NORSU Communication Department

21/09/2026

𝐂𝐄𝐁𝐔 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐃𝐎𝐌 𝐃𝐀𝐘

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‎On this historical day, September 21, 2026, the Department of Communication honors the Cebu Press Freedom Day, highlighting the essential role of the media in exposing truth, promote transparency, and public awareness. Further, this observance serves as a reminder of the significance of a free and responsible press in practicing democratic values, to ensure that the voices of the masses are heard, and to cherish the human rights we lawfully follows. As members of the journalism community, we are prompted to the responsibility to uphold ethical journalism, accuracy, and accountability in delivering timely and relevant information.
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‎May this occasion motivate us to protect the rights of people, stand for free press, and to engage in responsible media practices in our society. Thus, through education, ethical communication, and critical thinking, us, the people of the Philippines can contribute to an informed and empowered community. As we stationed forward, may we continue to strengthen the principles of just, integrity, civic participation, and freedom of expression in the service of the public.
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‎And these are the aligned SDGs for this observance;
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‎SDG 4: Quality Education - Supports inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning. This aligns with promoting historical awareness, critical thinking, and education that helps students understand human rights and responsible citizenship.
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‎SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions - Promotes peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice, accountability, and the protection of fundamental freedoms. This aligns with the commemoration's emphasis on human rights, democracy, and justice.
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15/09/2026

𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲, 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞

The 𝗡𝗢𝗥𝗦𝗨 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 commemorates International Day of Democracy by highlighting the vital role of communication in promoting informed participation, inclusivity, and respect for diverse voices. Through responsible and purposeful communication, we empower individuals to engage in meaningful dialogue and contribute to a more just and inclusive society.

This advocacy aligns with:
SDG 4: Quality Education - promoting knowledge, awareness, and critical thinking that empowers individuals to participate meaningfully in society.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – ensuring marginalized and underrepresented groups have a platform to speak, share their perspectives, and actively participate in democratic processes.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions - promoting peaceful, inclusive, and participatory communities.

12/09/2026

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

While you see someone smiling and laughing, sometimes you think they are definitely living the best days of their lives. You won't even think that they are suffering inside because some silent battles are often carried invisibly.

Sometimes, striking a conversation can be someone else's 911. Asking can be someone else's courage to speak up, and most importantly, meaningful conversation can be someone's safety net.

From the 𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐒𝐔 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, you matter. Your stories are worth listening to, and there will always be a safe space for you. Remember, that you are not alone in your struggles. Keep holding on, keep speaking up, and know that brighter days are always possible.

This closely relates to SDGs,
SDG 4: Quality Education
Raising awareness, teaching empathy, and normalizing mental health dialogue = educating the community on well-being and emotional literacy.
SDG 5: Gender Equality
Mental health struggles affect all genders; your safe space ensures everyone is heard equally, without stigma or bias.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Building caring, inclusive communities where people look out for one another—where asking "are you okay?" is a normal, valued act.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Promoting peaceful, inclusive societies starts with emotional safety. Ending silence = ending isolation = building healthier, more peaceful lives.

11/09/2026

𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞, 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲

The 𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐒𝐔 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
commemorates National Peace Consciousness Month by highlighting the vital role of communication in fostering peace, understanding, and social responsibility.

Through ethical and purposeful communication, we empower individuals to engage in meaningful dialogue, respect diverse perspectives, and contribute to a culture of harmony.

May we continue to communicate with empathy, listen with openness, and inspire actions that bring communities together.

This advocacy aligns with:
SDG 4: Quality Education – promoting education, awareness, and lifelong learning that foster understanding, tolerance, and a culture of peace.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions - promoting peaceful and inclusive communities.

08/09/2026

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐲✍️

The 𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐒𝐔 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 joins the celebration 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗗𝗮𝘆, honoring the significance of literacy in building a nation, shaping the people, and connecting cultures.

Literacy extends beyond the ability to comprehend words or phrases. It is a vital foundation for effective communication, critical thinking, and lifelong excellence. Through literacy individuals develop the capacity to creatively express ideas, relay stories, and participate actively in building a more informed and empowered community.

As a department dedicated to the study and practice of communication, we recognize the responsibility to uphold the power of words in educating, engaging, and inspiring others. May we continue to promote literacy as a bridge toward greater understanding, collaboration, and positive transformation.

