In Retrospect: The History of the College of Nursing
The humble beginnings of the College of Nursing date back to 1948, when Don Matias Hipolito Aznar, founder of Southwestern Colleges, realized the tremendous need for the rehabilitation of the people’s health immediately after World War II. During those difficult times, the acute shortage of professional nurses and the great demand drove South
western Colleges to open two types of Nursing curricula: the 3 year program leading to the diploma Graduate of Nursing and a 2 year Post Graduate program in Nursing leading to the baccalaureate degree, Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Initially, the principal was appointed as head of the School of Nursing as well as overseer of Sacred Heart Hospital. In 1948, Mrs. Cesaria A. Tan, former Secretary of Public Health Nursing of the Philippines, joined the faculty and became the first principal of the School of Nursing. She also supervised the Nursing Service department of Sacred Heart Hospital during her tenure as the principal.
` In April, 1952, Mrs. Tan resigned her post and was succeeded by Mrs. Consuelo J. Vargas. One year later, in April of 1953, the first batch of 7 candidates for graduation were conferred the diploma, Graduate of Nursing. In October, 1953, Mrs. Vargas resigned and was succeeded by Mrs. Amparo N. Noel, the 3rd principal. Mrs. Noel exerted great effort to develop the School of Nursing, including its processes and facilities. In April 3, 1959, the Post Basic Course leading to the degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing was offered. This course was offered only to graduates of the 3 year Graduate of Nursing program. This program was organized and supervised by Mrs. Amanda Seno – Trinidad who was also appointed as Superintendent for Nurses from August, 1959 until September, 1963 when she resigned to occupy the position of Supervisor in the Bureau of Private Schools. However, on the part of the School of Nursing, in September, 1956 Mrs. Noel resigned to take a position with the San Pedro Hospital School of Nursing in Davao City. She left the position to Mrs. Fe F. Mendoza who served as Principal until June, 1957 when she was relieved by Mrs. Carmen V.N. San Lorenzo who was appointed as Principal/Dean from 1957 to 1989. Loreto R. Lucas succeeded her post as Dean from May, 1989 to May, 1991. In 1986, the College of Nursing applied for accreditation with the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities and passed Level 1 accreditation. In 2000, the college again underwent reaccreditation and garnered Level 2 accreditation. In April, 1991, Dr. San Lorenzo’s unsurpassed reputation was again brought to the fore as she was recalled to serve as Dean of the College of Nursing. The second term of Dr. San Lorenzo brought about many more successes for the college. In April, 2004, Dr. Aurora Q. Pestaño became Dean of the College of Nursing. It was during the incumbency of Dr. Pestaño that the College of Nursing moved to its new home in the Anunciacion Barcenilla Aznar Building in July, 2004. Kirsten A. Fermo, a scion of the Aznar family, served as Officer – In – Charge of the College of Nursing from October, 2004 until May, 2005 when she was subsequently replaced by Mrs. Ma. Elena A. Cabigon who served as Dean until August, 2008. After the term of Mrs. Cabigon, Dr. Pestaño returned to the College of Nursing to serve a second term until April, 2009. In May, 2009 a new first was established in the College of Nursing as Dr. Lucris A. Tan Jr. became the first male Dean of the College of Nursing. After a long term, Dr. Tan was relieved in April, 2012 by Dr. Belinda R. Rosales, a member of Class 1990 who currently served as Dean of the College of Nursing until September, 2014. Mr. Anthony Joseph C. Mercado, Class 2006, became the youngest Dean of the College of Nursing when he assumed the post in October, 2014. Sixty seven years hence, the College of Nursing has produced over 10, 000 world – class professional nurses who now work in various fields of endeavor throughout the Philippines and around the world. They bring care to the sick, health education to the masses and comfort to the dying.
