or from P23.8 billion in 2010 to only P23.4 billion in 2011 or a reduction of P400 million for public tertiary education.

"We are gradually reducing the subsidy to SUCs to push them toward becoming self-sufficient and financially independent, given their ability to raise their income," said Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda. The administration further encourages SUCs to increase the tuition and other fees, or to produce income-generating projects (IGPs) to attain gradual self-sufficiency.

Admitting that the decrease of SUCs' budget greatly affects the university, with a decrease in budget of maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) and no budget allocated for construction and rehabilitation, Sojor remained optimistic.

MOOE is the budget used to run the various services and facilities of every SUC. The payment for electricity bills, contractual workers, scholarships, and maintenance of the facilities are supposedly taken from MOOE allocation. While the government did not allocate funds for the capital outlay that will be used for the construction and rehabilitation of buildings of every SUC, Sojor assured that the university has enough savings to continue improving facilities and putting up more infrastructures for the students.

According to him, what is needed is an effective use of the university's income.

When asked how he effectively utilizes the income of NORSU, Sojor mentioned that the money collected from the tuition fees of students are saved in a bank. "As the interest increases, the university's money increases as well," he emphasized.

The president said that the construction of the College of Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Allied Health Sciences building, the two-storey food court and offices building, the amphitheater and religious center, the covered court, and the laboratory rooms, which are the major projects of the university this year, came from the savings of NORSU.

Aside from improving the facilities and buildings, Sojor also assured a stable tuition fee for all Norsunians. He promised a "no increase in tuition fees" as long as he is the president of the university.

Moreover, Sojor encouraged everyone to do more with less to cope with the proposed 2011 budget of the government.


Norsunians responses

Rhizza Pearl Birao, a first year Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management student expressed her gratefulness to Sojor for being so understanding to the Norsunians' economic status. She also shared that she transferred from Foundation University to NORSU because of its affordable fees while producing quality graduates.

Geral Mae Ybasan, a first year Bachelor of Science in Business Administration student, presumed that the population of the university would greatly decrease if its tuition fees increase.

"Why must the students suffer? Are the taxes not enough?" expressed Mel Joy Dizon, a first year Bachelor of Secondary Education student when asked about the government's alleged slashing of budget and pushing every SUC to raise their own income. She also said that if the government still considers the youth as the future leaders, they should have prioritized education more.

"There is an unequal distribution of money," she added saying that the Aquino administration is not allocating the budget properly with the bigger funds given to debt services and armed forces of the country. She said that if the administration wants change, they should start it from the youth.

Student Government of Dumaguete City I (SGDCI) Speaker Pro-Tempore Syrel Dezin Baliog said that as of now, the school can still stand because of its enough savings as what the university president assured.

"But when the time comes that the budget would be inadequate, where will the university get money to cater to the needs of the students like equipment and facilities?" he asked.

"It would still depend on the condition of the university," he added. He also said that the government should allocate the budget properly, and give more attention to education, health, and livelihood sectors.

SGDCI Mary Dawn Valencia assumed that there would be a big possibility that some SUCs would increase its fees if the proposal will be approved. She also said that the government should prioritize more on education.


Staff's feedback

"I would be very happy with the university president's words if it's true," College of Industrial Techology Dean Glicerio Duran responded on Sojor's pledge of not increasing the fees of the university, since he knows how hard it is to look for money nowadays especially on the parent's side. He also shared that as far as he knows, the university has the lowest tuition fee offered to students.

College of Engineering and Architecture Dean Roberto Antonio shared that the government has been slowly reducing the budget for MOOE, and that the SUCs are just looking for IGPs to adjust its decrease, and not stressing on tuition fee hikes.

"Universities are hurting due to the increase," he expressed, adding that the government might have its reasons to do this move.

"The government is sacrificing the student's opportunity of tertiary education," said College of Business and Accountancy Dean Silveria Ochoterena. "We are catering to poor students but we are able to produce topnotchers and quality products," she added. She also said that the university is focusing on IGP to not sacrifice the students' tuition fees.