Together, let us celebrate the written and spoken word as instruments of knowledge, connection, and change.

This initiative reflects the university's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as:

SDG 4: Quality Education — providing knowledge, skills, and mentorship to young and aspiring journalists in writing, broadcasting, and responsible communication, promoting learning and growth for future communicators.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions — fostering ethical journalism, responsible storytelling, and media literacy that encourage students to become knowledgeable citizens who contribute to an inclusive, engaged, and transparent society.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals — strengthening partnerships between educational institutions, educators in communication, and school communities in advancing journalism education and youth empowerment.

07/09/2026

𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒏, 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒋𝒐𝒃 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒋𝒐𝒚. - 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒚 𝑲𝒆𝒎𝒑

The 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 proudly extends its heartfelt congratulations to 𝐃𝐫. 𝐍𝐨𝐞𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐣𝐨𝐧 𝐄. 𝐘𝐚𝐬𝐢, 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐈𝐈𝐈, for being recognized as one of the 𝑴𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝑰𝒏𝒔𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒆𝒑𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔.

This remarkable distinction is a testament to your steadfast commitment to education, service and excellence. Your dedication reflects a career rooted in grace, a calling and a passion for inspiring minds and nurturing potential.

More than an accolade, this recognition celebrates exemplary leadership and legacy of service that continues to inspire the NORSU community to pursue excellence with pride, honor, and purpose. Indeed, the future of a nation is shaped by educators whose passion for service extends far beyond recognition.

𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔, 𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏, 𝑫𝒓. 𝑵𝒐𝒆𝒍 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒋𝒐𝒏 𝑬. 𝒀𝒂𝒔𝒊, 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍-𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒓!

07/09/2026

𝙃𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮 𝘽𝙞𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙙𝙖𝙮, 𝘿𝙧. 𝙍𝙮𝙖𝙣 𝙊. 𝙏𝙖𝙮𝙘𝙤!

The 𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐒𝐔 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
extends its highest regards and warmest felicitations to Dr. Ryan O. Tayco as he celebrates another significant milestone in his life and journey of service.

Your exemplary leadership embodies a profound commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation, and continuous advancement of the University's vision and objectives. Under your guidance, the NORSU community moves forward with purpose, resilience, and commitment toward meaningful progress.

As we celebrate this special day, we deeply recognize your contributions and the positive impact of your service to the academic community. May the coming year bring new opportunities, greater achievements, and continued fulfillment in your service.

𝙃𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮 𝘽𝙞𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙙𝙖𝙮, 𝘿𝙧. 𝙍𝙮𝙖𝙣!

04/09/2026

𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐀𝐙𝐄: 𝐀 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐄𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒⚠️

There have been a recent haze alert around areas of the Philippines due to the transboundary smoke from the wildfires happening in Indonesia. This environmental concern highlights the importance of staying aware, prepared, and responsible in safeguarding one's health and the environment.

The NORSU Department of Communication remains committed to promoting accurate information and community awareness through this environmental infographic, encouraging everyone to stay informed and take necessary precautions.

𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀:
What is Haze? ⚠️
Haze is an atmospheric condition caused by tiny particles such as smoke, dust, and other pollutants suspended in the air, reducing visibility and making the sky appear unclear. It can be caused by activities such as wildfires, vehicle emissions, and other sources of air pollution.

What to do about Haze?🚨
According to the Department of Health, follow these precautions to protect yourself from haze exposure:

• Limit outdoor activities and stay indoors when possible.
• Keep doors and windows closed to reduce exposure to pollutants.
• Wear an N95 face mask when going outside.
• Stay hydrated and rest in areas away from smoke and pollution.
• Take extra precautions if you have existing heart or lung conditions.
• Drive carefully and use headlights or fog lights during low-visibility conditions.

This initiative supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
SDG 13: Climate Action

By fostering public awareness and encouraging collective responsibility toward a safer and more sustainable future.

Stay informed. Stay safe. Protect our environment.

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩'𝙨 𝙐𝙥 𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙃𝙖𝙯𝙮 𝙎𝙠𝙮?⚠️

Hey, 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘀! Have you ever wandered around and noticed the smoky sky? Yes, that!

