The NORSUnian

Home
Philippines
Midsalip
The NORSUnian

The NORSUnian (TN) is the official weekly student publication of Negros Oriental State University 📰 Forced to operate on a remote setup. Julio E. Ventolero
(1)

The NORSUnian, commonly known as TN, is the official weekly student publication of Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) System (formerly Central Visayas Polytechnic College) located in Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental, Philippines. TN is one of the four (4) acclaimed student publications in the Philippines which comes out weekly together with the Philippine Collegian of the University of the

Philippines in Metro Manila, and The Weekly Sillimanian of Silliman University in Dumaguete City. Formerly known as The Edutech, the publication has grown in number and coverage with 15 writers and four editors, with 10 other members including layout artists and webpage designers. In its quest to "Fight for Students, Write for Students" (TN dogma), TN has not only published stories about in-campus activities but also columns and opinion articles on national, local, and societal issues geared toward the positive transformation of the country. History

TN was formerly known as The Edutech, a monthly student paper in 1983. As it evolved, several changes were made by the administration of Dr. Henry Sojor, and since the conversion of Central Visayas Polytechnic College to Negros Oriental State University, the school paper was then published on a weekly basis, which is run by more or less 30 members of the editorial staff. The previous Editors-in-Chief are Jessica Cornella, Junrell Calunod (2009-2010), Jeremiah It-it (2010), Maria Margarita Narvasa (2011), Kenneth Pael (2011-2012), Rolyn Jane Catanus (2012-2013), Jessie Dolia (2013-2014), Joeylen de la Cruz (2014-2015), Ariel Dizon (2015-2016), Francis Ivan Ho (2016-2017), Maria Dominique Ferrolino (2017), Caryl Sapepe (2018), Donna Darantinao (2018-2019), Syriyl Mae Mapili (2019), Angeleah Grace Acaso (2020), Reychemver Credo (2020-2022), and Henry Caesar Blanco (2022-2023). COVID-19 Pandemic

During her 39th year (Academic Year 2021-2022), TN shifted frequency from weekly to monthly publication and focused on amplifying her social media presence. TN's Editorial Board resolved that a weekly publication would seem practically impossible, given that resources were limited and the workforce declined due to the health crisis. TN's programs and services were constrained. However, the pandemic did not stop the staff from keeping TN alive. To maintain the publication's relevance, TN shifted its focus to covering stories that highlighted the experiences of students and the issues they faced during the pandemic. The publication also implemented new digital initiatives, such as webinars and virtual events, to keep students engaged and informed. Despite the challenges of remote work and limited resources, TN continued to produce quality content that resonated with its readership, as evidenced by its increasing reach and engagement. The publication's commitment to excellence and dedication to serving the student community earned it recognition from various organizations. As the pandemic continues to impact the country, TN remains resilient and committed to fulfilling its mission of providing a voice for students. The publication's ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity is a testament to the resilience and determination of its staff and the wider student community. EDITORIAL STAFF (AY 2023-2024)

Now on its 41st year of dedicated service, TN proudly presents the driving force behind the paper. Editor-in-Chief: Nichol Angcay
Associate Editor-External: Shauna Tifora
Associate Editor-Internal: Levi Shane Montano

DESK EDITORS
News Editor: Hezekiah Talara
Features Editor: Charry Que Laurente
Opinion Editor: Krishna Angcon

GRAPHICS, WEB, ARTS, PHOTOGRAPHY, and Video UNIT
Unit Head: Aimille Anne Marie Caday

BUSINESS UNIT
Business Manager: Ezzer Dave Camal
Assistant Business Manager: Jan Andrei Badon
Staff Secretary: Angel Mae Llorente

NEWS WRITERS
Niel Benitez, Jiselle Amaro, and Xygie Gonzalez

FEATURE WRITERS
Princess Farole, Mariane Luis Nicole Partosa, Romel Tayco, Jr., Wendyl Maglocot, Hidelito Mernado, Jr. Christianie Mae Elorza, Farah Kriziah Dizon, Bytche Dela Cruz

PHOTOJOURNALISTS
Ricardo Tobio III, Deidre Marie Espinosa, Reyvhen Naces, Ryly Dre Patrick Juan Pontino, and Junfred Siason

CARTOONIST
Jethro Chiefe and Ace Pencer Partosa

GRAPHICS DESIGNER
Frezha Mae Maglinte, Radwin Cabante, and Sofia Dane Idquila

WEB CONTENT DEVELOPER
-

TECHNICAL ADVISER
Mrs. Maxine Flores-Bulado

FINANCIAL ADVISER
Prof.