"I'M LOOKING FOR them."

Says Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) President Henry A. Sojor as he continues encouraging the teachers to acquire a higher degree in their field of study.

According to Sojor, the university already has Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) holders in the field of Biology, Management, Sociology, Anthropology, Linguistics, and Mathematics, but still lacks PhDs in other fields.

"I need a PhD in Physics. I need a PhD in Physical Education. I need a PhD in this and that," the president emphasized.

Sojor, one of the pioneering PhD graduates of Silliman University, shared that acquiring a PhD degree is very difficult, and it's not easy to find PhD degree holders to join and become part of the university's faculty and staff.

Moreover, the president told that "many here [NORSU] are studying PhD in Social Sciences" thus, he is pressuring them to finish the said degree.

Sojor added that many universities in the country do have PhD professors but not in their field of specialization.

"Many of them are doctors but not in their areas of specialization because that's difficult to get, very difficult," Sojor said referring to the complexity of acquiring a PhD degree.

He added that "even Harvard [University] does not have a perfect line up of faculty because there are needs which people cannot supply." He shared that most doctorate degree holder are either retired, or the younger ones are slower in completing their degrees.

Another problem that Sojor cited is the complexities of the salary.

"If I am a PhD in Mass Communication, can you give me the salary? That is another thing to consider. Can the market [NORSU and other schools] answer the financial needs of those who are qualified in Dumaguete or else they preferred to stay in Manila."

"I hope you [Norsunians] understand my view because management is not only [about] now, it is preparation for the years to come. You [students] will realize that. Those are the realities of management," the president said.

Sojor is asking the NORSU family to bear with his plans for the present and future of the university. He said that his vision is that the skills and knowledge of the faculty of NORSU is augmented through a step-by-step foundation.

THE MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (ME) graduates of Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) fared well again after all six of them passed the 2010 Mechanical Engineer Licensure Examinations (MELE).

Nimrod Artiaga, Cyril Bokingkito, Stewart Credo, Kimwell Gantalao, Jomar Lingkod, and Richard Sumanoy are the new successful Mechanical Engineers who gave the university an automatic 100 percent passing rate.

According to the announcement released by the Professional Regulation Commission, there are 1,594 passers out of 2,387 takers on the recent MELE held in Cebu and Manila. This figure gives a 66.79 percent national passing average.

Aside from the six passers, there are already a handful of NORSU ME graduates who, not just passed, but landed on the top during the previous board examinations.

In 2002 MELE, Elias C. Bayking, Jr. landed in the 8th place, Mark Harold Tamayo Gustilo in the 10th place of the 2005 MELE and Engr. Jose Antonio L. Sedigo in the 6th place of the 2006 MELE.

In the April 2003 MELE, NORSU made a history after it produced the first female ME passer who ranked first in the exam. She was Joyeth Alejo Bolongaita-Dorado.

In 2008, all seven ME graduates passed. Two of them, Winston Bercades and Jephunneh Andilab Paalisbo landed in the 2nd and 7th places, respectively.

College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) Dean Roberto Antonio disclosed that this is the third time that ME in NORSU obtained a 100 percent national passing rate.

According to him, one of the factors why all ME takers passed the recent exam is because they were pressured since their predecessors acquired a 100 percent passing rate. Moreover, he credited the diligence of the students to become licensed Mechanical Engineers.

Antonio continued that another reason for having a very good performance in the board examinations of the graduates is the presence of competent and qualified CEA faculty members. "Without a very good faculty, we will not be able to make it [to a 100 percent passing rate]," he proudly said.

THE NEGROS ORIENTAL State University (NORSU) is now one of the go-to schools for Kenyan students while other nationalities are also following suit.

Last year, six Kenyan students have enrolled in NORSU and as the regular population of the university increases, so does the number of Kenyan and other foreign students.

This semester, five more Kenyans, one Nigerian, one Columbian, one Chinese, and one Guinean have enrolled in NORSU bringing the total of foreign student population to 15. This computation is already a part of the Office of the Registrar's data showing that NORSU now has a total population of 17,461 all over Negros Oriental.

