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.

18/09/2025

𝐔𝐃 𝐋𝐈𝐓 | The weight of being the youngest child

As the sun comes down, he dreams of the future
A time when burdens fade and dreams are finally at play
Where he’s fulfilled his parents hopes and made them proud
And the weight of expectation lifts, without a cloud

A flame burns within him, fueling his family’s drive
He’s the pillar of strength, with a heart strong and alive
Though responsible and hardworking, a void remains
A yearning for love, a son’s longing that still sustains

What if his siblings find their path, and shine in their own right?
Would he still bear the weight, the responsibility’s heavy might?
Others may wonder, critique, and question his drive
“Why the hustle?” they ask, unaware of the future he strives

But they don’t see the dreams he’s chasing, the hopes he’s holding tight
The future he’s building, where love and success take flight
He’s driven by purpose, the ardour that burns deep inside
A desire to secure, to provide, and let his loved ones thrive

Being the youngest isn’t far from being the eldest or the one in between
The difference lies in the weight of expectation, the hopes that rest unseen
He’s the family’s last hope, the final stand
A fear of failure grips him tight, the future’s promise at stake in this plan

The thought of disappointing, of dreams slipping away
Keeps him up at night, a constant, nagging sway
What if he can’t deliver? What if he falls short?
The fear of failure echoes—such a haunting thought

So he does everything for his family, and somehow forgets to love himself
He forgot that he’s also human, seeking the best for his loved ones
And that’s okay, he takes a deep breath, and he let his self stay in calm
Cause the weight will be over, when he hold himself together

To all the youngest children like him
May fortune smile upon you, and guidance be there
You are not alone, there is someone that will be there
Thus, worry less about the future
‘Cause the weight will not be over until life is better.

Written by Dusk Till Dawn
Art by Will Joyce Villanueva

13/09/2025

𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 | Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) Dumaguete produced 50 out of 96 newly licensed criminologists, September 13.

NORSU acquired an overall performance of 52.08 percent in the August 2025 Criminologists Licensure Examination (CLE), which took place on August 1 to 3.

Meanwhile the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) released the national passing rate at 51.45 percent, or 13,074 out of 25,410 CLE takers.

| via Precious Anne Unique Canasa, TN Correspondent

11/09/2025

𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐋 | The flip side of journalism

Corrupt leaders breed a corrupt system. It is not always about who’s who but about what truly lies beneath the surface, and beneath the greed. Corruption is not confined to individuals; it thrives within the very structures of governance. On one side, people knew. They have grown and lived with the widespread effects of corruption, yet few dare to speak out. Caged by fear and silenced by power, rare are those who dare to question the unjust and the unethical—those who initiate difficult conversations with hard and uncomfortable questions.

This is where journalists come: the watchdogs of society. Their role is not to elevate those in power but to hold them accountable. But what happens when even they—truth-tellers whom the public rely on—fall into the traps of money and fame? Who, then, will fight for the truth?

A recent revelation by Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto reignited this debate. In a Facebook post, Sotto called out certain journalists for alleged unethical demeanor in relation to the widely talked-about issue of anomalous flood control projects and the role contractors played in the irregularities. This hit from the millennial mayor sparked debates about the complexities of journalism and the media’s role in Philippine politics. These discussions led to the country’s greatest enemy and the root cause of the people’s suffering: corruption.

Sotto claimed that the interview of the Discaya couple, who locked horns with him in the 2025 midterm election campaign, by media personalities Korina Sanchez and Julius Babao, was unethical. He highlighted that the segment was being paid for and should be considered “shameful and violative of the spirit of their code of ethics.” While the journalists denied bribery, insisting the segment was for “content creation” rather than journalism, the controversy sparked nationwide discussions about ethics, politics, and the media’s true role in a democracy.

“You cannot say that one minute I am a personality who can endorse a certain product and the next minute I am a journalist,” University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman Journalism Professor Danilo Arao said, explaining how the issue breaks the journalism code of ethics. “Journalism is a lifelong profession; you don’t stop being a journalist.”