25/07/2025

𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 | Impeach raps vs VP Duterte 'unconstitutional'—SC

The Philippine Supreme Court (SC) has ruled that the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte transmitted by the House of Representatives to the Senate were unconstitutional, blocking the impeachment trial against her in the upper house.

The Court, in a statement released and announced on July 25, ruled that the transmittal violated the constitutional "one-year rule" on filing impeachment complaints and failed to observe due process.

"However, the Court said it is not absolving Vice President Duterte from any of the charges against her. But any subsequent impeachment complaint may only be filed starting February 6, 2026," SC spokesperson Atty. Camille Ting said.

Thirteen of 15 justices voted in favor of the ruling—Dimaampao, Gaerlan, Gesmundo, Hernando, Inting, Kho, Lazaro‑Javier, Leonen, Lopez, Marquez, Rosario, Villanueva, and Zalameda. Two others, Justices Caguioa and Singh, abstained, with Singh reportedly on leave.

Three impeachment complaints were filed in December 2024, followed by a fourth complaint on February 5, 2025, which garnered the required number of signatures and became the Articles of Impeachment.

The Court noted that Duterte was not given a chance to respond before the Senate received the articles, violating her right to due process.

Meanwhile, Duterte’s legal team welcomed the decision, saying it upheld the rule of law, adding, "the decision of the Honorable Court affirms what we had maintained from the outset—that the 4th impeachment complaint is constitutionally infirm."

Furthermore, the Senate impeachment court said its is "duty-bound" to respect the finality of the Court's rulings.

"The Senate, sitting as an Impeachment Court, has always acted in deference to the Constitution and the rule of law. As a co-equal branch of government, we are duty-bound to respect the finality of rulings issued by the High Court," Senate impeachment court spokesperson Atty. Regie Tongol said.

The House charged the vice president with seven articles of impeachment, from betrayal of public trust due to her alleged plot against President Marcos Jr. to graft and corruption due to misuse and malversation of confidential funds granted to her office.

A conviction from the impeachment court would have led to her removal and a lifetime ban from public office.

| via Precious Anne Unique Canasa, TN Correspondent

25/07/2025

𝗖𝗣𝗙𝗪 ‘𝟮𝟱 | TIME is the ultimate truth teller

"The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie, deliberate, contrived, and dishonest—but the myth, persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic." — John F. Kennedy.

Sixty-five percent of Filipinos find it difficult to identify fake news across social media platforms, according to a survey conducted by the Social Weather Services (SWS) in March 2025, commissioned by the Stratbase Group, an advocacy and research consultancy firm.

Of this number, 43% thought that it was ‘somewhat difficult’, while the remaining 22% noted that it was ‘very difficult’ to determine whether news watched, heard, or read on social media, TV, and radio is fake and false.

Despite efforts to combat misinformation—such as Meta’s “community notes,” which allow users to add context to posts, and its partnerships with established media organizations for fact-checking—fake news continues to spread unchecked on social media platforms.

The same survey showed that 93 percent of Filipinos encounter fake news in both traditional and digital media. Of these, 27 percent reported encountering it often, 28 percent sometimes, and 38 percent said they rarely come across fake news.

𝙏𝙄𝙈𝙀 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙗𝙖𝙩 𝙛𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙬𝙨

So, how can one identify fake news? How to do effective fact-checking? One can always take the T.I.M.E., because time is the ultimate truth teller.

The first letter, T, is to “think”. Before reacting or sharing a post, pause and reflect. Think if it’s relevant and worth sharing. Take time to read the full article instead of judging it by its headline.

The next, I, is to “investigate.” It is crucial to probe the sources and/or the person or organization who posted the information. Is the person credible? Is this page verified? Is the information trustworthy?

According to Vera Files, tell-tale signs of fake news or suspicious websites include clickbait headlines, no bylines (line indicating the name of the author), no about section on its page, suspicious URLs, as some fake news peddlers imitate or masquerade as famous news sites, and lastly, incorrect grammar.

The third letter, M, is to “match.” Compare or cross-check the information against credible and trustworthy media entities.

A Reuters Institute Digital Report survey reported that GMA Network and ABS-CBN remain the country’s most trusted media outlets, both in traditional and online spaces.

Other fact-checking sites can also be accessed to enhance verification efforts, ones accredited by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), such as MindaNews and PressOne.Ph, Rappler, and Vera Files.