According to University Registrar Reymil Cadapan, this influx of students is a confirmation that NORSU is not far behind the other universities offering affordable but competitive education.

Cadapan said that having the foreign students in the university 'is our honor' since NORSU's students will be given a chance to "learn to mingle with other races" and in return "the university will be able to hone them [the foreign students] in their chosen fields."

Cadapan added that he heard news that the new foreign students are inviting their friends and relatives to study here however, he added that it is not yet confirmed.

He said that what NORSU can offer to these students is that they "will learn to speak English better" and "it will be an interdependent process as well" as the students can learn from them not only their cultures and languages but their dedication and drive as well in attaining higher education.

Asked what processes these foreign students have to undergo before they can enroll at the university, Cadapan said that they have to get a student visa verified by the Bureau of Immigration. He explained that whether you are a Filipino or a foreign enrollee, you have to take the NORSU Admission Test, which is taken to check the students' readiness when it comes to the university's curriculum.

Once they pass the exam, these students are evaluated by the deans from their respective chosen specializations. He said that once they get the approval and recommendation from the deans, they are 'in' and are allowed to enroll.

He also clarified that the foreign students are paying the same amount as that of their Filipino counterparts. "Everyone is treated fair regardless of race," Cadapan said.


Why NORSU?

According to Edward Ruto, a Kenyan and a freshman taking BS Computer Science (BSCS), the mission, vision and corporate values of the university are the main reasons why he chose to study in NORSU. He said that aside from the low tuition fee, he also found Filipinos warm and friendly.

The low tuition fee is also one of the deciding factors for Nigerian AB Mass Communication student Nkeoma Gloria Uchime in choosing NORSU. Other than finding Filipino students friendly, Uchime, who is a freshman, said that she also likes the teaching strategy practiced by NORSU teachers.

The two said however that their teachers often forget that they don't understand Bisaya. The good thing though according to Uchime is that often, her teachers provide her with extra special attention to make sure she understands.

Asked if they would recommend NORSU to their friends and family in Kenya, the two said they definitely will.

"I think NORSU is nice for my fellow Kenyans," Ruto said.

Kenyan Denise Bo It, another first year BSCS student shared that the culture of Filipinos is really different from his own native land. He said that because of the people's kindness and Norsunians to be specific, he already feel comfortable with his new surroundings and is able to slowly cope up with the pace of day to day living.

Having been in the university for two years now, BS Pharmacy student Robert Chirchir, said that he had already met lots of friends. He added that having many friends really boosts his confidence, compared to how he felt in his first year.

Another continuing BS Information Technology student, Denis Chemjor, asserted that having more foreign students like him would help improve his self-confidence.

"This university will give them a bright future," he said.

THREE PHARMACY GRADUATES of Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) successfully passed the recently concluded Pharmacy Licensure Examination (PLE) on January 25-26 in Cebu City, giving the university a 100 percent passing rate.

Francis Arnel Flores, Mark Griffin Gadayan, and Mary Joy Papasin are the second batch of Pharmacy graduates in NORSU who are now licensed pharmacists.

According to the announcement released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), there were 500 passers out of 999 takers. The national passing rate according to the PRC was 50.05 per cent.

Dr. Dalisay Dumalag, College of Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Allied Health Sciences (CNDPAHS) dean, expressed gladness over the result of the examination and thanked the Lord for making it possible.

Dumalag said that aside from the formal review in Cebu, the three Norsunian PLE passers have also undergone the in-house review in NORSU which was facilitated by the CNDPAHS faculty.

The dean also shared that Pharmacy Department Chair Analiza Bais accompanied the three the day before the board exam for moral support and motivation. She also monitored the students by calling them at night prior to the examination.

She recalled that before the examination, she offered Mass intentions for the three takers and even requested a Sillimanian pastor to give spiritual guidance to the three Norsunians in Cebu.