The dirty game of politics and the shameless acts of corruption are seeping into journalism, causing it to fail in delivering its responsibility as a beacon of truth. This issue points to a much bigger picture of how flawed our system truly is. It is not just about the interview or the overall judgment of what is ethical or not; it is also about the underlying purpose and principles that should be upheld to the people. The darkest secrets are buried beneath the truth, those of which are left hidden and suppressed by the corrupt and depraved, waiting for the journalists to uncover and expose boldly. But how ironic and sad it is that some who take this profession no longer hesitate to compromise their duty and integrity for their personal gain.

In the Philippines, some media practitioners reduce journalism to little more than public relations. Meanwhile, in other parts of the world, journalists risk their lives to tell the truth. Just this week, five journalists were killed during an Israeli strike on a Gaza hospital. The bloodstained camera of Mariam Dagga and the wounded body of photojournalist Hatem Omar stand in stark contrast to the air-conditioned studio where the Discayas flaunted their “hard-earned” wealth. The comparison underscores a painful reality: not all who call themselves journalists are willing to investigate and defend the truth at any cost.

Corruption is not confined to politicians—it feeds on every network of society. It is not a one-man, one-organization process. It does not only involve corrupt politicians but also individuals unhidden from the public eye. All of these factors contribute to the people’s growing fear: if not the media, then who will speak up for the afflicted? American journalist Finley Peter Dunne once said, to “comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable” should be the journalist’s guiding light, a dogma.

For journalists, the mandate is clear: to uphold truth, independence, and ethics—no ifs and buts. No matter the temptation, no matter the risk, the true guardian of truth and the media practice are those who stand firmly in its defense.

Cartoon by John Kenneth Ojeda

08/09/2025

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒃𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒎, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒖𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒂𝒓 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓.

With the Honmoon sealed and the demons bound once more, The NORSUnian now stands with new hunters who had the courage to step into the spotlight. The auditions may have ended, but the battle continues. Every word, every vision, every story from our new hunters will carry on striking against the darkness. The fight doesn’t stop when the curtains fall; it only takes on a new form.

To those who joined our auditions, may your fire burn brighter with every challenge ahead. And to those whose paths were cut short this time, do not lose heart—the stage will call for you again.

𝙐𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣, 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚.

Words by Rheylene Ogabang
Arts by John Kenneth Ojeda, Will Joyce Villanueva, Ace Pencer Partosa, and Felri Ikhel Inao
Graphics by Janice Rubio

08/09/2025

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | Marking its 14th pinning ceremony, the College of Teacher Education (CTED) mounts the nameplates of the student-teachers close to their heart, bringing the principles to their practice, September 5.

Themed “Shaping the Future of Education from Theories to Practice, Abot-Kamay ang Tagumpay sa Paglinang ng Karunungan,” the event featured Jomari Mae Herara, a special needs education major and top 4 passer in the September 2024 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) for Elementary Level.

The ceremony was graced by University President Noel Marjon Yasi, the new Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Libertine de Guzman, and Campus Director Dr. Ryan Tayco.

| via Jan Merielle Enderes, TN Correspondent

Photos by Jan Merielle Enderes

08/09/2025

𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐍 | Negros Oriental Governor Manuel "Chaco" Sagarbarria ordered the suspension of afternoon and evening classes in all levels, both public and private schools throughout the province today, September 8.

The provincial chief executive issued Executive Order No. 19, series of 2025, in response to heavy rain affecting various municipalities and cities in the province due to Tropical Storm "Tapah," according to the advisory of PAGASA for Negros Oriental issued at 8:00 a.m. today.

Local chief executives may, at their discretion, suspend classes and government work in their respective jurisdictions, the order added.

| via Niel Benitez, TN Correspondent

Courtesy of Governor Chaco Sagarbarria/Facebook

08/09/2025

𝑰’𝒎 𝒅𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒏𝒐𝒘, 𝑰'𝒎 𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝑰’𝒎 𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆.

The Honmoon has been sealed—not as the end of a journey, but as the beginning of a new one. The NORSUnian’s member hunting may almost come to an end, but the real challenge is only just beginning.

Like HUNTR/X, your mission goes on a long run in serving the people, and in your case, the NORSU community.

