Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) officially concluded its month-long celebration of Ease of Doing Business (EODB) 2026 with a seminar titled "Values Formation: Integrity in Public Service," held at the ST AVR today, May 26, 2026.

EODB Month is an annual nationwide event established by Presidential Proclamation No. 818. Its goal is to enhance bureaucratic effectiveness, transparency, and the elimination of red tape across all government transactions in the Philippines.

In her welcoming remarks, Dr. Merivic G. Catada, Vice President for Administration and Finance (VPAF), reminded university personnel of their fundamental duty as public servants.

"It is vital to uphold transparency, accountability, and integrity in our service," Dr. Catada emphasized, noting that these core values were the primary reason the university selected this specific seminar to close the month-long celebration.

Following the opening, Ma. Cristina J. Malto, Legal Assistant from the VPAF Office, provided an overview of Republic Act 11032, also known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, before introducing the keynote speaker.

The seminar featured P/Maj. Atty. Darlene Jumuad Catacutan, a lawyer and police officer, who served as the resource speaker. Atty. Catacutan focused on connecting individual integrity to institutional EODB compliance. Her session highlighted practical ways to identify "red flags" in the workplace, such as:

•Favoritism in processing requests.
•Unnecessary delays in service delivery.
•Conflicts of interest that compromise university standards.

Dr. Edwin F. Romano, Jr., Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension, echoed these sentiments during the program. "Integrity is the foundation of trust," Dr. Romano stated.

"Every document we process, every client we assist, and every decision we make reflects the kind of public servants we choose to become," he added. The event concluded with an open forum, allowing participants to clarify policies and discuss ethical dilemmas in public service. Followed by the formal awarding of a plaque of appreciation to Atty. Catacutan for her contribution to the university's advocacy for good governance.