According to Dumalag, CNDPAHS has set strict standards and guiding principles in its courses so that those students who have poor performances in their classes will be refused admission the following years.

She added that there were already instances when the college had advised the transfer of some of its students who did not obtain the cut-off grades as well as the academic standards of the college.

Meanwhile, the dean added that there is already an exclusive Chemistry Laboratory for Pharmacy students located at the new CNDPAHS building where Pharmacy students can do their experiments and apply activities.

Dumalag furthered that the number of students enrolled in Pharmacy is increasing, with more than 60 freshmen Pharmacy students currently admitted in the course. According to her, the department has four licensed Pharmacists teaching for the program.

She also added that the Pharmacy department, through its department chair, has requested a new equipment to be added in the department.


CNDPAHS guidelines

According to CNDPAHS Assistant Dean Novalisa Leon, CNDPAHS has a strict policy on students' admission. She said that most of the students will be refused admission in the programs of the college if their general average grade is below 85 percent during their secondary years.

Leon added that CNDPAHS has also parameters in giving grades to its students, saying that the teachers in the college do not grade attendance. She continued that the college has also followed its vision and mission that serve as its guiding principles in teaching the students.

When asked if CNDPAHS deserves the four-storey building amounting to more or less P35 million, Leon uttered a big "Yes," stating that the college is not only preparing the students to pass the licensure exams but is also training them to become responsible and moral health workers after graduation.

She also said that after having produced graduates garnering high passing rates in board exams, CNDPAHS indeed deserve the building. According to her, Dr. Henry A. Sojor has been very supportive in the needs of the college especially in giving financial allocation for new facilities and equipment.

However, Leon admitted that the Pharmacy department still lacks some of the equipment needed, but she said that the CNDPAHS faculty has already made requests. Moreover, the Pharmacy chair said that the lack of equipment does not matter, as students are still able to make it to the board exams.

Furthermore, Bais credited the 100 percent passing rate in the PLE to the passers for their courage, perseverance, and determination.

Second year BS Pharmacy students Hannah Duran and Blaze Guingguing expressed their happiness over the result of the board exam as it would serve as an inspiration to all the students of the Pharmacy department to strive more.

They said that Pharmacy entails a lot of hard work and perseverance and is not that easy to achieve. Guingguing and Duran both commended their faculty members for giving them the right education.

Another Pharmacy student, Bea Camille Pasquil, said that the result of the board exam defines what NORSU truly is.

THE NEGROS ORIENTAL State University (NORSU) produced eight new Certified Public Accountants (CPA) during the October 2010 CPA Licensure Examination (CPALE).

Out of 14 takers, eight Norsunians passed the board exam which gave NORSU a 57.14 percent passing rate compared to the 48.36 percent national passing rate set by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Of the six Norsunian takers who did not make it, three of them were rated conditional, which means they will be given the opportunity to take again four areas of the seven area-exam where they failed in their first try.

Based on the records of the PRC, there are 3,973 passers out of 8,216 takers during the nationwide examination.

College of Business and Accountancy Dean Silveria Ochotorena said that she is very happy since the rating of NORSU's CPALE this year improved. According to her, this is the second batch of Norsunian graduates who took the exam and she admitted that the first takers of the board exam last year produced low rating compared to the present.

She confided that due to its low rating last year, the Accountancy Department has to be strengthened by acquiring new edition of books for students, hiring new part-time teachers, improving the methods of teaching, preparing more for the board exam, tightening the policy on admission, and continuing with the implementation of the zero-based grading system.

However, Ochotorena commented that due to the implementation of the zero-based grading system, the population of Accountancy students dwindled. She shared that on the last semester, there were a total of 96 freshmen students but a significant change of the figure was seen this semester when there were only 51 freshmen enrollees.

The dean explained that the zero-based grading system is necessary in order to improve the Accountancy graduates of the university. Despite the students' opposition over the strict policy on admission and the new grading system, the dean said that she already made an explanation to the students on the matter.

