Cebu Normal University (CNU) culminated remotely its 118th foundation celebration and 22nd anniversary as a University upholding that it continues to thrive, lead, and serve despite the ongoing health crisis brought by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). 

The Culminating Program of the 118th founding anniversary of CNU with the theme, Thriving, Leading, and Serving in the New Normal was held last Saturday, June 27 through a live-stream in the CNU Public Information Office (PIO) official Facebook account.

Messages from different stakeholders and presentations from the Normalite community made the customary annual celebration more meaningful.    

“This year’s foundation celebration is made more meaningful as it strives to establish its resiliency in education amidst the health crisis we are in. As we come to the culmination of this two-week celebration, CNU has shown how it thrives, leads, and serves in this new normal,” CNU Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPPA) Dr. Daisy Palompon said.

“CNU thrives in a century and 18 years and overcame all challenges it went through, and more importantly it will not only thrive in this new normal but it will also continue to flourish as centers of excellence in education… and is taking the lead in a resilient, flexible, [and] inclusive quality education,” she said.

“As a state-funded University, service with quality and integrity is our brand as public servants,” Palompon added.

Cebu 1st District congressman, Atty. Eduardo Gullas – the Father of CNU Charter – said that his efforts in debating in congress then “was truly worth it as I see through the years that CNU has produced leaders, educators, and professionals who have excelled in their field of specialty and put the institution’s name as one of the prestigious universities in the country today.” 

Gullas is the principal author of the house of bill that enacted Republic Act 8688 which converted Cebu State College (CSC) into Cebu Normal University in 1998.

“May we continue to thrive, lead, and serve in the new normal amid the pandemic. Most importantly, may we continue to stay healthy and humble, and trust God to protect us and our families,” he added.

“To thrive in difficult times requires not only a strong visionary leadership but a collective effort of every member of the educational community towards the direction of excellence. It is important then for all of us to support each other in this shared vision. Rest assured that your board is supportive of the University’s plans and projects as it reframes the delivery of its services in the new normal.” Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner and CNU Board of Regents (BOR) Chair, Dr. Perfecto Alibin, said.

“The changes in the educational landscape brought about by the pandemic and unprecedented leadership amid the global health crisis requires [sic] the courage to be trailblazers and to take roads that have literally been never traveled before and to create the path that has never been discovered,” he said.

“We hope that your history of 118 years of overcoming one challenge after another will inspire all of you to continue leading in this challenging journey ahead. Lastly, and the most important challenge of all especially for State Colleges and Universities is the call to serve. I congratulate CNU for recognizing the crucial role of Higher Education Institutions in these trying times. Indeed, the true measure of excellence is the significance and relevance the institution brings to the communities it partners with,” he added.

After the messages, CNU alumna and former faculty member, Dr. Marita Omega-Nalam, who is now teaching in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, rendered her version of Lea Salonga’s The Journey on guitar to start the series of performances to complete the celebration.

A dance presentation to the beat of Disney’s We’re All in This Together from the CNU Administrative Council headed by CNU President, Dr. Filomena Dayagbil, followed afterwards.

The CNU Chorale then performed Ron Hamilton’s Servant’s Heart as a tribute to all frontliners of the pandemic exhibiting photos of the Innovative CNU Assistance and Relief Effort (iCARE) program of the University. 

A photo compilation of the #ThankyouCNU Facebook posts by the different stakeholders of CNU was also presented highlighting their memorable experiences in the University. 

CNU Chief Administrative Officer for Finance Dr. Evelyn Tradio gave the parting message and recalled all the events that took place within the two-week celebration stating that the first-ever online or virtual commemoration of the University’s founding anniversary is a testament that nothing can dampen CNU’s celebration of its success.  

The celebration ended with the signing of the CNU hymn.

A recording of the CNU 118th Foundation Celebration Closing Program can also be viewed at the CNU PIO official YouTube channel. (JDF)