CEFI’s 48th Foundation Anniversary was nothing short of a resounding success. In the tongue of the younger generation, it was a blast. True to our theme “Crunchtime: Hanging tough at 48,” that we were able to carry out this weeklong celebration despite the restrictions imposed by the Pandemic is a victory in itself.

Now, we have finally crowned our new Miss CEFI, Ms. Kathleen Lobusta from the College of Nursing. We were able to pay tribute to the efforts of our heroic frontliners via online concert of the Calayan Minstrels. Our online webinars gained accolades not only within the CEFI community, but also from outsiders who were able to take part, such as the seminars on cybercrime, mental health and wellness in the workplace, integration of IT and entrepreneurship in the New Normal, COVID-19 preventive measures, among many others.

Excited Cefizens crammed into virtual space to get a piece of the action in the online competitions, such as the academic quiz bee, Mobile Legends tourney, and various art and writing contests. They had a hell of a time in TikTok competitions, online selling, and other online trends the modern generation knows so well.

And to think that a month or two ago, we were not even sure that we could pull it off. Funneling limited resources and manpower, and coordinating a massive array of activities virtually, while trying to hold the threat of COVID-19 at bay, is something new to all schools. All we had was the determination – the determination to hang tough.

In the end, we accomplished what we said we would do. We “hung tough”, for lack of a better word. This success is owed in no small measure to the dedicated hearts of the people of CEFI that spared no effort, and their brilliant minds that thought out of the box, to bring this celebration into fruition.

The steeled resolve that we gained in choosing to push through with this celebration will no doubt be carried forth as we face the challenges ahead. The success of this celebration is our act of defiance, nay declaration of victory over the Pandemic.

Whatever challenge is thrown at us, be it the New Normal or worse, CEFI will evolve, adapt, and overcome.