According to her, Accountancy graduates who were under the old grading system (with 1.75 or 88 to 89 as cut off grade for major subjects) graduated with flying colors, thus people expected too much from them. One of these expectations is to easily pass the board exam, but Ochotorena said that it was contrary to the rating that the first batch of takers got.

But with the zero-based grading system, Ochotorena disclosed that Accountancy students will have a cut off grade of 2.5 or 80 percent. "The grading starts with zero which is equivalent to 60 percent," she clarified. Ochotorena cited an example that when a teacher gives a 10-item exam, the passing is eight points which is equivalent to 80 percent.

FROM BEING THIRD last year, the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) now holds the first spot on the list of top performing Pharmacy schools in Central Visayas, after the university obtained a 100 percent passing rate in the Pharmacy Licensure Examination (PLE) this year.

Based on the data released by the Philippine Regulation Commission (PRC), NORSU is the only school in Central Visayas that registered a 100 percent passing rate after its three takers all passed the PLE.

There were only six schools in Central Visayas that have takers in the recent PLE. These schools include NORSU-Main Campus I, University of San Carlos, University of the Visayas-Cebu City Campus, Southwestern University, Cebu Doctors University, and University of Bohol.

Dr. Dalisay Dumalag, dean of the College of Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Allied Health Sciences (CNDPAHS), believed that NORSU is one of the top schools not only in Region 7 but also in the entire country for its high performance in the previous and present board examinations.

Dumalag reminded all students in CNDPAHS to always have the determination not just for the sake of the college or the university, but most importantly for themselves. She advised them to constantly have faith in God and to become successful health workers someday.

"That appears to be the case," said CNDPAHS Assistant Dean Novalisa Leon when asked if NORSU is really the top performing Pharmacy institution in Region 7.

According to her, NORSU is also one of the top performing Pharmacy schools in the entire Philippines, having been one of the six Pharmacy schools in the country that clinched a 100 percent passing rate in the recent PLE last January 25-26.

NORSU-Pharmacy Department Chair Analiza Bais also agreed with the dean's and assistant dean's statements, adding that the ranking of the top performing Pharmacy schools in the Philippines will be based on the number of takers and passers of a particular institution as determined by the PRC.

According to PRC, schools with at least 25 takers and obtained at least 80 percent passing mark will be included in the list of the top performing Pharmacy schools all over the country.

During the launching of the newly constructed amphitheater, NORSU President Henry A. Sojor commended the faculty, staff, and students of CNDPAHS for their hard work in gaining a 100 percent PLE passing rate.

Last year, the first batch of Pharmacy graduates took the PLE, placing NORSU on the third spot on the list of top performing Pharmacy schools in Central Visayas and eighth in the entire Philippines.

NORSU is the only school in Negros Oriental and one of the very few institutions in Central Visayas that offer Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. NORSU started to offer its Pharmacy program in 2005 after it became a university under the leadership of Sojor.


Grateful Pharmacists

Sophomore Pharmacy student Venus Mae Tan credited the success of the Pharmacy graduates in NORSU for their courage and determination. She also commended the Pharmacy teachers who unselfishly imparted their knowledge to the students and to Dr. Sojor's unwavering support to the department and to the entire CNDPAHS family.

Tan said that despite being one of the youngest colleges in the university, CNDPAHS continues to produce top caliber graduates.

Glory Bell Policher, another BS Pharmacy student, said that the result of the board exam makes every Norsunian proud to have studied in this state university.

Policher said that the result only proves that NORSU can do more achievements even with fewer facilities.

FOR THE SECOND time around, Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) clinched a 100 percent passing mark in the 2010 Nursing Licensure Examination (NLE) after all its 21 takers successfully passed.

According to the announcement released by the Professional Regulations Commission, there were only 29,711 passers out of 84,287 takers, or a passing rate of 35.26%.
The examination was held simultaneously last December 12-13 in Manila, Cebu, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Dagupan, Davao, Iloilo, La Union, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Pampanga, Tacloban, Tuguegarao, and Zamboanga.