Today marks the final day of The NORSUnian’s hiring of applicants. If you’re ready to face the rocky roads and triumphs ahead, this is your last chance to shine golden with us.

🔥 To enter the TN Arena, follow these steps:
1️⃣ Sign the Contract: Fill out the Application Form (https://forms.gle/ita3X66RDucfeCWw8).
2️⃣ Prove Your Power: Submit a soft copy of your resume and a sample of your work in the form.
3️⃣ Swear Your Allegiance: No other group affiliations (Student Gov’t, Kabilin, ROTC Officer, Varsity).
4️⃣ Endure the Trials: Pass our official training—there are no shortcuts.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s go up, up, up! Because 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩.

Words by Mica Frankie Tecson
Arts by John Kenneth Ojeda, Will Joyce Villanueva, Ace Pencer Partosa, and Felri Ikhel Inao
Graphics by Janice Rubio

08/09/2025

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 | Around 28 graduating accountancy students from Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) received their pins during the Accountancy Department’s Stakeholder’s Meeting and Pinning Ceremony, the fourth rite of its kind held at the University Gym, September 4.

With the theme, “Beyond the Ledger: Growth, Integrity, Excellence-Building Foundations for Future Accountants,” the event geared towards strengthening partnerships among aspiring accountants, faculty and alumni, and marking a milestone in the students’ academic journey.

| via Jeriel Regon, TN Correspondent

Photos by Jeriel Regon

02/09/2025

𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒 | SIBOL-dominated SGDC House calls first session

With lawmakers from the SIBOL Party forming more than half of all seats, the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) Student Government of Dumaguete City (SGDC) House of Representatives convened its inaugural session for the current academic year, August 28.

With no other contenders for the House leadership, Rep. Kylha Carondoy, SIBOL-CAS, was unanimously elected as speaker of the legislature, held at the College of Industrial Technology (CIT) audiovisual room (AVR).

Read the article in full here:
https://medium.com//sibol-dominated-sgdc-house-calls-first-session-afcb72a5f09b

31/08/2025

𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝖘𝖊𝖆𝖑 𝖜𝖊𝖆𝖐𝖊𝖓𝖘, 𝖇𝖚𝖙 𝖋𝖆𝖙𝖊 𝖍𝖆𝖘 𝖌𝖗𝖆𝖓𝖙𝖊𝖉 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖒𝖔𝖗𝖊 𝖙𝖎𝖒𝖊.

The shadows continue to stir, and the Honmoon trembles at the edge of collapse. But this is no farewell—it is an encore. The NORSUnian Member Hunters have extended the deadline, giving every brave soul one last chance to step forward and claim their destiny.

This is more than recruitment. You are the path towards an enlightened world—away from disinformation. Each fact you write, each story you uncover, and each design you create holds the power to strengthen the Honmoon. Words become torches, and visuals become shields against the demons that hide in the darkness to manipulate the truth.

Together, we can seal the shadows once more.

Words by Renald Banghil

31/08/2025

𝐁𝐨𝐤𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐆𝐎 | 𝒉𝒂𝒈𝒖𝒍𝒉𝒐𝒍

ha·gul·hól
pandiwa
: Mula sa sinaunang Bisaya/Cebuano; nabuo mula sa mga salitang “hagul” (malakas na galaw) at “hol” (pagtawag o pagsigaw); tumutukoy sa malakas, paulit-ulit, at malalim na pag-iyak na karaniwang may kasamang sigaw o ungol. Hindi ito payak na iyak lamang, kundi isang malakas na tinig na nagpapahayag ng matinding lungkot, takot, o emosyon.

Halimbawa:
“Pag-abot sa eksam results, si Maria naghagulhol og maayo nga murag naay nangawat sa iya nga cellphone. Nalipong ang tanan sa library!”

Salin:
“Pagdating ng resulta ng pagsusulit, si Maria ay napahagulgol nang todo na parang ninakawan siya ng cellphone. Nalito ang lahat sa silid-aklatan!”

| ni Querelle Angela Mahinay
Grapika ni Radwin Cabante

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