Take a look here and be informed of what's happening in our surroundings. Due to wildfires happening in Indonesia, Negros Oriental and other neighboring islands are experiencing haze conditions.

To make sure you are safe and knowledgeable on what to do, please refer to our infographic below! As communicators, we adhere to disseminating information and keeping everyone updated.

𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀:
What is Haze? ⚠️
Haze is an atmospheric condition caused by tiny particles such as smoke, dust, and other pollutants suspended in the air, reducing visibility and making the sky appear unclear. It can be caused by activities such as wildfires, vehicle emissions, and other sources of air pollution.

What to do about Haze?🚨
According to the Department of Health, follow these precautions to protect yourself from haze exposure:

• Limit outdoor activities and stay indoors when possible.
• Keep doors and windows closed to reduce exposure to pollutants.
• Wear an N95 face mask when going outside.
• Stay hydrated and rest in areas away from smoke and pollution.
• Take extra precautions if you have existing heart or lung conditions.
• Drive carefully and use headlights or fog lights during low-visibility conditions.

Keep safe, everyone, and stay informed!👍

Words | Jamaica Salva
Graphics | Jossene Abordo

01/09/2026

𝐁𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐲, 𝐀𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐧𝐮𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐉𝐍𝐇𝐒 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭-𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬!

The Junob National High School (JNHS) invited a faculty member and an alumnus from the Department of Communication of Negros Oriental State University to lecture and mentor during its School-Based Journalism Training-Workshop last August 31, where they shared their knowledge, skills, and valuable insights with JNHS's young student-journalists.

The Training Workshop was separated into two parts for each speaker. Hontucan lectured on the accurate method of Science Reporting, the significance of taking a stand in Editorial and Column Writing, and she conducted a live exercise for copywriting and headline writing.

For the second part, Lazan immersed the students in the world of News, Feature, Sports, and Editorial Cartooning through interactive discussions and in-depth analysis of each category's styles. Lazan guided the students through the correct terms or jargon used for each category; they also interpreted the symbolism, exaggeration, and irony behind every Editorial Cartoon.

The JNHS generously expressed its gratitude and appreciation to our faculty member and alumnus for sharing their expertise and inspiring the next generation of writers, reporters, and storytellers!

This meaningful collaboration reflects the university's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as:

SDG 4: Quality Education - providing knowledge, skills, and mentorship to young and aspiring journalists in writing, broadcasting, and responsible communication promoting learnings and growth of future communicators.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions - fostering ethical journalism, responsible storytelling, and media literacy that encourage students to become knowledgeable citizens who contribute to inclusive, engaged, and transparent society.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals - strengthening partnerships between educational institutions, educators in communication, and school communities in advancing journalism education and youth empowerment.

31/08/2026

𝐁𝐀 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐬 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐞𝐛𝐮 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐧-𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐉𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐫𝐬!

We are thrilled to share that our BA Communication faculty members shone in their expertise as part of the roster of exemplary jurors of different media categories in the 2nd Cebu Metropolitan-Catholic Mass Media Awards (CM-CMMA)!

Here are their categories:
-Prof. Jazzie Mate Ocao, CGM, MPM — Television Category
-Prof. Royanni Miel Hontucan, MDC — Print/Online Media Category
-Prof. Jesus M. Miras — Radio Category
-Prof. Alyza Jynn Saligumba — Advertising Category

The CM-CMMA is a highly anticipated competition that brought together media practitioners/professionals and Church-based media organizations from across the ecclesiastical province of Cebu which celebrates works that inspire, preserve culture, uphold human dignity, and strengthen faith and community rooted in Christian values.

The CM-CMMA welcomed entries spanning across the region, this ecclesiastical territory covers the Archdiocese of Cebu alongside its suffragan dioceses: Dumaguete, Maasin, Tagbilaran, and Talibon.

The date for the awards night is on October 4, 2026. May the best faith-based entries win!

This meaningful collaboration between the NORSU Department of Communication and CM-CMMA also reflects the university’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as:
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, through promoting responsible, ethical, and meaningful media that contributes to informed and inclusive communities; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, by privileging diverse voices and stories and upholding human dignity through communication; and
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through collaboration among communication educators, media professionals, Church-based media organizations, and communities across the region.