Last 2009 NLE, NORSU's 17 pioneer Nursing graduates also registered a 100 passing rate.

Thankful Administrators

Dr. Dalisay Dumalag, College of Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences (CNDPAHS) dean, expressed her gratefulness to the Lord for the successive success of the graduates from CNDPAHS.

Dumalag shared that before the examination, the college has prepared an in-house review for the second batch of NORSU nursing graduates, which was conducted by the CNDPAHS faculty.

The formal review was done in the university by a private review center, she added. Having been sick days before and during the examination, Dr. Dumalag said that she was not able to accompany the NORSUnian takers this year. But she shared that Prof. Joy Sojor, the wife of NORSU President Henry A. Sojor, accompanied the Nursing takers in Cebu where they took the board exam.

The dean shared that the college offered mass intentions for the success of the nursing takers from NORSU.

The dean also cited the quality of faculty of CNDPAHS also contributed in the success of the nursing graduates. She added that the college has 16 faculty members and most of them have acquired their master's degrees in Nursing and Public Health. According to her, some of the faculty members of the university came from the University of the Philippines, Silliman University, St. Paul University-Dumaguete, and from some schools in Mindanao.

The caring aspects of the college to its students have also contributed in the success of its graduates, the dean added.

Prof. Novalisa Leon, CNDPAHS assistant dean, said that CNDPAHS' strict implementation of its admission policies in all its courses at all levels have helped a lot in the achievement of its students.

She said that some students, both freshmen and higher levels, will be refused for admission if they have not complied with all the academic requirements of the college including its cut-off grades.

Dumalag added that the faculty members are also closely monitoring the performance of their students in order to prepare them not just for the board examinations, but especially in the years that they will become practitioner in their field of endeavors.

Leon said that 100 percent passing mark in NLE by NORSU is another achievement that NORSUnians must be proud of.

The assistant dean added that CNDPAHS will soon acquire the equipment for its nursing program, which is required by the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd).
When asked about the alarming number of nursing graduates who failed in the recent NLE reaching to 54,000, Dumalag commented that CHEd should put political will by closing all schools that offered Nursing programs but have performed poorly in every NLE.

She said that most of the failed takers in the recent NLE are coming from schools that have poor performance in board examinations.

Dumalag said that there are hundreds of Nursing schools all over the country that are still operating but are already long due to be closed down based on the assessment of CHEd. She added that in order to prevent thousands of students from failing in the NLE, these institutions that performed poorly in the board exam must be taken seriously by the authorities.

THE NEGROS ORIENTAL State University (NORSU) Tigers obtained the most number of wins during the last State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) Regional Meet in Danao City, Cebu on January 26-29.

Being the only state university participant for this year's SCUAA with a stronghold of varsity programs, the Tigers won a total of 20-6-3 gold-silver-bronze victory out of the six sport disciplines-Basketball, Chess, Taekwondo, Volleyball, Badminton, and Athletics.

Physical Education, Sports and Athletics (PESA) Director Robeleo Padernal was elated by the outcome of the event. "We tried to intensify the games so we may be able to win, and fortunately we did," he said.

Padernal shared that the success can be attributed to the varsity programs that NORSU is offering to students, which other state colleges and universities in the region do not have. "Other SUCs only have intramurals. We are the only SUC in the region that has varsity programs," he continued.

The director furthered that the NORSU Tigers were also able to win because they are exposed to national games. According to him, NORSU athletes annually join national games such as the Philippine University Games (Unigames) and National SCUAA competitions, leaving other delegations such as Cebu Technological University, Bohol Island State University and Cebu Normal University behind.

Chess Team Coach Arturo Gio said that he is very happy with the result of the game. He added that before the event, his team practiced everyday and their training was non-stop. He thanked the NORSU administration for providing the needs of the athletes, and the Tigers for exerting much effort all throughout the game.

Jogielyn Ferrer and Judelyn Sumanoy, both members of the Tigers Team, shared that they are also delighted with their achievements especially that it was their first time to join such regional competition.