Lastly, the letter E is to “evaluate.” After cross-checking the information, it is important to evaluate it. Is the source legitimate? Are there actual photos or videos? Does it lack context? Is it up to date, and not outdated?

The results of the survey were presented by Dindo Manhit, president of Stratbase ADR Institute for Strategic and International Studies, during a cybersecurity conference with the Embassy of Canada.

During the event, Manhit, a seasoned expert in public affairs with a background in strategic communications and grassroots mobilization, emphasized the dangers of disinformation.

“Fake news manipulates public opinion, distorts democratic choices, and enables corrupt forces to maintain power,” he said.

In a recent article, Al Jazeera, a Qatari state-funded Arabic-language news network, referred to the Philippines as a “disinformation nation.” The report highlighted the growing prevalence of AI-generated content and deepfakes in the country, particularly in politically charged smear campaigns, including those involving the rivalry between the Duterte family and President Bongbong Marcos.

By taking time before sharing online content, T.I.M.E. is the ultimate truth teller.

Article by J.M. Enderes
Graphics by Janice Rubio

24/07/2025

𝗖𝗣𝗙𝗪 ‘𝟮𝟱 | Mind the Missing

We often hear about missing people, but what about missing truths? In an age where artificial intelligence writes the headlines, what we lose isn’t always visible. The real danger today isn’t just in what’s false, but in what quietly disappears without anyone noticing. I’ve been thinking about this a lot—how easy it is for stories to slip through the cracks, and how silence can sound like resolution.

More Filipinos now turn to social media for news than traditional outlets. According to the Digital News Report by the Reuters Institute, social media remains the leading platform for watching online news videos, with Facebook being the most used in the Philippines at 46 percent in 2024.

However, the kind of news people encounter varies depending on the platform. On X and YouTube, mainstream journalists and media outlets are the top sources at 53 percent each. But on Facebook, they are outpaced by influencers (47 percent) and celebrities (44 percent), while journalists trailed behind at just 40 percent.

On platforms built for speed, depth is the first casualty. Once, stories lingered—spoken across dinner tables, taught in classrooms, argued in town halls. Today, even the most pressing issues are buried beneath trending topics and viral distractions. Not because they’ve been resolved, but because they’ve been replaced.

I’ve seen this cycle too often: a headline shocks me one day, only to vanish the next. The Philippines is no stranger to missing stories. We’ve seen them—cases involving dozens of individuals, all linked in one space, disappear almost in unison. The initial coverage is wide. Then it narrows. Eventually, it's eclipsed - not by resolution, but by disinterest. The longer we wait, the more likely we are to find fiction in place of fact, or nothing at all. And when narratives go missing, so does accountability.

Misinformation, too, has its velocity. I’ve seen posts that look just real enough to deceive even the most discerning minds. In response, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), in partnership with Google Philippines, has ramped up efforts to fight online disinformation through nationwide digital literacy campaigns under the Digital Bayanihan initiative. These programs aim to equip Filipinos with the skills to critically assess online content and break the cycle of sharing false information.

This is how truth apparently disappears—not in sudden censorship, but through quiet substitution. Repetition breeds belief. What we ignore becomes what we forget, and what we forget is no longer part of our truth.

Technology itself isn’t the enemy. But when speed outweighs accuracy and convenience replaces curiosity, the tools meant to inform us begin to erase us. Artificial intelligence (AI) can now generate full-length articles, mimic real journalists, and fabricate sources with startling believability.

In 2024, the Philippines experienced a surge in AI-generated misinformation targeting journalists, politicians, and public figures—showing how unchecked technology can intensify existing socio-political issues.

At the same time, according to Foundation of Media Alternatives in May 2025, 84 percent of the Filipino workforce adopted AI tools to boost productivity, the highest usage rate globally. However, this widespread adoption began to generate real risks. AI doesn’t need to spread ridiculous lies to be dangerous. It only needs to read and sound close enough to the truth. And when anyone—or anything—can write the story, who gets to decide what the truth is?

We assume the truth survives because the internet remembers. But even archives are vulnerable—to revision, to algorithmic preference, and neglect. We outsource our collective memory to machines that were never taught to care. And so the responsibility returns to us.

We no longer lose the truth because it’s hidden, we lose it because we stop noticing it has gone missing.
In our schools, our communities, and especially in student publications, this work of keeping stories to remembrance matters—not just by reporting what is new, but by revisiting what was forgotten, by following the issues that were abandoned, and by refusing to let indifference rewrite reality.

