Around 650 members of the faculty, administration and staff of the Negros Oriental State University signed a manifesto of support for their president, Don Vicente Real, a statement from the NORSU Information and Publicity Office said yesterday.

Meanwhile, an investigation is being conducted by the Office of the Solicitor General on Real for the alleged anomalies on his administration.

The manifesto states: “We the undersigned believe that our President's leadership of the University is sound, responsive and progressive. Thus, we are supportive of Dr. Don Vicente C. Real's administration”.

The manifesto gathered the signatures from faculty members of the two faculty unions, the NORSUFFA and FASA, and staff from the nine campuses of NORSU.

The statement added that the number of signatories in the manifesto shows that the president, whose administration of the university is grounded in accountability and transparency, enjoys strong support from the majority of the University's employees and stakeholders.

Real's detractors have claimed that he does not enjoy the support of the University's faculty and staff anymore, as shown in the number of those who signed a letter withdrawing support for him.

Copies of the letter, that has been posted on Facebook, and obtained by the NORSU-IPO from a member of the media, showed that about 120 employees from the Bayawan-Sta. Catalina and main campuses have signed the document. Some of the signatories have expressed dismay over being misled by the signature campaign conducted by the detractors of Real, and signed the manifesto of support for him.

The Vice President for Academic Affairs, Ester Tan, and VP for Research, Extension and International Linkages, Bernadette Tan, also signed a letter expressing support for Real to CHED Chairperson Patricia Licuanan, the NORSU-IPO said.

A Facebook post showed pictures of Real and his supporters wearing blue arm bands for “unity”, and copies of the manifesto.

Meanwhile, OSG officials reportedly arrived yesterday in Dumaguete to begin their investigation on the alleged irregularities and other complaints against Real.

Real’s “detractors” had earlier filed a complaint with the OSG for “anomalous transactions” and other misdeeds that had led to the withdrawal of support by Peter Dayot, VP for Planning, Administration and Development, who had warned of a “downfall” of the university if Real did not step down, and the complaints were not addressed.

The NORSU Board of Regents, meanwhile, will elect two new members this week after two posts were vacated.*JFP/PR

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