Asked about their secret in winning, the two simply answered that they got their strength from their family, coach, and friends who showered them with continuous support, and from the NORSU family which provided their needs for the competition.

The two said that they made sure that they still have time to practice though confronted with time pressure and hectic class schedules. Moreover, they said that above all, their victory remains to be the fame, pride, and honor of the school.

MORE REASONS TO be happy about.

The College of Maritime Education (CME) board takers provided Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) a high passing rate in the Marine Deck Licensure Examinations on February 27-28 and July 17-18, 2010.

The exam included Master Mariner Licensure Examination (MMLE), O.I.C.-Navigational Watch Licensure Examination (NWLE), and the Chief Mate Licensure Examination (CMLE).

For the MMLE exam, Dante Alcona, Richard Bajado and Edsel Electona gave the university a 100 percent passing rate.

In O.I.C.-NWLE exam, 19 Norsunians made it, giving NORSU a 63 percent passing mark.

However, for the CMLE exam, only Timoteo Buscato Jr. made it out of two takers, giving the university a 50 percent passing rate in this category.

Despite the outcome of the CMLE exam, CME Dean Edgardo Santillana said he is still happy about the results.

"As far as the College of Maritime Education is concerned, we are glad that in every board examination, the college has passers," he said.

He added that getting 100 percent in one of the exams should be an inspiration for other students to strive harder.

Second year Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation student, Neco John Cua is delighted with the result of the board exams. He said that clinching a 100 percent on a board exam does not happen everyday; thus, it is worth being happy about.

For CME Student Government Governor Dominic Orduña, the result of the board exam is a proof that the trainings offered by NORSU CME are effective and is relevant to their field.

Santillana clarified that 100 percent passing rate in the MMLE is an accurate information.

Meanwhile, CME recently received a quality management certification from the Anglo-Japanese American (AJA) Registrars based in the United Kingdom declaring the college as a passer of the quality management standard set by the International Organization of Standardizations (ISO).

NORSU President Henry A. Sojor said that the scope of the registered program is the Provision and Design of Maritime Training Courses.

He added that NORSU, being the company registered, has also received the Registration Certificate which states and certifies "that the Quality Management Systems of NORSU have been assessed by AJA Registrars" based on the standard requirements of BS EN ISO 9001:2008.

The quality standard code hurdled is BS EN ISO 9001:2008 and certified by AJA for three years-from August 18, 2010 to August 17, 2013.

According to ISO reports, ISO 9001 is the world's most established quality framework used by around 897,000 organizations in 170 countries. It assesses through improved customer satisfaction, staff motivation and continual improvement. BS EN ISO 9001:2008 is a set of standards for quality management systems. The standards help businesses to create a framework with general quality management principles of any industry-specific requirements.

The certificate number for both the CME and NORSU is AJA 10/14567.

BAD NEWS TO smokers.

In line with the ordinance approved by the key officials of the province, University President Henry A. Sojor is declaring NORSU a "no-smoking" zone effective July 26, 2010.

Anyone caught will be given a warning on the first offense, a three-day suspension on the second offense and ultimately, an expulsion if caught the third time.

The instruction and implementation of these penalties were already handed down to Student Affairs Office (SAO).

With this policy, Sojor said that "no students are allowed to smoke within a 100-meter parameter around NORSU fences."

He also said that the province of Negros Oriental is very specific about its rulings and is now prohibiting "any citizen to smoke, sell, advertise, and distribute tobacco products from any public places which include schools, public vehicles, and government bureaus."

On the date of its implementation, the president said that the anti-smoking law will be strictly implemented.

According to Student Affairs Director William Aranas, the university president's main reason of enforcing this new policy is to discipline the students. He said that with this new policy and the "anti-smoking bill" students will be forced to give up their vices.

Aranas noticed that most smokers would go out of the campus during their vacant periods to smoke. With the city ordinance in place, unless the students want to walk 100 meters from NORSU [and 100 meters away from the provincial office as well, then they can smoke. Aranas said that those who are non-smokers are also protected now.

