The Negros Oriental State University encourages all its qualified personnel to foster cutting-edge research and/or development in their areas of specialization, in the arts, science, technology, education, and in many other disciplines within their capabilities

In keeping with the research function mandated by its Charter, Republic Act No. 9299, the Negros Oriental State University held another Agency In-House Review of researches in education, social sciences, management, agriculture, forestry, and natural resources recently at Bethel Guest House, Dumaguete City.

Sixteen researches were evaluated by a panel of evaluators that included Dr. Enrique Oracion, director for research, Silliman University; Dr. Hope Bandal, professor, Physics Department, Silliman University; Dr. Rodrigo Labe of the Provincial Agriculturist Office, Negros Oriental; Dr. Esther Carumbana, chair, Biology Department, Negros Oriental State University; Charlie Fabre, forester, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Negros Oriental; and, this columnist.

Prizes were given to the top three researches in education, social sciences, and management. The winning researches were: "Employers' Expectations on the Employability Skills of Entry-Level Job Applicants in the Technological and Hospitality Industries of Negros Oriental" by Dr. Elsa Bulado, first; "Expository-Lecture and Inquiry-Modular Approaches in Teaching General Chemistry 1: An Experimental Study" by Dr. Elsie Ramacho and Dr. Ethelraida Tumacole, second; and, "Critical Thinking Levels of Freshmen Students in NORSU: A Baseline Study by Dr. Peter Dayot, third. The Negros Oriental State University encourages all its qualified personnel to foster cutting-edge research and/or development in their areas of specialization, in the arts, science, technology, education, and in many other disciplines within their capabilities. The researches were evaluated according to the following criteria: attainment of its objectives; adherence to approved methodology; efficient use of research budget; and worthiness for publication.

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Silliman University honored its retirees as well as some personnel who were moving on to other endeavors recently in a fellowship-merienda at the University House.

They are Dr. Angelita Cadeliña, faculty of the Biology Department; Justiano Laguardia, staff assigned to the Elementary Department; Dr. Norma Chiong, faculty of the College of Education and the Office of Instruction; Rosalinda Flores, staff assigned to the Manila Office; Dr. Solomon Apla-on, faculty of the Sociology-Anthropology Department; Nenita Obañana, faculty of the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences; Ramonita Nakao, faculty of the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences; Calixtra Amor, staff assigned to the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences; Dr. Vicenta Maxino, faculty of the Physics Department; and Leticia Alcala, faculty and former director of the School of Basic Education.

Plaques of appreciation were also given to former manager of the Human Resource Development Office, Esther Grace Palma Sivak and The Rev. Jonathan Pia, interim pastor of the Silliman Church and university chaplain.

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In what could be an unprecedented move by the private sector of Dumaguete City to infuse revenues through a single, multimillion-peso investment into the city, a group of respectable local entrepreneurs have responded to the urgent need for a new, expansive, state-of-the-art memorial park in the city and in Negros Oriental.

The Gardens Memorial Park in Cadawinonan, Dumaguete City held its launching and groundbreaking ceremony at its site yesterday in the presence of city and national housing officials, the general public, as well as prospective clients. The project was issued by the HLURB Region 7 with Certificate of Registration No. 17284 and License to Sell No. 18193 on July 25, 2007.

Initiated and conceptualized by Lotiff Construction, developer/general contractor and exclusive marketing arm of the project, negotiations started in December 2006 among Luisito Tijing of Lotiff Construction, lawyer Raymund Mercado, and landowner Nelson Patrimonio to invite local businessmen to assist in raising funds for the purchase of two parcels of lots in barangay Cadawinonan, approximately five kilometers from the city proper, and convert it into a memorial park. Incidentally, Lotiff Construction is on the forefront of such projects as Royal Palm Residential Estates, Silliman Heights Subdivision, Bayawan Memorial Park, Amparo's Village 1 and 2, Apo Vista Beach Park, and the soon-to-be-launched The Island Residences in Siquijor province.

In a span of one month and after a series of presentations by the investors, the group of businessmen was finalized, coming up with the name of the memorial park, as well as that of the group, which is now known as Dumaguete Lifetime Properties Co., Inc. With its registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the group is likewise proud to announce its roster of respectable members, namely: Edward Uy of Joebon Marketing, Danford Sy of New Bian Yek Commercial, entrepreneur Lerma Chua Martinez, Alvin Yulo of Appliance Centrum, Atty. Antonio Ramas-Uypitching of RUSI, entrepreneur Rodrigo Gandionco, Dixon Peralta of YY Trading, Jane Ong of Orion Consumer Finance Corporation, entrepreneurs Victoria Gobonseng and Nelson Patrimonio, Atty. Raymund Mercado of RM Law Office, Timmy Ochoco of Global Travel and Tours, Alexander Roleda of Kia Motors, and Luisito Tijing of Lotiff Construction.

The Gardens Memorial Park offers 50 percent discount on spot-cash buyers available on a limited time, limited inventory only, as well as 40 percent discount with one year to pay at zero interest rate. With its modern facilities and amenities including 24-hour security and a provision for bone ossuary and crematorium, available are lawn lots, garden lot, family estate, and grand family estate.

Considered as a single multimillion-peso investment by the private sector in Dumaguete, The Gardens Memorial Park is the latest addition to the city's expanding skyline and its contribution to the revenue-generating efforts of the city government, inasmuch as it offers a source of income to local residents. With construction going on full swing since April this year, it is expected to formally open on Nov. 1.