In a time when stories can be transfigured by machines, our human memory, our human truth matters more than ever. In the hands of the careless or the corrupt, AI becomes a weapon that writes history before the truth can catch up.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The views expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the editorial staff of The NORSUnian (TN) and those of the university.

Column by Maria Khazandra C. Abonin
Graphics by Kurt Viñas, and Radwin Cabante

23/07/2025

𝗖𝗣𝗙𝗪 ‘𝟮𝟱 | Do you think you can outsmart the algorithm? Take a break and test your instincts in our mini mind game!

Did someone on our team pour their heart out writing this at 2 AM, or did a robot whip it up in 2 seconds?

Guess if the following lines were crafted by AI or penned by one of The NORSUnian’s very own.

Here’s how to play:
💖 Heart react if you think it’s human-crafted
👍 Like react if you think it’s AI-generated

The answers drop at the end– so no peeking, you sneaky. Good luck and may your human instincts be on point.

Graphics | Frezha Maglinte, Nicfran Lucero, Janice Rubio

23/07/2025

𝗖𝗣𝗙𝗪 ‘𝟮𝟱 | Why People Still Fall for Misinformation

Growing up, I admired the smart ones: the academic achievers, the eloquent speakers, the ones who always had the “right” answers. I believed intelligence was a kind of shield—that academic medals meant being equipped with discernment and sharp mental grasp that guaranteed resistance against misinformation. I grew up thinking that smart people were automatically immune to being misled and the ones who saw through the noise.

But I was wrong. Intelligence is not immunity, and sometimes it isn’t a filter for truth, but creates another layer of noise.

A 2022 Pulse Asia survey found that 86 percent of Filipinos consider fake news a serious problem. This concern covers all regions, age groups, and social classes. About 90 percent said they came across political misinformation, most often through social media (68 percent) and television (67 percent). Nearly half of the respondents reported encountering fake news every week.

When asked who spreads misinformation, respondents pointed not only to anonymous trolls or unknown sources—many believe that influencers, vloggers, and bloggers are among the top contributors (58 percent), followed by journalists (40 percent) and politicians (37 percent). People once trusted to inform or inspire are now viewed as responsible for spreading misleading content.

And here’s the unsettling part: misinformation is not just a media issue. It is a human one. The most dangerous misinformation is not just what we see on the screen, but what we want to believe.

We fall for misinformation not because we’re uninformed, but because we are wired to favor comfort over truth. Psychologists call it cognitive ease—our tendency to choose easy, emotionally charged narratives over challenging truths. We cling to familiar lies through the illusory truth effect, and we defend them using motivated reasoning that we use to twist logic to fit in society or defend what we already want to believe.

The smarter we think we are, the better we get at justifying our conclusions or biases. We don’t just absorb misinformation, we polish and defend it. Sometimes we even parade it as insight. That’s the real danger: when lies don't just fool us, but flatter us.

Most of the time, we scroll, we consume, we repost—without pausing to ask: “Is this true, or does it just feel right?”

In an information-saturated world, don’t just read and believe immediately. Read and wrestle with it. Explore, question as much as you question others, and dig deeper. I know—it’s tempting to believe what your circle believes. It feels safer to echo the crowd. But what if the majority is wrong? Would you still defend a belief that’s shaky to feel you belong? Or would you pause for a moment, reflect, and admit—you could be wrong?

Because here’s the truth: being intelligent alone is not enough. You can be educated, but sometimes in life, you will still fall for comforting lies. Sometimes, the more we seem to know, the less we are willing to be corrected because our ego gets involved. What we need is something more: emotional awareness. The humility to admit when fear, pride, or belonging molds what we believe. The courage to say, “Maybe I’m wrong.”

Media literacy should be taught early and often—not just as a subject, but as a basic life skill. In a world overflowing with information and noise, we don’t need more confident voices. We need more honest ones because, eventually, intelligence is not about having all the answers. It’s about knowing when to pause, reflect, and look again—not for validation, but for truth.

So the next time you get blinded by fake news or misinformation, ask yourself, “What if the true measure of intelligence is not knowing more but knowing when to let go of what I thought was true? Am I willing to let go or let myself be led by ego?”

EDITOR’S NOTE: The views expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the editorial staff of The NORSUnian (TN) and those of the university.