He said that anyone caught will definitely be charged and penalized. He also stressed that the university president is serious in ensuring that this new policy is implemented in its full force.

Student Government of Dumaguete City I Vice President Richmond Maquiling commended the university president's new policy. He said that since cigarette smoking is bad to human health, the students' welfare is now better protected.

He said that Sojor is in fact, sending a very strong message that students should not smoke and they should develop their sense of discipline.

Maquiling is just concerned however that the law might not have enough teeth to ensure its implementation. He said that from his end, he will make sure that the SG "will pass a resolution containing all the penalties that a student will face if he will be caught smoking within the area of responsibility."Maquiling also assured that the university president has all their support and that they themselves would ensure that there will be a strong presence of this law.

THEY TRIED AGAIN and succeeded!

Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) has registered a 100 percent passing rate in the June 2010 Pharmacist Licensure Examination (PLE). The new Norsunian phamacists are Dennis Bolotaolo and Marie Kris Quirit. The two were part of the 1,261 takers in the said exam, with only 869 passers or a 68.91 national passing rate.

It can be recalled that in the January 2010 PLE, out of the eight examinees from NORSU, five made it, placing the school as the eighth top pharmacy institution in the Philippines and third in the Visayas.

College of Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Allied Health Sciences (CNDPAHS) Dean Dalisay Dumalag said that she is happy for the newly registered pharmacists. She stressed that the performance of these graduates testifies that the instructions and trainings of the college are excellent. She hopes that Bolotaolo and Quirit will find a job too, since the first batch of passers is already employed. Dumalag expects that the new pharmacists will do best in their field.

CNDPAHS Pharmacy Department Chair Analiza Bais expressed that she is proud of the new board passers and happy to see the products of their hard work.

Charlene Baldomar, a senior Pharmacy student, said that she is also happy for the achievement of NORSU Pharmacy graduates.

She added that she is preparing for the board exam by studying hard.

For him, sophomore Pharmacy student Prince Pinili said that he feels proud to be a Pharmacy student. He continued that the board passers served as role models for aspirants like him.

MOST NORSUNIANS COMMENDED the less queues and better flow of the enrollment this semester compared to the previous ones.

Jhovel Roderick Eclipse, a second year BSIT student said that the current enrollment process is faster because unlike before, their college is now implementing a departmental enrollment system.

Judelyn Sumanoy, a second year BS Business Administration (BSBA) student echoed the same observation. She said that in the past situation, it took her one week to get enrolled but now, the process only took her three days. She stated that the system is now organized and there were already several personnel to attend to students' needs.

A sophomore BS Civil Engineering student Rejean Patajo said that the condition of the process depends on the student population of the respective department. She believed that since the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) has lesser number of student, the process is faster compared to other densely populated colleges.

Rigor Cadiz, a first year BS Architecture student and shiftee from then College of Technology Education now College of Tourism and Hospitality Management also considered the number of population within a certain college. Cadiz related that CEA has lesser number of enrollees compared to his former college.

Meanwhile, Jailyn Gabin, a first year BSBA student related of hearing story indicating that the enrollment system of NORSU is cumbersome because of its big population. However, after enrolling for just a day, her impression was changed.

Jesse Pain, another freshman taking up BS Education relayed the same experience, saying that it was an easy process, as well. He added that it was just a matter of "diskarte". He hopes that the departmental enrollment system will be implemented in all colleges next semester.

Not all in favor

Charlie Banua, a second year BSBA student asserted that the current enrollment process and the previous one were just the same. He added that it still took him three days to get enrolled even if he is not a scholar.

In the same light, Lorie Mae Ella, a senior BS Information Technology (BSInT) student shared the same sentiment, saying that the system is still the same as before. She narrated that she still saw students breaking the lines to get in, and although some criminology students managed the said problem, few still ignored the dilemma and do other business.

Christine Dicen, another fourth year BSInT student said that she did not feel any improvement. According to her, NORSU's recent enrollment was just the same.