Column by Jissa Jamandron
Graphics by Radwin Cabante

23/07/2025

𝗖𝗣𝗙𝗪 ‘𝟮𝟱 | It was the ‘70s in the country, the Martial Law nightmare, when former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. issued a letter authorizing the military to seize assets of major media outlets and radio stations nationwide. One justification was to prevent privately owned media outlets from promoting anti-government information to the communist movement. This led to shutdowns of networks like ABS-CBN and Channel 5, including the arrests of campus and professional journalists and the censorship of information broadcast to the public.

Such act restrained the movement of democracy in our country, allowing those in power to control narratives and choking journalists who sought only to bring vital news to the masses. Even after the fall of the Marcos regime and the sanctioning of the 1987 Constitution promoting freedom of the press, journalists are still being threatened or killed simply for exposing one thing: the truth.

Throughout the years, journalism has faced many challenges — lives lost in the pursuit of truth, facts distorted beyond meaning, and a public often swayed by disinformation from unreliable sources over verified news. Upholding press freedom is a heavy burden and comes at a hefty price, often blurring the lines of what it truly means.

One question lingers: 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒐𝒎 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖?

Graphics | Kash Pacatang and Janice Rubio

21/07/2025

𝗖𝗣𝗙𝗪 ‘𝟮𝟱 | In today’s digital world, any information, even false and harmful ones, can be easily coded and posted, so separating fact from fiction online isn’t just smart — it’s essential. Let’s give ourselves the power to uncover and defend !

In The NORSUnian’s new carousel post, “𝘿𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝙉𝙚𝙬𝙨 𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮,” we walk you through a recent news story, showing you the step-by-step process — from how you can see the signs of a credible online news content, to how you can verify facts, and what red flags in online news reporting you should watch out for.

This isn’t just about avoiding fake news, it’s about becoming a more informed and responsible netizen in the new information ecosystem.

Swipe through and learn to choose your news wisely.

Graphics by Rosbel Mae Inquig

17/07/2025

𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 — 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙫𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨.

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to rise above the silence? Now is the time to free your thoughts and bring to light what has long been kept in the shadows.

As 𝘊𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘶𝘴 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘞𝘦𝘦𝘬 lies ahead, we invite you to be part of a movement that celebrates truth, expression, and the freedom to speak up.

Write a letter to 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘖𝘙𝘚𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘴 — a space to speak your truth and reflect on the realities that matter most to you.

We’re opening our platform to stories untold and voices unheard. Whether it’s a reflection of the past, a protest against injustice, or a confession of your lived experience, we welcome what’s real and bold.

All you need is a questioning mind, a brave voice, and the will to write.

If your truth has ever been ignored or silenced, this is your chance to be heard.

Submit your story here: https://forms.gle/dqvsKHnaTSc1SbZa7

Speak up. Write with purpose. Tell your truth.

Graphics by Kurt Viñas

14/07/2025

𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 | The University Registrar has released the official enrollment schedule for the first semester of the 2025–2026 academic year.

Enrollment begins with fourth- and fifth-year students (July 28-29), followed by third-year students (July 30-31), second-year students (August 1-5), and first-year students and transferees (August 6-8).‎

The upcoming academic year is set to start on August 18, while the deadline for changing or dropping subjects is set for September 5.‎

Students are advised to prepare their requirements ahead of time and avoid the last-minute rush. Follow official university, college, and department social media channels for updates and announcements.

| via Alexa Perez, TN Correspondent

13/07/2025

𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 | NAT 2025 results now out for first-prio applicants

Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) officially released the results of the 2025 NORSU Admission Test (NAT) for first priority applicants on Thursday, July 10.

Qualified aspirants may now check the official postings in their respective departments, colleges, or programs to see if their names are included in the list of successful examinees.

NORSU CARE advised all qualified applicants to stay updated for further announcements regarding enrollment procedures, orientation schedules, and the submission of required documents.

For applicants whose names do not appear on the initial list, NAT results can be claimed starting Monday morning, July 14, at the NAT waiting area where they took the exam. After claiming their results, they can proceed to their second or third priority program to inquire about available slots.

Results will only be released to the examinee. Representatives must present a signed authorization letter along with printed copies of both their ID and that of the examinee.

| via Dion Avenio, TN Correspondent

Address

Midsalip

Website

https://medium.com/@thenorsunian

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The NORSUnian posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to The NORSUnian:

The NORSUnian

25/07/2025

25/07/2025

24/07/2025

23/07/2025

23/07/2025

23/07/2025

21/07/2025

17/07/2025

14/07/2025

13/07/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category